FIRST DAY

Wednesday started with a visit to the school and a warm welcome was awaiting my colleagues and I there. We were welcomed with open arms and that made us feel at home immediately.

Spanish teachers meet Greek teachers

28th Lyceum 

I met the Greek Erasmus+ Coordinator, Theodora Glaraki,  and the headmaster Dimitrios Sokoutis.

On  the entrance of the school, the first thing that drew my attention was the motivating quotes that the students have written on the floor. Before the lessons start, all the students and teachers gather in the playground to pray. The headmaster explained to us that the law requires them to do it.

Teenagers before starting their lessons

Then we went to the staffroom where we met all the teachers whose lessons we would attend during our stay. After that, we checked our programme and Theodora informed us that there was a change on it. Friday was going to be devoted to a cultural trip to  Philippi, Kavala and Amphipolis where   we would meet some students who would be there on a school trip. Philippi has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2016.
Next, Theodora showed us the different classrooms and facilities of the school. After the guided school visit, we went to Theodora's lesson where we made a presentation about our country, city and school and the different projects our school has. Our goal was that students could know our city and school better. I was pleasantly surprised because the Greek students were very interested in it and asked us some questions about our school. Then the students made a presentation about the most important landmarks in Thessaloniki.

Spanish teachers talking about our school

For the break, they had prepared some homemade food for us. Needless, to say it was delicious.

Typical Greek brunch

After the break, Theodora informed us about the Greek educational system and her school. It has students from fifteen to eighteen years old, being the first year compulsory for all of them. After the first year the students have to decide if they want to keep studying or on the contrary, they want to join the labour market or  to keep learning in  a Vocational school. She also told us that lessons last forty-five minutes and after each lesson they have a ten-minute break, except for the first and last lesson in which the break lasts five minutes.

On the whole, I can definitely say that my first impression of both teachers and students couldn't have been better and I can't  wait for the next days to be able to attend lessons and learn from these outstanding teachers and students.