Green Brigade: Elexalde’s Eco-Students Take Action!
Students, teachers, and cleaners have all noticed that Elexalde’s schoolyard has become quite dirty lately. To tackle this issue, the EKO representatives have launched the “Green Brigade” campaign as part of our Agenda 2030 and Erasmus+ project
Students, teachers, and cleaners have all noticed that Elexalde’s schoolyard has become quite dirty lately. To tackle this issue, the EKO representatives have launched the “Green Brigade” campaign as part of our Agenda 2030 and Erasmus+ school projects, both committed to promoting sustainability, responsibility, and active citizenship.
How does it work?
Each week, a group of students becomes part of the Green Brigade, wearing a green badge as a symbol of their environmental commitment. During break time, they help keep the playground clean by encouraging others to pick up litter and making sure everyone respects the school’s eco-rules. At the end of the break, the members report their observations to the EKO representatives at the Playground Cleaning Desk, who record the results to create a friendly competition among classes. To finish the week, the Green Brigade joins their lead teacher to carry out a final cleaning session, ensuring the schoolyard remains tidy and ready for the next group.
This project combines Erasmus+ values — cooperation, community spirit, and active citizenship with the Agenda 2030 goals for sustainability. Together, they inspire students to take real action and make Elexalde a cleaner and more environmentally conscious place. our .
Flexibility and Autonomy in Finnish Education: An Experience at Märsky Athletics and Education
By Gemma Gutiérrez and Edurne Ruiz
During our stay in Helsinki, we had the opportunity to participate in a Job Shadowing at Märsky Athletics and Education, Finland’s largest sports-focused school. This experience allowed us to observe firsthand the flexibility of the Finnish education system and the autonomy students are given to manage their own learning.
At Märsky, the academic year is divided into five periods of approximately two months each, enabling students to plan their curriculum and adapt their studies to their individual needs and abilities. Students can choose subjects, switch courses, and even select their teachers, all under the supervision of the school administration. This flexible structure encourages responsibility, motivation, and self-management, essential skills for long-term learning.
Digitalization as a Learning Tool
One of the most notable aspects of Märsky is its emphasis on digitalization, which complements rather than replaces traditional books. Students use digital textbooks and interactive platforms for nearly all subjects, allowing them to access materials, exercises, and assignments from their own devices. Exams, including the Matriculation Exams, are also conducted digitally, enabling students to work independently even when absent from class.
At the same time, some teachers continue to use paper books, especially for subjects where handwritten notes and reflection are important. This combination ensures that students develop digital competencies while retaining traditional literacy skills.
The Importance of the Matriculation Exam
Another key aspect we observed is the significance of the Matriculation Exam, Finland’s national university entrance exam. While grades from upper secondary school do not determine university admission, the exam serves as the primary criterion, emphasizing competence and essential knowledge rather than just final course grades.
Academic and Athletic Integration
The daily schedule at Märsky combines academic and athletic training. Students train in their sports disciplines each morning while attending general and elective courses. Teachers keep detailed records of each lesson, allowing students to catch up independently if they miss class. The school also provides support and remedial classes for students who need extra help, ensuring that no one falls behind.
During our visit, we attended lessons in English, Art, Biology, and Spanish, observing how students work collaboratively and autonomously, using both digital and traditional materials, engaging in interactive activities, and developing social, emotional, and academic skills. The methodology promotes cooperation, mutual respect, and inclusive learning, contributing to a safe and stimulating school environment.
Excellence in Education and Sport
Märsky is recognized for its commitment to holistic education and elite sports training. Many professional athletes have studied there, and the school maintains strong connections with the Urhea National Training Center, where around 10,000 athletes train and study each year.
Our experience confirmed that the Finnish model successfully combines flexibility, student autonomy, digital integration, and competence-based assessment, preparing young people for both university and an active, athletic lifestyle. Märsky exemplifies how education can adapt to the talents and needs of each student, fostering personal and collective success.
World Food Day at Elexalde High School. On October15th srudents of 1DBH ( ESO) celebrated it.
On October 16th, we celebrated World Food Day at our school, with 3rd ESO students taking the lead.
This year’s theme was healthy eating, and our students prepared several activities to explore it in depth. First, they reflected on their eating habits ; what we eat, how it affects our health, and how we can make better choices every day.
They also organised a Healthy Pintxo Contest, the rules were created and agreed upon by the participants themselves, based on the principles of balanced and sustainable nutrition. One of the key rules was that all ingredients had to be brought from home, promoting responsible consumption and reducing food waste.
The result was the elaboration of healthy, colourful, and creative pintxos, full of flavour and imagination.
This celebration gave students the chance to learn, collaborate, and share the importance of responsible eating.
Finally, here is our video summary of this inspiring day:
,
Job Shadowing in Finland. Edurne Ruiz and Gemma Gutiérrez participated in a Job Shadowing in Helsinki
From September 29th to October 2nd, 2025, Gemma Gutiérrez (Erasmus+ coordinator) and Edurne Ruiz (English teacher at Elexalde High School) took part in a Job Shadowing at Mäkelänrinteen Lukio, a secondary school in Helsinki, Finland.
During this stay, both teachers had the opportunity to:
Learn about the organization and functioning of the school.
Attend various lessons in subjects such as English, French, Spanish, and Arts, observing Finnish teaching methodologies.
Participate in meetings with the school leadership team and student counsellors, gaining insight into the Finnish educational system and guidance resources.
Interact with international students and tutors, learning about the experience of studying in Finland.
Explore educational digitalization and innovative teaching strategies.
new school year brings with it an exciting calendar
Back to Erasmus: A School Year Full of Student Mobilities, Job Shadowing and Training Courses
The new school year brings with it an exciting calendar of Erasmus+ activities that will once again connect our school with Europe.
In October, two teachers will travel to Helsinki, Finland, to take part in a job shadowing programme. This experience will give us the chance to closely observe the Finnish educational system, widely recognised for its innovative methodologies, student-centred learning. Our teachers will gain first-hand insights into the strengths of Finnish education, which will later inspire new practices in our own classrooms.
In spring, two students' mobilities will take place: one to Rome (Italy) and another to central Croatia, in April and May respectively. These mobilities will allow our students to immerse themselves in new cultures, develop their linguistic and intercultural skills, and share enriching learning experiences with their European peers.
Meanwhile, in March, two teachers will attend a training course in Malta focused on Artificial Intelligence in education. The course will provide participants with innovative tools and strategies to integrate AI into teaching and learning.
March will also be a special month of cultural exchange at home. Our school will welcome partner schools from Italy, Croatia and Lithuania, who will visit us as part of the Erasmus+ cooperation. Hosting our European colleagues will strengthen bonds of friendship and collaboration, while also offering our students the opportunity to showcase their culture and daily life.
With these activities, IES Elexalde reaffirms its commitment to fostering internationalisation, innovation and cultural diversity, ensuring that both students and teachers continue to grow in a European learning environment.
Italy Opens Its Doors: A Journey into Digital Citizenship and Cultural Heritage
Fom May 24th to 31st, a group of eight students and two teachers from the English and History departments travelled to Caserta (Italy), where they were warmly welcomed by the Istituto Mattei. Throughout the week, in addition to living with host families, the students took part in a range of activities focused on developing a critical and responsible digital citizenship.
The programme was enriched with cultural visits to iconic sites in southern Italy such as Sorrento, Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii, and concluded with an original fashion show inspired by Vietnam, designed and organised by the host school’s students.
This Italian experience, enriched the students’ personal development and strengthen their linguistic and intercultural skills.
Galdakao honors the victims of the 1937 bombing with emotion, memory and a call for peace
Galdaka
Eighty-eight years have passed, but the pain still echoes. Today, Galdakao gathered to remember one of the darkest days in its history: the bombing of May 19, 1937, when 16 townspeople lost their lives at the entrance of the Plazakoetxe shelter during a brutal air raid carried out by Franco's forces.
The tribute, held in the very place where the tragedy unfolded, brought together families of the victims, local authorities, cultural figures, and residents of Galdakao. The siren that once warned of death was sounded again—not to alarm, but to remind. It marked the beginning of a deeply moving ceremony led by Human Resources Councilor Eguzkiñe Gezuraga, who spoke of the lives lost and a future stolen too soon.
Music opened the gathering, with students from the Máximo Moreno Music School performing Xabier Lete’s haunting “Xalbadorren Heriotzean.” The symbolism was powerful: a song of sorrow, sung by the youth who carry the legacy of memory forward.
Mayor Iñigo Hernando reflected on the larger context of that day, when German planes bombed Basque towns under Franco’s orders in an effort to erase a culture, a language, an identity. “But they failed,” he declared. “The people rose up, and generations later, we are still here—our language spoken, our values alive.”
The only known survivor of the attack, Mari Carmen Tutor, stood quietly among the crowd. She lost her mother, sister, and grandmother that day. At her side were her cousin, Agurtzane Yurrebaso, and Enrique Jugo, whose brother Moisés died at just 11 years old. Jugo, speaking for the families, shared not only the pain of the past, but also a message of solidarity with all those who, even today, suffer the consequences of war. “It’s happening again elsewhere,” he said. “That’s why we must keep telling our story.”
A moment of surprise and beauty arrived when local artist Ángel Díaz gifted the town a hand-carved wooden replica of Picasso’s Guernica. The mayor and victims’ families received it on behalf of the town, and it will now be displayed in the Town Hall’s plenary room—a permanent reminder of both devastation and resilience.
As the tribute drew to a close, dancer June Sánchez performed the Agurra, a traditional Basque dance of respect and farewell, accompanied by the saxophone of Eneko Arraibi and a specially composed poem by Irati Bediaga. A final floral offering at the monument brought the event full circle—each flower a gesture of memory, each hand an act of commitment to peace. BHI has set its sights on
2024-1-ES01-KA121-SCH-000197930
Elexalde High School towards a healthier school promoting emotional, social and physical well- being for students , teachers and staff.
Elexalde BHI has set its sights on improving the emotional, physical, and social well-being of its entire school community — students, teachers, and staff. With students at the centre, the school decided to take part in Aktibatuz, a project led by Farmamundi Euskadi that promotes community health and personal empowerment. The goal is clear: to make the school a more welcoming and positive place for everyone, embracing its diversity and caring for each individual.
To this end, 1st-year secondary students were given a voice and, over four weeks, they worked on the following:
Understanding and defining what a healthy school means.
Observing and identifying existing strengths (active health assets) in the school.
Discussing how these assets can be improved.
Proposing an action plan for the 2025–2026 school year. Their main suggestion: improving the schoolyard to make it more inclusive and enjoyable.
2024-1-ES01-KA121-SCH-000197930
Job Shadowing 2025
A Week of Learning , Sharing and Connecting : job Shadowing at Prezidento Adamkaus Gimnazija, Lithuania.
Two teachers from Elexalde Secondary School – Marta Gaitero (English) and Naia Gastelu (Technology and 2030 Agenda) – took part in a one-week job shadowing experience at Prezidento Adamkaus Gimnazija in Lithuania. The mobility allowed them to explore an educational model that blends tradition, pedagogical innovation, and a strong commitment to sustainability.
The school stands out for its well-structured organization and its emphasis on student autonomy. During their observations of both primary and secondary classes, the teachers witnessed a range of methodologies: from theoretical and practical lessons to the use of digital tools and project based learning focused on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
One of the highlights of the week was the international event “Eco Ideas for Lithuania 2025,” where students showcased environmentally themed projects and sold handmade products, an example of youth-led entrepreneurship and environmental awareness.
In addition to classroom observations, the visits to Vilnius and Trakai, along with international exchange forums involving schools from Portugal, Rome, Tenerife, and amusicschoolfrom Lithuania enriched the experience with opportunities for intercultural dialogue and potential future collaborations.
