Activity

Portugal - students/Learning exchange activity - 15th to 21st March

Italian team and Portuguese families

Arrival- Sunday 15 March, 4 pm

Today we had the great pleasure of welcoming our partner schools from Italy and Turkey to our school. It was also the moment when students finally met their Portuguese host families — families who generously opened their homes and hearts to receive them with warmth, kindness and genuine enthusiasm.

This first moment highlighted the beginning of what promises to be a truly enriching journey for everyone involved. The day unfolded with smiles, shared moments, cultural exchange and the first steps towards friendships that we believe will last far beyond this project.

It was especially moving to witness the joy and excitement of students, families and teachers alike. The atmosphere was filled with hospitality, curiosity and a sincere desire to discover new cultures and connect with one another.

Moments like these remind us how powerful and meaningful it can be when different cultures come together. They create memories, understanding and bonds that stay with us long after the experience itself has ended.

Portugal

Day 1 -16March,  Monday 

The first day of the Erasmus+ Learning Exchanging Activity was filled with enthusiasm, joy, and a strong spirit of cooperation among students and teachers. The morning began with ice-breaking activities led by the music teacher Margarida Rocha, encouraging interaction between students from different countries through rhythm and teamwork.

Participants, then, enjoyed a guided tour of the school, discovering key spaces and learning about the school’s sustainable practices. This was followed by traditional games, led by the PE teacher, Bruno Freitas, beyond the curricular flexibility project of 9Da class, with the collaboration of other PE teachers, Júlia Gomes, Podstawski, Carla Almeida and also the teachers interns, promoting teamwork, inclusion, and respect. Our headmaster, Dr. Carlos Pedro, attended and gave the official start to the activity.

In the afternoon, students from the participating countries presented their schools, countries, cultures, traditions, and educational contexts, fostering intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding. The mascot LUGA was also introduced, along with a creative challenge to develop a collaborative story throughout the mobility programme. All students were challenged to take their best photo and participate in a  photography contest “Nature in the City of Porto.”

The day ended with the symbolic initiative “Let Us Green Again in Action,” during which two trees were planted, reinforcing the group’s commitment to sustainability. In the evening, students will continue to spend time with their host families, furthering cultural exchange that makes the Erasmus+ experience so special.

Portugal

Day 2 -17 March, Tuesday

The second day of this unforgettable Erasmus+ adventure began with a burst of creativity and teamwork. Students gathered in groups to bring the project mascot, LUGA, to life, crafting the beginning of its story. Laughter, ideas, and collaboration filled the room as each group contributed its own touch, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in the project.

Next, Dr. Sandra from LIPOR guided the students through a captivating session on sustainable waste management, highlighting the importance of reducing food waste and consumption and caring for our environment. Students reflected on how these lessons connected directly to the core values of the Be Green project.

The afternoon brought the excitement of exploring Porto. Students wandered through the bustling Bolhão Market, admired the striking Clérigos Tower, and visited the iconic Livraria Lello. They strolled along the vibrant Ribeirinha area, soaking in the riverside atmosphere, before  stopping for lunch at the McDonald’s in the Praça da Câmara. Portuguese students proudly stepped into the role of guides, sharing stories and insights about each landmark, creating moments of peer learning and intercultural exchange.

After lunch, the group continued across the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia, where they boarded a boat to sail along the Douro River and witness the famous Six Bridges from a unique perspective. They then took the cable car to Jardim do Morro, enjoying breathtaking views before walking across the Infante Bridge. The city tour concluded at the historic São Bento railway station, where students reflected on the sights, sounds, and experiences of the day.

Returning to the school by metro, the students were greeted warmly by their host families. Hearts full of new memories and minds buzzing with ideas, the day ended with smiles, stories shared, and a deepened appreciation for culture, collaboration, and sustainability.

Portugal

Day 3 -18 March, Wednesday

Students began the day with enthusiasm, continuing their work on our mascot LUGA and exploring its story through teamwork and creativity.

This was followed by a visit to the Serralves Foundation, with particular emphasis on its gardens and park, an inspiring example of green spaces and sustainable practices. The journey by metro and metrobus also reinforced the importance of sustainable mobility.

During the afternoon, the Art and Emotions Workshop, led by Professor Ricardo Silva and Pedro Nogueira, provided moments for self-expression and reflection, whilst the teachers visited António Nobre Secondary School, where they were warmly welcomed by the deputy headteacher, Dr Preciosa. After the visit, the group returned to Areosa for a collaborative meeting, continuing the development of the project.

A memorable day, full of creativity, sustainability and a true spirit of collaboration.

Portugal

Day 4 -19 March, Thursday

Farewell dinner party

The fourth day of our Erasmus+ trip was filled with meaningful moments, discoveries and shared emotions.

From learning about sustainability at LIPOR to the simple yet memorable moments around the lunch table, the day reminded us how bonds are strengthened through shared experiences.

One of the highlights of the afternoon was our visit to the Porto Municipal Police headquarters, where the officers welcomed us and gave an engaging demonstration of their work. The police dogs particularly caught everyone’s attention — their discipline and skill left us truly impressed and inspired.

Shortly afterwards, we surprised our Turkish and Italian friends with a trip to the seaside. For some, it was the first time they had ever seen the sea – an exciting and unforgettable moment when they dipped their feet in the water.

We then headed to the Water Pavilion in Parque da Cidade, where we explored the importance of water in an engaging way.

The day ended with celebrations, friendship and a heartfelt farewell, at a dinner held at Escola da Areosa, organised by our families to whom we express our deepest gratitude, who made this experience possible and lovingly prepared this special gathering. A special thank you also to our headteacher, Dr Carlos Pedro Vasconcelos, whose beautiful and sincere speech made the moment even more memorable.

During this closing ceremony, all participants — pupils and teachers alike — were presented with “Let Us Green Again – Portugal” certificates of participation, symbolising the involvement, commitment and spirit of collaboration experienced throughout the entire exchange.

During this closing ceremony, all participants — pupils and teachers — were presented with “Let Us Green Again – Portugal” certificates of participation. At the same time, prizes and certificates were also awarded to the winners of the “Nature in Porto City” photography competition, with the participation of all pupils involved also being recognised.

Winners of the “Nature in Porto City” Competition

You can view all the competing photos by clicking:

https://padlet.com/azuleto/nature-in-porto-city-photography-competition-erasmus-let-us--gn8bciilor2ejaea

Portugal

Day 5 -20 March, Friday

Our students continued to engage in collaborative work in mixed groups, giving free rein to their creativity by jointly crafting stories. In this final stage, they excelled in completing the narrative — the Portuguese chapter — developed using digital tools, thereby strengthening not only their language skills but also their digital and collaborative skills.

The day also included an activity at the Faculty of Engineering in Porto, centred on the theme “Rubbish: Waste or Resource?”, which provided moments for critical reflection on sustainability and the impact of our actions on the environment.

To conclude, an evaluation of the exchange activity took place, allowing for the sharing of experiences, lessons learnt and memories that will certainly endure over time.

It was a journey marked by sharing, growth and international collaboration. A finale that leaves all participants feeling a sense of nostalgia and pride!