The aim of our common project is to develop pupils`language skill in English. We want to give real opportunities to our students to learn, develop and practice English language in a real environment. To develop these skills, students need intensive communication and using innovative methods which our common project will provide them. They will have a chance to improve their English while participating in various activities through intercultural education and training. Furthermore, research on second language acquisition suggests that more learning takes place when students are engaged in relevant tasks within a dynamic learning environment rather than in traditional teacher-led classes.
This is a chance for teachers to develop professional skills, to improve English language, to enrich the opportunities to usesocial life as a way into their teaching.
Socila life and activities will encourage and require a learner to speak with and listen to other learners, as well as with people in the program and community. Communicative activities have real purposes: to find information, break down barriers, talkabout self, and learn about the culture.
There are seven needs for taking part in this project:
1/ English language is taught as a second language in all six countries. The main reason of the project is to develop pupils `skills. It is very useful to compare English grammar, conversation abilities, vocabulary and understanding children of the same age from quite different parts of Europe as well as different traditions and experience of teaching English. It is very favourable to share innovative practices in teaching foreign language.
2/ Education - Our school systems are quite different. Each country has its own educational traditions, standards and approaches to pupils. Each school uses different methods and tools in English classes and in extracurricular activities as well as for disadvantages pupils. To have an interesting international experience is the ideal opportunity how to enrich its own school, pupils, neighbouring society, personal life and career.
3/ Social life – pupils from each school want to spend time enjoying yourself with friends and to get the opportunities to do enjoyable things that exist in a particular place. Social activitiesencourage and require a learner to speak with and listen to other learners, as well as with people in the project and community. Social life providesreal purposes: to find information, break down barriers, talkabout self, and learn about the culture.
4/ Motivation to be the best - many pupils from each school have a big interest to take part in some international school partnership, but there will be elected just some of them. Although each of involved school has its own criteria, the fact is that all the candidates should be hardworking with perfect manners, very good knowledge of English (corresponding to their age 11 - 14) and culture backgrounds of participating countries. All these requirements are upgraded during long-term preparation before each visit.
5/ Family life - European Union is a "big family" with many ethnics and religious diversities. Young people have tendency to travel, work and live abroad, but some of them have less willingness to adaptation and coexistence with other nations. They will see the real life in hosting families and create their own more accurate ideas of living abroad.
6/ Learning to healthy lifestyle - including a unique mixture of sports and games, hiking, healthy food and traditional folklore makes young people stronger and happier. Some of these common activities will have cooperative form and the rest of them will be competitions.It is in the deep contrast with current unhealthy lifestyle of majority society based on consumption and very passive kinds of spending leisure time as watching TV or playing PC games.
7/ School evaluation - each school needs a perfect reputation. Not only headmaster, teachers or pupils can evaluate the quality of work in their home institution. There are many other people who can evaluate each school from different points of view - especially school inspectors, pupils´parents or local media. A successful international partnership is the ideal opportunity how to demonstrate a quality work of school staff and great results of pupils, but it is also the way how to work better, became well-known and desired partner not only in this country, but also abroad.
