Chinese lessons for children part of international efforts honoured at South Shields school

Chinese lessons for children and an insight into Iranian culture are just part of the globally minded efforts which have seen at a South Shields primary school honoured for its commitment to international awareness.
The school has been honoured for its international understanding.The school has been honoured for its international understanding.
The school has been honoured for its international understanding.

SS Peter and Paul Catholic Primary School, in Olive Street, South Shields, has received the International School Award for embedding internationally themed activities across their curriculum, providing pupils with a worldwide education.

The honour is awarded by the British Council, which particularly praised the school for its collaborative work with partner schools in China and in the Czech Republic.

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This has led to Mandarin being taught to two SS Peter and Paul classes online with a Chinese teacher.

Year 4 pupils from SS Peter and Paul Catholic Primary School with teacher Miss McSteaYear 4 pupils from SS Peter and Paul Catholic Primary School with teacher Miss McStea
Year 4 pupils from SS Peter and Paul Catholic Primary School with teacher Miss McStea

Pupils across the school, which is part of the Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, also learned about the Chinese culture through pen friend schemes and Chinese New Year celebrations.

Headteacher Maria Butt said: “We’re so proud to receive this award as we’ve dedicated a lot of time and effort into broadening our core curriculum to ensure all pupils are exposed to different countries and cultures.

“Understanding other traditions and languages is fundamental to developing young people and providing them with a well-rounded education.

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“I want to extend a huge thank you to the staffing team for making this possible as well as our children who have thoroughly enjoyed learning about the wider world, which forms an exciting part of our learning.”

Children learning at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Primary SchoolChildren learning at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Primary School
Children learning at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Primary School

The school’s teaching approach was praised for its creativity and engagement.

This included teachers using the Tokyo Olympics as a focus for learning about countries, as well as supporting healthy living.

An Iranian pupil also taught his peers about his family's culture.

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Shannon West, head of the International School Award at the British Council, said: “Congratulations to everyone at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Primary School for working so hard to co-ordinate such an impressive range of international work.

The school in Olive Street, South ShieldsThe school in Olive Street, South Shields
The school in Olive Street, South Shields

“This will enable young people to develop the knowledge and skills needed to live and work in a globalised world.

“The variety of opportunities available is inspiring and a credit to the teachers, pupils, and wider community.

We wish SS Peter and Paul Catholic Primary School all the best in their future international activities.”

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For more information about SS Peter and Paul Catholic Primary School, visit: https://sspeterpaul.co.uk/

Children learning at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Primary SchoolChildren learning at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Primary School
Children learning at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Primary School

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