PASCAL Private Secondary School Lefkosia pupils visit Spain, Belgium and Crete under Erasmus+ mobilities

Thanks to the Erasmus+ programme, pupils at PASCAL Private Secondary School Lefkosia had the opportunity to participate in three enriching international mobilities during the 2024-2025 academic year, visiting Spain, Belgium, and Crete.

These experiences allowed pupils to grow academically, culturally, and personally, while strengthening their sense of global citizenship, the school said.

Erasmus+ Days: Raising awareness and excitement

All pupils were introduced to the Erasmus+ mobility programme at the beginning of the academic year, with its benefits for both pupils and teachers highlighted. The school's Erasmus+ Ambassadors and Coordinators organised an engaging week filled with presentations, interactive games, and lively discussions, encouraging participation and enthusiasm for the opportunities ahead.

Spain: Sustainability and innovation in Mallorca

In February 2025, pupils involved in the reBLUE project, alongside coordinators Cristina Jimenez and Irene Frangou, travelled to Mallorca, Spain. Under the theme “reBLUE project transfer of knowledge to Agora Portal Mallorca: Exploring other sustainability projects,” pupils explored environmental education through hands-on activities.

They visited Aula del Mar to learn about marine pollution, experienced virtual diving at the Agora Innovation Center, and discovered sustainable practices at Porto Portals’ Blue Marina initiative. Pupils also transformed waste materials into art, fostering creativity alongside environmental awareness. This project encourages a circular economy mindset and promotes the motto BORROW-PLAY-RETURN, supporting learning beyond the classroom.

Belgium: Engaging with global economic issues

In April 2025, ten Economics pupils (IB and A-level) traveled to Aarschot, Belgium, with teachers Mr. Nemanja Paskulov and Mr. Pantelis Erotodou for the Engaging Economists project. This week-long exchange tackled important topics such as democracy, European integration, migration, and economic policies.

Pupils visited the European Parliament, collaborated with Belgian peers on civic initiatives, and participated in debates and workshops, gaining real-world insights and forming international friendships that nurture active European citizenship.

Greece: Cultural and Environmental Exploration in Crete

Also in April 2025, Year 2 and Year 3 pupils joined a mobility to Chania, Crete, accompanied by teachers Ms. Aggeliki Christou and Ms. Eleni Papaconstantinou. Focusing on “Cultural and Historical Awareness, Nature, and Environmental Exploration,” through which pupils deepened their understanding of Crete’s heritage and natural beauty.

Through immersive learning experiences, they gained a richer appreciation of cultural diversity and environmental stewardship, key values at the heart of the Erasmus+ programme.

Professional Development for Staff

Erasmus+ also supported our staff’s growth this year. Ms. Stavroula Latso, Accounting teacher, attended a workshop in Bologna, Italy, on effective classroom strategies, while English teacher Ms. Ariana Charalampous participated in a course in Helsinki, Finland, focusing on diversity and inclusion.

These training experiences bring fresh ideas and techniques to our school, enhancing teaching quality and pupil engagement.

Welcoming International Guests

PASCAL also hosted Erasmus+ visitors this year, welcoming pupils from Italy and Belgium, as well as job shadowing participants from Estonia and Spain. These exchanges promoted cultural understanding, collaboration, and professional learning within our school community.

The Erasmus+ programme goes far beyond travel, it inspires young people to embrace diversity, become active citizens of Europe, and build lifelong skills and friendships. We are proud of our pupils and staff for their participation and look forward to continuing this transformative journey in the years to come.