Lessons on Europe (From Penarth Times)

Lessons on Europe

ALBERT Primary School was filled with the sounds, tastes and traditions of the nations of Europe as the school was transformed into a mini European Union last week.

Jane Davidson, minister for Education and Lifelong Learning at the Welsh Assembly, also dropped in for a taster of continental life.

Deputy headteacher Christine Sovorov explained: "Each classroom was turned into a different European country.

"Classes have been carrying out project work on the customs and culture of various countries.

"All the pupils are issued with a passport and they then travel around the continent to visit all the countries.

"They carry out two activities in each state - in France they make replicas of the Eiffel tower, in the Netherlands bunches of tulips, and Welsh dolls in Wales.

"We only hold European weeks once every four years, because they require so much preparation," added Mr Sovorov

"The last time we did one was when Cardiff hosted a European summit."

Albert Primary has received accreditation from the British Council for its international links - which include with schools in Ireland, Austria, Sweden and Italy.

Mrs Sovorov added: "As a result of our links with a school in Shannon, we have now learned to play hurling and they have adopted Dragon Rugby."