A PRESTIGIOUS international award by the DCSF (Department for Children, Schools and Families) has been given to Tavistock College for the third time since becoming a specialist language college in 1996.

This major prize for excellence is an award that recognises and celebrates best practice in the international dimensions of teaching and learning.

Paul Maddaford, head of geography at the college, attended the event in Birmingham to mark ten years of 'celebrating and developing the international dimension'.

The event was a celebration of the excellent work carried out by the school with international projects over the last 10 years.

The speakers inspired delegates on the importance of international projects in helping young people engage with the world around them. The focus was on the way education can create citizens with tolerance and understanding in a multi-cultural world. While many projects involve some students, the challenge set was to get all students involved.

The keynote speech was given by the BBC reporter Fergal Keane, who spoke about his work, in particular the genocide in Rwanda. He presented 64 schools, including Tavistock College, with a special award in recognition of their success in being three-time recipients of the International Schools Award.

Recent international projects at Tavistock College have included work with its partner school in Uganda on producing a special edition of the college newspaper 'In Focus', to share views and experiences on problems such as global warming and sustainability, drugs and alcohol and school life.

Students in both schools have contributed items to the newspaper and will be able to use it in lessons to learn about young people in other countries.