As part of it`s cultural ethos, San Anton School regularly participates in a number of projects both locally and internationally that enhance and enrich both the students` curriculum, and its teachers` experience.

Matalascanas, in the south of Spain was the venue where a large group of teachers from all over Europe recently met, as part of their school’s Comenius 1 Project, entitled: ‘European Art and Culture – source and inspiration for extra value in early education’. This project has been going on for the last 2 and a half years with participation from schools in Germany, Romania, Bulgaria, France, Poland, Spain and Malta. Mr Kenneth Deguara, a P.E teacher and the project co-ordinator for San Anton School, accompanied by Ms Michelle Abela and Ms Jackie Fenech the Junior Sector`s music and art teachers respectively, flew to Seville where the whole group gathered before traveling south to Matalascanas.

The group was hosted at the Education Department in Huelva where each school presented its subject matter in line with this particular Comenius project. San Anton School presented art work done by the children, original music, written and performed by the students themselves, and works on experimental theatre.

“It was a great opportunity to work with the children, exploring their creativity, as this exercise definitely had more impact on them, than just a forty minute lesson.

I am extremely proud to say that our Grade Six Class managed to produce original instrumental music dealing with the chosen topic of “ Autumn.” commented Ms Michelle.

 During the discussion meetings, the final product of the project was discussed, since the project is nearing its end. A visit was also planned to the hosting school in Matalascanas, where the international group was greeted by students wearing traditional flamenco dresses, and were given a tour of the premises by the students themselves. On the day of the visit the school was organising a Feria de Juego: a day of traditional fun games, which was an experience in itself. Before leaving the school the international group prepared an exhibition about their country and the activities held in their respective schools.

As part of the cultural program, visits were also organised to the Donana National Park, the World Sea Museum, the town council in Almonte and the monastery in El Rocio. Before flying back home the teachers had the opportunity of spending a day in Seville where they visited the Royal Palace of Alcazar, the Plaza de Espana and the Seville Cathedral.

All agreed with Ms Jackie`s comments that the benefits reaped from such a meeting are remarkable as it gives teachers a platform from which to exchange ideas and teaching methods and experiences.

So much so, the French and Spanish teachers in the group will be visiting our Islands and San Anton School in the coming months out of their own initiative, to strengthen and further develop the educational ties formed during this meeting. This visit was made possible with the financial help of the EUPA with funds from the European Union.