Between 23rd and 27th October six teachers from Primary School in Kończyce Wielkie, Poland, participated in Job-shadowing mobility under the Erasmus+ programme. The realisation of the project “Different but equally important” co-financed by the European Union, focuses on providing support to students with special educational needs and thus was a major theme of our lessons active observations in Agrupamento de Escolas Resende.
At the initiatial meeting, held by the Polish and Portuguese coordinators, we had the opportunity to get insight into the specifics of the school’s organisation, school teaching cycles, familiarize ourselves with the core curriculum, syllabuses, timetable and methods of assessing students in the form of a presentation prepared by the coordinator from the Portuguese school – Mr. Joao Figueiredo. We could also compare the educational systems of Poland and Portugal in terms of similarities and differences with the perspectives for further cooperation in EU projects. During our several-day visit in the picturesque Valley of the Douro River, we had a great opportunity to observe classes with students with special educational needs at various levels of school functioning – in various educational cycles, as well as in kindergarten subdivisions. We participated in activities involving inclusive classes and group work, as well as individual work with SEN children.
The teaching facilities, schools modern interior, teachers professionalism, amazing relationships between teachers and students, the school’s friendly and welcoming atmosphere, as well as the openness of teachers, students and staff made an immensely positive impression on all of us. After the days of intensive observations of various classes, during the summary meeting, the participants jointly evaluated the mobility in terms of good practices that intend to be implemented in Polish school. The headmasters and coordinators of both schools discussed the principles of further cooperation and exchanged their experience on working with projects under the Erasmus+ programme.
Our stay at Agrupamento de Escolas Resende was a valuable and unforgettable experience, not only from professional but also from personal point of view, so we would like to express our gratitude for hosting us – especially to The Headmaster Mr. Antonio Marques and the Erasmus+ coordinator Mr. Joao Figueiredo, as well as to the school community of teachers, staff and students.

Magdalena Czyż, Erasmus+ coordinator, Zespół Szkolno-Przedszkolny w Kończycach Wielkich