A Pinner secondary school has received a prestigious award for providing a culturally rich curriculum for its pupils.
Pupils and staff from Heathfield School in Beaulieu Drive, Pinner, were handed the British Council's International School Award, given to schools which promote the teaching of internationalism.
A detailed portfolio, containing photographs and evaluations from students and staff from the independent day school for girls, was prepared as evidence to show how the pupils are taught about other cultures and nations.
Innovations included the teaching of Mandarin, visits abroad, 'international days' and the school's celebration of the Chinese New Year.
Michelle Heryet, international school coordinator, attended a ceremony earlier this month held in central London to collect the award on behalf of the school.
The presentation was made by George Alagiah, BBC journalist and broadcaster.
Mr Alagiah has won numerous awards, including Best International Report, Amnesty International's Best TV Journalist and was part of the BBC team that collected a BAFTA for its coverage of the Kosovo conflict in 2000.
Ms Heryet said: "We are thrilled to receive the award, which provides recognition of all the activities that go on in the day-to-day life of the school.
"It is a very special indication of just one of the reasons why Heathfield is such a unique school. This is in recognition of the hard work that goes on throughout the school, preparing the girls for life as global citizens.
"The award ceremony, and George Alagiah's speech in particular, was inspirational and served as a poignant reminder of why the promotion of inter-nationalism in schools is important."
