COMENIUS MEETING IN BIRMINGHAM 

The second visit of our project, Europe United, took place from the 23^rd to the 28^th of March in Birmingham. Once again, the pupils spent the weekend with their host families and learned what life is like for a teenager in the UK.

The teachers went out for a meal and enjoyed a walk around the city centre on the Friday evening. On the Saturday morning they were surprised to find themselves taking part in a circus skills workshop where they learnt to juggle, spin plates and balance on a large globe. They soon discovered that some were more likely to have a career in the circus than others! After a tasty lunch in Kings Heath, there was a chance for a rest before an exciting evening of dinner and a musical. The teachers were lucky enough to see a performance of ‘Oliver!’ at the Hippodrome. It was an excellent production and everyone really enjoyed it. A tasty lunch seemed the best way to start Sunday and a trip to the National Trust Back to Back Houses ensured the the group learnt a lot about life in Birmingham in the past.

 Monday morning saw the Comenius group arrive to spend some time at Archbishop Ilsley School. Some students gave a tour of the school and the morning was spent sharing the posters from the ‘Secret Talents’ project. After a fabulous lunch, the group were treated to a performance by the ABI Gospel Choir which was just wonderful. A little more work and it was time to go out and have some fun! A trip to the Bowling Alley provided lots of laughs before dinner in a local hotel. 

Tuesday was a day of planning for the future amongst the teachers. A welcome break came in the form of a gymnastics and dance display organised by the PE Department. The pupils came to watch this as well and everyone was very impressed by the talent of the students involved.  In the evening, after some time spent in the city centre, the group went to eat in a Korean restaurant. This was an unusual experience for everyone with the bossy waitress dictating what food was ordered and the necessity of cooking the meat on the barbeque in the centre of the table.

 After the meal, the group said their goodbyes and started to look forward to the next Comenius visit!

 Lucy Burns, Archbishop Ilsley, Birmingham, England

The programme of our stay was varied and facilitated to our needs.  The most memorable event was Oliver -the musical which made me feel elated. The acting, costumes and music created unique atmosphere and reflected the image of the 19^th century  and genuine picture of England in those times.  Bowling and common meals at different restaurants (especially at the one near the bowling alley) let us socialize and practice English, which was crucial for me. I really appreciated some free time we had for ourselves when we could revitalize.                                      

Elżbieta Łuczak

The school in Birmingham made an indelible impression on me! First thing, that attracted my attention, were all the students’ works, mostly posters, but there were also other bits and pieces of their work. The school seemed very lively with the projects all over the walls. The next thing I liked about the school were the computer labs in each department. I think, it is a brilliant idea to use technology in every subject, especially nowadays. Last but not least, were the Polish students who we met there! I was really proud of them when the head-teacher said they were the best students at school, the most diligent and hardworking. Visiting the Archbishop Ilsley Catholic Technology College was a memorable experience for me.

Magdalena Janikowska-Gabryel