The King’s Group vision is to create a global community of pupils and staff; broadening horizons, fostering understanding and raising aspirations by connecting our academies with other schools across the world. 

At King’s Academy Gomer, we believe that an internationally minded curriculum builds cultural understanding, improves communication skills, and promotes knowledge and awareness of the wider world. We use opportunities within our curriculum, such as our daily assemblies, MFL and cross-curricular teaching, in addition to enrichment activities such as International Day and overseas partnership projects to explore people and places beyond the limitations of their surroundings. 

After less than a year on our British Council learning journey please see here, awarded June 2025:

The assessors said: ‘Thank you for submitting your application on behalf of King’s Academy Gomer for the Foundation level of the International School Award. Congratulations to you and your staff on achieving the award! This is a very strong, detailed application and fully reflects your Trust’s vision, ‘Opportunities and success on a Global Stage.’ Having International student councillors helps drive this, and the international dimension section of your website celebrates your work with your community, consolidating the importance of this work to Kings Academy Gomer. The photographs show happy students enjoying their learning in a range of contexts. Your activities reflect the whole curriculum, and as a school, you have worked hard to promote internationalism across the whole school and in all areas, culture, history, language, social justice, religion, to name a few. I particularly liked reading about your Year 6 pupils wearing and navigating the dragon costumes. Your pupil feedback for each activity shows how much the students enjoyed the activities and have remembered what they have learnt, as internationalism has been made relevant and meaningful to them, often encompassing cultures from your school, promoting belonging and acceptance both with your students and their families.’

Spanish Christmas Cards.. finally arrive! March 2026

There was great excitement in Year 5 this week when something rather unexpected appeared in school… their Christmas cards from Spain! Back in December, Year 5 wrote festive cards to their pen pals at La Salle Paterna College in Valencia. Their Spanish friends kindly returned the favour and posted cards all the way to Gosport. However, the journey turned out to be a little more adventurous than expected!

The cards actually arrived in Gosport twice, but somehow never made it to the school. After what we can only assume was a sightseeing tour of the local postal system, they were finally delivered on the third attempt. So, just three months after being posted, the long-awaited cards finally reached Year 5. Needless to say, the children were delighted to receive them. It was a lovely surprise to open Christmas cards… in March!

A huge thank you to our friends at La Salle Paterna College for their patience and kindness. The cards may have taken the scenic route, but they definitely arrived with lots of smiles.

Celebrating Ghana Independence Day: March 2026

Although Ghana Independence Day took place on 5 March, our school calendar was full last week with World Book Day celebrations. This meant we took the opportunity during Monday’s assembly to learn more about this important national celebration.

Building on the learning we began last year, the assembly was made especially meaningful as we heard from a staff member and pupils with Ghanaian heritage, helping us understand the culture and significance of the day from those with a personal connection.

A special thank you goes to Mrs Adom-Baffour, who looked superb in her traditional Ghanaian outfit. In fact, she proudly wore a Ghanaian dress for over a week to help the children learn more about the culture and traditions of Ghana. And, she had gifted many staff members with outfits too.

Mrs Adom-Baffour was wonderfully supported by two Year 3 pupils, who sang a beautiful Ghanaian lullaby and helped explain the meaning of the Ghanaian flag, including the symbolism behind its colours.

During the assembly, children also learned why Ghana’s independence was so important. Ghana became the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to gain independence from British colonial rule in 1957, giving the people of Ghana the right to govern their own country and shape their own future. This moment was hugely significant and inspired many other African nations to seek independence as well.

To finish our assembly, the whole school came together in celebration, dancing to Afro beats, having been taught some moves by Mrs Adom-Baffour. It was a joyful and energetic way to celebrate Ghanaian culture and to recognise the importance of freedom, identity and heritage.

Learning About Ramadan: February 2026

This week in our whole-school assembly, we spent time learning about how Muslim families observe Ramadan and why this special month is so important to millions of people around the world.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is a sacred time of reflection, self-discipline and community. Muslims believe it is during this month that the Qur’an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. For this reason, Ramadan is a time of deep spiritual meaning. Many Muslims spend extra time in prayer, reading the Qur’an and thinking carefully about how they can grow as individuals.

