SHORT DESCRIPTION
Project, approved at Erasmus + programme, brings together two Primary Schools located far away from each other, though coping similar misfortunes of having older pupils interested in their region early history as well as difficulties in understanding maths. Learning English in the fake, class reality weakens their motivation to speak foreign language. Visiting and learning about places in Warmia region (Poland) that are connected to Nicolas Copernicus’ life as well as monuments of Tesalia region (Greece), pupils develop maths skills in the historical background. Questing and gamification make the plot for the project activities. Pupils complete tasks and assignments given by the authority of an imaginary country, which leads to recovery of History.
PROJECT LANGUAGE
We use English to communicate with partners and prepare the outcomes of the project. Lessons and after school clubs at partner schools are led in their mother languages.
PUPILS’ AGE AND THE PROJECT DURATION
Pupils involved in the project are 11 -13 years old. The work process is planned for 12 moths during one school year.
OBJECTIVES
1. To interest 6-grade-pupils of long history of their region and show that regions of partner schools inscribe in European cultural heritage.
2. 40% of pupils in Year 6 develop their key maths and English competences for at least one grade (mark).
3. To waken up pupils’ passion in the field of music, art and design as well as develop creativity, showing how unconventional thinking of Copernicus and Greek architects, artists influenced science, technology and culture.
4. Implement “Microsoft for Education” programme and to use digital technologies efficiently (both teachers and pupils).
5. To let Year 6 pupils experience the purpose of learning foreign languages.
6. To increase teachers’ competence in the field of pedagogical innovation and collaborative practices.
WORK PROCESS
September 2018
1. Introductory activities: presentation of the project groups and their schools; individual presentations of pupils with the use of drawings or collage and verbal comment using the Voicethread application; joint presentation of teacher project teams.
October 2018
2. The history of my village / town: pupils with the help of their class and/or history teacher gather information and historical data. The material is used on maths, IT and English class for comparisons and film making matters.
3. Design a postcard – contest: pupils design a postcard of their place of living to be snt by partners during mobilities.
November 2018
4. Traces of Middle Ages / antiquity and mythology in my region: flipped classroom method on history class; cross curriculum path to work out the results such as online games, maps, and descriptions.
5. Study trips around region and skype sightseeing: pupils discover the heritage of the outstanding person that used to live and work in their region; they organise a skype meeting with their project partner during one of the trips.
December 2018
6. Tell me about your Christmas: Christmas customs in Poland and Greece presented with the use of Sway application (Microsoft); pipils write a comparison essay in English; they design and create cards to send to their partners via traditional post.
March 2019
7. Antiquity and Middle Ages on the modern staff – musical collage in a song: pupils are familiarized with musical instruments and sounds fuffilling old castles, palaces and theatres; pupils compose and write a song "Little region matters much".
April 2019
8. Polish-Greek-English phrase book icluding topics such as introduction, travel, school, history, maths, music, arts.
May 2019
9. Cultures meeting – international pupils exchange.
10. A diary of mobility.
EXPECTED RESULTS
1. Lesson plans of maths, history and English with the use of ICT.
2. Change in English teaching programme – an international cooperation at every level of education.
3. A school guide brochure: series of excursions around the region.
4. A video sightseeing in one of the historical building in the region.
5. A video invitation to see Purda / Tyrnavos.
6. A postcard from Purda / Tyrnavos.
7. A song promoting the value of small homeland .
8. A long term school cooperation.
Soft results:
1. Development of language skills, both pupils and teachers.
2. Development of tolerance and awareness of cultural diversity.
3. Increase of motivation to learning maths, history, English and self-development.
4. Experience in long distance travelling.