Certificate delivery

On Thursday, June 5th, the award ceremony for the Erasmus+ mobility program was held at the auditorium of Institut Dertosa. Students who participated in the exchanges organized by the center—two with Germany, two with France, one with the Czech Republic, one with Portugal, and a hosting program with Italy—received their diplomas. The event also included the distribution of eTwinning certificates for two collaborative projects developed at the institute this year: Writing is Fun, involving students from second-year Baccalaureate E and partners from Madeira, Germany, and Italy; and Schreiben macht Spaß, with partner schools from the Netherlands and Poland. Isaac Artells and Carla López hosted the event, while Vera Checa concluded with a tribute poem to Europe, accompanied by Martina Pedrola on the transverse flute and Marc Sánchez Camacho on the clarinet.

Etwinning “Writing is Fun”: A Satisfying Exchange of Ideas with Professor Felix Falenberg

The Catalan students from the Etwinning project “Writing is Fun” had the privilege of attending an engaging online lecture on Wednesday, April 8th, led by Professor Felix Falenberg from the German school IGS Sassenburg, a fellow participant in this collaborative initiative. The session was a resounding success, sparking lively discussions and showcasing the students’ enthusiasm for literature, art, and music.

Professor Falenberg captivated the audience with his insights into English and German literature, highlighting the works of renowned authors such as Günter Grass, Thomas Mann, and Mann’s talented children, Erika and Klaus. His passion for the subject resonated deeply with the students, fostering a shared appreciation for the power of storytelling and cultural expression.

The students, in turn, impressed with their thoughtful presentations on a variety of literary research projects. Topics ranged from Ernest Hemingway’s role as the last war correspondent to the silenced voices of women poets during the Franco regime, the influence of Arabic on Catalan place names, and the remarkable achievements of a student who won awards in two youth literary competitions this year.

This enriching exchange not only deepened the students’ understanding of literature but also celebrated their growing interest in the arts and humanities. The arts serve as the heartbeat of the humanities, inspiring connection, creativity, and deep exploration of human experiences. The event highlighted the students’ passion for artistic and intellectual pursuits, making it a truly memorable experience for everyone involved.

Celebrating European Authors’ Day: A Tribute to George Orwell

On the occasion of European Authors’ Day, a heartfelt tribute was paid to the renowned writer George Orwell, marking the 75th anniversary of his passing. The event was brimming with activities designed to honor Orwell’s literary legacy and his timeless advocacy for solidarity and resistance against totalitarianism.

One of the highlights of the day was an exhibition of poignant quotes from Orwell’s works, all centered around his enduring messages of humanity, justice, and antitotalitarianism. These quotes served as a powerful reminder of his unwavering commitment to social equality and freedom.

The celebration featured an array of contributions by students, showcasing their admiration for Orwell’s literature. Zeeshan Ali presented his research project on Homage to Catalonia, diving into Orwell’s firsthand account of the Spanish Civil War—a work that resonates deeply with local history. Pablo Moreno read a gripping passage from Burmese Days, capturing Orwell’s vivid portrayal of colonial life.

Mar Álvarez and Abril García channeled their creativity into crafting a mural based on the “Ten Commandments” from Animal Farm, visually representing the core themes of Orwell’s allegorical masterpiece. Meanwhile, Julia Redó brought the audience together through her musical performance of Beasts of England, Beasts of Ireland, the stirring anthem from Animal Farm.

The event was a vibrant amalgamation of emotions and calls for reflection. Students and attendees alike experienced a shared sense of solidarity and commitment to the values championed by Orwell in his works. European Authors’ Day 2025 proved to be not only an homage to Orwell but also a celebration of the enduring power of literature to inspire and unite.

 

Blood brother, a film from the Americana Film Fest

The Year 12 students following the Humanities and Performing Arts pathways, had the opportunity to analyze the film Blood Brother in English, with English subtitles, as part of the American Film Fest. This activity is integrated into the transcultural curriculum within the eTwinning programme. The students have provided very insightful comments, reflecting deeply on the movie, its themes, and its emotional impact. This has been an enriching experience, fostering human and social values.

BLOOD BROTHER

Rocky Braat, lacking the emotional stability he yearns for, has always wanted a family, perhaps due to his almost nonexistent one. Living with his best friend, Steve, he embarks on a journey through India with no specific destination, hoping to find himself. By chance, he encounters an orphanage housing children with AIDS, radically changing his life. Attached to their affection, feeling useful and fulfilled for the first time, Rocky fights to support the children. However, the poverty and illness they endure often lead to harsh and desperate situations. This poignant and tender film brings us close to those who, without intending to, devote their lives to helping others.

Steve Hoover, Rocky Braat’s best friend, felt compelled to make this film during his visit to Rocky in India—a project he wouldn’t have planned otherwise. With both rawness and tenderness, it portrays Rocky’s daily struggles, fears, intense emotions, dependencies, and encounters with both death and life. Blood Brother is an intense and emotional documentary that has deeply moved juries and audiences at festivals like Sundance, where it won both the Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary and the Audience Award. Furthermore, Rocky’s journey continues beyond the film, as he remains in India, sharing updates through social media on his ongoing efforts and progress. A necessary and impactful piece of cinema.

Awards:

  • Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival.
  • Audience Award at the 2013 Atlanta Film Festival.
  • Best Documentary at the 2013 Milano Film Festival.

Enjoy the 9 international stories

The nine international narratives created as part of the Writing is Fun project are a remarkable example of talent and dedication. They are beautifully written and aesthetically pleasing, reflecting the creativity and hard work of the students involved. Congratulations to the Catalan, Portuguese, Italian, and German students for the outstanding work they have accomplished!

The online meetings between the students have yielded great results, fostering idea-sharing and cultural exchange. This collaboration has been an enriching experience that has enhanced personal and academic growth for all participants.

Additionally, the excellent coordination among the teachers was a key factor in the project’s success. Their dedication and organizational skills ensured that all activities were carried out smoothly and productively. Together, they have demonstrated the strength of international cooperation in education. Kudos to everyone involved!

Enjoy the narratives

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!