This bilateral project based around healthy living has been designed for young infant classes in the UK and Malta.

			Cauldeen Primary School, Inverness, UK
			Dun Guzepp Zerafa Primary School, Malta

The activities spanned healthy diet, lifestyle, and enjoyable exercise. Pedagogical exchange, team working and practical curriculum development through the use of ICT were high on the list of priorities for the staff involved.

Use of ICT within the project
The pupils have used still digital photos and short digital video clips to record and share activities, language lessons and communicate between classes. PowerPoint Presentations, scanned pictures and email communications have all been involved in this project. The very young age of the children involved (4 and 5 year olds) has meant that they have been supported in scribing and in the use of the technologies and by staff.

Results and benefits
The project enabled the early science curriculum to be addressed through the children comparing and contrasting changes in their bodies before and after exercise activities. The exercise activities reflected the play, games or cultural dance of both European partners. Taste and smell activities related to the foods, vegetables and fruits were an effective and fun ways of complimenting the science curriculum.

There was a specific focus of European pedagogical exchange at the heart of the project. Staff in both schools were in regular contact developing joint lesson plans, curriculum ideas then delivering and evaluating them. Team working between the schools was strong and regular exchange of pedagogical ideas benefited both groups of children and staff. Motivation among the children was very high and the excitement and anticipation of receiving items from their partner school’s children ensured positive engagement. Providing a wider audience for curricular activities outside the classroom had a very positive effect on the children’s day to day motivation.

Sequences of lesson plans were produced by the teachers and are a legacy which can be made available to others wishing to use this project idea.

Have a look at the project’s blog to see what’s been happening.

For more information you can contact George.Glass@highland.gov.uk