This job shadowing experience offered valuable insights into innovative, studens ' practices and served as a source of inspiration for developing more approaches to education back home.
2024-1-ES01-KA121-SCH-000197930
Building cultural bridges. Unforgetful week in Lithuania. Learning, sharing, and working together. Students' Mobility 2025
From April 27 to May 2, a group of students from Elexalde BHI, accompanied by two of their teachers,TheEnglishteachrrEdurne Ruiz and the coordinator of the project Gemma Gutierrez took part in an Erasmus+ mobility program in Kaunas, Lithuania. Together with students from Latvia and Lithuania, they shared an unforgettable week filled with learning, discovery, and cultural exchange.
Hosted by local families, the students had the unique opportunity to experience everyday life in Lithuania while building lasting bonds across cultures.
Throughout the week, they participated in international workshops focused on renewable energy, cultural diversity, and sustainability topics that encouraged reflection, teamwork, and creative thinking.
The program also included enriching cultural visits to key Lithuanian landmarks such as the city of Kaunas, the historic castle of Trakai, and the vibrant capital, Vilnius. These excursions offered insights into the country’s rich history ,and traditions
Beyond the academic and cultural activities, the mobility provided an space for personal growth. Students practiced their English in real-life contexts, developed greater confidence, and formed new friendships that crossed borders.
One participant summed up the experience beautifully: “We felt so welcomed. It’s an experience we’ll never forget.”
This Erasmus+ exchange was much more than a school trip—it was a reminder that Europe is also built through each students'mobilities every friendship, and the cshared experiences that bring us closer together.
2024-1-ES01-KA121-SCH-000197930
Mini-Congress at Elexalde BHI: Students at the Heart of Sustainable Change
On Thursday, April 10, from 11:45 to 12:40, Elexalde BHI held its annual Mini-Congress for all DBH EKO-representatives in the main hall. The aim of the gathering was to review the initiatives carried out throughout the 2024–2025 school year and to share the plans for the rest of the academic year. After the event, the EKO-representatives will pass the information on to their classmates and collect feedback, fostering active student participation.
The congress was divided into three main sessions, all connected to the goals of the 2030 Agenda.
Healthy School: Proposals for making Elexalde a more welcoming, inclusive and healthy environment.
Healthy Town: A look back at the actions taken to improve the community and the next steps forward.
2024-1-ES01-KA121-SCH-000197930
Erasmus+ Classroom Renovation: A Space that Connects Cultures and Dreams
This year, the Erasmus+ classroom has been completely renovated, transforming it into a more dynamic, international, and vibrant space.
Upon entering, the main wall welcomes you to the Erasmus+ programme and presents the objectives of our Erasmus plan, inviting us to discover, explore, and celebrate the efforts that both students and teachers have made over the past three years—adding up kilometres of experiences across Europe.
One of the most important elements is the mobility board, which showcases shared experiences and exchanges that have strengthened the international minds of everyone involved in the project. In addition, the kilometres travelled panel reminds us of the journey we’ve already taken and, the one s that will take place as our adventure continues to grow each day.
Everything in this classroom reflects the true essence of Erasmus+: connecting cultures, learning together, and sharing knowledge. The 2nd Batxiller students from Ahozkotasuna, more enthusiastic than ever, have actively contributed to the renovation of the classroom, bringing their ideas, creativity, and vision of what it means to be part of this great Erasmus family.
Thanks to their involvement, the space now offers all Elexaldestudents a welcoming atmosphere that invites everyone to participate in our Erasmus+ project.
For future students who will have the opportunity of learning and growing in this space, the Erasmus+ classroom will be much more than just a place of study, t will be a gateway to Europe a way to become active European citizens.
With this new environment, students will get to know other cultures, share their own values, and continue building bridges between countries, languages, and people.
The renovated classroom is a reflection of everything Elexalde has achieved so and all that is still to come.
One classroom, one future, and a whole Europe to discover. The journey has only just begun!
2024-1-ES01-KA121-SCH-000197930
Elexalde High School Erasmus+ and Agenda 2030: Joining Efforts for a Sustainable Future.
Our Erasmus+ project, "Create and Experience a Better Europe," and Elexalde's Agenda 2030 share a common vision: promoting sustainable and equitable global development. Through our project , students'mobilities, jobshadowing and training courses in Europe , our students face the global challenges of our society.
Convergence of Objectives: Elexalde Erasmus+ and Agenda 2030
Our Erasmus+ project reflects a commitment to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: Participation of our students in different international mobilities—Berlin, Warsaw, Caserta, Lithuania—promotes healthy habits and a greater awareness of physical and mental well-being.
SDG 4: Quality Education: Exposure to different educational systems enriches the training of students and teachers (through job shadowings) and promotes inclusive and quality educational practices.
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: Our mobilities promote social inclusion and equity by providing opportunities for students facing economic or academic challenges to access international experiences.
SDG 13: Climate Action: Our students have participated in projects organized by our partners related to climate change, increasing their awareness and commitment to environmental protection.
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: Student mobility strengthens international collaboration and global networks, essential for the effective implementation of the SDGs.
Highlighted Cases: Integrating Erasmus+ and the SDGs
Educational Exchanges with Poland, Romania, Estonia, Lithuania: Through job-shadowing activities, teachers and students have shared experiences and methodologies that enrich quality education (SDG 4).
Sustainability Projects in Berlin, Warsaw, Caserta, and Elexalde: These initiatives have addressed sustainability and climate change topics, SDG 13.
Upcoming Mobility to Lithuania: A visit to an "eco-friendly" center is planned, where topics related to climate action (SDG 13) will be addressed.
Promotion of Active Citizenship: One of the objectives of the Erasmus+ plan is to train active citizens; in collaboration with our partners, efforts have been made to promote peace, justice, and the strengthening of solid institutions (SDG 16).
These initiatives demonstrate how the collaboration between Elexalde's Erasmus+ students and Agenda 2030 is crucial for them. They are learning to commit to a sustainable and equitable future.
2024-1-ES01-KA121-SCH-000197930
Six students from Elexalde High School participated in the EYP ( European Youth Parliament) debating European current topics . They met students from other prestigious Bizkay schools.
As in previous years, Elexalde High School participated in the 2025 regional sessions of the European Youth Parliament (EYP) in Bilbao.
Four students from ESO and two students from 1 Bachiller took part in this event. They met students from some prestigious Biscay schools, such as Lauaxeta, Lauro, Jesuitas, Botikazahar and the English School of Asturias
During the sessions held in Bilbaou, pir students learnt how motions are debated before their approval.in the European Parliament. They participated in different committees, each focused on current important topics , and all actively contributed to discussions. Our students performed well, enganging actively in the debates.
Finally, one of the students Andere Royale ( 4 ESO) was selected to participate in the national sessions which will be held in July in Barcelona.
All the work done bybour students was excelent and their experience was very enriching. The EYP family welcomed new members from IES Elexalde High School.
2024-1-ES01-KA121-SCH-000197930
Our Erasmus+ students proudly share their experiences. These murals inspire and encourage participation. We strengthen the Erasmus+ spirit at Elexalde.
Together, we create an unforgettable experience!
After three years as part of the Erasmus+ Accreditation 2022-27, our Erasmus family has decided to give new life to our school's murals, transforming them into vibrant expressions of our experiences and values.
With creativity and enthusiasm, we have designed a mural dedicated to the mobilities carried out so far, capturing unforgettable moments from our travels. We have also renovated the volunteerism mural, reflecting the solidarity and impact of our students in various projects.
Our very own Guggenheim has been updated with photos of the visits Erasmus+ has made to Elexalde over the years, and with great pride, we have created the Accreditation Project mural, a symbol of our commitment to Erasmus+.
With great excitement, we welcomed students and teachers from Caserta and teachers from Romania with a special mural, located in the Main Hall of our school, Elexalde.
2024-1-ES01-KA121-SCH-000197930
GREEN BRIGADE in Action: A Cleaner Elexalde team composed by students of 1 DBH , Agenda 2023 and Erasmus group are responsible for the cleaness of Elexalde High School during school year 2024-25
After three years as part of the Erasmus+ Accreditation 2022-27, our Erasmus family has decided to give new life to our school's murals, transforming them into vibrant expressions of our experiences and values.
With creativity and enthusiasm, we have designed a mural dedicated to the mobilities carried out so far, capturing unforgettable moments from our travels. We have also renovated the volunteerism mural, reflecting the solidarity and impact of our students in various projects.
Our very own Guggenheim has been updated with photos of the visits Erasmus+ has made to Elexalde over the years, and with great pride, we have created the Accreditation Project mural, a symbol of our commitment to Erasmus+.
With great excitement, we welcomed students and teachers from Caserta and teachers from Romania with a special mural, located in the Main Hall of our school, Elexalde.
2024-1-ES01-KA121-SCH-000197930
Six students and two teachers from Caserta (Italy) and two teachers from Iasi (Romania) meet at Elexalde High School. This mobility fostered international collaboration and intercultural learning.
Erasmus Mobility at Elexalde BHI (December 7th-14th)
Elexalde BHI organized an Erasmus mobility program with students and teachers from Caserta (Italy) and Iasi (Romania). This initiative fostered international collaboration and intercultural learning.
Two teachers from Iasi observed classes at Elexalde to study its methodologies and management system. They attended a history session where content was reviewed through a game, a literature class about Lorca, and a debate on euthanasia. Additionally, they participated in a Physical Education class and an upcycling workshop.
Students from Caserta and Elexalde spent several days together, sharing experiences and immersing themselves in Basque culture. Italian students stayed with Basque families, strengthening bonds. At the school, they were welcomed with a multilingual presentation, followed by a tour of the facilities. They also watched videos prepared by Elexalde students about Galdakao’s historical memory and explored Christmas traditions from both countries.
On the second and third days, they visited the Bizkaia Bridge and Bilbao, where they explored iconic landmarks and learned about their history and architecture. On the fourth day, Galdakao’s mayor warmly welcomed the participants. Later, the students created picture frames from recycled materials, using their favorite photo from the mobility experience.
On the final day, they toured Galdakao’s Iron Belt, where a history teacher explained the importance of learning from past events. To bid farewell, students' families prepared a traditional Basque meal.
The experience was unforgettable, building connections among students and teachers while promoting intercultural learning.
2024-1-ES01-KA121-SCH-000197930
The coordinator of the project delivered an speech of welcome in which she emphasized the importance of keeping the friendship created in Elexalde mobility and strengthening their cultural and understanding of the Basque Country.
Hello everyone,
You will spend these days in Elexalde (Galdakao) and when you look back you will remember this experience with joy.
First of all, I would like to thank the school Mattei from Caserta and the National College of Iasi Romania for accompanying us during these five days that will be so enriching for all of us.
I would also like to thank all the coordinators and all the teachers from Mattei, Iasi and Elexalde schools who work hard in the distance and in presence in our Erasmus project. My colleagues who support me, the school board, the headmistress, the parents and last but not least, all of you Erasmus family for your enthusiasm, hard work, effort and cooperation.
Last year in the mobility that took place in Elexalde we learned about the figure of Erasmus Rotterdam, who gives its name to our Erasmus program.
Erasmus of Rotterdam was remembered and recorded in history as "the first citizen of Europe", a lover of freedom and freethinking and a defender of the need to interact with other people to enrich thinking.
And that is why, Erasmus program gives us the opportunity to meet people from other countries in Europe, to learn different cultures from each other all together but at the same time to realize that we have a lot of things in common which unite us.
But that is why this year I would like to tell you a very close story, about a student who last year traveled to Caserta and who participates in Erasmus and whose story perfectly summarizes the spirit and essence of Erasmus and I would like to share it with all of you.
When I first met Chiara, an incredible Italian girl, it was all through messages. We connected instantly, spending hours talking about our common interests. From music to films, our conversations flowed effortlessly, and it felt as we had known each other for years.
