All Saints School in Hesketh Bank are celebrating after receiving their second European Quality Label for their Traditional Kids' Games project undertaken in Spring 2019. They took part in a British Council eTwinning programme, which was integrated into their weekly language lessons with teacher Erzsi Culshaw.





eTwinning promotes school collaboration in Europe through the use of Information and Communication Technologies by providing support, tools and services for schools. Launched in 2005 as the main action of the European Commission’s eLearning Programme, eTwinning has been co-funded by Erasmus+, the European programme for Education, Training, Youth and Sport, since 2014.





Headteacher, Tony Currie, explained, “The curriculum is closely linked so that when we are learning about a certain topic, we also incorporate elements of the other country’s customs, lifestyles, resources and beliefs. As a result, children gain a deeper understanding of what a richly diverse and wonderful world we live in. This invaluable learning is empowering children to embrace diversity, broaden their horizons and challenge stereotypical thinking.”





The award-winning project, which follows swiftly on from their first award for a project in 2018, saw Year 3 pupils sharing games such as Duck duck goose, Stuck in the mud, Tig, Egg and spoon and Conkers with partner schools in Latvia, Greece, North Macedonia, Spain, Turkey, Romania, Estonia and Portugal, who in turn shared 'Handerkchief' and 'Untangle', to name a few.





Mrs Culshaw, said, "The aim of the project was to find out about other countries and their traditions and to open our classroom to a wider community. The pupils enjoyed trying the new games and saw similarities and differences with the participating schools whilst learning about diversity." She added, "I personally found the work rewarding, especially seeing how stimulating and motivating it was for the children to share and understand the importance of collaboration."





Mr Currie added, “It has greatly improved the children's self confidence and for many of them it was the first time they had interacted with people outside of their own country. We are thankful to God and the eTwinning programme for this opportunity and award.”





The children that took part are pictured with Erzsi Culshaw and Tony Currie, flying the eTwinning flag, are proudly sporting eTwinning t-shirts and holding their individually awarded certificates.