PARTNER NO. 1 - Turkey - The coordinator
PARTNER NO. 4 - Poland
Opole Lubelskie is a small town (about 15 000 inhabitants) in the rural area of eastern Poland. The town was founded in medieval times – there are many historical buildings which prove the rich town’s history. In one of them in 16th century palace is situated our school – Zespół Szkół. The traditions and history is very important to us. This year we are celebrating the 65-anniversary of our school’s founding and we are proud that our school is one of the oldest in the whole region. At the same time the area we live in is rather poor – there is big unemployment and students often live in single – parents families ( because one of parents is working abroad). Their parents and town can’t offer them a lot in terms of cultural education and entertainment. Our school does its best to provide the pupils with the wide range of extra curriculum classes, free time activities and the wide choice of contests or sport competitions. As the teachers we would like our students to be knowledgeable about their hometown, mother country and the united Europe. We want them to be tolerant, open-minded and understanding. We try to teach them foreign languages by applying many different, unconventional and modern methods. This project will give our students great opportunities to wide their horizons and to learn more about themselves, their partners, their country, their partners’ countries. This is also a exceptional chance to travel around Europe and practise a foreign languages. The students usually confined to their school and lessons can gain a possibility to make friends and be part of united Europe.
PARTNER NO. 5 - Portugal
The Professional Mealhada´s School is located in the Municipality of Mealhada, in the District of Aveiro. Our School is geared to vocational training and education. It aims to train highly qualified intermediate levels, equivalent to the European Union Level III, in areas of critical importance to the local and regional areas’ industrial and business needs. The following courses are offered: Informatics for Management, Accounting, Electrical Equipment Installation, Industrial Automation, Design/Technical Drawing, Thermals, Refrigeration and Renewable Energy. The local economy is largely based on the catering industry, wine production and - recently - an industrial zone, which does not imply a high level of income. Many of the School's students are from low-income families, and this group will be an intrinsic part of the Project. 270 students between 14 and 21 years old now attend the school and 44 adults as well. Besides the Director, there’s a Pedagogical Director, a Psychologist, 34 teachers and 17 other people to take care of maintenance of school. Vocational courses are designed to those students who finished the 9 th form or the compulsory education and want to go on studying to get a Certificate, after 3 years, on a specific area. This certificate provides them the possibility of getting a job sooner, although they can also go on into the University. The courses are 3 years long and are organized in modules. It’s also compulsory a formation period (of about 2 months). The students have to take a training post in a firm, factory or office. The students have also to present a Project of their own in front of a jury (with six members),to show the jury that they’ve got the enough knowledge and capacities and prove that they are ready to start working.The students are given a Certificate of Professional Qualification. They also have the equivalence to high school.The school provides since last year formation to adult people in a double certification (Secondary and Professional)In addition, we are experienced participants of Projects funded by the EU (since 1996) and large corporations. We have strong expertise on technology based ICT learning; Open-source software, school improvement, intercultural education, collaborative inquiry and we have excellent contacts with the local companies and local authorities. We have a large experience in organizing and dissemination events (LINUXTAG-fair; CEBIT-fair) from the Project’s participation and coordination
PARTNER NO. 6 - Spain
The Secondary School Lila is located in Jinámar, a small city in the outskirts of Las Palmas, in the North East of Gran Canaria. It was opened 12 years ago and it has 390 students and 47 teachers.It offers a wide range of studies: Compulsory education, Post Compulsory Education (two years) and 2 Levels of Vocational Training –Health and Social Assistance and Social Integration.We have a very dynamic staff of teachers who are engaged in continuous training. As a matter of fact a comenius assistant from Turkey is working in our department to improve our students’ communicative and linguistic competence in the English language.We think the international dimension of learning will develop the conscious and improve the knowledge of Students from our school, preparing them for this new large community, Europe.Our main objective is to develop the children’s basic knowledge of life, such as verbal communication, social, civic and artistic and also learn how to learn.We also want our Students not to prejudge but learn how to accept people for what they are, each with his or her own peculiarities and in this way try to develop tolerance. In consequence our students are so motivated by this new experience that they will welcome this project and the ideas it intends to develop. The fact that the number of partners is so high will benefit each of the members and the students in relation to the intercultural experience.