Finally, the day came when we met in person, and I can honestly say we clicked immediately. Despite both of having an excellent English level , we often found ourselves searching for the right words. Instead of relying on translators, we decided to speak in our own languages, which not only helped us learn new words but also deepened our bond. We created our own inside jokes that made us laugh, even when we were surrounded by others.
When I stayed at her house, I felt like a part of her family. Chiara and her mother treated me with such kindness and warmth that it made my heart swell. I remember the day I had to leave, and I couldn’t help crying; it was a bittersweet moment because I knew the memories we made would stay with me forever.
Fortunately, we never lost touch. In fact, during the holiday season, Chiara sent me a delightful package filled with typical treats from Italy.
Erasmus is an experience I will never forget. But I truly believe that this journey wouldn't have been half as wonderful without Chiara by my side.
So, as we kick off this new year of Erasmus with open hearts and minds, I encourage each of you to make bonds with your exchange student because it’s really worth it . Who knows? You might find a lifelong friend who will change your world, just like Chiara did for me.
After listening to this moving story we would like to hear many close stories like this again at the end of this mobility.
Meeting new people, making new friends, being able to participate in workshops, discovering a totally different culture and rediscovering ourselves with abilities, skills and weaknesses that we may not have known about, are some of the things that you are going to experience these days.
For me, Erasmus mobility programs enrich students as people, creating bonds with the students who participate.
So I am glad that those who visit us, the students of Mattei High School and the teachers of Iasi National School, will be with us this week, learning about Basque culture, participating in our upcycling workshops, meeting our families and living with them.
Finally, for all the students who are with us today, our Erasmus students ,the Italian students and the Romanian teachers.
Welcome to Elexalde and I hope you enjoy your stay.
Best of luck to everyone and remember once Erasmus Erasmus for ever!!
Thank you very much
Eskerrik asko
Multumesc
Grazie
2024-1-ES01-KA121-SCH-000197930
Two teachers from Romania carried out a job shadowing at Elexalde high School which meant a great experience for them to implement in their school
Two Romanian teachers arrived at Elexalde High School for a joob shadowing experience. To honor their visit, two Erasmus students performed an aurresku, a traditional Basque dance. The Erasmus program coordinator gave a speech emphasizing cultural exchange and long-lasting friendships, followed by a multilingual welcome from a student in English, Spanish, Basque, Romanian, and Italian. Afterward, the visitors were given a school tour, showcasing various educational projects, and ended the day watching student-created videos on Galdakao’s memorial history.
The Romanian teachers attended various classes, including English, Physical Education, History, and Music, to learn about different teaching methodologies in the Basque education system. In History, they observed an innovative trivia-based exam review, while in Music, students performed both a Basque and Romanian song to highlight cultural identity throughmusic.
On the third day the teachers observed an International Literature class, where students presented lapbooks on renowned writers. They also learned about the Basque education system, comparing it to their own. Later, they attended a Spanish class on Lorca and an English-speaking debate on euthanasia, which showed argumentation skills and interdisciplinary learning.
In the last day the Romanian teachers, along with Erasmus students and Italian teachers from Caserta, were welcomed by Galdakao’s mayor at the Town Hall. The mayor and history teacher explained past and future student projects on Galdakao’s historical memory. Later, they participated in an Upcycling Workshop, organized by the technology department, where students created photo frames using recycled materials. The job shadowing experience concluded with an assessment session, marking the end of a rich week of cultural and educational exchange.
2024-1-ES01-KA121-SCH-000197930
Solidarity initiative by Elexalde students from 2 DBH brings Hope to Valencia Children these Christmas . Olentzero arrives in Valencia
A group of volunteers from the Basque Country has launched a heartwarming initiative to bring joy and solidarity to children in the Valencian Community.The project, which started after a recent disaster( the Dana in Valencia) seeks to deliver not just material gifts but smiles and hope to those in need. The students of 2dbh of Elexalde High School have contact with them to contribute their grain of sand.
The volunteer team has already visited several towns in Valencia, including Paiporta on November 2nd and Algemesí, Catarroja, and Picanya on November 9th. Their next visit is planned for December 14th, where they pretend to introduce Olentzero, the traditional Basque Christmas character, to the Valencia community.
To make this possible, they are calling for donations of toys that will be collected in the Basque Country and delivered directly to children in Valencia. However, the project goes beyond simple gift-giving.
“We want to give more than just toys; we want to bring joy, hope, and solidarity,” say the organizers.
The initiative encourages families ( to whom they were sent a letter explaining all the project) and students to participate by donating clean and functional toys, complete with all their parts. Wrapped gifts are requested, with the possibility of adding a heartfelt message, drawing, or even a sweet treat inside. Books are also welcome, provided they are in good condition and written in Spanish.
The organizers emphasize the importance of fostering connections through these small gestures. Children are invited to include contact details to potentially receive a thank-you message from the recipient family.
The project specifically asks donors to avoid costumes, or clothing, focusing instead on toys and books that can make a meaningful impact.
This act of solidarity serves as a bridge between communities, teaching both Basque and Valencian children the values of generosity and empathy during Christmas.
For those interested in contributing, the volunteers express their heartfelt gratitude: “Thank you so much for your support and for making this project possible!”
This initiative is a beautiful example of how small acts of kindness can create lasting bonds and bring light to those facing difficult times.
2024-1-ES01-KA121-SCH-000197930
The students from English speaking subject visited the European Parliament invited by the eurodeputy Pernando Barrena who explained to them how the European Parliament works and how young people participate in it.
In December, 23 students from the English Speaking class, along with three teachers, were invited by Eurodeputy Pernando Barrena to visit Brussels and learn about the European Parliament and its workings. This trip was a fantastic opportunity for the students to not only experience the culture of Brussels but also deepen their understanding of European politics and the role of the European Parliament.
The students themselves played a crucial role in organizing the trip, using their English Speaking class to research information about Brussels, its culture, and specifically their Member of the European Parliament, Pernando Barrena. They also prepared thoughtful questions to ask him during their visit.
The trip lasted from Monday to Thursday, and during those days, the group visited a number of iconic sites around Brussels. On the first day, they explored the city's vibrant Christmas markets, indulged in delicious Belgian waffles, and enjoyed the festive atmosphere, with the beautiful lighting and music surrounding the Grand Place.
The following day, the group embarked on a cultural tour of Brussels. They visited several important landmarks, including the Grand Place, Manneken Pis, Atomium, and the St. Michel and St. Gudula Cathedral. This gave the students a deeper appreciation for the city's rich history and culture.
On the third day, the highlight of the trip arrived— a visit to the European Parliament. The students learned about the Parliament’s headquarters, its history, and its pivotal role in European politics. They gained insight into the work of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), the distribution of seats, and how MEPs address the challenges faced by Europe today. They were particularly impressed by the Parlamentarium, an interactive museum that allowed them to explore the history and workings of the European Parliament. Through multimedia screens, they discovered the influence the Parliament has on European citizens' daily lives and took a journey through key historical events that shaped the world.
The students then had the privilege of meeting Pernando Barrena, who explained the complexities of European politics and the importance of cooperation across political parties to defend Basque interests. He also discussed the rise of the extreme right, the importance of environmental issues, and the low European participation among citizens who often feel disconnected from the European Union. He also took the time to explain how the European Parliament functions and the critical role of the European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, in ensuring that legislative proposals are debated.
The students had the opportunity to ask Pernando Barrena a series of prepared questions, which he answered thoughtfully, making the meeting a truly engaging and enlightening experience for everyone involved.
This exceptional trip was not only a unique learning experience but also an educational journey that will stay with the students for years to come. It provided them with valuable insights into European politics, culture, and the role of the European Parliament. The visit will contribute to their understanding of the importance of being active citizens within the European Union.
We are incredibly grateful for the invitation to the European Parliament, and we are confident that this experience will significantly contribute to our students' personal and academic growth, preparing them to be informed and engaged citizens in the future.
2024-1-ES01-KA121-SCH-000197930
We are waiting for the Mattei School and the National College of Iasi and we are preparing a lot of welcome murals for them. It will be a very enjoyable week in which all of us will exchange experiences.
2024-1-ES01-KA121-SCH-000197930
Erasmus Students promote Historical Memory of Galdakao and creativity through new Erasmus murals during Hedatze this school year 2024-25
As part of the Hedatze program, Erasmus students at Elexalde High School in Galdakao are actively working on preserving and promoting the town's historical memory. Their efforts focus on understanding and sharing Galdakao's rich history while engaging in meaningful and creative activities.
The students also are learning that
What happened in the past in Galdakao serves as a lesson for the present and the future, ensuring that such events are not repeated.
In addition to their historical research, the students are redecorating the school's walls with inspiring artwork and messages related to the project. This initiative aims to spread awareness of the importance of Erasmus project and encourage other students to participate in it becoming embassadors of the project.
2024-1-ES01-KA121-SCH-000197930
Two teachers Edurne Guzman ( English teacher ) and Gemma Gutiérrrez ( Erasmus Coordinator) carried out a job-shadowing from 25th October to 1st November 2024 in Viimsi Upper Secondary School Taillinn Estonia)
During this week the two teachers knew Estonian educational system and above all Viimsi school . They were guided by two Estonian students through the school and also explained to them the school values, school paths, organisation and maturity exam. This job shadowing was very fruitful as we talk about a different educational approach. Students are prepared to become competent in the real world. We think that we could learn many things from this school.
2024-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000114567
Two teachers Iratxe Cuñado ( English teacher and Erasmus assistance ) and Gemma Gutiérrrez ( Erasmus Coordinator) carried out a job-shadowing from 23rd to 27 September 2024 in he National College of Iasi ( Estonia)
During this week the two teachers carried out several activities; they observed the working of the school, attending different Latin, Computing, History and French lessons. They also participated in a round table about the Romanian system od education versus the Basque one . At the samke time some students from the National College of Iasi presented them different proyects on active citizenship, volunteering. An ispector of the area who had three hours of class there informed them about the Romanian national exam´s results.
Finally, They were interviewed for Iasi television and for the school magazine. The host teacher Ms Tuscanasu guided them through Romanian and Iasi fhistorical memory.
It was an enriching and fruitful experience, which meant a lot of new ideas to implement in Elexalde school.
In December two teachers from the National Collegue of Iasi will also participate of a job shadowing in Elexalde high school.
2023-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000114567
Some Erasmus group students reflected on the waste of paper that every day takes place in the classroom and they prepared a big mural to make teachers aware of it.
Effects of paper wasting in students' classroom
Some Erasmus group worked on the waste of paper which takes place in Elexalde school.
These are their reflections:
The expense of paper is enormous; according to the school's caretaker, more than 700 paper sheets a day are spent. That is 3,500 paper sheets in 122,000 years (school days only).
So this high school cuts down 15 trees in a year.
This means thst a tree produces about 320 to 360 litres of oxygen a day, which means we lose 1,971,000 litres of oxygen in a whole year.
They also created a questionnaire for teachers with the following questions:
-How much paper do you use every week?
less than ten green
between ten and twenty pink
thrirty - forty blue
more than forty red
another one white
If we look at the graphic the use of paper by the teachers is more that forty , that is the highest use of it.
-What do your students use more in a classroom a computer or paper?
The result was that the number of teachers who use the computer and those teachers who use paper was the same.
-Do you recycle the paper you use in your classroom?
Yes, sometimes blue
Yes, almost always. red
Finally, students give a solution to redice the amount of use of paper
We think it would be easier for teachers to send all the material the students have to carry out by classroom, e mail and if students copy the exercises they arecasked to do in their notebook , it will significantly reduce the amount of paper spent.
2023-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000114567
The students of 2 dbh designed some creative projects about the civil war and they reflected on the consquences and the horror of the Spanish and Basque Civil War.
In our Erasmus plan we will work on the historical memory promoting students' democratic values.
