The last project meeting in Chiaravalle
From 22nd to 28th October 2019 a group of 7 students from our school (also graduates) under the care of Wioleta Michalczyk and Olga Tylutki (NASZE RIO association) took part in the final meeting of the 2-year ERASMUS+ project ‘Learning democracy by school’, which took place in Italy. As usually, we met there our project partners from Gesamtschule in Treuenbrietzen (Germany) and Podesti Institut in Chiaravalle (Italy). Our students were accomodated in Italian families, what gave them a great opportunity to get to know other cultures, customs and most of all – to practice their language skills.
The first day was intended for travel. Some of us, flied by plane for the first time, but even for ‘flight veterans‘ the visit on the huge airport in Munich, was an unusual experience. We had to take a train to get from one terminal to another! Nevertheless, we managed to do that and reached Ancona late at night. Our hosts had already waited for us.
On the second day we had activities at school. At first, the Mayor of Chiaravalle and the Headmaster of the school welcomed us warmly. The Mayor of Treuenbrietzen was also present there. Then we had photography workshop. At the same time, teachers and representatives of partner institutuions were engaged in summing up the project and preparing the final report. It was said that it could be great to continue our cooperation in the future. After lunch, we had some sport activities – we played volleyball in international teams. In the evening we were nicely surprised and taken for the promotinal meeting of a book series “I processi per i crimini di Guerra tedeschi in Italia” organised especially for those who take part in the ERASMUS+ project in order to thank them for their involvment. At the end of the day we ate dinner at canteen of Maria Montessori – a very famous teacher who was born in Chiaravalle.
On the third day we prepared posters about protection of the Earth and climate,under the care of Jonas from the SV-Bildungswerk association in Berlin. Then we had sport activities – basketball this time. In the afternoon, despite the rain, we had to try Italian ice cream. It was delicious!
On Wednesday morning, we visited the cemetery where we put, together with Germans,
a wreath on the grave of the war hero who contributed to the fact that Treuenbrietzen and Chiaravalle became in 2010 partner cities. Then, we went to Ancona where we visited the IIS Podesti Calzecchi Onesti secondary school. We were amazed by well-equipped classrooms (eg. photography classroom, hairdresser’s classroom). After the meal, we met our guide Laura, who showed us the most interesting places in Ancona. Among others, she told us about the cemetery of Polish soldiers or the history of commercial port, and showed us Romanesque-Byzantine Cathedral and Triumphal Arch. Later on, we spent some time by the ocean where some of us decided to swim despite of rainy weather. In the evening we did small shopping and ate delicious dinner in a vineyard with a view to the Monte Conero mountain.
On Thursday we visited 2 historic towns –Macerata and Conero. The history of the first one is dated back to the turn of the 3rd and 4th century BC. We saw eg. beautiful palaces that nowadays are used as universities. This is a city of a one of the most famous Italian poet Giacomo Leopardi. In the afternoon, we traditionally ate pizza and ice-cream. In Recanati we climbed the observation tower where we admired exceptional views. In the evening we ate again at Montessori’s canteen.
On Friday we had an opportunity to visit beautiful caves – „Grotte di Frasassi“. This fairytale landscape created by nature will remain in our memories for a very long time. After returning to Chiaravelle, we baked together cakes according to local recipes. After dinner, we had a disco – but a very unusual one. We could learn how to dance under the guidance of a professional dance instructor!
On Saturday morning we set off on our way home. It was very difficult to say goodbye to our Italian and German friends, but we hope our friendships will survive the distance test. It was great to take part in the ERASMUS+ project!
Aleksandra W. and Wioleta M.
Bee Houses just before our school
On July 2019 occured three colorful “Bug Hotels” just before our school. Those bee-houses were crafted by pupils (mostly, with a little help from parents). This is the result of our mikrogrant contest for pupils initiatives. Girls team: Natalia, Sofiia, Iga, Oliwia and Krystyna wrote a project, took part in workshops, won a contest and developed it. This is a great example for so colled “commod good” in school community and ecological education for all the pupils. Especially for younger colleages, who are now able to look and learn how the bees are behaving. Bee Houses are also supporting biodiversity in the close neighborhood of the school.
