Originally planned to work collaboratively with our local authority partners in Spain, Poland, Romania, Denmark, and Turkey, the project was based on a successful circular model that tried to “Identify Explore Develop Evaluate Review”. After identifying the key needs and goals of each organisation, we aimed to: 1 - target specific needs, concentrating on alternative approaches to teaching STEAM, basic/key skills and green competences. 2 - to raise standards in teaching and learning by improving teacher proficiency and skills. 3 - gain confidence and improve global awareness while benefiting from professional development not available at home. 4 - improve collaborative working practices. 5 - develop and place good practice in the classroom encouraged by the good practices observed during the mobilities, by possibly modifying or changing current practice, involving parents/carers, and or working with the wider school community etc. It was also necessary to evaluate progress outcomes and review the impact of the project across the consortium, which is an ongoing process where we aim to review our own practices and identify areas of improvement.
Our consortium of schools recognised the need to improve staff competences and improve standards in areas that are more pertinent than ever due to the climate crisis, and it was seen as an opportunity for concentrating on STEAM subjects and Outdoor Education as vehicles to develop creativity and innovation, so much in accordance with the new CfW.