Erasmus ISMS short-term exchange – Mobility 2 Accrington to Italy – April 2022
Day 1
Arrival in Jesi.
We started the day with a 4am meeting at Manchester Airport in what was probably the busiest day of the year so far. After waiting 2 and a half hours to check in, we were fortunately rushed through a newly opened security gate and onto the waiting plane to take us to Munich and then eventually onto our final destination of Ancona.
The students were a mixture of excited and tired at this point, but the smiling, happy faces of the Italian students awaiting us at Ancona put pay to this and all was good again. Students went home for the afternoon to catch up with sleep and acclimatise to their new homes for the next 12 days.
Day 2
Visit to school.
Day 2 began at 8am with some ice-breaking activities that were hosted by a student who had taken part in the first part of the exchange, Simone. He managed to get the students working well together and performed some card tricks that the students found amazing.
Following this, the students had the opportunity to mix with some social time and to catch up with how their first night had been and what they wanted from the week. After this, an Italian PE teacher (Stefano) organised volleyball, football, basketball and trampolining to help the students work together and demonstrate the importance of cooperation.
Day 3
Saturday morning began with the English students attending their Italian partners lessons as normal. These ranged from English lessons, to history and Biology. The English students did struggle a bit with the language barrier, but did appreciate the work ethic being demonstrated by the Italian students (something that would be commented on frequently during the week).
Following this, the students were involved in a physics lab around fuel cells that had them mixing water and hydrogen in order to power an electric car. The students worked well together in mixed groups, learning new skills and techniques that are not taught in England. The Italian students did a presentation in English about electrons and protons inside an atom to demonstrate how this worked. Students particularly enjoyed this and asked if they could study in further in science lessons on return to England.
Day 4
Day 4 involved meeting at school at 5:30am for a culturally important visit to the Italian capital of Rome. Students were both very excited and tired as we embarked on the four hour journey across the Apenine Mountains.
On arrival, we visited the Colloseum and viewed it’s beauty, as well as going to the Forum and learning about the history of Rome and it’s contributions to the world. Following this, we visited the Trevi Fountain, had lunch, the Pantheon for it’s mathematical brilliance and then had some free time in the Piazza Navona to explore some of the wonders of the city. The students then had the wonderful opportunity to ‘straddle’ two countries (something which is very difficult in the UK) by visiting the Vatican City where we learned about Michelangelo and the Sistine Chapel, as well as some information about the Pope.
Concluding a very busy day was a walk past the Castel Saint’Angelo to the Spanish Steps where students learnt about the cultural and historical links between Italy and Spain.
Students very much enjoyed the whole experience and learning about parts of the Roman Empire and her gifts to the world.
Day 5
On the Monday morning, we met the students at school to attend the regions number one science museum, ‘Museo del Bali’. Students began the day by visiting the planetarium to be delivered a wonderful presentation on stars and the life of the solar system and planets. After learning about the scientific history of the solar system, students were invited to try the very hands on experiments available within the museum. They particularly enjoyed these, especially the interactivity of them. We then took the students on a walk to see the different trees in the area as well as the panoramic views that stretched from the Apenine mountains and the Adriatic Coast.
Day 6
Day 6 began with a peer tutoring lesson organised by Rosaria Landi where the students would work closely with their partners. Italian students introduced the lab activities that they would be taking part in and discussion around the ‘aromatogram’ and what would be happening. English students were then interviewed by Proffer Landi to ensure they fully understood what would be happening in the afternoon lab.
Following this, the students were treated to an Italian lesson by Antonella Corneli where they learnt how to communicate basically in Italian with their partners and their families. Students really appreciated this as some had been finding it a little hard so far.
The final activity of the day involved ‘Soap Production’ in the lab. They started by following the instructions from this mornings lesson and then made six mixed groups. The ingredients were mixed and then heated and cooled and poured into individual cases to create soap that can be for personal use. Students were able to see how simply things could be created with the right equipment and locally sought resources and were able to appreciate the joys of making things for themselves. The soap was then placed into a cooling cupboard to allow it to set.
After school, the students took the opportunity of the good weather to visit a local park and spent time together playing cards and communicating in English.
Day 7
The first lesson of the day involved ‘Extraction of Essential Oils”. The students were required to work together to take cuttings from the school’s “life garden” of rosemary and then take them to the lab. In the lab, a demonstration of simple distillation was set up using the rosemary. Whilst the distillation was taking place, the students grew bacteria in petri dishes. The poured the Agar solution themselves and allowed it to solidify and once solidified, spread the bacteria onto the dishes in a lattice formation. It was also explained to the students the importance of putting their safety flames on their Bunsen burners whilst not using them.
The next step was to impregnate a paper disc with essential oil and introduce it to the bacteria in the petri dish.
After 24 hours, if there is a clear zone around the discs, then the essential oil worked as a anti-bacterial agent. The students used previously completed tests to measure the diameter of the discs where they found a ‘clear zone’ which meant that the bigger the distance from the centre to the circumference, the better it is at getting rid of bacteria.
