Salesian STE(A)M Project Erasmus Project

Project Title

Salesian STE(A)M Project

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 2019

Project Topics

This project is related with these Project Topics: Key Competences (incl. mathematics and literacy) – basic skills; ICT – new technologies – digital competences; New innovative curricula/educational methods/development of training courses

Project Summary

The two-year collaborative European STE(A)M project is based on pedagogical improvement and acquiring and developing competences and key skills, for both staff and students, in innovative practices in a digital era, through empowerment, community development and social inclusion. The project combines research education and practice development and it targets the needs of staff and student development. The project has many strengths, not least of which, is its multi-professional and European approach to incorporating practices in a digital era, where academic ideas are coupled with real-world lessons where students will make connections between school, community and work by applying science, technology and engineering. Everyone involved in the project has a shared vision of how to improve the skills and knowledge of the participants and the transference of this knowledge and experience to staff within each college and students which in turn impacts on the local community. A direct impact is expected on all students participating in the project, whether through exchanges or those working in individual classes, in both their learning processes and their motivation to study. At the end of the project, the Science Fair will be an opportunity for students to present their final findings and show-case their product design. This will include several key competence areas such as, communication, mathematical competence, digital competence, learning to learn, social competences, a sense of initiative and entrepreneurship and cultural awareness. For all the schools involved it will improve their educational profile and an increased awareness of European education. Each school and staff will develop their own theories of action, competences, innovative ideas and educational methodology to be incorporated into their whole school CPDL programmes to further enhance Teaching and Learning in the respective schools, strengthening the profile of the teaching profession. The concept of changing practice and new ways of teaching methodology is one that teachers need to embrace if they are to capitalise upon the opportunities other cultures offer through systems of educational governance. Students will not only develop their basic skills and competences but an appreciation of cultural differences; learning more about the regional identity of each partner’s background whilst also having the opportunity to celebrate the importance of the Catholic and Salesian ethos. The project will respond to the needs of each individual student; touching the heart and developing the whole personality by fostering qualities of mind, body and spirit, feeling and imagination in supportive Catholic communities both here and abroad. It will allow all students to nurture their personal spiritual lives and foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the cultures around them. It will develop lively, enquiring and creative minds, and the skills and abilities necessary to reach the highest personal and academic achievements whilst understanding and responding to the needs of others; to respect other races, religions, cultures and ways of life. The project will also be publicised on each school website, newsletter, Twitter page and eTwinning forum and in the Don Bosco magazine which will be distributed to all Salesian schools worldwide. Through dissemination and sharing of the project through on-line forums and platforms, as well as at both a regional and international level, many more staff and students will benefit from the new innovative curricula developed. By working together, staff will be able to learn different approaches to effective teaching and learning from a British and European perspective and on completion of the project, the findings from the staff will influence whole school CPDL . The findings will also be shared within regional Teaching and Learning meetings in all countries. As Thornleigh has strong links with other Salesian schools around the world, in particular Tanzania, where our head teacher leads on curriculum development, the findings would be disseminated at these international events. The two-year STE(A)M project provides an opportunity to network and collaborate with international external organisations to enhance the student learning experience and to provide teachers with research and new and innovative ideas for the most effective practice. All schools have shared experiences, stories, beliefs and norms to make it individual but with continuous optimisation and innovation we can meet future demands in the rapidly changing global society.

EU Grant (Eur)

Funding of the project from EU: 97560 Eur

Project Coordinator

Thornleigh Salesian College & Country: UK

Project Partners

• Salesianos Inspectoria de San Juan Bosco Comunidad Nuestra Señora Del Pilar
• Liceo Ginnasio Salesiano Valsalice