The first transnational project meeting of the Erasmus+ UPTECHKEY project started on Saturday, 24th January 2015. A group of teachers from Bulgaria, Greece, Lithuania, Turkey and Italy came to Gliwice. On Sunday, we all met in the lobby of the hotel, in which the teachers from countries cooperating with the V High School in Gliwice decided to stay. Next, we went to the Palm House where everyone took part in integration activities. A cup of coffee with a piece of cake and a great fun allowed us to know each other better and remember our names. Moreover, the activities contributed positively to the whole atmosphere of the meeting. We also took a walk in the Palm House. Among the pavillions, which we visited, the most interesting was the one with aquariums. One of the attractions was also the possibility of entry to the tower of the gothic All Saints' Church. From its top we could enjoy a wide panorama of the city. We could also see the building of our school and many other places which are significant for the townspeople and the history of Gliwice. Visiting the church gave the participants a chance to hear a few titbits about the city. It was also an opportunity to learn several Polish words.

 

Lunch was a further item of the programme. We chose a restaurant specializing in dishes made from groats. During a common meal we could exchange information and experiences related to work at school. Besides, we established a detailed plan for Monday's meeting. The participants got “homework” to do, which helped to sort out information on the relationship between teachers and parents, and on both formal and informal learning. What is more, "doing homework" made the meeting on the following day more efficient. The discussion ended much later than it had been expected, which only proves that the meeting passed off in a pleasant atmosphere conducive to cooperation.

 

On Monday, 27th January 2015, we met in the school auditorium. The headmaster, Mr Florian Brom, greeted the guests who were presented with gifts funded by the Municipal Council. Afterwards, we had a long and lively discussion about cooperation with parents, school activities, problems that teachers have to contend with, and about formal and informal teaching. Moreover, we set the dates of both working meetings and those with students' participation. As it is only one month left to the visit to Lithuania, we also agreed on its programme. Then we went to dinner during which the visit to Gliwice was summarized. We also determined cooperation details about the preparation of our subsequent meeting. The last item of the programme included acknowledgments and leave-taking. Next day, the participants left Gliwice.

 

The meeting brought together the teachers involved in the project. We are sure that the exchange of information about school work and solutions used in European schools was a valuable experience. What is more, the participants had an opportunity to sightsee the city and learn about the culture and cuisine of the region.