Comenius Good Practice: School Partnerships

The seminar will examine the ways in which the use of ICT in learning and teaching in the classroom was enhanced by participation in various projects with schools in Finland and Germany.

ICT was used in a number of ways.  It began with simple e-mails amongst partner countries (staff and students) and developed into video conferencing and the use of a closed discussion forum (participants pre-registered) on the project’s website www.ict-uceurope.net  One of the most successful projects involved a piece of French text which the students had to first translate into their own language.   They then had to demonstrate an understanding of their translation by animating the text using mainly Microsoft Powerpoint or more sophisticated animation software.

Project work should ideally involve working within the curriculum and not involve “extra” workload.  Generally speaking, this is possible if a project which suits all partners can be found.  All partners need not be included in every project and it is acceptable for bi-lateral projects to be undertaken if some partners are not able to participate.

“Mobilities” (visits to partner countries) were used by both students and staff to plan projects as well as exchange ideas and materials.  These visits also led to firm friendships being established and further private visits made to each other’s countries.
George is a Comenius enthusiast and is keen to share his experiences with others to promote international links.  He has already addressed audiences in Denmark and in Scotland.  He will be joined during his workshop by a colleague and a pupil who will contribute their perspectives.

"The project has also led to further informal links between both students and staff.  Great emphasis was placed on being ambassadors for both school and country and this has led to many firm friendships being established."

1997/98 Lingua Project with Vammala, Finland
This project looked at “Local Industries” in Vammala, Finland and Peebles in Scotland.  As a Business Studies Teacher, the topic was of interest to both me and my students and we made several visits to local companies in both Finland and Scotland.

2000 Lingua Project with Vammala, Finland
Due to the success of the first project between Peebles and Vammala, we decided to apply again for a second Lingua Project this time using "Sustainable Development" as the topic.  A “highlight” was a visit to a landfill site!  A real shocker!

2001 Contact Seminar at Maastricht, Holland
This was one of the best conferences I have ever attended with enthusiastic delegates from all over Europe coming together to find project partners.

2002 Preparatory Meeting in Milan, Italy
Originally we had an Italian partner and we met at the school in Milan to plan the forthcoming project.  The project was designed to promote the use of ICT in international projects and also in classroom teaching.

2002-2005 Comenius 1 Schools Project 
The schools in Peebles and Vammala were keen to continue the link between our schools and successfully applied for funding the above project.  We were joined by a school in Ostfildern, Germany, with which Peebles High School had previous links, and another school in Milan, Italy (the Italian school withdrew after the first year).
 
The project was designed to promote the use of ICT in international links.  A website was established on which we recorded our activities and ran a discussion forum www.ict-uceurope.net  This is still currently "live”.

2005-2008 Comenius 1 Schools Project
I helped to set up this project with the same German school and a new partner in Menorca.  This is being led by a new co-ordinator at Peebles High School.  The main topic is "Ecology" and Peebles High School is also seeking "Eco School" gold status as part of the project.

Currently
I have recently retired from full-time teaching at Peebles High School but currently helping to set up an "International Partnership" project which will establish foreign work placements for senior students in participating countries.  In the autumn of 2005, I accompanied small groups of students to France, Sweden, Germany and Finland.