A PRIMARY school in north Durham has won an award for its dedication to teaching youngsters about the rest of the world.

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Stanley has received British Council International School Award and today (Tuesday, September 29) celebrated with visitors from Sri Lanka.

The award is a badge of honour for schools that do outstanding work in international education by building links with partner schools overseas.

The council aims to give young people the cultural understanding and skills they need to live and work as global citizens.

The work at St Joseph’s includes a variety of projects with schools around the world, with links in Sri Lanka, Italy and New Zealand.

Headteacher Jill McBride said: “The whole school is delighted to have gained this award.

“Through our International Work the children learn a great deal about different countries, languages and cultures.

“The direct contact with other schools around the world gives the children a real insight into the different lives people lead and a greater understanding of the wonderful world we live in.”

The award is now available worldwide in countries such as India, Egypt, Lebanon and Pakistan as part of the Connecting Classrooms programme, which is delivered by the British Council and supported by the Department for International Development (DFID).

British Council chief executive, Sir Ciarán Devane said: ‘The school’s fantastic international work has rightfully earned it this prestigious award.”