Wioleta
The visit our Erasmus+ partners in Złotoryja
On Sunday the 24th of March at 6.00pm the German, Italian and Polish students had the welcoming meal at the resteraunt “Przy Miłej”. We all had the meal, talked and got to know each other a bit more.
On Monday the 25th of March we all met in school at 8.30am. The students went round school and looked around classrooms, meanwhile the teachers talked about the next steps of the project. After talking and showing the school, all the students and teachers were taken to the sports hall to watch our younger students showed their talents. We had a gymnast act and a cheerleading act, we watched them with a big interest. After the show, we went to the chemistry lab to try out the different kinds of experiments, using the sources in the lab. When we all finished we went to dinner, we had delicious sandwiches that we all enjoyed. After we all ate, we went to the gym and had zumba lessons , we all came out tired and sweaty. At 2.00pm we all went to the restaurant and had dinner, we deffinetly all enjoyed that, too. Then we went to Nasze Rio, to play the town game that the Polish students prepared for everyone. When we all finished we came back to Rio and played group games that were based on comunication. When we finished we all went for our last meal of the day.
On Tuesday the 26th of March we came to school at 8.30am. At first we had a talk about what we have done since the last meeting in Germany that took up about 2 hours. After the talk we ate sandwiches and had free time with the other students from the other schools. Then we picked out our historical costumes for the photos at the castle. We set off to the castle at 2.30pm and arriced there at 3.00pm. When we got there we all had something to eat and then went round to visit the castle and admire it on the inside. After the castle we went to shoot from arrows and try get the most points, whoever got the most got an award. When we all had a try at shooting, we went to watch a knight’s fight, got to try on their costumes and hold their swords. When the fight was over, we got into costumes and got ready for the photoshoot. We had dinner in the castle and it was very nice. We set off home, after eating and getting full we had to walk 1km down to the bus. We got home at around 9.00pm.
On Wednesday 27th of March we all met at the restaurant in the morning, we all waited to meet the mayor of Złotoryja and Treuenbrietzen. When they came, everyone had a coffee together, and we all set of to Vitbis- the Chrismtas balls’ fabric. We all got to make our own Christmas balls and went round to see how the Christmas decorations are made. “In Vitbis it’s Christmas every day” said one of the workers. We came back by bus. When we got into town, every student and teacher from Italy and Germany got a chance to rise out gold using sand and water. When we finished we went for dinner at the restaurant, and when we had two hours free time, so the Polish students took the visitors around to show the different shops we have in Złotoryja. When we finished our shopping trip we went to Nasze Rio for a presentation about democracy. Then we had to write down what we would like to change in our town. When we finished we went for a good-bye meal at the same restaurant as before. We all had to say goodbye to each other because they had to go back the next day.
On Thursdays the 28th of March the students of Italy went home at 3am at night, and the German students set off home after breakfast.Natalia
My dream school
In November 2018, as a part of the project ‘Learning democracy by school‘, we announced in our school a contest „My dream school”. The students were asked to prepare an artwork, a literary work, a project or a multimedia presentation, in which they had to present how they imagine their ideal school – an external or internal appearance, an atmosphere, students‘ relations, as well as communication and cooperation between students and teachers. The pupils could also demonstrate the ways the school should function in their opinion. The contest aroused students‘ interest and they participated in it very eagerly. After receiving all the works, the Jury decided to award prizes in the following categories:
- The artwork of the students of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd grade
- The artwork of the students of the 4th-8th grade and the junior high-school students
- The literary work – the story and the poem (separately)
- The project – the poster prepared by the whole class
- The multimedia presentation
In this contest students were able to present their creativity in various fields, as well as demonstrate their ideas for a dream school. We hope that due to the participation in ERASMUS+ project and better cooperation between pupils and teachers, our school will meet students‘ expectations and become more student- and teacher-friendly in the future.
Aleksandra R.
