Our school has set the aim of the improvement of language skills of the teaching staff both in general language knowledge and specific subject-related terminology in all the teachers’ working communities. Similarly, we are convinced that the methodological knowledge of the teachers and its implementation into everyday practice bears high importance. Óbudai Árpád Gimnázium participates in the trainee teachers’ field practice, which underlines the necessity for up-to-date methodological knowledge and practice in mentoring, and for professional advisors and experts. The mobilities take place in an intercultural environment, which opens the possibility of learning about not only the target country’s culture but also the other participants’ countries’ as well. It offers new exchange programmes and new international connections to build. One of the aims of the project is exactly the above. In accordance with the European Development Plan, the participants and the courses were chosen in view of the necessities of the school. Taking the participants’ needs into consideration, there were more general language courses, one course for teachers of foreign language and methodology courses selected.
The Curriculum of our secondary school set the pedagogical aims of coaching students to develop harmonious personalities, as well as preparing them for the challenges of the future by providing complex education. The condition of successfully operating specialised foreign language classes is improving teachers’ foreign language skills. The widening scope of international relations requires the application of new tutoring and learning organisational methods, besides developing the language skills of non-language teachers. Every member of our staff is encouraged to attend foreign language courses. Improving our teachers’ skills in the field of cooperative methods, project-based learning, problem-focused approaches and using ICT tools help our students develop their cooperative skills which are the core part of education in the future. We encourage our students to be open to new cultures. Multicultural environments could provide difficulties, which could be tackled by the experience and knowledge gained during the teacher training courses. Implementing good practices can also help widen our student exchange connections. With the new project, our school is determined to improve continuously.