UPDATED FRAMEWORK FOR SCHOOL AND STUDENT MISSIONS - WHAT PRINCIPALS, TEACHERS AND PARENTS SHOULD KNOW - Filenews 13/10 by Evangelia Sizopoulou
The Directorate of Secondary Education sent a circular updating and further analyzing the instructions governing the organization of school missions and excursions abroad.
Restating that such organized transitions of teachers and students concern four categories - in the framework of European Erasmus+ programs, in the context of programs implemented by the Ministry of Education, twinning with schools abroad and educational trips for the first grade of Lyceum either in Greece or in other European countries - gives the roadmap and puts on the table important points, both for the goals, as well as for the responsibilities that exist.
One of the main differences made in the new circular, which replaced the previous one that was in force for ten years, is the clarification that in case of twinning of a school unit with a school abroad, the visit must take place during the holidays, so that there is no loss of teaching time, and its duration will not exceed one week.
Regarding the excursions of A Lyceum students, among other things, it is stated that the school management bears full responsibility for the organization and conduct of the visit abroad. Approval from the Ministry of Education is needed for the excursion to take place, while the school management takes care of the safety and health of the students and teachers who will take part in the mission. Also, the school management must inform the parents/guardians in a timely manner and ensure the signed consent of the parents/guardians for their child's participation in the mission, while before each trip, a basic check is carried out on the conditions prevailing in the destination country (e.g. extreme weather events, possible natural disasters, strikes, travel problems or other risks).
A special point in the circular is both the financial and the inclusion of students. As stated, the school must ensure that there are no financial difficulties for the students who will participate, while an effort must be made for the participation of children who meet the conditions for participation, but fall short of the financial criteria. In the context of inclusive education, in excursions and activities abroad, an effort should be made not to exclude students with special educational needs or disabilities - where possible - and to make the necessary arrangements. As far as teachers are concerned, they must cover the teaching time, without losing it due to the visit abroad.
One of the most important points of the circular is the emphasis placed on the dissemination of the knowledge and experiences that students and teachers gain from their participation in such a mission. The Ministry encourages schools and students to present everything they have gained from their visit through publications on the school's website/magazine, other media/publications of the other participating organizations, electronic newspapers, etc.).