We explored how families celebrate and observe Ramadan in different ways. A key part of Ramadan is fasting from dawn until sunset. During this time, Muslims do not eat or drink. Fasting helps people to develop self-control, to reflect on what they are grateful for, and to understand the challenges faced by those who may not always have enough food. We also learned that Ramadan is about much more than fasting. It is a time for kindness, generosity and doing good deeds. Many families give to charity, support their communities and focus on being the best version of themselves.

We were especially delighted and honoured that one of our Year 4 pupils, who is fasting for the very first time this year, chose to share her experiences with us. Speaking alongside Mrs Carre, she explained what Ramadan means to her and her family, how they prepare for the fast, and how they celebrate together at the end of each day. She spoke with such confidence and warmth, and we felt truly privileged that she was willing to share something so personal and important. The whole school were captivated by what she had to say

Assemblies like this help us to learn from one another, celebrate our differences and deepen our understanding of the diverse community we belong to. We are proud of the respect and curiosity our children show when learning about different faiths and traditions.

To all families observing Ramadan, we wish you a peaceful and blessed month.

Celebrating the Excitement of the Winter Olympics: February 2026

What an incredible few weeks it has been enjoying the magic of the Winter Olympics 2026 in Milan. Children and staff alike have been gripped by the drama, determination and sporting excellence on display. With half-term providing the perfect opportunity for extended viewing.From the speed and skill of the ice hockey to the grace of figure skating and the sheer bravery of the skeleton events, the Games have certainly captured imaginations across the school. However, we were determined not to simply watch the action. We wanted to live it too!

Last week, our fantastic International Ambassadors took the lead in delivering a series of Mini Olympic themed sessions every lunchtime. These sessions gave everyone the chance to experience the spirit of the Games first-hand. A huge thank you to Mrs Mawby for organising such a brilliant programme, including:

• Gomer Skeleton
• Gomer Figure Skating
• Gomer Ice Hockey
• And many more creative Olympic-inspired activities!

The enthusiasm was wonderful to see. Our Ambassadors showed real leadership in facilitating the sessions, and it was fantastic to see so many children taking part with energy, teamwork and determination. The Ambassadors also made their own Olympic Rings.

Events like these remind us that the Olympic spirit is about far more than medals. It is about courage, perseverance, friendship and striving to be our best.

Who knows… we may well have some future gold medallists amongst us!

Global Stage Forum: January 2026

Charlie, Emma and Micah proudly represented King’s Academy Gomer at the 1st Global Stage Forum as our International Ambassadors. This visit took place the week before last, and today in Celebration Assembly, they were presented with their certificates. They also shared their super canvas artwork, which reflected their hopes and aspirations for our world. They visited KGA Binfield for an inspiring day exploring the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, learning more about how we can all help to make our world a better, fairer, and more sustainable place.

We are now very excited for the Winter Olympics starting tonight in Milan, and for all the activities our International Ambassadors have organised for the school to enjoy next week.

Year 5 Share Christmas Cheer with Our Spanish Friends: December 2025

Year 5 have been busy spreading festive cheer beyond our shores by creating beautiful handmade Christmas cards for our friends at La Salle Colegio Paterna in Valencia, Spain. The cards were thoughtfully designed, full of colour, kindness and seasonal messages, and the children took great care in making each one extra special.

We were absolutely delighted to discover that the cards arrived safely and were warmly received. Our friends in Valencia even shared a thank you message on their Instagram account, which brought huge smiles to both pupils and staff. Knowing that our Christmas wishes have been received and celebrated has made the experience even more meaningful for the children.

This wonderful exchange is part of our International Dimension curriculum, which helps pupils develop a broader understanding of the world, build connections with other cultures and recognise the joy of communication beyond borders. A truly heart-warming way to celebrate the season and strengthen our global friendships.

