Strengthening International Connections Among Teachers

The Writing is Fun project has forged meaningful international ties among the participating teachers, fostering collaboration and friendship across borders. With Italian teacher Federico Binaglia, we are already planning to carry out a similar project next academic year, building on the success of our current initiative.

Furthermore, German teacher Felix Falkenberg will take the collaboration to the next level by delivering an online literature class to  students in institut Dertosa, providing them with an enriching and unique educational experience.

I also intend to maintain regular contact with Helena Silva, the dedicated teacher from Madeira, Portugal, whose active participation and enthusiasm have been instrumental to the project’s success. Her contributions have greatly enhanced the spirit of collaboration and creativity within the initiative.

These connections are a testament to the power of international projects to unite educators, enhance learning, and create a truly global teaching community.

Six outstanding research projects

The Institut Dertosa proudly stands out for its impressive academic achievements, having produced six outstanding research projects in English. This remarkable feat demonstrates the commitment and skill of the students, who actively participate in the eTwinning project, highlighting the institute’s dedication to linguistic excellence. The titles of these brilliant works are as follows:

  • Beyond the Rainbow by Isaac Artells
  • Australian English by Marina Borràs
  • Comparison Between the Canadian and Catalan School Systems by Anna Ferrer
  • Languages at Dertosa School by Pol Borràs
  • Homage to Catalonia by Zeeshan Alí
  • Ernest Hemingway: Last War Correspondent by Maria Albacar

Few schools can boast such a rich collection of research conducted in the language of Shakespeare, showcasing not only the students’ proficiency in English but also their ability to engage with diverse and fascinating topics. Each project is an exemplary piece of academic work, reflecting the students’ creativity, effort, and analytical skills.

These research works, created as part of the eTwinning project, truly stand as a testament to the extraordinary talent and dedication of the students at Institut Dertosa. Their achievements deserve recognition and celebration for setting such a high academic standard!

Celebrating International Poetry Day with eTwinning

To mark the International Day of Poetry, the students involved in the eTwinning project participated in two inspiring and creative activities. These initiatives not only honoured the power of words but also encouraged artistic expression and collaboration among the students.

The first activity involved recording selected poems by Langston Hughes, an iconic American poet, social activist, novelist, and playwright. Langston Hughes is best known as a leader of the Harlem Renaissance, and his poetry often highlights themes of racial pride, social justice, and the beauty of African American culture. The students beautifully recorded his poems, creating an artistic and visually stunning format that brought Hughes’ powerful words to life.

Building on this inspiration, the students embarked on a second activity where they created their own original poems. Drawing from personal experiences and creative imagination, their poetic creations reflected a wide array of emotions and perspectives. To add an extra touch of creativity, the students designed their poems with aesthetic flair, resulting in visually appealing and artistically enhanced presentations.

Both activities showcased the remarkable creativity and dedication of the students while fostering a deeper appreciation for poetry and self-expression. The eTwinning project Writing is fun continues to be a dynamic platform for cultural exchange and artistic collaboration, and these Poetry Day celebrations are a shining example of the nice work that can be achieved together.

Our nine stories collaboratively written

We proudly present the nine stories that have been collaboratively written as part of the eTwinning project Writing is Fun. This initiative brought together students from various schools, who worked seamlessly across a shared Drive document to co-create these remarkable narratives. Their collective efforts and dedication have resulted in a collection of stories that are both aesthetically beautiful and of exceptional quality.

Here are the captivating titles of the stories:

  • The Chase Through the City
  • The Musician…
  • Love Across Time Zones
  • Whispers in the Dark
  • Stronger Together
  • Xavier’s Last Game
  • The Mystery in the Fog
  • Obsessed with Love
  • The Mystery of the Silent Night

The students have truly exceeded expectations, showcasing their creativity, collaboration, and commitment throughout the project. This initiative highlights the power of teamwork and the remarkable talent of our young writers, who have produced stories that are sure to leave a lasting impression. Their extraordinary work is a testament to what can be achieved when minds from diverse backgrounds come together to create something meaningful.

Logo results

Since December, we have proudly adopted the new logo for our “Writing is Fun” project. We are delighted not only with the overwhelming enthusiasm shown during the voting process but also with the remarkable creativity and talent reflected in the logos submitted by participants. The level of artistic quality and thoughtfulness behind each design was truly inspiring, making it a challenging task to choose just one. We are filled with gratitude for the incredible contributions and the collaborative spirit that made this possible. The logo now stands as a symbol of our vibrant community and shared passion for writing.

Logo results

Online meeting

As part of the eTwinning Writing is Fun project, a virtual meeting was held between students of Institut Dertosa and Escola Francisco Franco in Madeira on Thursday, March 20. This dynamic online session provided an invaluable opportunity for students from both institutions to connect across borders, practice their English skills, and foster cross-cultural understanding.

During the meeting, the participants actively exchanged their views on various school-related topics, offering insight into the similarities and differences between their educational systems, daily routines, and extracurricular activities. These conversations encouraged the students to reflect on their own experiences while gaining a broader perspective of international education.

In addition to discussing academic matters, the session delved into personal attitudes and cultural curiosities, creating an open and enjoyable environment for all involved. The students shared their hobbies, personal goals, and aspirations, allowing for a more profound sense of connection and camaraderie between the groups. The interactive format ensured that everyone had the chance to contribute, ask questions, and learn from one another, making the experience not only educational but also entertaining and memorable.

This virtual collaboration exemplifies the values at the heart of the eTwinning Writing is Fun project: promoting language learning, encouraging intercultural dialogue, and building strong, meaningful ties among young people across Europe. The meeting was a testament to the power of technology in breaking down barriers and connecting students, even from different corners of the continent.