Following this, we took the students to buy them all an ice-lolly at the local supermarket to allow them to have some free time and chat with each other.
After the break, the students were treated to an Italian lesson from Proof Antonelli Corneli where they were shown a video of the Marche region with all of its attractions. The names of the area were translated into English, eg Ancona meaning elbow and Frasassi meaning “among stones”. The lesson involved learning Italian words for different things as well as learning about the 20 regions of Italy. The students then did Kahoot quizzes about what they had learned in Italian. Very enjoyable session.
Day 8
Thursday morning was an early start for all as we met at Jesi train station at 6:50am to board the train to Genga where we would visit the Frasassi Caves and learn about when they were founded (September 1971) and how the inside of the caves were formed. It was great to hear about their fantastic eco system within the caves from our guide, Maurice, which allowed the students to learn about the geological impact of the age on the area as well as to see the fabulous formations of both stalactites and stalagmites. The student revelled in this experience.
Day 9
Day 9 allowed the students to immerse themselves fully in an Italian school day by joining their partners in all of their lessons. These included Mathematics, Chemistry, Geography and English lessons. The students very much enjoyed their opportunity to partake in this and found it very useful. The English students did struggle with the language as most were in Italian, but their partners were there to translate for them. In the afternoon, some of the students took the opportunity to visit Senigallia and enjoy the sun and the beach.
Day 10
Day 10 involved a walking tour of Jesi, learning about the cultural history of the city. This was then followed by a visit to the very popular local market where students could go around it. Unfortunately, due to the high wind, the market had to close early. The tour continued to Jesi Public Gardens and then on to Ciro & Pio Ice cream shop where the students enjoyed tradition Italian ice-cream, pizza and Milkshakes.
In the afternoon, we accompanied the students to the main town of the region, Ancona.
Day 11
Day 11 allowed the students to enjoy a day with their Italian partners and their families. In the evening, we all met as a group for a final meal and to discuss the project at a local Pizza and Bowling venue. The children were fortunate enough to visit cities such as Perugia to watch water polo, San Marino, Rimini, Ancona, Senigallia as well as enjoy large Italian family gatherings.
Day 12
Day 12 involved meeting at school at 8 am to complete their reports on their experiences. There were a lot of emotional moments as they took the chance before saying goodbye to leave to go to the airport at 10am.
Day 1
Arrival in Jesi.
We started the day with a 4am meeting at Manchester Airport in what was probably the busiest day of the year so far. After waiting 2 and a half hours to check in, we were fortunately rushed through a newly opened security gate and onto the waiting plane to take us to Munich and then eventually onto our final destination of Ancona.
The students were a mixture of excited and tired at this point, but the smiling, happy faces of the Italian students awaiting us at Ancona put pay to this and all was good again. Students went home for the afternoon to catch up with sleep and acclimatise to their new homes for the next 12 days.
Day 2
Visit to school.
Day 2 began at 8am with some ice-breaking activities that were hosted by a student who had taken part in the first part of the exchange, Simone. He managed to get the students working well together and performed some card tricks that the students found amazing.
Following this, the students had the opportunity to mix with some social time and to catch up with how their first night had been and what they wanted from the week. After this, an Italian PE teacher (Stefano) organised volleyball, football, basketball and trampolining to help the students work together and demonstrate the importance of cooperation.
Day 3
Saturday morning began with the English students attending their Italian partners lessons as normal. These ranged from English lessons, to history and Biology. The English students did struggle a bit with the language barrier, but did appreciate the work ethic being demonstrated by the Italian students (something that would be commented on frequently during the week).
Following this, the students were involved in a physics lab around fuel cells that had them mixing water and hydrogen in order to power an electric car. The students worked well together in mixed groups, learning new skills and techniques that are not taught in England. The Italian students did a presentation in English about electrons and protons inside an atom to demonstrate how this worked. Students particularly enjoyed this and asked if they could study in further in science lessons on return to England.
Day 4
Day 4 involved meeting at school at 5:30am for a culturally important visit to the Italian capital of Rome. Students were both very excited and tired as we embarked on the four hour journey across the Apenine Mountains.
On arrival, we visited the Colloseum and viewed it’s beauty, as well as going to the Forum and learning about the history of Rome and it’s contributions to the world. Following this, we visited the Trevi Fountain, had lunch, the Pantheon for it’s mathematical brilliance and then had some free time in the Piazza Navona to explore some of the wonders of the city. The students then had the wonderful opportunity to ‘straddle’ two countries (something which is very difficult in the UK) by visiting the Vatican City where we learned about Michelangelo and the Sistine Chapel, as well as some information about the Pope.
Concluding a very busy day was a walk past the Castel Saint’Angelo to the Spanish Steps where students learnt about the cultural and historical links between Italy and Spain.
