A delegation of Swedish teachers visited Novopolotsk secondary School No 9. The visit took place a result of a cooperation programme between education institutions of Belarus and Sweden .

In 2005 Polotsk State University became a partner of the University of Vaexjoe . Since then they implemented several joint projects, the latest of which, “Elaboration of a New Study Programme in Social Pedagogy and Social Work”, was financed within the frameworks of the TEMPUS Programme.

 The project brought together secondary schools of the Belarusian city Novopolotsk and Swedish schools from Oby and Vederslov. Prior to the visit of Swedish teachers to Novopolotsk, a group of teachers from Belarus visited Swedish schools in these towns.

 Ms. Ludmila Danilovich, the Deputy Director of the Novopolotsk School No 9, was extremely impressed by what she experienced in Sweden .

 “Their educational system is very different from ours, for instance, grading system is not used for pupils under 14 years old and teachers simply mark them orally. Main subjects include Swedish, English and Math. All other subjects are taught as an integrated course. Serious attention is paid to pupils’ health. Classes often take place in the open air, in a forest or a park. Our Swedish colleagues use interactive games a lot”, she said.

 In the mean time Ms. Dalidovich believes that Swedish teachers could learn a lot from their Belarusian colleagues. While visiting Novopolotsk School they could attend interesting English lessons, conducted in a form of game or intellectual competition. Fifth graders showed the guests real theater plays: “Snow White and Seven Dwarves” and modern interpretation of a Russian fairy-tale “Turnip”.

 “Swedish teachers were impressed by our children very much, they found them talented, active and involved. They also highly appreciated our teaching techniques”, says Ms. Ludmila Danilovich.

 A student exchange programme is planned within the frameworks of this project as well. Belarusian teachers and pupils will be visiting Swedish schools and welcome visitors in return.

 There are already concrete results of cooperation between the educational institutions of Polotsk region and Sweden . A Centre of Swedish Language and Culture for teachers and students is functioning at the Faculty of History and Philology of the Polotsk State University , it was opened with the support of the Swedish Institute.

 Andrei Aliaksandrau

 aa@eurobelarus.info