Accredited project for mobility of learners and staff in school education

Summary

The international project implemented by our school is an ongoing journey of exploring European values, fostering a sense of citizenship and social belonging, and embracing modern trends in education. Once perceived as operating in challenging conditions and working with demanding youth, our school has transformed into a model of modern education and international cooperation- a place where every student, regardless of background, academic performance, or abilities, has the opportunity to connect with Europe.

"Participation in the project was full of firsts for me. My first time on a plane, my first time abroad, my first conversation in English with a peer. These challenges changed me and my approach to learning – Europe and its values became real.”

Topic(s) addressed

• Supporting the activities of the Student Council in strengthening civic competences and fostering education that promotes understanding of shared values, European citizenship, values and community.

Target group(s)  

• 9 students aged 10–15, including special needs  and from disadvantaged backgrounds
• 10 teachers

Methodologies used

The success of this project lies in integrating civic education with other subjects through STEAM projects that combine knowledge from various fields with practical application and modern technologies, while also prioritising inclusion. For example, we implemented the project Utopia – A World of Dreams or a Future?, which involved creating a model of a democratic, sustainable city where students designed the community’s space and rules based on shared values, rights, and civic duties.

Given the large number of students from Ukraine, group work plays a central role in lessons, helping them to acclimate and learn with the support of their peers. This approach has been positively evaluated by students, teachers, and parents in surveys. The project was carried out in cooperation with RPI FRSE, MOEN, CEO, and the US Embassy.

Innovation environment

The school has become a hub of innovation and active citizenship. Thanks to Erasmus+, teachers have implemented modern methods such as STEAM and flipped classroom approaches, while students have taken part in eTwinning projects (earning the eTwinning School Label and participating in a patron class), mobilities, and the Youth in Action initiative.  

We prioritise relationships, well-being, and cooperation - creating relaxing spaces, establishing class codes, holding consultations, and enabling voting. We promote the sustainable use of resources and develop digital competences through tools such as Task Bank, Padlet, and Teams, earning recognition as a Microsoft Showcase School. Civic education is a guiding principle in our lessons, the Student Council, and our cooperation with parents, as well as in events for older community members. We work closely with NGOs, local government, and cultural institutions.

Teachers’ role

Following their job-shadowing experiences, teachers became change agents within the school. They formed dedicated teams - eTwinning, STEAM, Student Council, Volunteering, and Learning School Lab - and developed innovative lesson plans (e.g. Utopia – Dream City, Journeys inspired by books), escape rooms on democracy, and outdoor games using GooseChase. They also created relaxing corners for students.  

Formative assessment and tutoring enhanced students’ sense of agency, while the project supported the development of digital and intercultural competences through webinars with partners, online conferences, and cooperation with Teacher Training Institutions. A shared repository of tests, presentations, and multimedia resources was established. By learning together, teachers demonstrated to students that democracy also means collaboration among adults.

Impact and output

Thanks to the project, students developed a strong sense of agency and learned how to co-decide and work in teams through elections, campaigns, STEAM projects, and Student Council activities. Teachers implemented innovative methods - such as debates, flipped classroom, peer mediation, and STEAM - becoming recognised as change leaders in the city.  

The project actively included students with fewer opportunities through teamwork, extra classes, mobilities, and clearly defined roles. Civic education ensured that every student had a voice. After mobilities, a ripple effect emerged, with other teachers and parents becoming involved in activities such as debates, co-created rules, and social campaigns. The local community - including the library, district council, and NGOs - actively supported the school and valued its innovative approach to education.

Learn more about the project