• Visit of Finnish Teachers to Polish School

          As part of the Erasmus+ program, Primary School No. 13 in Zawiercie hosted a group of teachers from Finland who participated in job shadowing. The main goal of their visit was to learn about the Polish education system and compare it with the Finnish model of teaching. During the visit, the Finnish teachers had the opportunity to observe lessons in various classes and subjects. They met with students from grades 1–3 and 7–8, gaining insight into their daily school life. They also attended meetings with early education teachers and the Humanities Team, where they exchanged experiences, best practices, and teaching methods. One of the highlights of the visit was taking part in a unique SP13 tradition – striking commemorative coins, which symbolize important events in the life of the school community. During their stay in Poland, the guests also explored Polish cultural heritage, visiting Ogrodzieniec Castle, the former Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau in Oświęcim, the Wieliczka Salt Mine, and touring Kraków and Warsaw. At the end of their visit, the Finnish guests received certificates confirming their participation in the observation of our school’s work. The visit was an excellent opportunity for cultural exchange, professional development, and the building of lasting international partnerships.

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          Learning Outcomes for Finnish Teachers:
          During their job shadowing visit, the Finnish teachers gained a comprehensive understanding of the Polish education system, including its structure, teaching methods, classroom management, and extracurricular activities. By observing lessons across multiple subjects – including languages, geography, history, IT, arts, music, physical education, and early school education – they were able to compare Polish teaching practices with those in Finland and explore innovative approaches to lesson planning, student engagement, and classroom organization.

          Meetings with students from grades 1–8 and discussions about Finnish culture and education allowed the visiting teachers to see how students perceive learning, collaboration, and school culture in Poland. Collaboration with the Preschool and Early School Education Team and the Humanities Education Team enabled them to exchange best practices in supporting students’ growth, developing teaching tools, promoting operational culture in schools, preventing early school leaving, and fostering collaboration between home and school.

          Benefits for the Polish School:
          The visit allowed Primary School No. 13 to strengthen international cooperation and enrich its teaching practices by exchanging knowledge with Finnish educators. The school benefited from reflections on effective teaching strategies, operational culture, and methods of supporting students’ holistic development. The collaboration also reinforced the sense of European citizenship and intercultural awareness among both staff and students.