Filey School has enjoyed success in the quality of teaching and
examination results in Modern Foreign Languages for a number of
years. This has always been supported by a full programme of visits
abroad, and the school regularly welcomes guests from around the
world.
In 2005 the school decided to complete an audit of its
international work. Mr Nick Messenger, Assistant Head, was
responsible for conducting the audit and developing an action plan
to lead the theme forward. On completing the audit, Mr Messenger
was staggered at the wealth of experiences on offer to students.
Filey School enjoyed a very successful Comenius project with
partners in France, Spain, Cyprus and the Czech Republic. These
partnerships have continued beyond the initial project. The
International Resource Centre at the University of Hull suggested
that Filey School should apply for recognition of its outstanding
international dimension practice through the International School
Award. Mr Messenger was delighted that the school was successful
with its first submission and the International School Status
lasted for three years.
During the three years 2005 – 2008, Filey School continued to
strive to further its international work, knowing that they would
like to apply for re-accreditation of the award.
Key aspects of work during the last three years included
collaborative working with local groups and councils to embed the
international dimension in the community. This year Mr Messenger
and Mr Tony Ord, Assistant Head / Director of the Technology
College worked together on a bid for funding from Inter-Action
offered by the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust. The school
was successful in its bid which established a partnership between
Filey School and the Lycée Cuvier in France. This has already
allowed both schools to widen the range of experiences for all
students and staff. It was decided that Art should be the first
area for the school to develop a joint project. Teachers exchanged
CD’s of art work from each school. Mr Messenger was amazed at the
evaluations which Filey students made on their partners’ work.
Comments were made about the colours and styles which the French
students used and they felt they would not have produced work in
any way similar to the French. This was a particularly exciting
observation which encouraged Filey students to experiment with new
ideas.
The European Day of Languages in September saw the two schools
working together on the celebrations. Students exchanged pictures
and reviews of the day. This was highly motivating for all students
involved.
The International School Award and the Inter-Action project have
played a major part in developing our students understanding of
community and raising aspirations to look beyond the local area.
Filey is an isolated small town on the east coast where
international themes seem to have little interest at first sight.
However an enthusiastic staff ably led by Mr Messenger, to
incorporate the international dimension throughout the school,
Filey School provides a rich international experience for its
students.
Filey School will be presented with the International School
Award by broadcaster and journalist, George Alagiah at a
high-profile ceremony in London on 16 October. The school has
already begun its work towards its award in 2012 as the
Inter-Action project hopes to hold a joint conference in Filey.