Self – government at school
On the 13th December 2018 in our school took place the workshops for students and teachers on the topic of students‘ self-governance . The workshops were organised as a part of the Erasmus + project „Learning democracy by school“. The lecturer Mr Michał Tragarz from the Center of the Civic Education from Warsaw told us about different possibilities of teenagers‘ participation in a school life.
During the meeting with our students – the representatives of the Student Board from the 6th to 8th grade of the primary – school and the 3rd grade of the junior high – school, there were discussed some important issues including: the efficacy of the Student Board and the elections to it (organizational matters), the communication between students and teachers, the school life (extracurricular activities and events), the students‘ rights as well as making various decisions by students at school. There were given also different ideas for improving the communication in school, such as school debate, duty hours of the Student Board, meetings with school headmasters, giving information on the school website or social networking sites. Moreover, Mr Tragarz talked also about the citizen’s budget, which perfectly relates to the grant competition for the best students‘ project annouced at our school. He also made students aware that they always should begin with even small matters that concern them and then broaden their scope of activities as far as possible.
During the workshop for teachers, there were mailny discussed issues important for better cooperation between students and teachers. There were given various ideas how to make the educational hours more students-friendly (eg. common decisions – making and creating rules for cooperation in class, class customs and rituals, educational hours run by students). Many of them already exist in our school but some others are definitely worth considering.
Wioleta
workshop the good school council
The lectures on Polish constitutions
On the 7th December 2018, in the Primary school No 3 in Zlotoryja, a lecture on the subject „The constitutions of the reborn Poland“ was given by Mrs Anna Feja – Paszkiewicz who is PhD in law, with the specialization in the constitutional law. She is also the lecturer in the Cathedral of the Constitutional Law (Department of Law and Administration at the university in Zielona Góra). Mrs Feja – Paszkiewicz is the author of many articles, legal opinions as well as case studies. In her research studies she mainly pays attention to the issues related to electoral law, legal sources participatory democracy and constitutional law of local government. The headteacher of our school, Mrs Danuta Boroch, warmly welcomed Mrs Feja – Paszkiewicz, thanked her for running the lectures and gave her as a gift our book „Ocalić od zapomnienia“ (‚Save from oblivion‘). In the lecture participated students from the 6th, 7th and 8th grade. This event also perfectly refers to our activities carried out within the project ERASMUS+ „Learning democracy by school“. What is more, it showed the great cooperation between our school and the parents, as Mrs Feja-Paszkiewicz is our student’s mother.
The meeting with Mrs Feja-Paszkiewicz certainly enriched the educational offer of our school and it was the extraordinary experience for our students. And who knows? Maybe it will become an impuls for our pupils to choose law for their future career..
Damian
“Learning democracy by school”-report from the integration trip
On 14 October 2018 students from our school taking part in the project“Learning democracy by school”-“Nauka demokracji w szkole” as part of an international program “Erasmus+” under the care of our teachers left for our western neighbors for a student exchange. Each of us had fears , whether we will to be successful communicate. Equipped with knowledge acquired in German and English lessons and in the dictionaries we started our adventure . After a four hour journey we reached our destination charming , German town Treuenbrietzen .We had an overnight stay in German families ,who came forward for us about an hour 7 PM. Our stay program was very tight but above all , interesting. Then we were brings to Gesamtschule “Am Burgwall”.
On the first day of our official stay we were welcomed by the headmasters of the school and her students. Italian students also took part in the exchange , with whom we had very good contact. We were shown around the school , we could see in what conditions our German friends are learning and what kind of school classes they have. The hosts had a “week of projects “ during our visit in which they had various tasks to perform. They were for example, wooden beehives , pallet seats and carnival masks , which will be exhibits of the exhibition. Divided into groups in which there were students form three countries , we visited the town using the city game . At the end of the day there was a common bonfire with delicious food.
The next day of the visit began with yoga classes. Then again we were divided into two groups. We performed the discussion which topic was democracy in our school , how important it is to us. After a tasty lunch prepared by students of the school , we took part in sports competitions . We played volleyball and football together with our friends. It was noticeable that integration through together fun it’s a bull’s eye.
