Greece

4o GEL RETHYMNOU

The 4th General Lyceum of Rethymnon is one of the most modern schools in Greece and it is the most complete educational institution of Rethymnon. Its operation started in 2016. It is located on the outskirts of Rethymnon, in a region with special features such as the intense tourist development, with important archaeological sites and remarkable monuments of the country's cultural heritage.

The world-famous archaeological site of ancient Eleftherna, the monastery of Arkadi, the medieval village of Margarites, Idaion Andron are some of the monuments and places that highlight the school as a geographic and cultural historical hub. For example, the archaeological site of ancient Eleftherna is only 22 kilometers from the school and the town of Rethymnon with the unique Venetian, Medieval and Muslim cultural elements is a few kilometers away. The student potential consists of 95 students.

Both the students and the local community have a close connection with the cultural past and the traditions of Crete, maintaining intact the qualities of the Cretan culture. The parent club is active and supports the students' activities. The technological equipment of the school is a strategic advantage as it fully equipped and it is a model nationwide. It has adopted a modern way of operation with classrooms equipped with interactive whiteboards, projectors and computers.

Finally, at the school there are laboratories for natural sciences, computers, a modern library, a multifunctional room and a specialized room for European actions and programs. The teaching staff consists of 22 teachers, the majority of whom are permanent and highly trained, with excellent foreign language knowledge and willing to establish a modern European school. Everyone has a proven knowledge in modern digital technologies and shows a particular appeal to the development of innovative programs.

In the context of developing the European character of the school, we participate in e-twinning actions on the etymology of common European words and the exchange of Christmas cards with various European schools. Our students have been involved in recycling projects, voluntary activities, activities about traditional Mediterranean and Cretan food, traditional dances and costumes from the particular cultural past of Crete. They have also completed various programs concerning the Byzantine cultural past of the island and the opportunities that the country gives to its participation in the European Union by participating in simulation actions of the European Parliament. In addition, they took part in competitions about the European Union. To sum up, we would point out the lack of involvement in European programs due to the schools' recent establishment, but we would emphasize the willingness of all to promote European orientation and transfer the values of our cultural heritage to our European partners. We desire to teach and learn from this cultural past through a joint and interactive effort.