Home Is Where the Art Is: The Matthew Effect Erasmus Project

Project Title

Home Is Where the Art Is: The Matthew Effect

Project Key Action

This project related with these key action: Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices

Project Action Type

This project related with this action type : School Exchange Partnerships

Project Call Year

This project’s Call Year is 2018

Project Topics

This project is related with these Project Topics: Intercultural/intergenerational education and (lifelong)learning; Access for disadvantaged; Creativity and culture

Project Summary

“Home is Where the Art Is : The Matthew Effect” A two year project involving migrant and disadvantaged pupils from four European schools. The ‘Matthew Effect’ (The rich become richer, whilst the poor become poorer) can be used to describe the struggles that pupils with special needs, socio-economic deprived backgrounds, refugees and migrants face each day in education. Barriers perceived and actual can lead to pupils being culturally and linguistically poor which in turn, affects their aspirations. They are often the pupils with a closed mindset.
Our objectives are to widen the European experiences of these groups, explore their differences and similarities; break down barriers to learning through interacting with various art forms, to express themselves. Build self-esteem and confidence so pupils are positively open to challenges.
Each school will involve at least 15 pupils to participate in at least one trans-travel opportunity to visit a partner school.
Teachers will participate in conferences to discuss strategies and best practice in narrowing the attainment gap for disadvantaged pupils.
Pupils will participate in mini exchanges to experience the culture and education system in another country. They will feedback on positive learning methods and how they can foster a lifelong love of learning.
Pupils from each participating country will attend a European Arts Festival EAF2019. This is a creative festival for pupils to work together in mixed cultural / nationalities without linguistic barriers. Developing pupils’ skills to plan, solve and create together.
Outcomes will be the sharing of good practice: strategies that have been discussed, implemented, evaluated and shared among colleagues across the European schools involved.
Positive impact on pupils lifelong learning: awareness that although there are differences our pupils have much in common both in experiences and challenges they face. The project will provide them with skills and strategies to become culturally and linguistically richer. Pupils break a negative cycle and improve their prospects for the future as European citizens. Schools have an action plan to support pupils and reduce ‘The Matthew Effect’.

EU Grant (Eur)

Funding of the project from EU: 69468 Eur

Project Coordinator

Unity Education Trust & Country: UK

Project Partners

• Nacionalna gimnaziya za drevni ezici i kulturi “Konstantin Kiril Filosof”
• Stichting Het Baarnsch Lyceum
• Stadtgymnasium Dortmund