2023-2024 ERASMUS+ Programme at The English School

Our ERASMUS+ Programme for the 2023-2024 academic year marked an inspiring journey of cultural exchange, professional development, and curriculum enhancement. With our Erasmus Plan goals guiding each step, the year has been filled with transformative experiences for students and staff alike. Here’s an overview of key activities, exchanges, and achievements under the ERASMUS+ framework this year:

1. ERASMUS+ Accreditation Programme: A Focus on Five Core Objectives

Throughout the year, several mobilities took place, beginning in the summer of 2023 and extending through to May 2024. The mobilities targeted the following objectives from our Erasmus Plan:

• European Identity: Strengthening a shared European identity among students.
• Differentiation in Teaching: Implementing a differentiated curriculum to support all students, with a focus on SEN and G&T students.
• Digital Literacy and Technology Integration: Enhancing digital skills in teaching and learning.
• Leadership Development: Empowering staff to develop leadership skills that foster positive change in the school.
• 21st Century Skills & Global Citizenship: Promoting skills for global citizenship and well-being.

Sixty-six students participated in exchanges to Italy, France, Finland, and Sweden, while eleven teachers took part in training courses, and seven engaged in job shadowing with European colleagues. In addition, as a host school, we welcomed visitors from six European countries and hosted workshops led by experts for students, parents, and staff.

2. Training Courses and Job Shadowing for Staff Development

Our teachers attended various training courses and job-shadowing sessions across Europe, focusing on critical areas like Artificial Intelligence in education, student well-being, and digital tools for teaching. Highlights include:

• Artificial Intelligence Training in Malta: Teacher Chrysoulla Konstantinou explored AI’s potential in education.
• Project-Based Learning in Spain: Strengthening student engagement and real-world learning.
• Digital Tools for Math in Croatia: Integrating Geogebra and LaTeX for an enhanced math curriculum.
• Stress Relief and Well-being in Spain: Strategies for staff to foster a healthier classroom environment.

Staff members who participated in job shadowing in Finland, Italy, and Sweden gained insights into diverse educational systems, particularly for SEN support and STEM integration.

3. Student Mobilities: Cultural Exchange and Educational Enrichment

Our students engaged in exciting cultural and educational exchanges across Europe. Notable highlights include:

• Italian Exchange in Verona: Students explored the city’s cultural heritage and discussed Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
• Finnish Exchange in Helsinki: Students stayed with host families, participated in outdoor well-being activities, and explored sustainable practices.
• French Exchange in Nancy: Students practiced French, visited the EU Parliament in Strasbourg, and developed teamwork through group activities.
• Swedish Exchange in Gothenburg: Students participated in an entrepreneurial workshop, "Shark Tank," and deepened their understanding of biodiversity conservation.

These exchanges fostered greater awareness of European cultural heritage and identity, along with practical skills in languages, sustainability, and collaboration.

4. Hosting European Visitors and Expert-Led Workshops

As a host institution, we welcomed students and teachers from Germany, Finland, Portugal, and Italy. Visiting students participated in a variety of activities, including:

• Language Learning Workshops: Students learned basic Greek phrases and cultural nuances.
• AI and Digital Literacy Training: Sessions on responsible AI usage, video editing, and SWOT analysis.
• Interactive School Tour Game: An AI-powered school tour, "Goosehunt," offered an innovative exploration of our campus.

Visiting students and teachers also joined our local history and cultural excursions, which included sites such as the historic old city of Nicosia and workshops on Cypriot culture.

5. Curriculum Development and Enhancements

Aligned with our Erasmus objectives, the curriculum received significant updates:

• Digital Literacy Modules: Training in AI tools, such as Canva, has been integrated into lesson planning and student projects.
• Differentiated Learning for SEN and G&T Students: Observations from job shadowing in Finland have guided us in implementing pull-out sessions and inclusive lesson planning.
• Global Citizenship and 21st-Century Skills: The Year 7 PSHCE curriculum now includes units on the European Union, active citizenship, and financial literacy.

6. Extracurricular Initiatives and Club Activities

In our ERASMUS+ Club, Year 1 students joined eTwinning projects, connecting with peers from other EU countries, while Year 2 and Year 3 prepared projects to present during exchanges. ERASMUS+ was also featured at the ECA Fair, with a photo exhibition and presentations from past participants, which highlighted the programme’s impact on our students.

7. Celebrations and Community Engagement

• ERASMUS+ Days: Workshops and presentations raised awareness about the programme.
• Europe Day: Our ERASMUS+ students hosted a photo exhibition showcasing their experiences, with activities that promoted European citizenship.

Through this year’s ERASMUS+ initiatives, our students and staff have embraced the power of international collaboration and cultural appreciation. We look forward to building on these achievements and continuing to foster global citizenship, leadership, and innovation at our school.

Leonie Hadjithoma
Erasmus+ Coordination Teacher