4th meeting
Synopsis of the 4th meeting in Swansea, Wales, Oct 10th-14th 2011
Monday, Oct 10th
All groups arrived in UK on Monday 10th October, (except for Bulgaria who arrived on Saturday 8th October), and made their way to Swansea by coach or airport taxi. Students were taken to the homes of the host families and the teachers were taken to their hotel, the Premier Inn, at Swansea Waterfront.
All groups arrived in UK on Monday 10th October, (except for Bulgaria who arrived on Saturday 8th October), and made their way to Swansea by coach or airport taxi. Students were taken to the homes of the host families and the teachers were taken to their hotel, the Premier Inn, at Swansea Waterfront.
Tuesday, Oct 11th
Teachers and students were brought to Bishop Vaughan School where a welcome reception was held. Welcome speeches were made by the Deputy Head Teacher, Head Boy and Girl and the Lord Mayor. Following this the students led practical sessions in groups where they presented a traditional game or dance from their country as part of the work they have carried out on Theme 5 Education versus Exclusion: Civic education practice of citizenship, the role of arts and sports as inclusion tool. The sessions were enjoyed by all the participants and the activity encouraged students to mix together.
After a break all participants left school for a sight-seeing trip by coach to the Gower peninsula with lunch at Rhosilli Bay Bistro. Despite windy and wet conditions all participants were able to enjoy visiting the region, which was the first in the UK to be designated “Area of outstanding natural beauty”.
Teachers and students were brought to Bishop Vaughan School where a welcome reception was held. Welcome speeches were made by the Deputy Head Teacher, Head Boy and Girl and the Lord Mayor. Following this the students led practical sessions in groups where they presented a traditional game or dance from their country as part of the work they have carried out on Theme 5 Education versus Exclusion: Civic education practice of citizenship, the role of arts and sports as inclusion tool. The sessions were enjoyed by all the participants and the activity encouraged students to mix together.
After a break all participants left school for a sight-seeing trip by coach to the Gower peninsula with lunch at Rhosilli Bay Bistro. Despite windy and wet conditions all participants were able to enjoy visiting the region, which was the first in the UK to be designated “Area of outstanding natural beauty”.
Wednesday, Oct 12th
Teachers and students spent the morning in school. The students took part in a European Day of Languages activity, teaching each other basic phrases in their own languages, followed by an introduction to aspects of the Welsh culture such as Welsh Cakes and the Welsh National Anthem “Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau” (Land of Our Fathers). While the students carried out their activities the teachers also had a tour of the school, followed by their teachers’ meeting. During the meeting the dates were set for the next two project meetings:
After a break the students presented their speeches for Theme 5 on “The teaching of politics in our schools.” The speeches highlighted our students’ awareness of the importance of active citizenship. The students then took part in a workshop activity, continuing this theme.
The afternoon was reserved for lunch at Castellemare and free-time in Swansea city centre. In the evening the students and teachers returned for a Farewell Dinner with school staff and the host pupils. DVDs of the talent shows were played during the meal and this was followed by traditional dancing and the presentation of the Certificates of Attendance.
Teachers and students spent the morning in school. The students took part in a European Day of Languages activity, teaching each other basic phrases in their own languages, followed by an introduction to aspects of the Welsh culture such as Welsh Cakes and the Welsh National Anthem “Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau” (Land of Our Fathers). While the students carried out their activities the teachers also had a tour of the school, followed by their teachers’ meeting. During the meeting the dates were set for the next two project meetings:
- Olot, Spain – Monday 27th February – Friday 2nd March 2012
- Bratislava, Slovakia – Monday 30th April – Friday 4th May 2012
After a break the students presented their speeches for Theme 5 on “The teaching of politics in our schools.” The speeches highlighted our students’ awareness of the importance of active citizenship. The students then took part in a workshop activity, continuing this theme.
The afternoon was reserved for lunch at Castellemare and free-time in Swansea city centre. In the evening the students and teachers returned for a Farewell Dinner with school staff and the host pupils. DVDs of the talent shows were played during the meal and this was followed by traditional dancing and the presentation of the Certificates of Attendance.
Thursday, Oct 13th
A full day trip to Cardiff and Big Pit Museum was arranged, with a traditional “Fish and Chips” lunch at Harry Ramsdens restaurant. Participants were shown the main sights of Cardiff, including the Welsh National Assembly building, the Millenium Centre and Cardiff Castle. After lunch everybody got to experience firsthand what it was like to go down a coal mine, plunging into the depths of Big Pit (an old mine that has been turned into a museum).
A full day trip to Cardiff and Big Pit Museum was arranged, with a traditional “Fish and Chips” lunch at Harry Ramsdens restaurant. Participants were shown the main sights of Cardiff, including the Welsh National Assembly building, the Millenium Centre and Cardiff Castle. After lunch everybody got to experience firsthand what it was like to go down a coal mine, plunging into the depths of Big Pit (an old mine that has been turned into a museum).
Friday, Oct 14th
All groups left Swansea to make their journeys back to their countries.
All groups left Swansea to make their journeys back to their countries.