We welcomed four teachers from the Netherlands into school today. They came into Swalwell to observe lessons, share good practice and to discuss the implementation of the creative curriculum. Some of our Year 6 children interviewed the visitors to find out how teaching differs in other countries.
J Anderson

Comenius partnerships are projects that enable staff and students to work with partners in other European countries.
In October, project meetings are taking place in Hungary. Staff in our school will travel there to discuss the project, to spend time with Hungarian school children and to exchange work produced by children in Swalwell Primary.
In some countries trees are considered symbols of the villages and towns where they are located and competitions are organised to find the tree of the year...Hungary has this year competed against other European countries for this title 'Tree of the Year'.
Swalwell pupils have embraced the theme of the program and produced stamps depicting trees, with the core message that people should protect and take care of their environment and that everyone can contribute to this in everyday life.

Photographs of our the art work produced by our children can been seen in the gallery

J Anderson

At the beginning of this academic year, Swalwell embarked on an exciting two year project with four other schools in Poland, Romania, Turkey and Hungary ( known as the Comenius Project) the venture is designed to promote links between all five countries and to encourage and foster awareness of each partner's individual cultures, language and traditions .The theme of the project is philately and our staff have already benefited from two highly successful visits to Poland and Romania....So it was with great enthusiasm that another three of our staff embarked on the third trip to Turkey. An after school philately club for pupils has been very popular and productive. It has been lovely to witness pupils' enthusiasm for broadening their knowledge of our partner countries and for developing a genuine understanding of the need for respect in all areas of life.
Photographs of the Turkey trip can be seen in the gallery.
J Anderson

We are part of the Comenius Programme, a programme which aims to help staff and pupils better understand a range of European cultures, languages and values.
Schools from different European countries work together in various ways, travelling to partner schools, creating art work, exchanging information on their country and learning more about the variety of Europe's landscapes.
Last week five members of staff visited a school in Romania as part of this project. They will soon be sharing photographs and details of their trip with all pupils in a special assembly.
Photographic link
J Anderson

Today we welcome Mr Melgar to school. Mr Melgar will be with us until the end of June and will be teaching Spanish, PE and some music to children from Nursery to Year 6 as part of the schools work with the British Council and international links.
He will also be teaching children about the customs and culture of Spain.
Mr Melgar may also be persuaded to teach Spanish to parents, depending upon parental interest.
J Anderson

The school has secured a grant from the British Council to enable us to link with Schools in Europe, participating in a project which will take place over 2 years (2010-2012).

The project is based on learning about our own and other countries history, heritage, customs, traditions and cultures via the medium of stamps. Children will be studying and researching stamps in their own country and sharing their work with the participating schools in Europe.

On October 6th 2010, four members of staff travelled to Poland to begin links with Poland, Romania, Turkey and Hungary. After half term, children will benefit from the knowledge gained in a week dedicated to Polish culture, food and history.

J Anderson

We have been awarded a European Quality Label from the British Council for the excellence of the work produced in the e-Twinning project "European Tales in Children's Words". This means that the 'Lambton Worm' work of the students in Y4/5 classes of 2009/10 has been recognised at the highest European level!

As a result, we will receive a certificate which will be displayed in school. This is a unique achievement and the children involved deserve to be congratulated.

Well Done- we are so proud of you!

J Anderson

Swalwell Primary School is linking with Turkey, Romania, Poland, France and Spain to do a writing and art project. Some Y4/5 pupils are writing and illustrating the story of the Lambton Worm. The work will be exchanged with the work of the children from European countries to enable pupils to gain a knowledge of different cultures and their folk tales.

Year 4 are also writing to children in Turkey to find out about their school day, hobbies, beliefs and values. Photographs link

Mrs Anderson