CONTEXT
The third short-term exchange of groups of pupils (C4) organised within the Erasmus+ project “Hand to Hand – Together in Europe” (reference number 2018-1-RO01-KA229-049337) took place between the 25th and the 29th of November 2019, and it was hosted by the partner school Istituto Comprensivo “Giovanni Pierluigi” Palestrina from the town of Palestrina (Italy). This transnational learning/teaching/training activity, entitled “History and millennial culture”, was dedicated to the activity of the project club “The whisper of the past builds up the future”. The topic of the exchange visit was becoming acquainted with the historical and cultural heritage from all the partner countries.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25TH
The guests were warmly welcomed by the Italian pupils, parents and teachers, led by the school headmistress, Ms Silvia Mezzanzani and by the coordinator of the Italian project team, Ms Maria Antonietta Pochesci.
On the first day of the physical mobility, the participants set out on a tour of the charming town of Palestrina, situated on a spur of Mount Prenestini. This settlement older than Rome is mostly known for its sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Fortuna Primigenia and the spectacular mosaic with scenes from the Nile which can be admired in the National Archaeological Museum of Palestrina, but also for its narrow cobblestoned streets that give the sensation of walking in a medieval citadel and as the birthplace of the Renaissance composer Giovanni Pierluigi.
The participants also had the opportunity to meet the mayor and other town officials, who expressed their joy to be hosting this transnational activity, and to visit the kindergarten and the primary school.
After enjoying a lunch offered by the hosting families and the Italian teachers, the pupils took part in a workshop during which they became acquainted with the technique of painting frescos, typical of the Renaissance period, and were able to practise their creativity and artistic skills by making frescos in pairs with the hosting pupils.
Meanwhile, the coordinators and the other teachers took part in a meeting during which they discussed details about the fourth short-term exchange of groups of pupils scheduled to take place in Latvia in February 2019, and also analysed the project’s progress which was beautifully illustrated with the help of a brochure about the activities carried out within the project during the 2018-2019 school year, including materials created by each partner school and edited by the Italian team.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26TH
The second day of the exchange visit was dedicated to an educational trip to the nearby town of Tivoli. The participants were fascinated by Villa d’Este, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous mainly for its terraced Renaissance garden and its numerous fountains. Here, the pupils took part in an exciting treasure hunt which had as objectives appreciating and valorising historical and artistic heritage. Next, the guests had the chance to walk in the footsteps of the Roman emperor Hadrian by visiting the huge archaeological complex Villa Adriana, which is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27TH
On the third day, the participants admired the breath-taking view from the town of Castel San Pietro Romano which is perched on the top of Mount Ginestro, at 763 meters above sea level. After touring the town and visiting the kindergarten and primary school, the pupils took part in a workshop on making the lily-shaped traditional biscuits called “giglietti”, a local product closely linked to the fate of Roman nobility, in particular of the Barberini family, lords of Palestrina.
Back at school, the pupils from each team took turns presenting the materials on the topic of history prepared for the exchange visit. The presentations started with videos about the activities carried out at school level within the clubs “The whisper of the past builds up the future” between November 2018 and November 2019, which were mainly dedicated to knowing and valorising historical heritage. The topics of the informative presentations were iconic historical monuments or sites, local and national cultural and tourist events promoting historical heritage and important events in the history of each partner country.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28TH
The fourth day of the exchange visit was dedicated to an unforgettable cultural visit to Rome. The Eternal City awed all the participating pupils and teachers by its unique historical sites, such as the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, Trajan’s Column, Piazza Venezia, Fontana di Trevi, the Pantheon and Piazza Navone.
The exciting educational trips organised by the hosting team allowed the participants to enrich their knowledge on Roman history and the Renaissance period, and also to become acquainted with Italian culture, lifestyle and cuisine.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29TH
The final day of the physical mobility started with sporting activities and games in the school’s gym, during which the pupils from all the partner countries had fun together and further strengthened the bonds created among them. Their last hours spent together were also dedicated to chatting, singing, taking photos and exchanging gifts. After receiving the certificates of attendance and the frescos painted on the first day, the pupils enjoyed one more meal together and soon after had to say good-bye to their new friends and head home.
CONCLUSION
The third short-term exchange of groups of pupils hosted by the partner school Istituto Comprensivo “Giovanni Pierluigi” Palestrina from Palestrina (Italy) was an opportunity for a true journey back in time. Through the presented materials and the educational trips, the participating pupils and teachers became acquainted with historical heritage from all the five partner countries, and also became aware of the importance of preserving and valorising cultural heritage.
During the preparation and the presentation of the materials, the pupils developed many useful competences, such as their ICT abilities, teamwork skills, critical thinking, as well as their English knowledge. All the common activities organised during the exchange visit gave pupils the opportunity to develop their communication skills and interpersonal abilities, to practise their artistic and practical skills, as well as to connect with children their age from other European countries.
The transnational activity represented an extremely positive experience for all the participants, serving as an exchange of good practices among the project teams and an opportunity to develop close friendships among pupils and teachers alike.