So the students of 2 DBH created war models, posters about Gernika bombing , what happened before and after the Civil War, Galdakao Iron Belt's bunkers models, stories made up by the students related to what happened during the wartime. Live experiences of grandmothers who participated in the War and were told their granddaughters. Photos made by a war journalist, comic, bertsoak, songs. Gernika's tree made by modelling clay. Different games about the Francoism period of time.
The students of 2 dbh reflected on the consquences and the horror of the Spanish and Basque Civil War.
2023-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000114567
So that it doesn´t happen again !!
Students created a mural about what historical memory is , what they learnt about our historical memory , an interview with the history teacher.
2023-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000114567
The commemoration event for the 87th anniversary of the Galdakao bombing. Our Elexalde High School within Erasmus + project joins galdakao City Hall in this event.
On May 16th May 2024 Sunday marks 87 years since the bombing that had the worst consequences in Galdakao. During the Civil war Galdakao suffered at leat 28 bombings, and on May 19th, 1937 16 citizens were killed when they were hit by a bomb dropped at the entrance of Plazakoetxe shelter by planes under Franco´s orders. That is why May 19th is an important day for the people from Galdakao , and the City Council organized, as usual. a commemorative event for the anniversary
2023-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000114567
Last news from our school garden. The autum comes and Elexalde students are collecting the fruits at Elexalde BHI
Several DBH1 and DBH2 students have felt excited and organized a garden or ecological garden with the help of several teachers as part of the Hedatze project.
In October we began to decide how to design our school garden: to choose the most suitable place, to adapt it (to cut the grass, to dig the ground with the hoe...), to choose what to plant, to get tools...
The next step was to lay the fields of the garden, and determine what to sow: we planted some orchards (bark, cabbage, lettuce, etc.); sown others, such as peas; and added flowers, some tree buds, and some bulbs.
On days when the weather hasn't helped us, we've done other things, like the scarecrow that takes care of the garden. We used the technology room, where we found the necessary materials and tools.
On the other hand, we have used reused clothes and so on to dress the cob. As we' see in the pictures, the victory of Athletic our local football team served us as to dress our scarecrow.
We have adapted the garden according to our needs, and we have made other fields of orchards or gardeners, always by hand and with reused
Over the past few days, we've been removing the laziest fruits from tomato plants, so that we can take our school garden as beautiful and healthy as possible.
Let's see if we can tell you about tomatoes and peas next time.
2023-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000114567
Etorkizuna iragan esanguratsuarekin bat egiten. The future meets the meaningful past. (DBH 1, Gernikan, 2024/04/18) Gernika Peace museum. A symbol of peace
As our project deals with the historical memory, our students of 1 DBH visited the Gernika Peace Museum.
The Gernika Peace Museum aims to honor the survivors of the bombing, their collective stories and promote peace, and human rights.
Gernika represents the Basque Country's greatest symbol of freedom, and after the infamous bombing which took place during the Civil War, became a pacifist emblem. The permanent exhibition approaches the subject of peace from different points of view, as well as the history of Gernika. The museum also has two video rooms, a conference room and a documentation centre on the bombing.
Our students first visited the historic Basque city of Gernika, which was immortalized in Pablo Picasso’s iconic painting denouncing the horrors of war. Hundreds of civilians were slaughtered and much of the city was leveled during the savage bombardment by Hitler’s Condor Legion during the Spanish Civil War. The museum is small but powerful.
As we have pointed out the Gernika Peace museum is focused on peace and reconciliation, two of the main themes that have emerged after the destruction of Gernika.
Our student were so impressed when they showed the most powerful exhibits which documented the horror that ensued when Luftwaffe bombers swooped down on the city in April 1937 as people flocked to the weekly Monday open-air market, which they also visited before going to the museum.
They saw all the historical photos and moving video recollections from survivors, all of which bring the destruction.
The museum is next to a plaza, where banners featuring black-and-white photographs hang from the second floor balconies, with scenes from the attack: an anguished mother lying in the street as she cradles her child amid the rubble; four Basque militiamen, armed and defiant as they guard the city; and a women, hysterical, being taken away by fascist soldiers .
And to finish the visit, we could not forget the picture of our future generation who meets that significant past on the mural replicating Picasso’s painting.
There was also a visit to the the historic assembly building next to the Oak tree where Lords ruled the region during the Middle Ages.
The visit to the Gernika Peace Museum was a a reflection for our students in favour of peace and human rights so that there are no more Gernikas as well as a discover or better understanding of Spanish civil war.
2023-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000114567 l
During the week of May 15th to 17th, two teachers from the Szkola Podstawowa school in Warsaw ( Poland) had the opportunity to do a Job Shadowing at our Elexalde BHI High School.
Job ShadowingI ES Elexalde BHI
An approach to the Basque educational system
Last year, two teachers from our high school traveled to Poland to the Szkola Podstawowa school (Warsaw) to learn how the Polish system works and what methodology could be applied in our IES Elexalde high school to improve its quality.
Now it was the Polish school that visited us. They were five very interesting days of learning. During the weekend they were shown in Urdaibai, Gernika and Bilbao. We reflected on the two educational systems, the Polish and the Basque one.
At the same time, we showed Polish teachers the projects that IES Elexalde carries out. They also observed the methodology of projects in the Spanish and English language lessons in different secondary schools. At the same time, they were able to see how spoken English is worked through debates and in a playful way in the Speaking subject.
We also showed them the multidisciplinary project Egypt carried out by the students of the first year of Secondary School in all subjects and finally, they learned how to work with students from other countries who join the Basque educational system.
It was a very fruitful shadowing job and welook forward to future collaborations.
2023-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000114567
Our Erasmus students and some ecodelegates are preparing a solidarity market. From 15th April to 3rd May they will be collecting different objects that students will bring to the high s
Some students from Erasmus + and some eco delegates are preparing a solidarity market, with two objectives. The first one is to recycle and reuse things that we don't use, and the second is to earn money for associations and help people.
Elexalde, Andra Mari, Bengoetxe and Eguzkibegi high schools (those schools are the ones that are located in our city Galdacano) will take care of the different stands of the market, Elexalde is going to ask permission from the city hall and ask for objects to elaborate the market, like chairs, tables…
From 15th April to 3rd May eco-delegates will collect different objects (clothes, accessories,perfumes, books, video games, toys…) and things that students will bring to the high school.Then, some eco-delegates will classify the collected objects in different sections to know if they are useful and can be used.
On 17th May during school hours some teachers and eco delegates will go to the city hall square and will prepare all the stands with the second hand objects so locals can buy them.
When the market finishes, we will collect all the money and we will donate it to the solidarity refrigerator.
The solidarity refrigerator started in Galdacano, on 29th April 2015 and is used to save food, and give it to people who need it.
After Galdacano city hall tested for a month, they realized that the Solidarity Refrigerator was achieving the goals set, and they saved about 300 kg of food that would otherwise have ended up in a landfill every month.
Actually, the solidarity refrigerator is growing up. There are more than 20 refrigerators in different points of the country: Euskadi, Toledo, Valencia, Zaragoza, Galicia, Barcelona, Madrid… . Other countries, like Mexico, Chile and Argentina are interested in collaborating with this association.
Therefore, our collaboration in the solidarity refrigerator will be a good opportunity for us to share it with the locals who will need it. And the solidarity market will provide us the opportunity to help people that don’t have much money
2023-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000114567
Our Erasmus students started their mobility to Mattei institute Caserta ( Italy) , seven days of a unique experience in which they learnt about Italian culture.
The students who participated in the Caserta Mobility had
2023-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000114567
The Erasmus students honour the women of Galdakao
students who participated in the Caserta Mobility had
2023-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000114567
The coordinator of the project and the English teacher attended a course in Dublin " Maximising Digital Competence in Teaching and Learning "
The students who participated in the Caserta Mobility had an English course so that they could feel more comfortable
2023-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000114567
Erasmus students before their mobility attended an English course so that they could feel more comfortable to use it with the Italian families
The students who participated in the Caserta Mobility had an English course so that they could feel more comfortable when they had to use it in Italy.
First, they were given real situations which they will have to face to speak in English. Situations with the Italian families, with whom they lived , in which they were capable of talking about themselves, their families, hobbies, their country, if they were ill , they needed something.
They were also talked about themselves in their schools, their favourite subject, their school sharing and comparing the information with the Italian students.
Informal conversations among friends .
To end, as they had prepared some geniallies on Italian history, currency, cuisine, geography, curiosites, Caserta and Mattei school, they talked about it.
2023-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000114567 ll
The students of Elexalde high school with Sagarra organitation´s help placed some sensors in Galdakao town and at the school to measure NO2 emisions
Our daily activities, especially how we move, affect air quality. In the combustion processes of cars, nitrogen dioxide, NO2, is produced, among others. This gas is irritating and can cause chronic damage to the respiratory system (asthma, allergies), causing illness and death in the most serious cases. The environmental group Sagarra has launched a campaign to measure NO2 concentrations in the air (in order to improve the mobility plans of municipalities) within the framework of the European project "GreenScent, Smart Citizen Education for a green future" . The schools of Basauri, Galdakao and Etxebarri participate in the project. On February 6 we took the first step: installing passive sensors in strategic locations in Galdakao to measure NO2 levels.
2023-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000114567 ll
The students must reflect on the waste left in the playground. That is why each group is in charge of collecting the waste generated by students in the school yard
We would like our students to be aware that the common spaces of our school belong to all of us and theefore, we have to keeep them clean to continue being a nice place.
That is why each time a group is in charge of collecting the waste generated by students in the school yard.
In the images 2 DBH-ESO students are cleaning the playground.
short video.mp42023-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000114567
Two students from 4 DBH and three students from 1 Bachiller participated in the EYP regional conference in Bilbao. One of them was chosen for the EYP national conference Valencia 2024
2023-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000114567
Four of ourstudents partcipated in the"pleno" Plenary Session of Galdakao Town Council and they learnt how to be active citizens. They brought a proposal from Elexalde school about the paper recycling.
At the municipal plenary session, the students explained to all the political.parties which participated in it that at Elexalde high school we organise several campaigns to reduce waste: the paper campaign and the hamaiketako ( lunch) campaign, therefore, it is impossible not to generate garbage.
But then it comes the second step: taking it to be recycled. They added that both in the schoolyard and inside we have containers of different colors to classify the garbage and that, here comes the problem, they have seen that both the schoolyard cleaners and the interior cleaners throw everything away at the same time. They only come to the school to pick up paper once a week, but no, plastic.
The students' request was to talk to the cleaning services in order to organize the recycle of the different material without being necessary to mix them, so that all the process has sense.
.
2023-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000114567
Our school promotes environmental care and healthy eating habits through the creation of a school garden where the students of 2 ESO participated
FAO maintains that school gardens are a very useful learning platform to improve student education and nutrition and, at the same time, promote environmental conservation and the social and physical well-being of the educational community.
We have to take into account that in industrialized countries, intensive agriculture and current eating habits have increasingly harmful effects on our health and the environment.
Therefore, with school gardens we can face these problems that threaten today's society: food insecurity and climate change. To do this, it is necessary to promote habits that improve health, such as healthier eating, and good nutritional, agricultural and environmental education that makes teenagers be aware of the need to change things, since their future actions and measures will be of great importance. School gardens should be aimed at Providing practical nutrition lessons that encourage the production and consumption of healthy foods and a lifestyle.
• Educating in environmental sensitivity, contributing to the sustainability of the planet through the inclusion of environmental and ecological training
.• Improving the diet and a source of healthy, natural and varied food, important for the physical and mental development of teenagers.
There is nothing more satisfying for the student than seeing that with his own physical and intellectual work he is making vegetables grow where there was only grass or sand, and also eating them at the end of the process.
vid-20231030-wa0000-online-video-cuttercom_GMxcqFUA.mp42023-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000114567
Three students from 1 Batx interviewed the Mathematic teachers on sustainabiliy because he is one of our eco-teachers who comes to school by bicycle.
