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Latvian, Polish and Italian Pupils Visit Edinburgh School
14 March 2011 in School News
Pupils from Latvia, Poland and Italy have enjoyed a hugely successful visit to the school as part of our Comenius Programme: “So Far But So Close.”
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.
Members of Class 10 have already visited schools in Turkey and Latvia as part of the EU funded partnership and were enthusiastic hosts in return, organising a range of cultural activities for visiting pupils and teachers which ranged from a tour of the Falkirk wheel to an evening of dancing at a traditional Burns ceilidh (organised by Class 11).
Comenius activities take place throughout the year with pupils keeping in touch online. Other activities have included the exchange of Christmas traditions and carols, traditional houses and construction techniques and the development of an international phrase book. Our programme has been running for two years and ends in June 2011.
Read more about our European adventures on the school’s Comenius blog: http://comenius-edinburgh.blogspot.com
For more information about our Comenius Programme “So Far But So Close” please visit: http://www.steinerweb.org.uk/gallery/comenius-partnership
Following their visit, each group sent us their impressions of both Edinburgh and our school which we have shared below. They certainly had a surprising, revealing, enjoyable and memorable trip to Scotland.
The Italian group, composed of four teachers and four students, said: “Our students and teachers were really interested in the subjects you learn. Our Italian School is sometimes too theoretical rather than practical. During this stay, we had the opportunity to participate in a show about Epiphany prepared in only 2 weeks: big work for a short time!!
“For the first time, students and some teachers danced together in typical dances: a new way of keeping in touch and understanding cultural aspects. Students had fun dancing all together, they usually dance separately and alone, while here they have to respect the other’s rhythm and steps - they smiled a lot! A wonderful experience that will stay in our mind and heart forever.”
The Polish delegation, which included two teachers and five students, said: “The trip to Scotland was for all our group an amazing experience. The mystery of Edinburgh's streets, the legends we heard, the people we met- all of this was unforgettable.
“The most striking difference (in a positive way) was the organisation of the Edinburgh Steiner School. Everything was different. The holistic approach we experienced in the school was just wonderful. The visit in the Kindergarten and realising that the children are playing with wooden sticks, toys, etc. was for all of us (especially our children) a bit of a surprising experience. Of course, we realised that it’s all for developing artistic and imaginative skills.
“We have also realised that everyone at your school (including teachers) are much more relaxed compared to our Polish school. They always have time for talking and solving the problem on the spot.
“We have received such a warm welcome at the Edinburgh Steiner School. All of us really appreciated the King's Play we saw, performed by the teachers of the school (great play!) We have also experienced for the first time the traditional Scottish supper on Robert Burn's Night, including Haggis, music and dances.
“We all loved learning Scottish dances, trying your food and meeting such friendly people. We think we experienced something that will stay for a very long time in our minds and hearts. Thank you all for what you did.”
The Latvian group included four teachers and nine pupils. They said: “When we visited the Edinburgh Steiner School, it seemed very unforced, unusual and free with buildings that look like houses. This is a big advantage for pupils, because they feel at home, which we don’t in our conservatively arranged school. While visiting the Kindergarten, the teacher told us how children develop skills. In your Kindergarten, the pupils can actually feel like children, and don’t have to worry about reading, writing and the usual competitions that kindergartens have. They can feel free and are not forced to be older than they really are.
“For us, coming from a small town and especially for me, this project was a perfect opportunity. You can visit famous places from history books. Edinburgh is a perfect place for writers, poets, musicians, artists, history lovers and so many others, who like calm, romantic views with a breath of the past.”