On February 1st 2016, British Council Iraq and the Iraq Ministry of Education (MoE) celebrated the success of 46 schools from Baghdad in winning the International School Awards (ISA) for the 2014- 2015 round. The Award recognises schools that have shown effort and dedication in adding an international dimension in the learning experience of their students.
The awards ceremony, hosted by the Advisor to the Minister of Education and British Council Iraq Director, was held at the Ministry of Education and attended by 159 guests including representatives the MoE’s cultural relations, education directors and officials from all education directorates in Baghdad, coordinators and head teachers of the awarded schools, ISA school ambassadors, as well as 6 media channels.
This global awards programme provides a framework for schools to embed international activities through creative teaching and learning methods that motivate and inspire young people. The programme also allows students to develop networks with both local and international schools, thus encouraging the sharing of educational and cultural experiences and viewpoints.
The coordinator for Almutamayzat School for Distinguished Girls, Ina’am Alawadi, explained the value of the International School Award programme: “Through this project, we tried to enrich our students' lives, inspiring interest in international cultures and global issues. This project has a positive impact not just on our students but also the teachers of the school. It is a leadership challenge and fosters team building, innovation, and project management skills”. Another coordinator, Sahar Hisham, from Mar Youhanna Al-Habeeb private school highlighted the empowering element of the ISA programme, as it helps her students find their voice to “ express their opinions about the role of girls in our society in particular, and the Middle East in general, and share their expectations and dreams in the future.”
The International School Award is valid for 3 years and is open to all school ages, from nursery and kindergarten to secondary schools.