Decoration Making: December 2025

Today, our International Ambassadors worked with Mrs Mawby to create this year’s Christmas decorations for the Gomer St Mary’s Christmas Tree Festival. The theme celebrates our wonderful Gomer community and the languages spoken by our children and their families. To reflect this diversity, the Ambassadors explored the 11 languages recorded on our school register and translated our values, Honesty, Courage and Faith into each one. These were carefully typed, decorated and, of course, sprinkled with a touch of festive glitter! We are delighted with the finished decorations and hope you enjoy them as much as we do. Here are some photos capturing the children’s creativity and pride in representing our global Gomer family.

International Ambassadors: November 2025

We are delighted to announce the appointment of our new International Ambassadors. Each class has one pupil for this important role, following a written application process where children shared why they wanted to represent their class and how they could help strengthen our school’s international work.

The International Dimension was launched last year and has already been recognised with a British Council International School Award. This was a fantastic achievement that celebrates our commitment to global learning. A big thank you goes to Mrs Mawby for leading this inspiring part of our curriculum.

Our International Ambassadors will help to develop this area even further, supporting projects and events that celebrate our connections with both our local and global neighbours. Learning about different cultures, traditions, and ways of life helps our pupils to understand the world around them, appreciate diversity, and recognise their place as global citizens. We are excited to see how our new ambassadors will help our school community continue to learn, share and grow together.

Diwali in India and the UK: October 2025

On 20 October, Year 5 enjoyed a wonderfully colourful afternoon exploring the Hindu Festival of Lights – Diwali. The children deepened their understanding of how people around the world celebrate, learning more about the traditions and joy shared across cultures.

They watched traditional Diwali celebrations in both India and the UK, noticing how this important festival is celebrated by communities in different parts of the world. Through thoughtful discussion, the children reflected on what they had learned and shared their ideas about how festivals bring people together. To bring their learning to life, pupils designed their own vibrant Festival Candles and experimented with Henna-inspired artistry, creating beautiful patterns influenced by traditional designs.

As part of their reflection, children were encouraged to think deeply about questions such as:

• Can you think of another festival or celebration that uses lights, decorations, or special clothes?
• Why do you think festivals like this are important for a community?
• How might a celebration like Diwali make people feel – children, parents, or neighbours?

This learning experience not only enriched their understanding of Hindu traditions but also helped them to appreciate the shared values of celebration, light, and togetherness found in cultures across the world, strengthening their awareness of what it means to be global citizens.

Swiss Trainees: September 2025

We have been delighted to welcome four trainee teachers from Switzerland who will be working with us for the month of September:

• Ms Elisa Fonti – Year 3
• Ms Andrina Randegger – Year 4
• Ms Rebecca Jost – Year 5
• Ms Chiara Dotoli – Year 6

During their time here, they will be supporting children in their classes, learning about our English education system, and teaching a little also. Already, they have settled in brilliantly and are impressed with how well our children learn. Our Swiss colleagues have also noticed some interesting differences between schools in our two countries. For example, in Switzerland:

• Children often start formal schooling a little later than in England.
• Pupils frequently move between languages, with many Swiss schools teaching in both German and French, or Italian depending on the region.
• The school day is often structured differently with some children going home for lunch.

At our school, our International Curriculum values underpin the importance of learning with and from others. Hosting trainee teachers from overseas gives our children a first-hand opportunity to experience global perspectives, celebrate cultural diversity, and build friendships across borders. We believe this prepares our pupils to become confident global citizens, ready to thrive in an interconnected world. We look forward to the next three weeks of collaboration and learning.

Tour De Gomer: July 2025

At King’s Academy Gomer, we’ve been learning all about the Tour de France. This is one of the most famous cycling races in the world. As part of our International Dimension curriculum, we have explored how this exciting event captures the hearts of people across France and around the globe each summer. We have learned that:

• The race lasts three weeks and covers over 2,000 miles!
• Cyclists wear different coloured jerseys: yellow for the leader, green for the fastest sprinter, and polka dot for the best climber!
• The Tour isn’t just in France. Riders often pedal through neighbouring countries too.

