Blink and it’s over!
5 oktober 2023
That was the feeling today, when we rounded off the project in Macerata with mavo 3 tto. The week here had flown by, certainly helped along with the unusually tropical weather!
The morning started with a reception given by the Mayor of Macerata, Mr. Sandro Parcaroli, who told us about his role as mayor and indeed answered questions concerning his vestiture. The international pupils had the opportunity to sit in the councillors’ chairs as if they were taking part in a meeting. Many enjoyed trying out the microphones!
The Mayor specially opened the theatre for us so we could see how the theatre had been renovated. The ornate interior was that of a fairy tale with its elaborately decorated balconies and whilst seated, one could easily stare at the fresco ceiling instead of watch the actors or dancers on stage. A veritable feast for the eyes!
Our walk back to school took us past the Sferisterio Open Air Opera and concert venue. The time was short, however, on a future return to the town we will be visiting this arena. The acoustics there are second to none!
Once back at school and after a surprise party with home-baked treats and local delicacies made by the pupils and their families, we had to get down to work and tie up the loose ends in the project with a reflection task, looking back on what was learnt in terms of knowledge, skills and intercultural competencies. The remarks made by the pupils in their final presentations showed that the project had met its goals: we had not only discovered a different culture, learnt a smattering of Italian, enjoyed the Italian cuisine, but also learnt about the earthquake issues in the region and the economics of reconstruction, not to mention the demographic push and pull factors caused by the shifting land.
We’ll be returning Friday, with a bundle of experiences in and outside the classroom and a lot of stories to tell to the folks at home! Our thanks go to the organising teachers Paola Trombettoni and Fabiola Farroni and the staff and students of Istituto di Istruzione Superiore Bramante Pannaggi in Macerata for such a great week in the Marché region.
