Una scuola a misura di Europa -A school made for a dream called Europe

Summary

We recognise that “difference” shapes individual identity and contributes to the human, cultural, and civic development of society as a whole. This project promoted knowledge of various European Union countries, their histories, institutions, and policies. Our approach focused on offering students practical experiences - such as mobility, workshops, collaboration, and shared living - in order to deepen their awareness of what it means to be European citizens. 

“I visited new countries, met different people and became aware that culture is not a fortress with insurmountable walls but rather a bridge connecting two riverbanks, enabling multiculturalism to thrive. I hope we'll keep on crossing this bridge.”  

Topic(s) addressed 

• Knowledge of the European Union, its history, its bodies
• Intercultural education as well as respect for dialogue and inclusion
• Promotion of active European citizenship, with a particular focus on health and environmental protection

Target group(s) 

• 38 VET learners involved in short-term mobility activities
• 7 VET learners involved in ErasmusPro long-term mobility activities

Methodologies used 

Participants played an active role before, during, and after the mobility activities. Prior to departure, they took part in a peer-to-peer module in English about the European Union, using interactive methods such as debate to encourage discussion. They also joined a workshop on digital communication tools and participated in a full-day training focused on team building and enhancing intercultural skills.  

During the mobilities, a “learning by doing” approach was applied. Participants were actively involved in all phases - from check-in to selecting and organising cultural visits. Shared responsibility for managing the apartments further promoted intercultural dialogue, self-reliance, and collaboration, encouraging reflection on diversity and group dynamics. 

Innovation environment 

The school has equipped each classroom with multimedia devices to support a more hands-on, laboratory-style approach to learning. Mobile PC trolleys are available for group work and can be moved between rooms as needed. Two years ago, a class rotation system was introduced, allowing for subject-specific classrooms that can be customised accordingly. A decentralised school library is currently being developed, while the corridors have been painted in different colours based on disciplinary areas, creating a more vibrant and engaging environment.  

The school also collaborates with the Municipality of San Pietro in Cariano, the Valpolicella Rugby Club, and local parishes, making use of their spaces - such as the library, rugby field, study rooms, and theatre - for educational activities. 

Teachers’ role 

The school actively promotes continuous professional development for teachers, focusing on innovative methodologies - from debate techniques to the educational use of AI and digital tools. There is strong collaboration between internal working groups: the Erasmus+ team works closely with the school’s Welfare Commission to ensure that well-being and inclusion are central to project planning.  

The 2030 Agenda Committee also plays a key role, enabling the organisation of cross-curricular events for students on themes such as environmental protection, the circular economy, and European citizenship. Each year, the school hosts two to three groups of Erasmus+ mobility students and four to five visiting teachers for job-shadowing placements, fostering a continuous exchange of good practices.

Impact and output 

Each autumn, we organise two dissemination conferences with all Year 12 classes. In the last school year, we launched the first edition of a photo contest, where students shared a photo of their Erasmus experience on the school website accompanied by a slogan beginning with “My Europe is…”. Students also presented their experiences at the Verona Orientation Exhibition. 

In 2023, we celebrated Europe Day with a series of English-language workshops on the creation of the EU, followed by a public event featuring a concert by the European Youth Orchestra and a talk by writer and journalist Paolo Rumiz, open to both students and the wider community. In 2024, our students helped design and paint a collective mural, which was showcased at the “Festival Beyond the Border” in Volargne. In parallel, civics lessons on Europe and the 2030 Agenda have been fully integrated into the Civic Education curriculum. 

Learn more about the project

Video