The F.X. Attard Boys' Secondary School, Marsa, is participating in the Comenius 1 project "Show Me Your World". The other participating schools are from Romania, Italy, Portugal, Norway, Finland and the Netherlands.
The project's aim is to pass on the identity of each country through topics focusing on culture, traditions, climates, famous people, festivals and celebrations.
It was the turn of the Italian team to show us their world, so between October 26 and 31, we and three students from our school had the opportunity to meet teachers and students from all the participant countries for the fifth project meeting, in the host school, Enrico Fermi School in Scandicci, Florence. This is a state school for students aged 11 to 16.
We were welcomed warmly by the school's students and their parents. The Italian teachers hosted us teachers, while the Italian students hosted our students.
Throughout these five days the teachers became familiar with the Italian educational system and with their teaching methodology. They evaluated the development of the project, and the organisation of the next projects and project meetings.
They collaborated with the Italian teachers and host families so as to implement the project successfully in the school curriculum.
The highlight of the week was the 'international night', held on the first day. Participants from each country sang several songs in their native language, and teachers, students and parents joined in the traditional dances of the various participating countries.
As the school puts a great emphasis on art, the students had several art lessons throughout the week, which ranged from free drawing to papier-mâché. Fresco painting lessons were given by specialised teachers at the Palazzo Vecchio, and each student took their work home as a souvenir.
Several outings were organised for the students in the afternoons, visiting Palazzo Vecchio and Piazza Signoria, Ponte Vecchio, Santa Maria Novella, the Uffizi Gallery, Museo dell'Accademia, Palazzo Pitti and medieval Florence.
This was a very good opportunity for students and teachers to share their identities and actually become one strongly bonded multi-cultural group where, despite differences, commonalities ruled. This is the spirit of Comenius!