The project we are planning is a Comenius project that is funded by the European Union.  Entitled “Business and Cultural Aspects of European Sports and Sports Events”, the project is primarily focused on the Business Studies curriculum and will be coordinated by Mr Wigley.   During the course of the project we will work with our new partners on joint project work and our pupils will have regular contact with pupils in the other countries via email and video conferencing.  The project provides some excellent opportunities for both pupils and teachers to travel to schools in our partner countries and we have several exchange visits planned for the future.

Having direct contact with other cultures and languages is a real benefit of our participation in the Comenius programme and is a big part of our Language College status.  The projects provide a means to arouse interest in Europe amongst our pupils and to broaden their horizons with respect to the European community.  As well as learning about other cultures, Comenius projects have been shown to increase enthusiasm and motivation from the pupils, meaning they enjoy learning and have greater potential to achieve.

Comenius projects also provide opportunities for our staff to learn about the educational systems in foreign countries and to compare and contrast with our own educational system.  There is plenty of opportunity to exchange ideas and share best practice with colleagues across Europe.  Participation in the projects also allows staff to develop and enhance skills such as project management and leadership. 

Another, more local member of our Comenius project is Solihull College who are going to be focussing on the sports areas of the project.  This is further enhancing our existing links with Solihull College and will offer many opportunities for our pupils to work with older students and see firsthand the opportunities available from Higher Education.

During the meeting in Birmingham, the visiting teachers met with staff and attended meetings at both our school and Solihull College.  They were also privileged to an access all areas, behind the scenes tour of Old Trafford football stadium, to see some of the many business aspects involved with the sport.  Some photos from the meeting can be seen below.  For more information about the other schools involved in the Comenius project please look at the Partner Schools information, in the Community section of the website.