Day 3 – Friday
Friday began with a geometry lesson where every student had access to their own iPad. The students used the Geometria app as part of the lesson and also worked with GeoGebra. It was clear that technology is very integrated into daily learning. The teacher demonstrated how they could temporarily block the students’ screens to regain attention.
We then observed a maths lesson and were shown the exam that every student must complete at the end of middle/secondary school. All students use textbooks for each subject alongside digital resources.
Next, we visited the computer room for a coding lesson. The students were using Scratch to develop coding skills. The school also has a designated IT staff member who is responsible for managing and maintaining the equipment, rather than teaching the lesson.
In the English lesson, students were learning about Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., Black history and the Civil Rights Movement. The lesson involved a lot of group work and discussion. Some students also spoke to us about their own Erasmus experiences and shared stories from a recent trip to Slovenia.
Around the school there were tables positioned in certain areas staffed by adults whose roles included supervision, first aid and cleaning. These staff members are employed through the government and are visible throughout the school day.
We also learned more about how students with additional needs are supported in the Italian system. Students remain in the mainstream classroom at all times and are supported there by a support teacher or assistant. There are no withdrawal sessions, movement breaks or sensory breaks, and there are no special schools or special classes.
In the primary school, some students remain in school until 4pm while others finish at 12pm. Students are also exposed to foreign languages from an early stage, receiving two hours of French and three hours of English each week from the beginning of middle/secondary school.
In the afternoon, we travelled to the coastal town of Monopoli for a cultural excursion. We explored the old town, walking through the narrow cobbled streets, white stone buildings and small piazzas that are typical of the area.
We visited Porto Rosso and the harbour area where we saw traditional fishing boats and views across the Adriatic Sea. During our visit, we also saw the Basilica Cattedrale Maria Santissima della Madia, the town’s cathedral and one of Monopoli’s most famous landmarks. We learned about the legend connected to the cathedral, which tells the story of an icon of the Virgin Mary arriving into the harbour on a raft in 1117. According to tradition, the raft carried beams that were then used to complete the roof of the cathedral. The cathedral’s impressive architecture and detailed interior reflected the rich history and traditions of the town.
The excursion gave us a greater insight into the history, culture and daily life of southern Italy while also allowing us to experience the welcoming atmosphere of Monopoli.
To see our video of Day 3 click on the link - https://youtu.be/O9zgWpBTfBE?feature=shared
We will spend Saturday and Sunday exploring Bari and Polignano a Mare.
Thanks for sharing our Erasmus journey!
Audrey, Denise and Róisín