Strode College commended by British Council international Award
With the UK increasingly looking to forge new global relationships, Strode College’s successful partnership with China has been commended by the British Council International Award. This prestigious national accolade forms part of the Association of Colleges Beacon Awards to recognise the work undertaken by colleges around the world. 
Now entering its 8th year, Strode’s link with the city of Yueyang has been described by the British Council in Beijing as the best example of an effective and durable UK-China partnership and has had a major impact on education in Somerset. Strode College has led curriculum projects and international exchanges on behalf of almost 30 local primary and secondary schools and in doing so has made a significant contribution to the cultural awareness of a whole generation of young people. Visits to China have taken place every year and Strode has also been delighted to welcome arrivals on a regular basis, from primary age children to senior leaders and headteachers.
Somerset students have benefitted immensely from the experience of international travel, seeing wonders such as the Great Wall and Tiananmen Square, whilst also spending time with friends in Yueyang. From primary to FE, staff have gained fresh insight into pedagogy and students have greatly improved their understanding of global issues. One underprivileged student had never left Somerset prior to going to China; the extent to which this opportunity altered her perspective on the world and helped her to develop educationally is immeasurable.
The project’s most notable achievement, however, has been the widespread introduction of Mandarin lessons to Somerset state schools. Developed with the University of Southampton, this initiative sought to build on the cultural benefits of the partnership by providing a valuable life skill and increased employability to students of all backgrounds. From reception-age children singing Chinese songs to Strode students increasing their attractiveness to top universities with a world language, Chinese language teaching has been spread across the county.
Higher Education and International Manager, Adrian Ash, who initiated and developed the programme said, “The partnership with Yueyang shows how international work delivered by a college can raise aspirations and improve the student experience across the wider community. It is an honour to have been commended by the British Council as this project truly reflects Strode College’s vision of “Inspiring all to maximise their potential.”
Released On 7th Jan 2019