On Wednesday in the morning we moved on by train to Berlin . We had in plans sightseeing the most important monuments the capital of Germany: the Berlin Cathedral, the Brandenburg Gate ,fragments of the Berlin Wall. We also received the task. It consisted on taking a series of photos : with an animal ,during the meal ,on the background of monument and with a person standing out in the crowd. The capital of Germany has made a very positive impression on us. Crowds of tourists were striking. At the seat of the Bundestag we were at the exhibition about history of democracy in Germany.
Thursday began with a summary of the classes and discussion about democracy . Together with our foreign colleagues we described our dream school . After dinner we went to Potsdam ,in which we visited the Sanssouci Palace and historical , Dutch district in the city center.
On the last day before departure our hosts presented us their handcraft exhibition. Theatrical performance and school band performance graced whole valedictory ceremony. In the meantime we were writing on balloons our ideas, how can we protect democracy in our country. In second half of the day we were doing workshops about pottery and we were designing bags with slogan “Democracy in school”. In the end of the day we were on disco, where school band was playing. Their vocalist was Italian student with awesome voice. Me and my friend – Oliwia sang a song called “Niezapominajka”. The applause was long. On the disco was playing German, Italian and of course Polish music. Goodbye to our foreign friends was really moving for everyone. On the day of departure we bought little souvenirs for our relatives. We thanked the guardians for hosting us.
Our whole stay proceeded in great atmosphere. Despite our first fears we could break through language barrier with bigger or smaller success. Know traditions and culture stay in our memory for a long time. We’ve seen how important is integration with foreign countries and learning foreign languages. We have to remember that we’re not only Polish people but also European. We – young people should learn what is toleration and democracy. We can’t wait for our German and Italian friends to come to Poland in Spring, because of our project ERASMUS+, that gives youth possibility to know what’s European. For 100% we will host them with hospitality and cordiality.
Iga
Workshops “Project management”
Workshops “Project management” on Tuesday, June 12, 2018, a group of 20 students from our school took part in the workshops called “Project management” prepared by Nasze RIO Association. Classes were one of the activities carried out as part of the project “Learning democracy by school”. During the meeting, the students had to develop their own project in a democratic way. They received 1000 (zloty) the implementation of the project. The investigation into specific effects was long-lasting and stormy. In the end, we managed to create assumptions for the implementation of as many as four projects: “Cultural Festival”, “Sports costumes”, “Green Corner” and “Colorful gymnasium”.
Damian
The lesson in Regional Council of the Lower Silesia Voivodeship
On the 10th May 2018, the group of students participating in the project „Learning democracy by school”, as well as, the pupils from the 2nd and 3rd grade of junior-high school (Primary School No 3) took part in the educational trip to Wrocław.
At the beginning, they visited the District of Four Religions (called also the District of Mutual Respect), in which in the distance of only 300 metres four different churches are located:
a catholic church, an orthodox church, an evangelical one and a synagogue. It is a unique place both in Poland and in Europe and that is why, it was a perfect place to run an interesting works hop for our pupils. After a short introduction, the students had to work in groups and solve some exercises related to religions in Poland, the history of polish tolerance and characteritic of various confessions.
After that, students went to The Regional Council of the Lower Silesia Voivodeship where they participated in the lesson related to the government and self-government in the voivodeship. Due to this lesson students could get to know a lot of significant information connected with the structure of local self-government, the way of choosing local authorities and the government in the country as well as their range of competences.
This trip was not only very attractive for our students but most of all, it was very important in case of the project our school is taking part in. This lesson was an opportunity to learn tolerance and become more open – minded, as well as, to form social awarness, understand the laws and obligations related to the affiliation to a local community. It was another task our school accomplished within the project „Learning democracy by school”.