Learning about the Tour de France supports our International Curriculum work, helping us to become global citizens. At KA Gomer, we believe it’s important to understand the world around us and to appreciate the rich diversity of our pluralist society. By learning about different countries, traditions, and celebrations, we grow in knowledge, empathy, and curiosity.

To celebrate the Tour, we have launched our very own Tour de Gomer Static Edition. With two specially loaned bikes from Sustrans, our pupils have been pedalling hard each day. Not across France, but to create smoothies, bubbles, and even electricity. These bikes are part of our sustainable travel work, helping us to think about health, fitness, and the environment.

It’s been a real hit! The children have had so much fun pedalling for a purpose and learning along the way. With thanks to Mrs Mawby for organising us so well.

Allez, Gomer!

International Day: 15.10.2024

At King’s Academy Gomer, we were excited to launch the International Dimension to our curriculum with our very first International Day. This event was an integral part of our commitment to fostering a global understanding within our curriculum, aligning with The King’s Group vision. It was an opportunity for our children to connect with different cultures, explore countries beyond their immediate surroundings, and learn about the people and places that make up our diverse world. By introducing an internationally-minded curriculum, we aim to build cultural awareness, improve communication skills, and raise aspirations, preparing our pupils to become well-rounded global citizens. We were also delighted to welcome Sir Roger Fry (pictured below), a founding member of King’s Group Academies, who joined us to see first-hand the fantastic learning taking place. His presence made the day even more special, and the children were proud to share their knowledge and activities with him. One key aspect of our International Day is linking the global with the local. We want our children to explore the geography of the world while reinforcing their understanding of our own unique location. Through our International Day, we are also taking another step towards our goal of achieving British Council accreditation. This event, alongside our assemblies, Modern Foreign Languages lessons, and cross-curricular projects, is part of our ongoing effort to promote the international dimension of our curriculum. Each year group focused on a different country that is not currently featured in our existing curriculum:

• Year 3 – Japan
• Year 4 – South Africa
• Year 5 – Mexico
• Year 6 – New Zealand

The children thoroughly enjoyed the day, which provided a fantastic platform for further learning. We are confident that their experiences on International Day will spark curiosity and a greater appreciation for the world around them. And, we are keen to work with our parents to help share expert knowledge and experiences. Together, we are building bridges across continents and creating a truly international school community.

Brennball: 4.10.24

Last week, our Swiss teacher trainees finished their three-week placement. On Friday, to mark their final day, they taught us an amazing Swiss/German game called Brennball (Burnball)—and  we had a fantastic time. It is safe to say the competition was heating up as we dodged, ran, and scored our way through the game.  It is not every day you learn a new game from across the globe, but with thanks to our Swiss friends, we have got a whole new way to have fun and keep fit in PE! Danke schön, Swiss students! See you next time! 

European Languages Day: September 2024

Ghana Independence Day: 6.3.2024

Today, we were delighted to welcome Staff Sgt. Adom-Baffour to our assembly to talk about Ghana Independence Day, which will be celebrated on Thursday, 6 March. Sgt. Adom-Baffour, the husband of our TA, Mrs Adom-Baffour, shared an insightful presentation about Ghana’s rich culture and history. Mrs Adom-Baffour looked stunning in her traditional Ghanaian dress.

The children loved entering the hall to the sounds of Afro Beats and were captivated as they learned about Ghana’s food, clothing, language, geography, kings, presidents, and footballers. It is incredibly important to us that our pupils develop an understanding of their local, national, and global neighbours, fostering respect and appreciation for different cultures. This is why we place such value on the International Dimension within our curriculum.

Inspired by today’s assembly, we can’t wait to learn Twi and dance like Mrs Adom-Baffour! Next year, we hope to mark Ghana Independence Day by serving traditional Ghanaian food. We were also delighted by the children’s enthusiasm and the many thoughtful questions they asked. The children will be participating in some extension activities during the week.

A huge thank you to Sgt. Adom-Baffour for giving us such a memorable learning experience!