Rugby High School strengthens links with Europe
Students at Rugby High School will be discussing climate change, conservation and culture when they play host to a delegation of European students from May 5th -9th.
The international visit forms part of the school’s involvement with the Comenius Programme for Schools, which is facilitated by Warwickshire County Council and funded by the EU Lifelong Learning Programme through the British Council.
For the last 18 months, students from Rugby High have been working on an environmental project with peers from France, Poland, Greece and Malta. They have carried out their own energy survey and have been looking at ways in which the school can cut down on its carbon footprint and use resources more effectively. During the week, Rugby High will host a drama workshop focused on environmental themes and will also be doing work in the school’s conservation area.
Headteacher Charlotte Marten said: “The Comenius project gives students the experience of working at a European level where they are improving their language skills and developing a better understanding of other cultures. The project has enriched learning through subjects such as geography, languages and drama and it also gives students’ confidence a tremendous boost when they are representing the school internationally.”
During the visit, sixteen international students will be taken on a county tour, which will include a visit to Garden Organic at Ryton to explore themes around organic and sustainable gardening and a trip to Stratford-upon-Avon to look at the impact of tourism on the environment. The week will be rounded off by a farewell dinner where Judith Young, Warwickshire County Council’s International Development Officer for Schools, will present all the delegates with certificates.
Judith Young of Warwickshire County Council said: “What’s really exciting about this multilateral project is that it is very much led by the students and they are all very committed to making a difference for the better through their environmental work. Comenius is one of a range of international programmes that we involve schools in to raise educational attainment and create opportunities.”