Key Insights from the Erasmus Plus Project Report on Learning in Nature for Inclusion

ERASMUS PLUS 2023-1-EL01-KA122-SCH-000144178LEARNING IN NATURE FOR INCLUSION

A LEARNING DIARY SEPTEMBER 2023 - MARCH 2025

THE OVERALL OUTCOME

Benefits for Our School

The “Learning in Nature for Inclusion” Erasmus+ programme brought numerous benefits to our school, both on a pedagogical and community level. These include:

1. Enhanced Inclusion Practices

The programme introduced innovative ways to include and support refugee students by integrating nature into the learning process. This helped our school:

·        Build a more welcoming and emotionally safe environment.

·        Foster empathy, cooperation, and understanding among all students.

·        Reduce cultural and language barriers through non-verbal, nature-based activities.

2. Teacher Professional Development

Our teachers gained valuable knowledge and skills through training sessions and international collaboration:

·        Exposure to inclusive teaching strategies rooted in experiential outdoor learning.

·        Confidence to lead educational activities in nature and adapt lessons to diverse student needs.

·        Improved classroom dynamics through techniques that promote calmness, focus, and collaboration.

3. Curriculum Enrichment

The project allowed us to incorporate outdoor and environmental education into our regular teaching schedule:

·        Lessons became more engaging, interdisciplinary, and student-centered.

·        Nature-based learning fostered curiosity, creativity, and real-world understanding.

·        We developed new teaching materials and lesson plans that can be reused and adapted.

4. Strengthened School Culture

The programme promoted teamwork, solidarity, and a shared vision for inclusion across the entire school:

·        Greater collaboration among teachers, staff, students, and parents.

·        A stronger sense of community that values diversity and well-being.

·        Students became more active, responsible, and connected to the natural environment.

5. European and International Collaboration

Participating in the Erasmus+ programme expanded our school’s international profile:

·        Opportunities for staff networking and future collaborations with European schools.

·        Increased motivation and openness to European values such as inclusion, sustainability, and lifelong learning.

·        Inspiration to engage in further Erasmus+ or international initiatives.

Overall, the project helped transform our school into a more inclusive, innovative, and environmentally aware learning community.