A RUNCORN school has been recognised for bringing the world into the classroom.

St Marys C of E Primary School in Castlefields has been awarded the British Council’s prestigious International School Award.

This accolade recognises schools that do outstanding work in international education.

They have linked up with a partner school, the Zhonghua Primary School in China.

Children send and receive work from pupils.

The school works with a Chinese teacher, pupils learn about many other countries and cultures, support a child in Albania and celebrate festivals, such as Chinese New Year.

Pupils have marked this achievement by engaging in two weeks of international learning with each class experiencing the culture of a different country.

Each class held an experience afternoon where parents have joined in the fun.

Year 5 held a Caribbean beach party for their families, year 3 hosted a French bistro afternoon and Year 2 enthralled parents with their Bollywood dancing.

Head teacher Rachel Tainsh Headteacher, said: “In the last academic year we have achieved the RE Gold Mark, an outstanding Siams (statutory inspection of Anglican schools) The Silver Eco Award and now this award.

“It is a tribute, not only to the skills and dedication of the staff, but also to the enthusiasm of our children. “We look forward to seeing what the future brings.”