On Thursday 17th October 2024, Maria Regina College organised a national Multiplier Event to disseminate the good practices of six Erasmus+ Projects which were carried out during school year 2023/4 which was the 1st year of MRC Erasmus + Accreditation. Mr Patrick Decelis, Head of College Network, explained why the theme S.O.I.L. (STEAM, Outdoor Learning, Inclusion and Leadership) was used. The College focused on these four themes and organised 5 training courses and a group mobility for Heads, Deputy Heads, Teachers, Kindergarten Educators, students from the primary sector. Another Leadership course was organised for various leaders who work at the Administration Centre.
One of the training courses and the group mobility focused on STEAM Education. A group of 4 primary teachers and 8 Year 6 students visited a STEM expert label school in Lithuania. Another group attended a course ‘From STEM to STEAM: A new Learning Approach” in Barcelona. These two mobilities strengthened Growth and Empowerment in both educators and students.
Another course for Heads and 6 Kindergarten Educators focused on Outdoor Learning. This highlighted the importance of connecting with nature and learning through outdoor spaces. The group visited various schools in Bratislava which use this approach. Wellbeing in general was tapped through this course.
Equity and Inclusion were highlighted in the course “Differentiated Instruction: Inclusive Strategies for Successful Learning”. A group made up of a Deputy Head and 6 educators, one from each MRC primary school attended this course in Vienna.
Transformation in education cannot take place without good Leadership. A group of MRC Deputy Primary Heads attended a course in Rome, “Boosting Creative Thinking and Problem Solving”, where various leadership styles and skills were discussed focusing on the 4 Cs of the 21st Century skills. Another course for College Leaders was, “Conflict Management from a Leadership perspective” held in Linz. The importance of commitment and using effective techniques when tackling disagreements was discussed in depth.
This national event was well attended by 120 participants including DG(DES), Directors, Heads of College Network, Heads of School, Education Officers, Deputy Heads, Heads of Department, educators, professionals from Psychosocial Teams and other professionals. Thank you goes to Mr Patrick Decelis, Head of College Network, E.O. Curriculum Ms Mary Rose Cordina, all the team at the Administration Centre and all the speakers including Mr Raphael Scerri, EUPA CEO. The Erasmus+ Accreditation offered the much-needed funds to train our staff.
The event was presented by Mr Keith Demicoli.
Transforming Education through S.O.I.L. (STEAM, Outdoor Learning, Inclusion and Leadership) was the publication launched during the Conference. It gives an overview of the six Erasmus+ courses which were carried out during school year 2023/24.
This publication aimed at showing how Maria Regina College planned to put the National Strategy for Education 2024-2030 into practice during its first year.
You can access the publication through this link
https://flipbooks.fleepit.com/f-69122-transforming_education_through_s_o_i_l
