The self-evaluation process, conducted on a yearly basis in Krapina High, revealed its need for the development of competences of the teaching staff. With this project we wanted to make its teaching staff more efficient, the work environment safer, the communication on the relation student-teaching staff better, and the school to become internationally present and acknowledged. The said aim was to be reached through the achievement of particular, field specific goals. We wanted to implement contemporary teaching methods into our classes such as using drama and project-based learning to enhance knowledge acquisition, and using various methods for the development of creative and critical thinking. Additionally, by implementing project activities we wanted to enhance our work with SEN students especially through peer coaching methods, and the development of mentoring skills in our teaching staff. We wanted to upgrade our preventive programmes for peer violence through the application of specific techniques when working with students. Last but not least, we wanted to establish a network of contacts with other members of the Erasmus+ programme thus preparing our teaching staff for additional projects in the future.
Being an educational institution, Krapina High aims to assist each student and teacher in reaching their full potential via the implementation of contemporary knowledge and educational approach to learning. The main mission of Krapina High is the creation of a pleasant atmosphere in and around school premises in order for it to prompt all the activities necessary for successful learning and working. In order to reach its mission, the teaching staff needs to increase its competences in various fields. SWOT analysis, conducted among the teaching staff of Krapina High, indicated the teachers' need for further professional development in the following areas: contemporary methods of learning and teaching, contemporary methods used in working with SEN students, and the need for acquiring additional skills for mentoring both students and teacher-apprentices. Erasmus+ mobility programme has been recognized as a significant tool for the achievement of the said needs. Therefore, the Strategy for the development of Krapina High, written for the period of 2016 to 2020, planned professional development of the teaching staff in an international environment through Erasmus+ programme.