BY MARK McKELVEY

TWO Omagh-based schools were celebrating their recent success in achieving prestigious International School Awards, illustrating their commitment in recent years of teaching an international curriculum that broadens their pupils awareness of other cultures.

Omagh High School and Loreto Convent Primary were among just six schools from across the North who were successful in receiving this honour during an awards ceremony held at the Brewery Conference Centre in London on October 10, where representatives from over 400 schools across the UK were in attendance.

The Principal of Loreto PS, Maura Dolan and the school's International Co-ordinator Zenia Quinn both attended the ceremony and spoke of how honoured the school is to achieve such a notable award.

"It was a huge privilege for our local pupils as they were one of only three primary schools from Northern Ireland to receive this award for "outstanding achievement in developing an International Curriculum," said Mrs Dolan. "Loreto Primary was honoured to have its work recognised at such a prestigious event."

To achieve the award the school had to present a portfolio of work to the judging panel, outlining their 16 international activities carried out last year.

"The school has been developing an International Curriculum over the past three years through the Comenius European Schools' Project/Language Assistants and Swiss Student Exchange Programmes," explained Mrs Quinn.

Loreto Primary will carry recognition for the International School Award for the next three years and extended their thanks to their Board of Governors, parents, staff and pupils for all their hard work in achieving this award. They also paid thanks to Lynda McKee, International Officer, WELB for her valuable assistance.

Staff of Omagh High School also expressed their elation at receiving this award that illustrates the schools commitment in recent years to developing a 'global focus' that is inclusive of all world cultures.

Paula Burns, International Co-ordinator at the school, said the award reflected the hard work of all the students and teachers who took part in a wide range of activities which promoted Internationalism within the school and welcomed many foreign visitors.

"The school was delighted to embark on a Global Schools Partnership with a school in Colombo in Sri Lanka, they also welcomed a Bulgarian Language Assistant and hosted a Swiss teacher for four weeks," said Mrs Burns.

The schools Principal, Lewis Love, said, "At Omagh High School we all recognise the importance of broadening the horizons of our students.

"We hope that their learning will be enriched and awareness will be raised of our Local and Global citizenship and the changing shape of our neighbourhood."