Hello everyone. Today we are here with Lander Goiri. Lander is a Maths teacher in Elexalde high school. He has gained a lot of popularity among students and teachers because he usually comes to the high school by bike. Hello, Lander.
Hello, good morning.
Before getting into the bicycle related topics, we would like to ask you some questions about your job. For example, what made you think that studying science was the best option?
Well , basically… I didn’t like letters, I used to hate studying stumps of information and I had an advantage in sciences, so I just kept studying that. And I studied engineering. Why? I actually don’t know. That day and age you had to study something and get a degree by choosing it almost blindfolded, without knowing anything about it. Later I managed well in the subject, and that was the main reason for me to go on studying science.
Did you enjoy the studying process during both your high school and university years, although sometimes science can be hard to study?
Yeah, well… that’s what studies are, aren’t they? Either letters or science, any of both are really hard and challenging. People often say that “students live so well”, how well they live, do they? Sure, a student who doesn’t study might live easily, but a student who studies hard has to go through a tough life filled with exams and projects… I believe that studies are very hard. I had many good times with my colleagues but I had to go through moments of loneliness just studying, although it’s worth it.
It is well known by all of us that it takes a lot of time and effort to come by bike to Elexalde. How do you organize and mentalize yourself for this daily challenge?
Actually, it just takes me 5-10… 5 minutes more to come here by bike than by car, in fact, traffic jams are really often created and a lot of time is wasted even if coming by car is more comfortable. When I come by bike I don’t have that kind of problem. And I come pleasantly every morning this way, although when it is Winter it is harder for me to do so.
At the same time, students wonder what’s the main reason behind this way of acting. Is it for environmental purposes, health purposes, sports purposes… or any other?
Well, on the one hand, I’d rather come to my workplace or to anywhere else by bike because not only I love it, but it clears my head too. When you move by bike you are able to take in air, which I like a lot. On the other hand, whenever the weather is good enough for me to take my bike, I don’t pollute. I have taken that into account too. In addition, I am able to save a little money. I’d say those are the main reasons.
Cycling could sometimes be a hard hobby since it is a very demanding sport. Have you always liked it? Or did you start to develop a liking for this sport at an older age?
I have always used the bike, since I was bought one when I was younger. Some times more, others less, but I always try to go everywhere (even Bilbo) by bike.
Taking the bike almost everyday must have had a great impact on your body and health. Do you feel better or more active now that you are doing sport more often?
Well, now the cyclical doesn’t ask me for such a big effort, since I had installed an electric motor in it so I wouldn’t sweat when going up towards the high school. But it’s no lie that it helps a lot in clearing one’s mind. The trip clears my mind and by the time I reach the high school I am more relaxed.
To end our final doubts about sport and health: do you do any other activity apart from cycling?
I have always practiced some kind of sport. I have been climbing for a long time and I try to go some weekends to practice more; and I started boxing last year and during the week I try to go two days at least to the gym to do some sport. But it’s enough with that for me, I don’t want to reach competitive levels.
Thanks for that now, if you don't mind, shall we start with the environment related questions?
Sure, go ahead.
Either directly or indirectly you find yourself surrounded by the environmental world, and even contributing to its causes. Was there a certain problem that concerned you the most and pushed you to make this decision?
Well, last years in general and this last summer have been really hot, which really concerns me, mainly because of the quick pace these climate and temperature changes are starting to develop. Plastic has a big impact on this and the oceans are filled with plastic too. That’s why I am worried about the environment and the situation we are in. I do whatever I can whenever it is possible to. Even if it is a little, a lot of littles make a greater good.
All of us are aware of the recent problems we are facing, such as global warming. Now, after you have experienced one of the hottest summers ever recorded in the Basque Country, would you say you are worried about the situation?
Yeah well, I think I have answered something similar before, maybe I haven’t fully understood the question before but yes, I am really concerned about the situation and a lot of people are too. Actually, it is cause for concern. Mainly, we have to take into account the world we want to leave you young people, because we already have lived our years but we have to be careful with the planet we are leaving to the youngsters: filled with plastic and damaged.
People say extreme situations need extreme answers, but we may have taken this statement too far. During the last years more and more footage has appeared of public groups such as Greenpeace and Just Stop Oil which try to spread their ideas by boycotting events and sometimes doing vandalism. Do you believe this is the best way to do so? And what’s your opinion about this kind of activity?
Well, about Greenpeace and the actions they do, I think they are fine, violent sometimes as they are but it’s also important to make and echo. Apart from that, I think the most important thing is to work on awareness, especially in today's young people, to raise consciousness and to see if the older ones also become aware, since a lot of the think things like “for the time I have left in this world, why bother…” and they really don’t care about the planet they are leaving the youngsters
Related to the question before, what would you do to achieve the same goal?
What would I do? See, I’d especially work on awareness. Us teachers could take this challenge: not just teaching, but raising awareness among young people. Let the young people go home and think about the situation and the future and make their parents aware. And I’d do some more little actions too, such as recollecting bottle caps, recollecting plastic, recycling… and to try not to be consumists, although it is very hard in the society we live on.
Is there any suggestion you would like to make for the high school to improve at?
I’d promote the actions which are being done in the Agenda 30, as they are really important and have a great impact on our awareness, although later each person will do whatever they want.
Well, this has been all. Thank you for having us, Lander. You have been very helpful and we appreciate what you have done for us. It’s been a pleasure to be with you.
Thank you guys, really.
2023-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000114567
Elexalde school is celebrating the International Day of the Baque language and all the Elexalde students with the Polish and German students participated in traditional Basqe sports.
The Polish and German students because the Italian students learnt the day before participated of all the activities which were organised at school because of the celebration of this special day for us.
They danced typical Basque dances and they also practised typical Basque sports.
All of them they had a really good day and they enjoyed a lot.
2023-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000114567
All the Erasmus group from 3 ESO and 4 ESO as well as the Polish, German and Italian schools participated of the workshops ; creating acrostics on democracy and environment. The winner of the competition.
The students were organised in multilingual groups and after the explanation given by the coordinator on how to create an acrostic, they started designing theirs.
At the end of the workshop , there was a competition and the best one was chosen.
2023-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000114567
All the Erasmus group from 3 ESO and 4 ESO as well as the Polish, German and Italian schools visited the mayor of Galdakao .
We explained the project to the major of Galdakao as well as we informed him about our mobility planning for those days,
The mayor talked about our Basque identity as a unique but different from other cultures, not woese or better. He also explained to all of us the importance of our language .
A Polish student also asked the mayor some questions about how Galdakao town recycled and the steps the town was doing in order to be a sustainable town.
2023-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000114567
Our student from 3 DBH through an eco tour explained the differen tways Elexalde school recycles and invited them to the eco corner.
Welcome to our "Green Tour"! Our first stop is this area, where you will see five different bins specifically designated for recycling. The yellow bin is for plastic, the blue one for paper, the green one for glass, (glass can be recycled without losing its quality, making it an environmentally-friendly material).
The orange for oil, and the gray bin is for all other waste that cannot be recycled. So it goes to the garbage dump, they put all the rubbish in a valley, between two mountains and once is full they cover the hole with land; but when that is done, they have to find another place for that rubbish so that’s why we have to try to put as little rubbish as we can to this rubbish bin and It's very important to use these bins correctly.
Next, we will visit the Txoko Berdea, or "Green Spot". Here, you will find different surveys conducted by students. Additionally, various rubbish bins for items such as bottle caps, dead batteries, empty pens, and collected papers are recycled by classes every month. This exemplifies the importance of recycling various materials, even those that are not commonly recycled. This promotes a more comprehensive approach to recycling and waste management.
The students also organize occasional schoolyard cleanups to remove plastic waste;The schoolyard cleanups organized by students, serve as practical actions to address the issue of plastic waste. Removing plastic waste from the environment helps protect ecosystems while raising awareness about the impact of single-use plastics.
Moving on, we arrive at the Umore Berdea, or "Green Humor" area, where the best ironic jokes related to the environment are showcased. This area adds a fun element to environmental awareness. Humor can be a powerful tool in encouraging people to think critically about environmental issues and their own actions.
Lastly, we will visit Stop Plastiko, which is a place where we put different campaigns. This campaign for example it’s about reducing plastic and was made here two years ago. The Stop Plastiko campaign highlights the importance of reducing plastic consumption because plastic pollution is a significant issue, and campaigns like this serve as reminders to make choices that contribute to reducing plastic waste.
Now, let's reflect on what we have learned today. Every small effort, such as using the correct recycling bins, participating in surveys and cleanups, and promoting awareness through humor, contributes to preserving our planet for future generations. Remember, together we can make a difference and create a better future.
Thank you for listening and I hope you feel inspired to take action towards a greener world.
2023-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000114567
Our cordinator of the project delivered an speech to welcome the Polish, Germand and Italian school
Good morning everyone!
It is for us a really great pleasure and a huge joy to welcome our Erasmus+ partners from Tesla Schule Berlin,Szkoła Podstawowa Warsaw and Mattei instituto Caserna Italy to our Elexalde high school.
As you can see we are all together in this breathtaking landscape surrounded by some Basque mountains Upo, Gorbea, Oiz protected by our Andra Mari church.
First of all, I would like to thank all the coordinators and all the teachers from all the schools who have been working hard in the distance and in presence in our project. My colleagues who support me, the school board, the headmistress, the parents and last but not least, all of you for your enthusiasm, hard work, effort and cooperation.
At the beginning of the school year a student asked me where the word "Erasmus" really comes from. The word "Erasmus" has its origin in a proper name: Desiderius Erasmus Rotterodamus, better known as Erasmus of Rotterdam.
Erasmus of Rotterdam was one of the most important humanists and theologists of the Renaissance and went down in history as one of the first "travelers of knowledge."
Erasmus of Rotterdam was remembered and recorded in history as "the first citizen of Europe", a lover of freedom and freethinking and a defender of the need to interact with other people to enrich thinking.
In this way, "erasmus" word recreates the philosophy of a restless man who fought until the end of his days to create ties of friendship and knowledge between people from other countries and promote a continent free of borders.
That is precisely what all of us have learned in our Erasmus, to open our schools to Europe, to be active European citizens willing to recycle and take care of the environment, to respect different cultures and identities. To be aware of what is different about each of us but also everything we have in common because difference is essential. We have improved our level of English and used it to communicate among us, we have gained personal autonomy, worked as a team and shared different points of view with students from different schools in Europe.
We have also discovered that although we come from different countries and speak different languages, our hearts beat as one.
We have built future bridges of brotherhood and peace.
As you know, the Elexalde highschool carried out an Erasmus project with a Greek school in Katerini Greece and at the end of the project we asked the parents, teachers and students who participated in it three words to define their participation in the project and these were some of their words :
friendship, discovery, happiness, creativity, illusion, enthusiasm, eagerness, hospitality, unique, hard work, unforgetful, sharing, interesting, funny, teamwork, enriching and welcoming.
That is what after your mobility in the Basque country, we would like you to be able to keep at least some of these words in your mind and take them with you when coming back to your countries.
When I meet my students from the first Erasmus project who are now at university, I feel very excited, happy and proud when they tell me that they continue to have contact with the Greek students they met and lived with them for a week. Even some of them have seen each other again.
So I hope that all of you can also continue to have contact, and see each other again here in the Basque Country or in another country in Europe.
To finish, I wish you an amazing , pleasant and unique mobility in the Basque Country ,have fun, learn as much as possible, make really good friends and remember
" Once Erasmus, Erasmus forever"
Thank you to all of you for being with us these unforgetful days and sharing your experience.
