Vocational Evening High School in Spain with Erasmus programme

In the framework of the European Erasmus programme on "a holistic approach to vocational training by targeting the greatest needs of the Corfu Vocational Evening High School", two visits to Spain were carried out as short-term projects for the mobility of learners and staff in vocational education and training.

One of the needs of today's schools is to modernise the curricula, books and labs and it is a challenge for all teachers to keep up with developments. For example, despite the increase in electric vehicles in recent years, there is still no electric vehicle engineer specialisation. As a result, there is an increasing demand in the labour market for electric vehicles, their charging and installation systems, maintenance etc. but students and graduates in the fields of electrical and mechanical engineering do not have complete knowledge on the subject.

Thus, from February 21 to March 4, twelve Corfu Vocational Evening High School students specialised in electrical and mechanical engineering, along with two accompanying teachers, went to Seville for their training and education in electromobility with the cooperation of the organisations "Maquidosa S.L.", "TalentsLab" and "TLS Consulting Services".

The students learned what an electric vehicle is and why it is important to switch to this type of vehicle. The history of electric vehicles and the current market situation were presented and the current types of cars and engines were analysed. An introduction was made to energy storage methods in vehicles - types of electricity storage and the use of batteries, capacitors and fuel cells. There was also training in car maintenance and electric vehicle operation in a lab with a specially designed area that meets the safety regulations. There was a theoretical introduction to vehicle design and the auxiliary systems of an electric motor were mentioned, as well as the way in which energy recovery is achieved by braking.

They were also informed about the suspension and steering of the electric vehicles, the engines and transmission systems and the control strategies of hybrid vehicles.

The students were taken on a guided tour of Seville, as well as surrounding areas such as Ronda and Cordoba, in order to get to know the Spanish and more specifically the Andalusian culture.

The second part, which concerned teacher mobility, was also successfully completed. Five Corfu Vocational Evening High School teachers of various specialties visited Barcelona and the STUCOM Centre d' Estudis school in order to be trained in personalised learning. This training is attempting to meet the need that exists in our school for personalised learning, as we have students with different ages, experiences, knowledge and characteristics.

The teachers were informed about the current educational situation in Europe and the role of the modern teacher. An introduction was made to modern teaching methods and in particular to personalised learning. Through practical implementation, the personal needs, interests and expectations of each student were identified and supported in order to choose the learning style that suits each of them and the appropriate tools.

Teachers were also trained on the learning difficulties that may exist and, more specifically, on how to identify and address them, as well as on the design of each student's "personalised learning plan" and "learning pathways". In addition, they were trained in the creation of an appropriate learning environment, classroom management, assessment and use of methods and digital tools, group formation and assessment methods, and in particular the way in which formative assessment is applied to personalised learning.

Our school's teachers had the opportunity to get to know Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, by visiting places of cultural interest.

For more information you can visit our school's website and Facebook page.

The School Principal Ioannis Zervos