PARTNER NO. 7 - Romania
Colegiul Militar Licea Stefan cel Mare
The town of Campulung is situated in the north-eastern part of Romania. Lying at the bottom of the Mountain Rarau (14 km south), Campulung is 72 km away from Suceava and 529 km away from Bucharest. The town was documentary certified on the XIV-th of April 1411 by Alexandru cel Bun, ruler of Moldavia. Being a linking area between Moldova and Transilvania, the town of Campulung witnessed many historical events crucial for Bucovina and facilitated the relationships between the Romanians living on both sides of the Carpathians. It is the centre of an important tourist region, being a starting point to the monasteries of Bucovina (Moldovita – 25 km, Sucevita – 52 km, Putna – 72 km, Voronet - 34 km). There are some sights which tourists can visit in the centre of the town such as a museum displaying old wooden objects and a collection of wooden spoons, Ioan Tugui, unique in Europe, due to the diversity of its exhibits, structure and display.A journey to the geological reservation Pietrele Doamnei can offer you a great time in a fairy tale landscape. This Project will develop the potential for communication with pupils throughout Europe. We will have a new chance to improve the international dimension in our educational practice especially foreign languages. Our pupils are good English speakers and are also interested in developing their cultural competence. Our school being school of application, it appears to the teachers that it is not more possible not to consider the education in its European dimension. The study of the foreign languages, the development of the European union made of our pupils future European citizens. It is important to us to allow them to open up to the different cultures and life styles of their European neighbours. The theme of journey concerns the majority of the countries. It is a rich and varied, multidisciplinary educational support and intercultural.
PARTNER NO. 8 - Germany
Städtische Realschule Broich
Mülheim an der Ruhr lies in the central part of Germany, in the former industrial coalmining area. On the one hand, it is a beautiful city with many industrial monuments, cultural features and, due to the river Ruhr, natural aspects. We do however have a high rate of unemployment and many students from families with low income. Our school emphasises the importance of education for everyone and besides having a branch of bilingual classes- these students are taught Geography, History and politics in English- we offer our students intensive lessons in Maths, Computerscience and technical workshops. Since many of our students are not originally German they have learned to deal with different cultures, languages and how to be tolerant. Due to our open-mindedness they are interested in these cultures and curious to learn more. The chance to work with students from other countries and being able to meet them is a wonderful experience, something we hope they will remember for a long time- learning for life.
PARTNER NO. 9 - Slovenia
OŠ Antona Ingoliča Spodnja Polskava is situated in a small village called Spodnja Polskava, near Maribor. Actually, there are three locations, one parent school and two branch schools. The school has got its name after a well known Slovenian writer Anton Ingolič, who was born in our village. Our pupils start the Primary school at the age of 6 and finish at the age of 15. There are nine grades. They start with English in the fourth grade, and German in the seventh grade. They might start with learning foreign languages earlier if they want in English or German clubs.In the Comenius Project we see the opportunity to improve their knowledge about foreign languages, (not only English) and cultures, using the internet and the ICT, to get new friends around Europe and to travel to foreign countries to explore something new because many pupils are from poor families and with special needs too.We have already taken part at many projects like Spring day, Learning circles and other iEARN projects. Pupils like doing them. They are very enthusiastic and curious and would be very happy to take part in the Comenius project. So they could widen their knowledge about foreign countries and their cultures and get familiar with the meaning of a European citizen in the United Europe.For the institution, as well as for the teachers, this project would be a challenge in exploring and comparing of the teaching methods and school systems among participating schools and to contribute to a better educational system in Europe.