Ongi etorri Ekexalde ikastetxera
Welcome to Elexalde school
Bienvenidos a Elexalde
Willkommen bei Elexalde
Benvenuti a Elexalde
Witamy w Elexalde
2023-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000114567
Our partners from Poland , Germany and Italy are welcomed with an aurresku danced by our students from 4 DBH and 1 Batx.
An aurresku is a Basque dance, solemn and elegant, that is performing as a way of honouring imortant people. We danced honouring our partners.
2023-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000114567
Our Erasmus students prepared all the murals of the project to welcome the Polish, German and Italian students.
Not only the students of Hedatze from 3 DBH but also the students from 1st bachiller helped in the preparation of the murals.
2023-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000114567
Our students of second of bachiller within the Erasmus project they are given a lecture about the Solidarity European Corps. They showed a lot of interest.
A volunteer from Italy through Bizkaia had the opportunity to know how the programme Solidarity European Corps works and they were also given explanaitions of how to apply to it in case they were interested before getting to university or in any moment of their lives ( between 18-30) . They showed them where they could find different projects or any kind of imformation related to it.
Students were really interested and some of them shared emails with the Italian volunteer to keep in contact .
2022-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000114567
The new Erasmus + from 3 ESO is discussing how to organise the gymkana they will carry out for the Polish, German and Italian students.
2023-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000114567
Our students are preparing a welcome mural. In a month we will host the Polish, German and Italian students , They are so excited about it.
the s
We are waiting for you!!!!
Everything is almost ready for the visit of the students of the project 2023-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000114567 within our Acreditation
Ongi etorri Elexalde ikastetxera!!!
Welcome to our school!!!
Tesla School from Berlin, School from Warsaw , from Caserta Italy and Elexalde School Basque Country will meet from the 26th November to 2nd December 2023. A week of environmental awareness, Europen citizen active participations with workshops and visits to Urdaibai, Gernika, Bilbo Gughemgeim , Old Quaters. Our Galdakao mayor will also give us a warm welcome. Elexalde school and our guess all together will celebrate the Basque Language Day .
We will strengthen friendships and share unforgettable experiences.
New Erasmus group for our project project 2023-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000114567 All of them are full of enthusiasm and ready to start this unique experience and work hard to learn to be European citizens andacquire healthy eating habits.
2023-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000114567
Agenda 2030
"An apple a day keeps the doctor away "
We are diswtribuiting applesw among our students in their break to raise awareness about helathy eating habits
This initiative aims at raising awareness among Elexalde students about the importance of incorporating healthy eating habits into their lives.
The responsible of the canteen in our school in the breaks twice or even more brings a box of apples opr any seasonal fruit so that our students can pick up one .
2023-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000114567
Our student Olatz Villamayor was selected in the Regional Selection Conference in the Basque Coubt and she had the opportunity to live one of the most memorabe events in EYP the National Selection Conference in Marbella.
The Na tional Selection Conference had a duration of 6 days where delegates debated and proposed solutions to actual problems concerning the European Union.
Two days of committee´s work and two days of General assembly, which took place in the Congress Palace of Marbella.
Our student and the rest of students from different regions of Spain worked a lot during those days. but the best of all was making lifelong friendships and enjoying this unique opportunity that helped all of them acquire crucial skills for the future.
Our student also gathered with youngers from all over Europe and from various nationalities: people from Germany, Britain, Hungray. Some of them were already in collage studying careers like law, politics... so that made the level be really high.
Delegates selected by the jury in the National Selection Conference will have the opportunity to represent our nation committee in International Session.
At the end of October after fifteen months of enthusiasm and hard work, we will submit our project 2022-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000059444
In our project projecto 2022-1-ESO1-K121-SCH-000059444
four schools from Europe a Polish, Germand and Serbian school collaborated together to carry out two students mobilities and a job shadowing as well as a wage range of activities , which are shared on the project website and on the Erasmus platform of results within a multilingual environment. Elexalde students came into contact with different cultures in a playful way and develop their intercultural awareness.
They also learnt to be active citizens, and acquired sustainability habits.
Teachers of Elexalde also improved their teaching methodologies and their experience in the polish school in Warsaw has started to be putting it into practise in their professional daily life.
It was a unique experience for both teachers and students,
2022-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000059444
Job shadowing in Warsaw a unique opportunity two teachers at Elexalde school to observe the way Polish school and to be implemented in our school.
During our staying in Szkola Podstawowa nr 365 in Warsaw, the teachers in charge of carrying out the Job Shadowing had the opportunity to observe the work dynamics of the individual classes of various subjects, Mathematics, English, Chemistry, Physical education. We also saw a performance of a sketch about the history of democracy and the celebration of an important day for the school such as Children's Day.
We carried out interviews with members of the teaching Staff in order to find out relevant aspects regarding the curriculum of the subjects, the characteristics of their educational system, their study plans and the working of the school.
We were warmly welcome by the coordinator of the project Renata Kaprika who was our host during our staying in Warsaw.
Szkola Podstawowa is a primary school of about 400 students and it gives classes to students from 6 to 14 years old.
It is important for us to underline that although we are talking about a primary school and our school is a secondary school,
We learnt about class management.
Apart from attending lessons which correspond to our 1, 2 and 3 dbh, we also attended lessons which were aimed at young children because as we have mentioned before the school is a primary school and have students from 7 to 14.
The job shadowing was an enriching experience for us, as they worked their subjects using projects, and this was one of the topics we were interested in and asked the Polish school to organise before going there. We could observe working in teams using different strategies to organise them, taking decisions and creative original projects in different subjects, active learning.
2022-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000059444
Agenda 2023
Breakfast and learning: why the morning meal is important. Creating healthy habits in our students .Do you have a good breakfast?
The reason of it is because we tried to raise awareness among students of the first year of secondary school about the importance of breakfast, taking into account that it provides students with the necessary energy to start the day and will also nourish our body after many hours without eating.
The benefits of a good breakfast for students: stimulates concentration and improves performance. The secondary school students should learn how a healthy breakfast should be and the reasons of it. With this question we aimed at promoting appropriate habits.
It is known that the lack of breakfast or not eating it properly influences the physical state of our students. They are more tired and depressed.
Psychologically , they are more irritated, and they also have a greater lack of concentration and a bad mood.
Regarding the medical problems that may arise, there are low blood sugar and dizziness….
The capacity for expression, memory, creativity and problem solving are particularly affected by the lack of breakfast.
Therefore, all this has an impact on the academic results of the students.
As we can see on the table
Students had to answer to that question ion, according to it ,
1. Well, fruit, dairy products and cereals.
2. Improve: only two
Fruit and dairy productd
Fruit and cereals
Daily products and cereals
3. Poor only one ( only fruit, only daily products and only cereals)
4. Bad he/ she doesn't have breakfast
mutilak= boys
neskak,= girls
Nahastea Mixture
Orokorra In general
83% has breakfast every day 78% are girls and 88% boys. Considering the ones who have breakfast 9%
2022-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000059444
Commemoration of the 86th anniversary of the bombing of Galdakao, with a call not to lose the historical memory. A people cannot forget its history to look tat the future from today.
Today it is commemorated the 86th anniversary of the bombardment of Galdakao by fascist troops; Between April and June 1937, the fascists killed 40 citizens in Galdakao, the majority using air-dropped bombs. There were 28 bombardments that took place in our town, one of them happened a day as today being the bloodiest, the one that caused the most deaths
A bomb was thrown into the shelter that housed the civilian population in Plazakoetxe and 16 citizens were killed.
The tribute ended with a floral offering, looking at the present and the future. The Major of Galdakao Uñigo Hernando, on behalf of the town, placed a bouquet of flowers on the monolith that remembers the victims of that bombing and each family member put a flower. Next, citizens and participants added flowers to the monolith; among them, councilors from all the political groups of the Galdakao City Council.
2022-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000059444
Without Diversity, There Is No Democracy
Today 17th April 2023 , we have celebrated The International Day against LGTBI-phobia .
Aniztasunerako askeak eskubideetarako berdinak
Without Diversity, There Is No Democracy
Human rights are universal. All people have the same rights without any distinction. According to the UN, States have a legal obligation to promote and protect the human rights of all people without discrimination.
Our students have celebrated this day through the creation of banners which have been displayed at school to visualise the discrimination LGTBI people still suffer from.
On May 17, 1990, the WHO removed homosexuality from its list of 'diseases'. Since 2004, the International Day against LGTBI-phobia has been celebrated. Although Spain is a benchmark in the defense of LGTBI rights, there is still a lot to be done, both in our country and in others. It must be remembered that, today, people are still persecuted and murdered because of their sexual orientation, and in Spain the harassment of this group is constant: in fact, close to 90% of LGTBI adolescents have suffered bullying at school and they continue to suffer, not to mention that discrimination continues in the streets, homes and jobs.
2022-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000059444
After 4:00 p.m the attack against Gernika began . The operation had been planned for days, but it was on April 26th 1937 all the anti-aircraft alerts started to sound.
The people from.Gernika twho were in the streets , looked terrified at numerous planes in the area. The first bombardment was carried out by the Nazis and the Italian fascists. it was intended to prevent the withdrawal of the Republican troops from Gernika, cutting off the road and the access bridge. Minutes later, the intensity of the offensive increased, reaching the point of dropping a hugev number of bombs, including both explosive and incendiary devices. Not only that, there were also multiple machine gun attacks against the civilian population. Around 8:00 p.m, the alarms stopped ringing.
" We were under two trees from four to eight. We were in the water for four hours. We didn't feel cold, we were afraid," said Andone, who was the only minor to save her life during this massacre.
There are many, many memories of those who at a very young age learned to identify the sound of aircraft prepared to attempt against life indiscriminately: "My mother died as a result of the bombing of Gernika. I was born there and resurrected there. Thanks to my father, otherwise we would have died there."
2022-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000059444
Polish students shew how to make a traditional Polish dish Gołąbki step by step. They did it to celebrate Erasmus Day as well as to promote Polish school Szkola Podstawowa nr 365 .
2022-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000059444
Olivia and Magda two Polish student presented us Szkola Podstawowa nr 365 of Warsaw . They approached us to their school so that we could know it better.
2022-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000059444
Polish students created a video after their first mobility at Tesla school in Berlin. They shared with us through this video their impressions and their experience .
2022-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000059444
Our students met Serbian, German and Polish students at Szkola Podstawowa nr 365 in Warsaw Poland from March 26th to 1st April 2023 in the second mobility of the project.
Our students arrived on Sunday and they met their Polish families with whom they lived for seven days, learning about Polish culture.
On the second day all the students from Warsaw, Berlin and Serbia broke the ice and socialized with sport activities, then they were guided by Polish students around school and surroundings.
They all together celebrated Erasmus Day and tasted typical food from different countries. There was an exhibition of lapbooks about different types of democracy prepared by Polish students.
On the third day, they had a democracy guide tour around Warsaw in which they visited
places connected with the history of Polish democracy ( The Royal Castle, The Old Town, Łazienki Królewskie – park).
On the fourth day , they met a representative of local council and discussed about local democracy and Polish citizens’ projects.
They also participated of a presentation of a real-life citizens’ project already created by the Polish student who is a member of the Youth Local Council.
There were workshops in which our international teams created projects alike the one presented. There was a planning of activities: building teams, choosing the subjects of the projects and ways of presenting them to the public.
Students also did a trip to Copernicus Science Centre to get ideas for their project.
On the fifth day , students had workshops in Wednesday-prepared teams. Each team produced a product - a model with the usage of waste materials like cardboard, plastic bottles, cloth, etc. They also prepared a computer presentation and a poster for Friday presentation.
Then they had a trip to Wilanow Palace and cooking workshops with lunch.
On the sixth day, all students celebrated Democracy Day: there were presentation of sketches portraying the history of European democracy prepared by Polish students.
There was a manifesto of students against breaking democracy.
