Dunclug Primary School earns Westminster recognition for global learning excellence
- Love Ballymena
- 5 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Principal Alastair Beacom, Dunclug Primary School in Ballymena, honoured at Westminster this week for their work in international education - receiving a British Council International School Award, from Colm McGivern, Director of the British Council Northern Ireland
At a time when schools across Northern Ireland continue to face mounting financial pressures and concerns that funding is not sufficient to meet the scale of educational challenges, a Ballymena primary school has received national recognition for ensuring pupils still benefit from a broad, outward-looking education.
Dunclug Primary School has been recognised at Westminster this week after receiving the British Council’s prestigious International School Award, honouring its sustained commitment to embedding global learning across the curriculum and creating meaningful international connections for pupils.
The award recognises schools that place international education at the heart of learning, giving young people opportunities to engage with the wider world while developing cultural understanding, inclusion and global citizenship.
For Dunclug Primary School, this approach has become a core part of school life rather than an additional extra, supporting learning across a wide range of subjects.
Central to the school’s international work is a long-standing partnership with a school in Kenya. Through shared projects, letter writing, video exchanges and joint curriculum activities, pupils in Ballymena have been able to collaborate directly with children overseas, making global issues real and relevant.
These partnerships have enabled pupils to explore topics such as climate, food security and wellbeing, while drawing clear links between life in Northern Ireland and experiences elsewhere in the world.
Teachers say this helps children better understand both global challenges and their own local communities.
International learning at Dunclug also includes a strong focus on languages and cultural awareness. Pupils are introduced to European languages, including Spanish and French, through classroom teaching, themed days and extracurricular clubs.
The aim is to build confidence, curiosity and a broader understanding of life beyond their immediate surroundings.
Speaking after the award was presented, Principal Alastair Beacom said the recognition was a proud moment for the entire school community.
“This recognition at Westminster is a huge moment for our school community. International learning has become part of everyday life at Dunclug Primary, not an extra, and it has made a real impact here.
“Our pupils come from across the town and surrounding areas, and for many, this is the first time they are experiencing other cultures or ways of life.”
He added that the partnership with Kenya has been particularly powerful in helping pupils see both differences and similarities in daily life.
“Through our partnerships with schools overseas, starting with our link in Kenya, pupils can compare their own classrooms and experiences with those of children across the world, learning about differences in climate, culture, and daily life, while recognising the challenges and opportunities in their own community.
“International work has also opened opportunities to explore languages, helping pupils develop curiosity, confidence and communication skills. It isn’t just about learning about the world – it’s about seeing their place within it, building empathy, respect and a sense of global citizenship.
“I’m incredibly proud of our pupils and staff. To see the work they’ve done, the creativity and dedication they’ve shown, recognised at the UK Parliament, shows what international education can achieve. It’s inspiring for the whole school and the wider community.”
The British Council said Dunclug Primary School exemplifies how international learning can be delivered meaningfully, even as schools navigate increasing pressures on resources.
Colm McGivern, Director of the British Council Northern Ireland, praised the school’s approach.
“Dunclug Primary School is an excellent example of how international learning can be meaningfully embedded across the curriculum. Their work goes beyond learning about other countries and focuses on building genuine connections that help pupils understand global issues in a practical and engaging way.
“By encouraging collaboration, cultural awareness and critical thinking, the school is helping young people develop the skills and attitudes they need to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. This is exactly what the International School Award is designed to recognise.”
Since its launch in 1999, more than 6,000 International School Awards have been presented to schools across the UK. Further information about the scheme and how schools can take part is available at:
The International School Award forms part of the British Council’s wider work to build connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and overseas through arts, education and English language teaching.
More information on the British Council’s work can be found at https://wales.britishcouncil.org, or by following the organisation on X, Instagram and Facebook.