International School Award
The International School Award (ISA) is the DfES's accreditation scheme for curriculum-based international work in schools and features in the DfES's international strategy.
The ISA is managed by the British Council and offers a framework within which to form and develop international partnerships and achieve curriculum goals. The ISA recognises and rewards the integration of global issues and awareness into the curriculum at a number of levels.
All schools from all sectors throughout the UK, are eligible to apply for any of the 3 category of the ISA scheme. Schools can choose to work over a period of time through all 3 categories starting with Foundation. Schools are allowed to apply at whichever category is the most appropriate for them. In Oxfordshire, the OIEB does not advise schools to start from the Foundation stage and encourages schools towards the Intermediate or the Full Award from the start.
Advice and support is available to member schools.
The 3 ISA categories are:
The International School Award
In this fully accredited category, the international dimension is embedded throughout the curriculum and an international ethos should pervade the school development plan, supported by a strong partnership with one or more schools overseas. Schools will plan and carry out international work over the full school year.
Intermediate: Developing Internationalism
This category prepares schools for the International School Award and it is expected that schools will have made some progress towards planning collaborative activities with partner school/s from another country/ies. Schools are recognised for international work already undertaken.
Foundation: Introducing Internationalism
This category is designed for schools that are just embarking on internationalism. Schools do not need a partner school to apply at this stage, but it must be clear that the school is intending to embed international work in the curriculum.
