Erasmus+ Project- Trip to Turkey
As part of its Erasmus+ project, “Magic and Myths Unite Europe”, members of our staff recently travelled to Samsun, Turkey to hold the project’s first Transnational Project Meeting. This was a momentous occasion as it was the first time all partner counties and committees would meet face to face, having only communicated previously via the internet.
On Wednesday the 28th November, our teachers Heather Cummins and Kim Britton along with Principal Fiona Rock took off an adventure to Samsun, Turkey, where they would lead the projects first official meeting. The city of Samsun, where the partner school of Tekkeköy İmam Hatip Ortaokulu is located, is situated in North Turkey, on the Black Sea Coast. Here they met with teachers from the other participating countries. This was the project’s first meeting and the first time that the aims, objectives and logistics of the project could be discussed.
To begin with the teachers were given a tour of the school and given the chance to observe teaching and visit classrooms. The teachers were also treated to an art lesson, where they learned about marbling. It is hoped that they will share their new skills with their fellow teachers and students back in our school. Also at the launch each school played a digital presentation introducing their school to the other countries. Le Chéile’s video, made by Aidan’s 5th class, did a great job explaining the schools ethos and atmosphere.
Another major part of the trip was to judge to logo competition. Five finalists from each country were brought to Turkey. The teachers then narrowed this down to a favourite from each country and finally the winner Lefki aged 12 from Cyprus’ logo was picked.
However, it was not all hard work, the teachers were invited to meet the Mayor of Samsun and Le Chéile presented him with a gift, a bronze plaque reading ‘Céad Míle Fáilte’. The renowned Tekkekoy caves were explored, as well as trip to the oldest wooden Mosque in the region which was great for deepening the teacher’s understanding of Islam.
This really was a worthwhile and valuable educational experience for all involved. It is great that Le Chéile is participating in such a project and strengthening its links with countries across Europe.
A superb video montage showing photographs of the trip was put together by Heather. It can be viewed on the Magic and Myths website, www.magicandmythsuniteeurope.weebly.com
For more information on the projects activities and to be kept up to date, please visit www.magicandmythsuniteeurope.weebly.com