Damian
Second project meeting in Italy-April 2018
As a part of the Europian Project carried out in our school “Learning democracy by school” for the second time we met up with our partners from Italy and Germany, this time in Chiaravalle, Italy. The visit was full of interesting lectures, lively discussions and very interesting trips, during which we got to know the traditions and culture of Italy. On the first day, we were greeted by the Mayor of Chiaravalle and the Director of the Podesti Institute. Then we heard a lecture of law and democracy by professor Laura Vagni from the University of Macerata. It was an introduction to analyze our current activities and plans for the future. Each country presented them on the basis of our blog, run in English, where we place detailed information. On that day we also had the opportunity to visit the city of Chiaravalle (town hall, library and house – museum of Maria Montessori), and finally, carry out all types of discussions with our partners during a joint dinner.
The next day started very actively from a warm-up lead by an Italian music teacher. We could relax and prepare for further work. Our students and their German students took part together with the Italians in school classes, learned the methods and techniques of work in history and mathematics lessons, while the teachers discussed about democracy and didactics. Then we presented a research tool in the form of a questionnaire on democracy, which will be another joint action. The survey will be conducted among students, teachers and city officials to check knowledge of the concept of democracy. In the afternoon we went to the picturesque seaside town of Senigallia, where we admired the beautiful views of the Adriatic coast, and also got to know the traditions of Italians.
The last day of the visit, also started with exercises, turned out to be full of impressions. The students tried to bake a pizza on their own, and the teachers went to school at the time, where students aged 4-6 worked according to the Montessori method. It was a surprising, but at the same time very interesting experience. In the afternoon we went on a trip to the city of Loreto, where there is a beautiful Basilica of Santa Casa (Madonna di Loreto Sanctuary), and then we had the opportunity to visit one of the famous Italian vineyards. At the end of our stay in Italy, a big dinner was held, attended by the Mayor and representatives of the City Hall and the Italian school, which ended with the wishes of fruitful cooperation in the future. The evening was nice, everyone had a great time with Polish, German and Italian music.
The whole stay in Italy was a very interesting experience. Both activities related to the theme of the project, i.e. democracy, as well as the opportunity to learn about Italian life. This stay was an unforgettable experience. The next meeting is scheduled for October, this time in Germany.
Aleksandra K.
Workshop with “Nasze Rio” and the game „Let’s play a city“.
On the 22nd March 2018 the group of students who take part in the Erasmus+ project „Learning democracy by school“, as well as other pupils of the Primary School No
3 in Złotoryja, participated in the workshop organized by NASZE RIO assocciation (our partner in this project).
At the beginning, the leader of NASZE RIO, Barbara Zwierzynska, presented the students with the main idea of this association, told about various charity actions they undertake and showed them different videos presenting their activities. Later on, Barbara, asked students what democracy means for them and what democratic actions they notice in our town. Then, they created the mind-map which included students‘ associations related to the term of democracy.
After the theoretical part of the workshop, Barbara invited all students to take part in the game „Let’s play a city“. Each students had to choose a sheet of paper with a role to play – a city governement, a businessman, a green (‘a tree-hugger’), a family member and a journalist. According to the role that students drew and the rules of this game, they had to represent their interests and try to develop the city area on the special city map (e.g. businessmen wanted to bulid many cafes in the city centre while families tried to have there playgrounds for their children). In each round, everybody followed certain principles and ‘fighted for‘ realizing own business in different parts of the city. At the end of every round, the groups were given points according their interests they managed to realize and they also assessed the local government (whether they fullfilled their requests).
After the last round, each group counted their points and it turned out that students managed the city in a very resonable way (they got almost the same number of points). When it came to the conclusion, students agreed that they enjoyed the game very much. It was very exciting experience for them because they had a chance to manage
a city and see how difficult task it is. It was also a great opportunity to learn new things, spend some time together, get to know each other better and especially have a good time.
Aleksandra R.
