The Great European Pastimes Challenge

Our project challenged school communities to explore The European Cultural Heritage of all partners and engage in the wider curriculum through Pastimes, Sport and Craft, relating to cultural heritage. The activities documented in this mobility tool, were linked to curriculum requirements and respective School Development Plans. Through physical and virtual mobilities, independent tasks and careful monitoring of results, attainment was boosted and educational targets were achieved collaboratively. We addressed the problems and issues each partner faced through collaborative activities. We learned about each cultural heritage through meetings, physical and online, organised activities and involvement of twider school communities. We built on relationships to ensure participants and individuals/groups felt welcomed, respected, supported, and valued to participate in school /community life. Every participant learned something valuable about themselves, countries, personal well-being and well-being of peers. They were encouraged to learn transferable skills which now have positive impact on interpersonal skills towards peers and counterparts in school, local community, Europe and beyond. Sporting, crafting, practical activities and social interactions took place using a range of teaching /learning methodology, (Soft, Visual, Auditory and kinaesthetic skills,) Visits, presentations/sharing of information and pastimes boosted the holistic, contextual learning of history, geography, humanities, science, foreign languages, mathematics, literacy, culture and The Arts. Motivation of staff and children increased, well balanced citizens have emerged, who are more able to impact and shape the future cohesion of communities, bridge gaps between age, gender, disability, ability, race and religion. Personal and professional skills have also been challenged by new and interesting ideas, methodology, exchanges and observation, presenting itself in a deeper understanding of theoretical/methodological practice learnt from professionals, experts and peers - invaluable CPD, raising standards in teaching and chances for career progression. Participants from different social backgrounds experienced mobility, facilitating accurate interpretation of situations and enabling them to rationalise/modify their own understanding of other communities and draw unprejudiced comparisons and conclusions, based on their own thoughts, feelings, emotions and behaviours through positive interactions.Changed perspectives were achieved through the project activities. We explored and learned about cultural inheritance of Pastimes, which have passed down from previous generations representing history, identity, values and traditions. We invited lots of parents, Grandparents and children to share their pastimes together, giving opportunity to work in intergenerational settings, schools, homes, museums, community centres and schools. We visited visit historical monuments and buildings/ archaeological sites, towns and the natural environment and landscape, explored traditions, social practices, craftsmanship and knowledge and skills transmitted from generation to generation within a community which has rejuvenated interest which will now be preserved for future generations. It was reported that reduced time is spent on electronic games, TV and social media sites, that it has inspired everyone to explore traditional/new ways to offer inclusive activities relating to their own cultures, customs, traditions and beliefs, socialise, interact and communicate for themselves and encouraged their own active health and personal well being and motivation to learn. All activities can be adapted or differentiated for participation at an age and stage appropriate level and helped them to discover new skills and practise sociability, tolerance and to celebrate the cultural diversity of other peers across Europe. It provided an extension of intercultural/intergenerational participation and family learning opportunities and resulted in physical and shared collection of pastimes, activities, games and teaching resources,Increased sociability and motivation, confidence, social participation, creativity and educational achievement. We introduced a wider range of hobbies and pastimes which encourage children and adults to take managed risks and develop their own safeguarding skills, Enhance outdoor learning opportunities and problem solving skills We now have a shared bond with peers across Europe of belonging to, engaging with and preserving/protecting extended European community and collective cultural heritage It taught us to balance Inclusion and equity of all stakeholders and bridge the current gap in diversity, inclusivity, quality of teaching and learning and social networking opportunities. Our project has provided an exciting vehicle which everyone can drive forward at their own pace and in the direction which suits their needs and the needs of others