Students very much enjoyed the whole experience and learning about parts of the Roman Empire and her gifts to the world.
Day 5
On the Monday morning, we met the students at school to attend the regions number one science museum, ‘Museo del Bali’. Students began the day by visiting the planetarium to be delivered a wonderful presentation on stars and the life of the solar system and planets. After learning about the scientific history of the solar system, students were invited to try the very hands on experiments available within the museum. They particularly enjoyed these, especially the interactivity of them. We then took the students on a walk to see the different trees in the area as well as the panoramic views that stretched from the Apenine mountains and the Adriatic Coast.
Day 6
Day 6 began with a peer tutoring lesson organised by Rosaria Landi where the students would work closely with their partners. Italian students introduced the lab activities that they would be taking part in and discussion around the ‘aromatogram’ and what would be happening. English students were then interviewed by Proffer Landi to ensure they fully understood what would be happening in the afternoon lab.
Following this, the students were treated to an Italian lesson by Antonella Corneli where they learnt how to communicate basically in Italian with their partners and their families. Students really appreciated this as some had been finding it a little hard so far.
The final activity of the day involved ‘Soap Production’ in the lab. They started by following the instructions from this mornings lesson and then made six mixed groups. The ingredients were mixed and then heated and cooled and poured into individual cases to create soap that can be for personal use. Students were able to see how simply things could be created with the right equipment and locally sought resources and were able to appreciate the joys of making things for themselves. The soap was then placed into a cooling cupboard to allow it to set.
After school, the students took the opportunity of the good weather to visit a local park and spent time together playing cards and communicating in English.
Day 7
The first lesson of the day involved ‘Extraction of Essential Oils”. The students were required to work together to take cuttings from the school’s “life garden” of rosemary and then take them to the lab. In the lab, a demonstration of simple distillation was set up using the rosemary. Whilst the distillation was taking place, the students grew bacteria in petri dishes. The poured the Agar solution themselves and allowed it to solidify and once solidified, spread the bacteria onto the dishes in a lattice formation. It was also explained to the students the importance of putting their safety flames on their Bunsen burners whilst not using them.
The next step was to impregnate a paper disc with essential oil and introduce it to the bacteria in the petri dish.
After 24 hours, if there is a clear zone around the discs, then the essential oil worked as a anti-bacterial agent. The students used previously completed tests to measure the diameter of the discs where they found a ‘clear zone’ which meant that the bigger the distance from the centre to the circumference, the better it is at getting rid of bacteria.
Following this, we took the students to buy them all an ice-lolly at the local supermarket to allow them to have some free time and chat with each other.
After the break, the students were treated to an Italian lesson from Proof Antonelli Corneli where they were shown a video of the Marche region with all of its attractions. The names of the area were translated into English, eg Ancona meaning elbow and Frasassi meaning “among stones”. The lesson involved learning Italian words for different things as well as learning about the 20 regions of Italy. The students then did Kahoot quizzes about what they had learned in Italian. Very enjoyable session.
Day 8
Thursday morning was an early start for all as we met at Jesi train station at 6:50am to board the train to Genga where we would visit the Frasassi Caves and learn about when they were founded (September 1971) and how the inside of the caves were formed. It was great to hear about their fantastic eco system within the caves from our guide, Maurice, which allowed the students to learn about the geological impact of the age on the area as well as to see the fabulous formations of both stalactites and stalagmites. The student revelled in this experience.
Day 9
Day 9 allowed the students to immerse themselves fully in an Italian school day by joining their partners in all of their lessons. These included Mathematics, Chemistry, Geography and English lessons. The students very much enjoyed their opportunity to partake in this and found it very useful. The English students did struggle with the language as most were in Italian, but their partners were there to translate for them. In the afternoon, some of the students took the opportunity to visit Senigallia and enjoy the sun and the beach.
Day 10
Day 10 involved a walking tour of Jesi, learning about the cultural history of the city. This was then followed by a visit to the very popular local market where students could go around it. Unfortunately, due to the high wind, the market had to close early. The tour continued to Jesi Public Gardens and then on to Ciro & Pio Ice cream shop where the students enjoyed tradition Italian ice-cream, pizza and Milkshakes.
In the afternoon, we accompanied the students to the main town of the region, Ancona.
Day 11
Day 11 allowed the students to enjoy a day with their Italian partners and their families. In the evening, we all met as a group for a final meal and to discuss the project at a local Pizza and Bowling venue. The children were fortunate enough to visit cities such as Perugia to watch water polo, San Marino, Rimini, Ancona, Senigallia as well as enjoy large Italian family gatherings.
Day 12
Day 12 involved meeting at school at 8 am to complete their reports on their experiences. There were a lot of emotional moments as they took the chance before saying goodbye to leave to go to the airport at 10am.
soap_recipe_versione_2.pptx |
the_essential_oil.pptx |
soap_recipe_versione_2.pptx |