The students' projects were displayed and voted the first project.
The mobility ended with a closing event: bowling and shuffleboard.
The last day was saying goodbye to the Polish families and a see you in the Basque Country.
2022-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000059444
Our student Olatz Villamayor was selected to represent our school at the Regional Session EYPE n Bilbao, in the 18th National Session of EYP España in Marbella.
The schools and students selected at the Regional Session of the EYPE held in Bilbao to take part in the 18th National Session of EYP Spain in Marbella are:
The English School of Asturias
-Carlota Fernandez Escudero
-Jaime Fernandez-Trabadelo
-Carlota Piney
Individual delegates
-Ainhoa Rey (SanJoséJesuitak Ikastetxea)
-Izaro Rioja (Lauaxeta Ikastola)
-Laura Saiz (IES Botikazar BHI)
-Olatz Villamayor (IES Elexalde BHI)
The Jury has taken into account several aspects to select the schools and the students which are going to participate in Marbella 2023– The 18th National Selection Conference of EYP España.
1.Motivation and Participation
2.Evolution and Personal Development
3.Open mindedness and Cooperation
4.Delegates representing EYP España in sessions abroad, or the RSC at the National Selection Conference, require a good level of English that allows them to express themselves correctly and fluently.
5.The Jury must evaluate the delegatesʼ understanding of current political and social structures of their environment.
6. Knowledge about European institutions, history, competences and activity is highly valued. Delegates are meant to have conveyed research prior to the session and have informed themselves on their topic, toward the well-functioning of Committee Work.
2022-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000059444
Bilbao Regional Selection Conferences RSC 2023. Two students of 4DBH and 3 students from Batxiller represented our school in The European Youth Parliament EYP.
The European Youth Parliament ( EYP) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to address the needs of young people in Europe. EYP facilitates the acquisition of social and political skills that are crucial to their futures and encorages young people to think critically and independently. It is now one of the largest platforms in Europe for political debate, international meetings, education, and young people´s ideas exchange.
Our students met in Bilbao Konekta- La Perrera and BBK Kuna for the Teambuilding, Comitte Work and General Assembly.
The schools which participated were :
Lauaxeta ikastola, Lauro ikastola, San Jose Jesuitak Durango, Uribarri BHI, Botikazahar BHI, the English School of Asturias, Ayalde ikastetxea and Elexalde BHI.
During the first day, students broke the ice and got to know each other , playing different types of games.
On the second day, students were divided between different committees. These committees had a subject on the agenda and they had to agree on a resolution that they would present later in the general assembly .
The subjects our students had were:
Women´s rights And Gender Equality
Industry , Research and Energy
Envirotment, Pubic Health and Food Safety.
International Market and Consumer Protection.
Culture And Education.
Envirotment, Public Health And Food Safety
The last day the General Assebly took place. There were seven different debates . All finished with the Closing Ceremony.
Resolution booklet
drive.google.com/drive/u/0/my-drive
2022-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000059444
Before the second mobility to Warsaw , the students who participated in it had some conversations in English to practice it before meeting the families.
The students practiced conversations related to topics which facilitated their relations. Topics such as hobbies, family, town, school, participation in the project, routines, friends.
The aim of the activity is to make feel students confident when they had to use English.
2022-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000059444
Students from 3 DBH got their first approach to European Solidarity Corps . They learnt what it is aimed at , its principles and the good opportunity for them to take part in the future.
Today one of our Erasnus students' mother who worked as volunteer came to explain to us what the programme European Solidarity Corps meant. It is an EU funding programme for young people to encorage them to work in solidary activities as well as contributing to health and envirotmental action in the EU.
It is a good opportunity for young people from 18 to 30 years old to help vulnerable people and help build a more inclusive society. It is an experience which ispires and empowers young people to learn and develop themselves personally.
Participants can volunteer abroad or in their own country in areas which cover social inclusion, envirotment and culture.
Volunteering can be individual or teams who volunteer for a period of time.
As the programme is more focused on bachiller students, the coordinator of the project explained to the students of bachiller.
Copia de VID_20230314_132221.mp42022-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000059444
Presentations of the Geniallys created by students before their second mobility to Warsaw to the 3 DBH ( ESO) class. The geniallys are about the history and culture of Poland.
one of the seven students who participated in Warsow explained to the class of 3 DBH ( ESO) the genially which she created about two important historical characters of Poland, Marie Curie and Fréderic Chopin.
The seven students did their presentations in front of their classes.
2022-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000059444
March 8th the fight for the construction of a society more equal. Feminism is the alternative. Ride the purple wave!!! Our students prepared some activities to protest this day.
We are dealing with the topic of democracy in our project so we celebrated March 8 as a continuation of the fight for the construction of a society more equal.
Without equality between women and men and without the full participation of women, there will be no full democracy. When women's rights are attacked, the entire society loses. If we advance in rights and freedoms, society as a whole wins. This is the first step to be able to build any collective project of social transformation. It has to bring us a plural and diverse society, but with equal opportunities.
We cannot deny the progress for women in fields such as legal, educational, political or professional, but we still have to keep on fighting for the construction of a society more equal, more democratic.
There is still a lot to be done in terms of equality, there is still a long way to go to achieve total equality.
It is necessary to defend and maintain acquired conquests and continue promoting actions that make effective the right to decide, among other aspects, effective protection against gender violence, equality in employment, equal pay, and the right to conciliation, in definitively, the effective equality of women and men.
Our students designed a big mural and they placed some post-its in which they reflected on women's rights and lack of equality with men.
Some of these messages were :
The best protection a woman can have is courage.
Women are power
Equality is very important for a good democracy
Women are the best
Pink Power always up
At school, there has also been a photocol with the slogan:
Feminism is the alternative
Ride the purple wave!!!
and students sent messages in a bottle honoring a woman who is part of their lives. Some of them chose their mothers, grandmothers, friends, sisters , teachers , any woman.
They wrote three notorious characteristics of them and a sentence in which they thanked them for all.
2022-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000059444
Our Polish partners show us their noticeboard to share with them their impressions on the first mobility in Berlin in October 2022
The information presented on the noticeboard was made by the parti
2022-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000059444
Students visit the exhibition Refugees Today . In this exhibition we can learn thereasons of refugees to leave their countries and the problems they face when they reach their destinations.
This is the report prepared by students on the exhibition . They edited on a video on it.
Exhibition Refugees Today
We are presenting you the exhibition Refugees today. As you know Ibrahima a refugee came to our school to tell us his experience. You can follow it through our podcasts.
Today we will guide you through the exhibition .Through this exhibition we propose you to learn about the causes of migration. See with a glance at the photos of emigrants, refugees, women, men and children who have to leave their countries, their culture, their families and start a new life in a different country.
Why do people move to another country?
Through this exhibition, we will discover the different reasons for refugees to start this long trip.
They flee from conflictive places, attacks, wars, organized groups, kidnappings.
They are forced to leave their homes for environmental reasons, pollution, typhoons.
Climate change is and will be an influential factor because in the coming decades there will be thousands of people who will have to leave their countries in search of a place to live.
They are forced to leave their land because their land has been occupied and their working conditions are very poor. Besides, they are almost treated as slaves.
They cannot build a dignified life receiving education or health services and having job opportunities.
They are harassed for their sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, political persecution, lack of freedom and expression and organization.
Women have no rights for being women, they are force to marry. They suffer from sexist violence, kidnappings, lack of training, rape.
Regarding migratory itineraries.
They are increasingly forced to use more dangerous routes, the so-called Death Routes, Niger desert, Sonara desert, Canary Islands. Borders that are a space for impunity Tarajal, Libya, Balkans .
They deserve the right to have rights. The right of each individual to belong to humanity should be guaranteed by humanity itself.
Another of their claims is Paper for all. That is , refugees claim a regulation that guarantees full rights to all, as the rest of the people who inhabit the territories, including the regulation of deportations so that they could develop as citizens, without fear of being deported.
Women suffer from sexual exploitation. Refugees have no roof or shelter. It is very important ctizen welcome. Welcome is an open door for all refugees . But they also complain about labor irregularity by the immigration law.
The planet earth belongs to all of us . We have to create relationships of solidarity among all people and build a rich and diverse coexistence.
2022-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000059444
In our Erasmus plan we are going to work our and our partners´ Historical Memory . Today, once again, comes the time for essential human choices. 78th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz .
Today, on January 27, a group of 18 Auschwitz and Holocaust Survivors met at the former Auschwitz camp to commemorate the 78th anniversary of the liberation of this German Nazi concentration and extermination camp. The event was held under the honorary patronage of the President of the Republic of Poland, Andrzej Duda.
The main theme of the anniversary was the process of planning, creating and expanding the system of dehumanisation and genocide at Auschwitz, which was particularly strongly defined by the words of survivor Marian Turski 'Auschwitz did not fall from the sky'.
The witnesses of history were accompanied, among others, by Minister Wojciech Kolarski from the Chancellery of the President of the Republic of Poland and other representatives of state authorities from Poland, the Second Gentleman of the United States Douglas Emhoff, the Minister of Culture of Slovenia Asta Vrečko, the Secretary of State for Veterans' affairs and Memory from France Patricia Mirallès, ambassadors and diplomats, representatives of the clergy, regional authorities, local governments, employees of museums and memorial sites.
While the function of Auschwitz as an extermination center was taking shape in 1942, in 1943 the scale of operation became industrial. In the spring of that year, the Germans completed the construction of four installations at Auschwitz II-Birkenau, which included gas chambers and modern facilities for cremating corpses.
2022-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000059444
Students edited a video to present our partners our school and their towns Galdakao and Usansolo . They were guides through al the different spaces of the school and towns
2022-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000059444
Students reflect on Ibrahima´s story. Ibrahima´s story is also the story of many refugees andstudents learnt about how hard is to leave a country, family, culture.
Students listened to Ibrahima´s story. They prepared different activities related to it. They edited three videos on his story , a poster with all the pictures of the group with Ibrahima, four podcasts telling all his story and experience, a video with students´s reflections on it
2022-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000059444
What do students expect of the project? These expectations wil be assessed at the end of it and students will see whether their expectations were fullfiled
Students wrote their expectations on a padlet. The students of the Erasmus group look at the objectives from Erasmus plan and express what they would like to learn with the project.
At the end they will be given another padlet to see what they had achieved with the project.
Ibrahima's story2022-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000059444
Throught history , there have been many causes of people who have been forced to leave their homeland, in order to escape persecution, war or revolution. These people are refugees
Democracy in classical Greece is worked on the Community Project subject. Democracy in Greece was a model democracy in many aspects. It was a cultured society. But there were also cotradictions. Slaves, foreigners and women were treated apart.
In our welfare society , model Europe all immigrants are left without basic rights. A million centuries have passed and we continue to see first and second class citizens.
Our students reflected on this and they had a refugeee to talk about his experience. This refugee Ibrahima comes from Guinea- Conakrykoa and has been living in Europe for five years.
He started explaining to our students the situation of his country to understand why he had to leave it
In his country there is no coexistance nor security. People organize themselves into small groups to fight for their rights because the government did not garantee them.
Ibrahima`s words
" We fought for our safety. Every time there were demostrations people were killed. Rights were constantly violated. They entered the houses and took everything out. Young people wanted changes and began to demostrate. "
" Integration in another country is very difficult"
" I hope to return to my country and fight"
" I miss my mother and my brother"
How can we help? an student asked
"At the political level laws should be fulfilled. Administrtively it is difficult. Migration is a right"
" We have created a group called Biscay Regularization , we are requesting signatures to regulate the situation of many refugees"
" In my country it is happening the same thing that happened when I left. On December 5th, 2021 there was another military coup. My people have been suffering for 10 years.
