Invaders-How they shaped the Europe of today Erasmus Project

Project Title

Invaders-How they shaped the Europe of today

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 : Strategic Partnerships for school education

Project Call Year

This project’s Call Year is 2014

Project Topics

This project is related with these Project Topics: ICT – new technologies – digital competences; Early School Leaving / combating failure in education; EU Citizenship, EU awareness and Democracy

Project Summary

Our partnership was established through the eTwinning website partner search. Together, we explored the influence invaders such as the Vikings, the Normans,the Romans,the Celts etc had on the countries they invaded.The project touched on curricular areas such as Literacy, History, Geography, Social studies, Anthropology, along with cultural areas such as Art, Music, Dance, Architecture and Food.We explored the extent to which invaders influenced the culture of the countries they invaded, shaping them into the countries they are today. This allowed us to see the how we are all part of a wider European community, and how, throughout history, this has allowed us to share cultural experiences which led to the improvement and development of the Europe we know today.
Each of the seven schools involved in this project brought their own experiences and point of view to the project, which provided a rich pool of information,historical facts,artefacts,museum items,anecdotal evidence and documentation to enrich the project as a whole.
The activities throughout the 36 months included setting up a website,blogs, producing a recipe book featuring ancient and modern foods influenced by invaders,and cds of music and dances. We created 3D models and reproductions of ancient artwork and monuments and architectural structures and recreate costumes/clothing of the invaders and original population. To achieve greater understanding and responsiveness to social, linguistic and cultural diversity and understanding of a common identity we created a book in which we researched the legacy of the invaders, pupils had online debates in which they debated whether invading the country was a positive or negative thing. We created and performed dramas in which pupils played roles as invaders or original inhabitants. During the project meetings, pupils from each school undertook workshops where they worked collaboratively to deepen their understanding of invaders and the links between our countries.
Through use of blogs, email, Flashmeeting and Skype, pupils and teachers worked together to plan, carry out and evaluate all aspects of the project. Therefore we hope to develop European citizens who can clearly express themselves and are tolerant to the views of others, reaching compromises where necessary.
Working on the products of the project,such as the recipe book, music cd, dance dvd and dictionary and cooperating with colleagues in other European countries increased the positive attitudes of pupils towards reading, writing and history and improved attainment and will help to combat failure in education.Through the use of new technologies whilst working on project activities, and the final products, both pupils and teachers in all partner school have increased levels of digital competence.
The involvement of educational staff and pupils in the international projects improved the internal communication in the participating schools, and also in the wider community and this improved their capacity to work in international projects and cooperate with partners abroad. Early in the project, we decided we would have a mascot, and this mascot would have adventures on our mobilities. So we bought Trudy, a red parrot, and the children greatly enjoyed taking photos and videos with Trudy, as she participated in the learning experiences. Many of our photos and videos feature Trudy, as she tries foreign food, has conversations with our partners, and learns about other cultures. This put the children at ease, and made the experience fun for all involved.

EU Grant (Eur)

Funding of the project from EU: 203309 Eur

Project Coordinator

SN na hEaglaise & Country: IE

Project Partners

• Ecole élémentaire publique Les Chenes
• SCOALA GIMNAZIALA NR. 30 GHEORGHE TITEICA
• Metsäkylän koulu
• Szkola Podstawowa nr 1 im. B. Chrobrego
• Istituto comprensivo “Europa”
• Springfield Primary School
• CEIP GLORIA FUERTES