Author: ES

On the second day of our Erasmus exchange meeting, students from France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and Türkiye immersed themselves in a day filled with exploration, learning, and cultural exchange. Here is a short insight:

1. Welcome Activities at the Library

The morning commenced with a warm welcome at the school library. Students gathered amidst shelves of books, representing the vast knowledge and diversity of our continent.

2. School Visit

Next, we embarked on a journey through the school hosting this exchange. The corridors echoed with chatter as students mingled with their peers from different countries. Classroom doors swung open, revealing glimpses of varied teaching methods and educational systems.

3. Workshop: “Sports in My City”

Students collaborated on creating a booklet titled “Sports in My City.” Each participating school / country contributed insights about their hometown’s and their country’s sporting culture. From football stadiums to swimming pools, the pages were filled with anecdotes and facts. The booklet became a mosaic of European athleticism.

4. Workshop: “Sports Heroes” Presentation

Here, students researched and shared stories of legendary athletes who had left indelible marks on their respective nations. From sprinters to soccer players, the room resonated with admiration and inspiration. It also became clear, that some sport heroes are well-known and famous beyond borders—while others are practically unknown outside their home countries.

5. European Day

In the school auditorium, presentations and talks centred around the topic of Europe. This activity was not restricted to the exchange group. Instead, it was a school wide activity to which the guests were also invited.

Connecting Sports and Our Activities:

Throughout the day, the theme of sports wove through our experiences:

1. Team Spirit: Just like in sports, we collaborated, cheered for each other, and celebrated victories—whether in the library, classrooms, or on stage.
2. Endurance: Our exploration mirrored an athletic endeavour. We climbed intellectual peaks, jogged through cultural nuances, and sprinted toward understanding.
3. Diversity: Sports unite people across borders. Similarly, our exchange meeting showcased the richness of European cultures, emphasizing unity in diversity.

In summary, the second day of our Erasmus exchange meeting was a tapestry of shared knowledge, spirited conversations, and a celebration of our interconnectedness.

On the last day of the meeting, students discovered several sports in the water at Torre de la Mora Beach. Some of the students came from various “colder” countries. For these, this was their first experience with such activities, making it an exciting and novel adventure.

The students were introduced to several water sports, each offering a different set of challenges and experiences:

1. Kayaking: This activity provided the students with an opportunity to navigate the waters using their strength and coordination. It was a test of endurance and a chance to experience the thrill of gliding on water.
2. Paddle Surfing: Also known as stand-up paddleboarding, this activity required balance and core strength. The students learned to stand on a board and use a paddle to move across the water, offering a unique perspective of the sea.
3. Big SUP: Big Stand Up Paddleboarding is a team activity where multiple people paddle together on a large board. This activity fostered teamwork and coordination among the students.

The water sports activity at Torre de la Mora Beach was a resounding success. It provided the students with an introduction to various water sports, promoting physical fitness and teamwork. For many, it was a first-time experience that broadened their horizons and provided a memorable adventure. The students’ enthusiasm and willingness to learn new skills were commendable, making the activity a valuable part of their overall educational experience.

Morning Session: Workshops and Debate

The day began with workshops in multicultural groups. Students from different backgrounds and cultures came together to share their perspectives and learn from each other. These workshops fostered a sense of unity and understanding among the students, breaking down cultural barriers and promoting mutual respect.

Following the workshops, a debate on the “Importance of Physical Education Class” was held. Participants passionately argued their points, highlighting the role of physical education in promoting health, teamwork, and discipline. The debate was a testament to the importance of physical education in the holistic development of students.

The example of the hosting Spanish school was well appreciated also by visiting teachers. They also discussed if, and if yes, how this approach of daily sports lessons might be adapted at their respective schools as well.

Sports classes / Physical Education (PE) classes play a crucial role in schools for a variety of reasons:

Health and Well-being: Sports lessons are designed to improve students’ physical health and well-being. They help students stay healthy and can also assist in maintaining a healthy weight, thereby reducing the risk of obesity.

Teamwork and Social Skills: These classes often involve team sports which can teach students how to cooperate with others and resolve conflicts. This can help students develop important social skills and make friends.

Lifelong Physical Activity Habits: When students are engaged in physical activity, they are more likely to continue being physically active throughout their lives.

Academic Performance: Physical activity has been shown to positively affect academic performance. Physically active students might have better grades than students who are not physically active.