Meeting with the major of Złotoryja
On the 22nd of February 2018, members of the project, “Learning democracy by school” within the programe Erasmus+ with the teachers visited the City Hall and we had a meeting with the City Mayor and Secretary. Everyone could ask the Mayor questions, that bothered them, about the plans towards the town, the events and the past of the town. We asked about the most impotaint things, like ; “Could we open a McDonald`s restauraunt?” We also asked about the swimming pool. Some of the answers to the question`s were a shock to us, the others were opposite, but we got clear and exact answers. The future of our town seems to be really interesting. Most likely, the most exciting thing that is going to happen in our town is the fact there are going to be bicycle routes, they will allow us to explore our town in a more active way. We hope the things we got told at the meeting will come to realization. Złotoryja is constantly growing, it is more friendly to young people, and it is extremely important for us, young people living here.
Hanna and Kamila
The article in our local newspaper “Echo Złotoryi”
The article about our both Erasmus+projects
A conference “The History of democracy in Poland”
On January 12, 2018, at the Primary School No. 3 in Złotoryja, a conference was held, called “The History of democracy in Poland”. The meeting was one of the activities of the project “Learning democracy by school” held under the Erasmus program of the European Union. The presentation and materials were prepered by our history teacher. 18 students took part in the workshop, supported by 3 teachers from the school, and the leader of “Nasze Rio” assostiation. The students developed and then presented the most important stages in the development of Polish democracy. It was difficult for students to make such a statement. However they managed it very well.
Damian
The article from “Echo Złotoryi”
The conference scenario – The history of democracy in Poland
In the town hall
As a part of the Europian Project carried out in our school “Learning democracy by school.” A group of school students with the help from history teacher, have taken part in a meeting of the Social Affairs Committee of the City Council, the topic of the meeting included the needs and problems of teenagers in the town. At the beginning of the meeting the leader of “Nasze Rio association presented a Power Point presentation about what young people are most interested in, and the way they spend their free time. She also mentioned the different addictions within teenagers. At the end of the presentation the city council adressed to certin parts that had been presented. The last part of the meeting was about young teens asking different questions. Not all questions got answered, but we hope the council will think about all our ideas. It was a much more interesting lesson of knowledge about society for us than learning from books at school.
Iga
At first, we decided to carry out a survey related to Student Board. We wanted to see how our students understand the tasks of Student Board and how they perceive the activities of Student Board in our School.The results of this survey helped us to plan the activites connected with the ERASMUS+ project “Learning democracy by school”.
The first meeting in Treuenbrietzen-November 2017
Students from our school, two teachers and the leader of „Nasze Rio” Assocciation took part in the meeting in Germany. The meeting is co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union and the title is “Learning democracy by school”.
We arrived to Germany on Wednesday (15th November) and we met in Treuenbrietzen with our partners from Italy, Chiaravelle (IIS Podesti Calzecchi Onesti) and from Germany, Treuenbrietzen (Gymnasium „Am Burgwall”). There was an official part of the meeting with the head teacher and the mayor of Treuenbrietzen. Each member of the project introduced himself and our partners were given some gifts which were co-funded by “Vitbis” (bauble factory in Złotoryja)
After that we had some integrative classes. Each member of the project had to talk with a person from different country for 5 minutes and then the second person had to introduce his or her partner. After lunch we went to the lecture hall and watched the presentation about democracy prepared by German students. One of the most important member of the meeting was the Undersecretary of Education in Brandenburg. Later we worked with our partners and one of the most crucial thing was a presentation of school, city and country. In the evening we had formal dinner in the town hall. The mayor of Treuenbrietzen introduced the history of the town and showed us the town hall.
Each day in Treuenbrietzen was full of hard work on project, we established common activities, aims and ways of communication. The integration of the group was significant, so we had international cooking. The Italians cooked spaghetti and tiramisu, the German prepared some salad and we cooked “pierogi” (dumpling).
On Friday we made a summary of the project. We decided about the dates of the next meetings which will be in April 2018. We also went sightseeing around the Treuenbrietzen.
The meeting in Treuenbrietzen was an interesting experience, full of hand work and stimulating discussion. We believe that our future meetings in Italy, Poland and Germany will be helpful to better understand “learning democracy by school”.
Aleksandra K.
Learn democracy 