‘Cultural celebrations’ is the theme of a project planned by a group of European schools, including St Nicholas Church in Wales Primary in the Vale of Glamorgan.
St Nicholas is linking up with schools in France, Poland, Latvia and Spain as part of a Comenius Partnership Project to learn more about each other, the countries, approaches to education and cultures, thereby increasing the appreciation and knowledge of pupils as well as the professional knowledge of staff.
St Nicholas recently played host to the European visitors to agree the necessary paperwork for funding submissions to respective national agencies, and headteacher Rob Williams said: “Through the two-year project we are looking to share good practice and develop pupil activities linked with the ‘cultural celebrations’ theme.”
The St Nicholas project is being co-ordinated by Caroline Fouracre who, along with other staff, will visit their ‘twin’ schools. Mrs Fouracre said: “Various products and activities will be undertaken throughout the project including shared European banners, newspapers, folk tale themed calendar, a web-based blog, opportunities for pupils to use video conferencing links and a shared end of project celebrations festival.”
During their visit, the European teachers enjoyed afternoon tea with Vale of Glamorgan Mayor Cllr Emlyn Williams and Vale Council leader Cllr Gordon Kemp.
Cllr Kemp said: “I am delighted that, with the enthusiasm of the staff, St Nicholas Church in Wales is supporting this exciting initiative. It will provide the opportunity for their enthusiastic pupils and those across Europe to exchange experiences, increase their general knowledge and learn how to appreciate and understand each other’s views through activities integrated into the school curriculum.”