Motor Skills and Knowledge: Sports provides cognitive content and instruction designed to develop motor skills, knowledge, and behaviours for physical activity and physical fitness.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a minimum of 60 minutes of physical activity per day for children. In conclusion, PE classes offer students many benefits, including health improvement, development of teamwork skills, and enhancement of academic performance. Therefore, it’s essential for schools to provide PE classes for all students.

Later, the students engaged in a reflection about the project. They discussed the meeting’s activities, shared their experiences, and contemplated the lessons learned. This reflection allowed them to internalize the different things they had learnt and understand the impact of these activities on their personal and academic growth. The discussion underscored the importance of physical education and a healthy lifestyle, leaving a lasting impact on the students.

The day concluded with a visit to the Monestir Sant Cugat. This excursion provided the students with an opportunity to appreciate history and architecture, further enriching their Erasmus+ experience.

Workshop: Spanish Traditional Dances

In a spacious hall and theatre, the rhythmic beat of castanets and the swish of colorful clothing filled the air. Led by a passionate dance instructor, students and teachers learned the art of Spanish traditional dances. Flamenco came alive as feet tapped and hands clapped. The workshop transcended language barriers, and created joyful moments when the results of the learning experiences were presented on stage.

Afternoon Adventures

Visit to Sagrada Familia

Close to lunchtime we boarded a bus bound for the iconic Sagrada Familia. Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece stood before us—a symphony of stone and light. Students discovered the basilica’s intricate façade, revealing stories etched in stained glass. The Sagrada Familia became a metaphor for our exchange: a work in progress, a fusion of cultures, and a testament to human creativity.

Exploring the Gothic Quarter with Host Students

In the heart of Barcelona, the Gothic Quarter welcomed us with narrow alleys, hidden courtyards, and centuries-old architecture. Paired with local host students, we wandered through history. Cobblestone streets told tales of Roman walls, medieval guilds, and Catalan resilience. The hosts shared their favourite cafés, secret viewpoints, and legends of the past.

Boat Trip on “Las Golondrinas”

Towards the evening, the group boarded the white-and-blue boat known as “Las Golondrinas” and sailed along Barcelona’s coastline. From the deck, we glimpsed the city’s skyline—the modern and the ancient coexisting harmoniously. As the boat glided under bridges, we raised our cameras, capturing reflections of our journey.

Cultural Threads and New Friendships

Throughout the day, the theme of both sports and unity wove through our experiences:

• Dance: Just like the intricate steps of Spanish dances, our paths intertwined.
• Architectural Marvels: Sagrada Familia and the Gothic Quarter reminded us that creativity transcends time and place.
• Water: Whether on land or sea, we navigated together, leaving ripples of friendship in our wake.

On the 8th of May, students from five different countries gathered for an exciting exchange meeting. The day’s highlight was a hike up Tibidabo Mountain 🌄⛰️, a picturesque peak near Sant Cugat. Let’s delve into the details of this memorable activity.

Schedule

• Early morning: The adventure began as students assembled at the school.
• Hiking Route: The group embarked on a scenic trail leading to the summit of Tibidabo.
• Midday: A well-deserved lunch break awaited the hikers. Everyone enjoyed a delightful picnic lunch, sharing stories and laughter – and catching their breath again.
• 5:00 PM: The students returned to school, their phones filled with new scenic views of the environment.

Getting to Know Each Other

The Tibidabo hike served as an excellent icebreaker. As students trekked together, they chatted about their cultures, hobbies, and aspirations. The breathtaking views (and the breathtaking activity) acted as conversation starters, bridging gaps and fostering connections. The first day of the meeting allowed everyone to form bonds beyond borders.

Sports and the Mountain Connection

The overarching theme of the entire exchange meeting was sports / physical well-being. Tibidabo Mountain seamlessly fit into this theme. Here’s how:

1. Physical Fitness: Hiking is a sport in itself. The steep trails challenged students’ and teachers’ endurance and stamina. They conquered the mountain as a team, pushing their limits.
2. Teamwork: Just like in sports, teamwork was crucial during the hike. Students encouraged each other, shared water bottles, and lent helping hands on rocky sections.
3. Nature’s Playground: Tibidabo provided a natural arena for physical activity. The fresh air, lush greenery, and panoramic vistas invigorated both body and mind.

In summary, the Tibidabo Mountain hike exemplified the spirit of sportsmanship, unity, and adventure. It was a day when international friendships blossomed, and the mountain became a symbol of shared experiences.

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