Parents

News

Steiner Teachers Help Launch EU School Partnership Scheme

3 December 2009 in School News

Two teachers from the Edinburgh Rudolf Steiner School have travelled to Europe as part of the EU's Comenius programme. Part of the Lifelong Learning Programme, Comenius seeks to develop knowledge and understanding among young people and educational staff of the diversity of European cultures, languages and values. It helps young people acquire the basic life skills and competences necessary for their personal development, for future employment and for active citizenship.

Andrew Farquharson and Foppe Jemella took part in a series of meetings in Italy to help kick off a two year project which will see the Edinburgh school partnered with state maintained schools from Latvia, Poland, Turkey and Italy. A number of different themes will be explored by pupils taking part in the scheme called "So Far But So Close." These will range from traditional housing in each country to the impact on horticulture of different climates and environments.  Pupils will also take part in visits to member schools with a trip planned to the Edinburgh school in January 2011.

The meeting in Italy, which was attended by the country's Regional Education Minister and local Mayor, also discussed how participating pupils can keep in touch during the project via an online pupil forum, video conferencing and Skype.

Regular updates on the development of the project will be posted in School News. Alternatively, please visit the following websites for more information:

http://ec.europa.eu/education/lifelong-learning-programme/doc84_en.htm http://sofarbutsoclose.ning.com/