You can follow Ibrahima´s story throughh students´podcasts
2022-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000059444
Recognision to IES Elexalde BHI Acreditation 2022-27 by the Basque Government at the presentation days of Erasmus+ projects 2023 on 16th December 2022
On Friday 19 December 2022 the conference "Erasmus+ 2022. Opening windows to Europe", organised by the Department of Education. The meeting brought together more than 110 educational schools from the Basque Country in La Bolsa building in the capital of Bizkaia and was attended by Amaia Agirre, Manager of Learning and Educational Innovation of the Basque Government.
As part of the event, the ERASMUS+ award recognisition was given to Elexalde BHI high school for its commitment under the 2022-26 Accreditation that has acquired within its European strategy for the next 5 years.
"Undoubtedly, the accreditation you have achieved is the result of hard work, the result of enormous efforts every day, so we congratulate you for opening the windows of your school to Europe and for highlighting the importance of internationalising in our education system by doing it with us.
Together, our goal is to form the Erasmus+ family of Euskadi, and we will continue to water and nurture the seed sown last Friday to achieve the biggest and healthiest trees possible."
Basque Goverment
I2022-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000059444
IES Elexalde BHI students met he major of Galdakao and decided about a more sustainable 2030 Galdakao . They took decisions about the use of bicycles and open areas for youngers.
They assessed a new model mobility with the use of bicycles. They also gave their opinion and evaluate another points of the project presented by the townhall.
2022-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000059444
IES Elexalde BHI students met the major of Galdakao to let him know about the Acreditation 2022-27 Elexalde high school received and explained to him what the Erasmus + Accreditation meant
We also explained to the major the objectives we had to fullfil during the five years of the Accreditation. We also explained to him the voluntarism students did in the subject Project for Community in order to perform a big role as being active citizens.
The major was also informed about the first mobility students did in Berlin. They explained to him the type of activities they carried out.
There was a conversation with the major about how the system of democracy works in Galdakao and the major invited them to participate in taking decisions to improve Galdakao . They met him the next day to take action.
2022-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000059444
After six days in Berlin, students came back with their suitcases full of experiences, new friends from Poland, German and Serbia, lessons learnt on democracy and active citizenship and they improved their English.
On Thursday students learnt the importance of protests in the democracy system. Citizens claimed their rights through them and realised how another people shared the same ideas . They organised protests on current topics they previously prepared such as climate change, human rights, problems with inflation . They also did their final speeches and they cooperated together.
On Friday all the work they did during the week was shown to the rest of students at Tesla Schule. Students also wrote their impressios about the experience they lived in Berlin. They went to a bowling not to say goodbye, just a see you later in Warsaw .
2022-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000059444
Students from the four countries Poland, Serbia, Basque Country and Germany met in Berlin for the first mobility. They carried out different activities on democracy. A new experience started,
Our students with the Polish, Serbian and German students were working together on democracy issues, got in contact with German culture, improved their level of English and developed themselves personally.
The mobility started on 20th November. Students arrived in Berlin on Sunday. The first thing they did until they met the Polish and Serbian students was visiting a Christmas market. This is an important Christmas tradition in Berlin, where you can find different original Christmas markets everywhere around the city.
Later, they arrived at the hostel and started their first contact with the other Polish and Serbian students.
On the second day , after the warm welcome given by the German guest teachers, they broke the ice with some table games. They had a typical German lunch and they were guided by German students to know the school and the surroundings which had an important meaning in German students' daily lives.
In the afternoon they visited and learnt about the historical importance of the fall of the Wall in the democratic German future.
They also spent their evening with the Serbian students visiting another Christmas market and Alesanderplatz at night.
The third day of the mobility was aimed at working democracy. Students participated in a "Gemeinschaftsschule" where students discussed class issues and made decisions on matters which concerned them in a quiet and democratic way. Teachers didn't participate in it. A good lesson on how they without teachers' presence can make decisions and discuss their concerned matters. They saw democratic participation in Berlin schools
Then there were six mixed round tables to discuss about topics such as freedoom of assembly, equality, black lives, Iranian protests, song protests, Fridays for future, antiwar protests, street art protests.
Mixed organized groups had all kinds of materials , computers, hashtags, lyrics of songs to perform the activity in a very correct way . The teachers from the different countries guided them.
Students learnt protest forms to develop a democratic system
After it, they attended extra curriculum classes on anima, filming, and football.
In the evening they visited with the Serbian students Checkpoint Charlie , A Memory of the Cold War .
These three days taught them to work together with students from other European countries democratically and how being active citizens is possible starting from their school classes.
On Thursday they learnt to claim their rights and they organised demostrations and protests on current matters .
On Friday they showed their works and assessed their mobility.
2022-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000059444
Ready to learn some words of German and practise with German students . At the same time students followed some courses on English so that they could feel more confident in their visit to Berlin.
The Latin teacher of the school who speaks German very well gave the students, who went to Berlin mobility, a short course on some words in German.
They learnt how to say their names, age, where they are from, the numbers of what they would like to drink. It was the first contact with the language.
Then they also had an English course in order to have conversations with the Serbian, Polish and German students.
2022-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000059444
Open Berlin through the padlets to all the students of 3 DBH so that they could participate the mobility and had a contact with the city of Berlin and the history of it. Begoña Ibarretxe presented to the class.
2022-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000059444
The six students who participated in the first mobility in Berlin prepared some padlets about different aspects of Berlin such as its parks, history, monuments to share with the students of 3 DBH ( ESO)
2022-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000059444
The Independence Day of the Republic of Poland commemorates the recovery of Poland as an independent and souvereign country on 11/10 /1918 after 123 years of partitions and submission to Prussia, Rusia and Austria.
This date of September 11 became one of the most important national holidays in Poland from 1920.
During the Second World War and later, at the time of the People's Republic of Poland, its celebration was done clandestinely and from 1989, the National Independence Day became again a day of festive celebration. The main ceremony is held on Piłsudski Square and is attended by the highest state officials.
For many Polish people , it is a day to reflect on the history of their country and an opportunity to express their patriotic sentiment. Those who watch military parades wave flags, wear red and white hats with the word "Poland" written on them, and paint flags on children's faces.
Many Catholics attend mass celebrated for their country. Most Poles spend it in the company of friends and family, enjoying their day off.
2022-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000059444
November 10th Germany remembers the night of the broken glass, the progrom against the Jewish population that took place in the early hours of November 1983. Many candles light the Stolpersteine
On the night of November 9-10, 1938, the Nazi regime coordinated a wave of anti-Semitic violence in Nazi Germany, known as Kristallnacht or "the night of broken glass." The attack got its name because of the shattered store windows that littered the streets after the violence.
In the hours and days that followed, organized groups of Nazis wreaked havoc on the lives of Jews in Nazi Germany. Hundreds of synagogues were burnt. They vandalized thousands of Jewish businesses, breaking the windows of the storefronts. They caused damage to cemeteries and Jewish homes. Nazi leaders told the police and fire brigades to ignore the attacks. The police forces did not protect the Jews or their property. The fire brigades did not put out the synagogue fires. Hundreds of Jews died during Kristallnacht.
2022-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000059444
Congratulations!! This is the log which represeneted the project. The logo was designed by the Polish school. It represented some buildings of the four countries .
In the first mobility of Berlin , each country brought the logo chosen in their country to represent the project. After taking into account the criteria established in the preparatory meeting in Berlin, all the teachers from the four countries decided that this was the logo which represented the project better.
2022-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000059444
Congratulations to Oier Alvaro because their logo was chosen as the logo which represented Elexalde School. The four buildings identify the four countries
2022-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000059444
Students started creating the logo of the project. The four contries presented their logos and after that one of them was chosen to represent the project.
These are the different steps which were explained to the students to create the logo of the poject
-Explain the plan Erasmus and the objectives which will have to be reflected on the logo.
-Look at example the logo of our last project " Discover and share your identity mark" so that students could understand better what a logo had to include and why.
- The Art teacher explains in a sheet the importance of a logo as a trading mark as well as how to design it and the different steps to take into account.
-Explain the competition rules and the criteria to choose one of them.
-Set up a deadline which was established in the preparatory meeting in Berlin.
-Make pairs to carry out the activity.
-Share all the different students' ideas.
Development stage:
-With all the explanations given and after analysing the logo of our last project, students search for information of the four countries and schools which participate and are partners of the project.
-They look for ideas, monuments, keys from the different schools or from the different countries, towns which identify them.
- They also look at the schools webpages to get ideas for the elaboration of their logo.
- Decide how they will design it either by hand or using the computer.
- Start the elaboration of it using their computers or paint material.
Assesment:
After the elaboration of the logo. There will be a jury chosen democratically. This jury will consist of three teachers from the school including the Art teacher and the principal and three students from different school grades 1, 2 Batx and 4 dbh( ESO) who don't have connection with the groups which participate .
At the same time there will be gender parity.
There has been a criteria agreed before to choose the logo and according to it, they will choose two of them. After that first election , they will choose one.
There will be a record on the decision taken.
Then at the end of the process. All the four schools decided that the logo created by the Polish school was the best mark for the project.
2022-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000059444
In this first preparatory meting, the four schools which participated in the project worked on the different aspects of it such as the mobilities, the creation of a Twinspace .
We discussed our mobilities until the end of the school year and we decided:
20.11. - 26.11.: students' mobility in Berlin.
26.03. - 01.04.: students' mobility in Warsaw.
15.10 - 21.10.: students' mobility in Basque Country.
We also decided the Basque job shadowing that was going to take place in Warsaw this school year.
Besides, we planned the mobility of Berlin and discussed about the project and the type of activities based on democracy that would be arranged. We all visited the East Side Gallery and had some drinks .
2022-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000059444
The coordinator of the project Gemma Gutierrez and the teacher Teresa Maldonado visited Berlin to meet the Polish, German and Serbian teachers .
The coordinator of the project Gemma Gutierrez and the teacher Teresa Maldonado visited Berlin to meet the Polish, German and Serbian teachers to start preparing the first mobiliy as well as to know the German school.
2022-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000059444
Two teachers Alaia Saenz and Mikel Uriguena who are involved in the project and teach in the project for the community had a course on gamification .
The workshop is learning from scratch, how to facilitate a project-based learning environment that encourages creativity and collaboration with Minecraft.
2022-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000059444
The students who participated in the first mobility in Berlin, had a video conference to break the ice and they virtually got to know the Polish, German and Serbian students.
KA121SCH Power presentation project 12022-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000059444
Presentation of the project KA120-SCH to the School Staff and Board. The coordinator of the project insisted on the objectives of it and encouraged them to participate .
Explain the Erasmus Grant 2022-23 18,317 for a 15-month project.
What Erasmus Accreditation is .
This accreditation confirms that the applicant entity has established a PLAN to carry out high-quality mobility activities, for the good development of the School .
The Plan Erasmus objectives
Objective 1 : Promote the process of internationalization of the school to continue advancing in the exchange of experiences with other European schools and carry out nobilities which will improve students learning.
Objective 2 : Enhance the use of ICTs in the learning process in an active and inclusive way .
Objective 3 : Study the environment, observe landscape changes, determine the positive or negative effect our activity has on them, and express black spots in landscape conservation.
Objective 4 : Research into ancient Greek democracy to understand the importance of participation and have a democratic attitude and to cultivate values such as cooperation, citizenship and volunteering.
Objective 5 : Gain awareness of our Historical Memory reinforcing the democratic values and share the results of our project with our community school and partners.
Objective 6 : Improve language competence in English as well as intercultural skills.
Objective 7 : Make students responsible for their own learning.
Mobilities dates
The type of activities students carry out until now
Volunteering in the subject of project for the community , the creation of the logo of the project
KA121SCH June 20222022-1-ES01-K121-SCH-000059444
Presentation of the project KA120-SCH to parents. The coordinator of the project explained what the Acreditation achieved meant as well as the plan Erasmus.
The coordinator of the project started the presentation