PARTNER NO. 10 - France
Notre -Dame high school is a private school located in the West of France in le Poitou-Charentes. Bressuire is a small town of nearly 10,000 inhabitants in a rural area approximately one hour from Nantes, la Rochelle (the Atlantic ocean) and between Poitiers and Angers.There are 526 pupils (aged 11-15) and 43 teachers. There is also a class of slightly disabled children (IME) integrated with the 10-11 year old pupils. The school is part of a larger association composed of different schools (primary schools , junior and senior high school, college ) scattered in different parts of the town. A lot of activities are organized by the teachers every year outside the school programme (Drama clubs, trips, sport and study activities, choirs, video conferences etc...)Every year in the month of October everybody (pupils, teachers, educators, …) work on a chosen subject (this year: protecting the environment and sorting our waste). The school also organizes a walking trip for the 13 and 14 year old in various European places (Scotland, Spain, Italy ….) We think this project will enhance and enrich our students outlook and vision and change and inform them of the different perspectives of Europe. We also think our students will also be a huge contribution to this project. Our pupils will enlarge their cultural horizon, in the spirit of permanent education. We think this project can also improve respect for the cultural values of each country. Every school involved in can show to the other its specificity. Pupils become more tolerant understanding the similarities and the differences between the different European cultures.
PARTNER NO. 11 - Bulgaria
Lyuben Karavelov Secondary School is situated in Northwest of Bulgaria in the town of Vidin.It has 750 students from the age of 6 to 15.They start learning English at the age of 6 or 7.Students seem quite interested and motivated in learning English and working on projects with other countries, which use the English language for communication will be a great opportunity for them not only to practice the language but to meet and share opinion with students from all over Europe.At the same time working on the project will raise their intercultural awareness as well as their knowledge about other nations ,traditions and European citizenship which will help them in better understanding different cultures and lifestyles.It will also help them in using new technologies and ICT skills and improve their knowledge about European values and motivation for learning.Our school has been working successfully with partners from Romania taking part into annual ecology festivals for more than 5 years along with common sports holidays and cultural events.We have also worked on a Comenius Project with UK,Germany,Sweden and Turkey for the last three years.Our school is opened to new ideas and project activities and at the same time very interested in finding new friends throughout Europe and sharing opinion and experience with them.
PARTNER NO. 12 - United Kingdom
We are situated in Lytham St. Annes, North West England, near the popular seaside resort of Blackpool. The school has a long and proud history of excellence since opening in 1955 as Ansdell County Secondary School.We are within an hours drive to Manchester, home to the 2002 Commonwealth Games and Liverpool, European Capital of Culture 2008 and, of course home to “The Beatles”. Both cities boast numerous museums and theaters with cultural events annually.In 1999 we gained Technology College status from the Technology Colleges Trust leading to the name change of Lytham St. Annes High Technology College.In 2007 we gained dual status as a Performing Arts College. We have now changed our name to LSA technology & Performing Arts College. Lytham St. Annes Technology and Performing Arts College is a community school maintained by Lancashire County Education Authority.We are an 11 –18 Comprehensive and 6 Form Centre, offering seven years of successful education. As one of the largest schools in Lancashire, we can offer a wide range of curricular & extra-curricular activities, along with Technology and Performing Arts College status.A College system ensures that students belong to smaller groups throughout school ensuring a continuity of staff and allowing family members and friendship groups to be kept together. Our Sixth Form offers unrivalled opportunities for students. We have recently applied for the full International School Award (ISA) and take pride in the number and range of initiatives we are involved in as a school. Part of the new government curriculum initiatives is to enhance the global and cultural awareness of pupils’ education and participating in a cross-cultural COMENIUS project with countries in Europe would give pupils a better understanding of cultures and various lifestyles. We are a school that believes in the values of community cohesion and seek to liaise with other communities both at home and abroad. Presently, we have an online E-Twinning project underway about cultures and traditions with schools in Germany and Turkey and would like to extend this project opportunity throughout the whole school.
PARTNER NO. 13 - Greece
The 4th High of Aigaleo is located in Aigaleo ,a suburb of Athens and has o population of 315 students aged 13-15.Some of our students have special educational needs and we also have a number of immigrants mainly from Albania and the Middle East. Aigaleo is one of the biggest suburbs of Athens and only a few kilometers away from the historical centre and the most famous ancient monuments of Athens (such as the Acropolis).Our students apart from a variety of subjects that they have to study they study foreign languages such as English, French, German, Italian. Next year they will have the opportunity to study Spanish as well. They also have the opportunity to join sports teams, singing or music groups, drama club, exhibitions of decorative arts, chess contests,Our school is involved in various projects concerning environmental education, career guidance , health education and the publishing of a school magazine.Our school has a lot of facilities such as sport fields, a small theater, a computer lab, and a well equipped library.Our participation in this multilateral partnership will bring the European dimension in our school as well as the infusion or European issues into the school curriculum. Our students will have the chance to meet people from other European countries and get new experiences and knowledge. They will have the opportunity to overcome misconceptions and prejudices they might have.The teachers will have the chance to get to know different educational systems and exchange ideas and experiences with their colleagues from other countries widening their horizons and teaching skills.Last but not least ,our main aim is to help our students and teachers to think globally and act locally.
PARTNER NO. 14 - United Kingdom
Our school is a small primary school, on the banks of the river Tyne in Gateshead, near Newcastle, in the North East of England. We have 148 pupils aged 5-11, and 45 part time nursery pupils aged 3-5. Our school has just completed a very successful Comenius partnership with Turkey, France and Netherlands, which was an excellent, inspirational opportunity for all those involved. Our school is in a socioeconomically disadvantaged area and as a result of this it is essential for us to forge strong, positive international links to broaden our pupils knowledge of the world and help raise their tolerance and aspirations. We are hoping to continue to do this by continuing to explore the international dimension with our new international partners, making the experience real for our pupils. The pupils were involved in researching, preparing, exchanging and reviewing information for our previous Project. A display area was set aside to display all correspondence, work and artefacts from the Project as it developed for all pupils, staff, parents and Governors.
We have successfully promoted Global awareness through our recent Comenius Project and are excited to continue the experience and bring the world to our pupils. We have also been awarded the International School Award for all of the excellent international work that has gone on in school in a addition to out Comenius Project. We see it as our main objective to enable our pupils to step out of their mono culture and have an in depth knowledge, understanding and increasing tolerance of how children in other countries live, their culture, their traditions and their lifestyles. The most valuable outcome would be our ability to provide our pupils with a “real” experience of many of other cultures through a successful new Comenius Project.
PARTNER NO. 15 - Lithuania
“Genys” Primary School is situated in Vilnius,the capital of Lithuania. Vilnius is about 700 years old.There are many spectaculous places in the city including the Old City, Vilnius University, lots of wonderful churches, Gediminas Castle and many others. We are very proud that we can call Vilnius a green city – there are lots of parks and forests.Our school is located in one of such green areas as well. The school has two buildings and both are surrounded by forests so our pupils can enjoy long walks in Nature, observing and exploring it.”Genys” Primary School was opened 19 years ago.Currently we have 631 students aged 7 – 11 and 54 teachers. Our pupils start learning English at grade 2.We hope that taking part in this project will help to develop their linguistic and communicative competences. It should also encourage their curiosity and openness to different cultures and lifestyle.
PARTNER NO. 16 - Estonia
Rocca al Mare Kool, a private school educating children from 0 to 19, was established in 2000 asan initiative of community leaders interested in new developments better corresponding to theneeds of the 21st century. The main process in Rocca al Mare Kool is the development of thechild, all other processes having a supportive role. The school also offers a variety of extra-curricular clubs and courses insports and fine arts for pupils and their parents. At the moment, there are 727 pupils in Roccaal Mare Kool, including the Centre for Individual Study, coming from all over Estonia.The school is divided into three sections: primary, basic and secondary school. In addition to primary and secondary education, Rocca al Mare also provides pre-primary education (kindergarten and playgroups) and runs a teacher training centre. The schoolhouse itself is situated close to Estonian Open Air Museum, an institution devoted to ethnographic research and a close partner in cooperation to the school. The school life is based on a school calendar that was created compiling national, ethnographic and clerical calendars. Folk customs and traditions are a highly integrated part of learning in Rocca al Mare Kool. We are interested in broadening our students’ perspectives and deepen the understanding of different cultures.