Three countries. Fifteen international teams. One shared adventure.
Active Sister Schools by InPost connects second- and third-grade primary-school classes from Italy, Poland, and Spain through movement, play, cultural exchange and parcels.
Forty-five classes will form 15 international teams and complete shared active challenges between October 2026 and March 2027.
Applications are now open for the school year 2026/2027.
For grades 2–3 · Public primary schools · Applications open until 28 September 2026 · Free participation
- 3 countries: Spain, Poland, Italy
- 15 international teams of 3 classes
- 4 monthly missions
- 100% free to join
- Ready-to-use PAL materials
Two successful editions behind us.
Presented during the Danish and Polish Presidencies of the EU Council in 2025.
Created and coordinated by the V4Sport Foundation.
Strategic partner and funder: InPost.
WHAT IT IS
From pen-pals to real international teamwork
Active Sister Schools by InPost brings the classic idea of school pen-pals into today’s classroom. Instead of only writing to one another, children from different countries move, play, create, meet online and exchange parcels. Each international team brings together three sister classes: one from Italy, one from Poland and one from Spain. Together, they explore their languages, traditions, schools, neighbourhoods and cultures - not only as distant topics in a textbook, but through direct contact with children of the same age. The project builds on two previous editions of Active Sister Schools and adds a new, tangible dimension: parcel exchange through InPost Parcel Lockers. An international connection that begins on a screen becomes something children can open, hold and share.
A classroom adventure that crosses borders
Learning in motion
Every task is built on Physically Active Learning. Children move, play and learn about other cultures at the same time.
Real connections across borders
Your class teams up with two classes from different countries, sharing their language, school and everyday lives.
Parcels, not just screens
Thanks to InPost Parcel Lockers, children physically send and receive parcels to and from their teammates.
HOW DOES IT WORK
One project. Five simple steps
1. Apply with your class
Teachers of second- and third-grade classes from public schools complete a short application form. Participation is free, and 15 classes will be selected in each participating country.
2. Meet your sister classes
During an online Drawing Ceremony - active online meeting, each class is connected with one class from each of the other two countries. Together, the three classes form an international team.
3. Open your first special parcel
Each class receives a starter pack containing materials that introduce the children to the project story and help them prepare for the first challenge.
4. Complete four monthly missions
From November to February, the teams explore four themes through movement-based classroom activities, shared tasks, online meetings and parcel exchange.
5. Share the journey and celebrate together
Each team documents its work in a private online Team Diary. At the end of the project, all participating classes meet again during an online Closing Ceremony.
Physically Active Learning
Learning that gets children moving
Movement is not treated as a break from learning. It becomes part of the learning process.
Active Sister Schools by InPost is based on Physically Active Learning. Children answer questions with gestures, practise words and numbers through active games, move around the classroom while working with maps and explore cultural information through shared team activities.
The approach makes it possible to combine physical activity with language learning, cultural discovery, cooperation and creative thinking – all within the regular school day.
WHAT TEACHERS RECEIVE
Ready to use. Easy to follow.
Teachers do not need to create an international project from scratch. We provide the structure, ready-to-use materials and ongoing support.
Each participating class receives:
Ready-to-use monthly packs
Every challenge includes a movement-based film, active classroom scenarios, a family activity card and clear instructions for the shared team task.
A starter pack with printed materials
The first physical parcel introduces the project story and includes materials for the teacher and the children.
A shared Team Diary
Every international team receives a private online space where its three classes document their work, exchange information and follow their progress.
Teacher onboarding and support
Before the project begins, teachers are guided through the process step by step. The project team remains available throughout the entire edition.
Professional development
Teachers are invited to an international webinar and have opportunities to exchange experiences with educators from the other participating countries.
Communication materials
Schools receive ready-to-use texts and graphics to help them share their participation through websites and social-media channels.
WHY JOIN
Open your classroom to the world
Active Sister Schools by InPost gives children the opportunity to:
- meet peers of the same age from two other countries;
- discover languages and cultures through direct exchange;
- learn while moving and playing;
- practise cooperation and communication;
- notice similarities instead of focusing only on differences;
- question stereotypes and verify information;
- experience an international partnership in a tangible way.
Teachers receive:
- complete, ready-to-use materials;
- ongoing organisational support;
- contact with teachers from two different countries;
- professional-development opportunities;
- a certificate for the teacher and the school;
- diplomas for participating children.
TESTIMONIALS
WHO CAN APPLY
Is this project for your class?
Applications are open to:
- second- and third-grade classes (children aged approximately 8–9) from public primary schools – recruitment is nationwide in Poland. In Spain, applications are open to schools in Barcelona and Madrid; in Italy, to schools in Rome and Milan;
- teachers with a basic working knowledge of English;
- classes able to take part in online meetings and monthly activities;
- fluent English is not required, but a basic working knowledge is necessary. International communication uses simple English, while movement, images, gestures and translation tools help participants understand one another.
Participating teachers should also have access to:
- a computer with an internet connection;
- a screen, interactive board or projector;
- email;
- Zoom, Teams or a similar online-meeting platform;
- Google Slides and the ability to play online videos.
A second teacher, such as an English teacher, can support the class coordinator and help ensure continuity throughout the project.
TIMELINE
Key dates
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is participation free?
Yes. Participation in Active Sister Schools by InPost is completely free for selected schools.
How much time does one challenge take?
Each edition of the project has its own rhythm, and from our experience, a lot depends on your initiative and how much you would like to develop the suggested activities. However, the estimated minimum time is around three class periods per month, which you can spread across several days in whatever way works best for your class.
Does the teacher need to speak fluent English?
No. Basic English is enough. Communication is kept simple, and children also use movement, images and gestures.
How are international teams created?
Each team consists of three classes: one from Spain, one from Poland and one from Italy. The teams are revealed during an online Drawing Ceremony.
What is the Team Diary?
It is a private Google Slides space shared by the three classes in one team. It is used to document completed activities, exchange information and follow the team’s progress.
Does every child have to appear in photographs or videos?
No. Photographs and videos showing identifiable children may only be used when the necessary consent has been collected. Drawings, avatars or materials that do not show children’s faces can be used instead.
What equipment do we need?
A computer with internet access, a screen or projector, email and the ability to join online meetings and play videos.
Can activities be adapted for children with disabilities?
Yes. Teachers can adapt movement tasks without the class losing points.
Does submitting an application guarantee participation in the project?
No. Fifteen classes from each country will be selected to take part in the project. The selection process has two stages and is carried out by the Project Coordination Team. First, we verify whether each application meets the formal eligibility criteria, such as the students’ age, school type and location. We then select 15 classes in each country from the pool of eligible applications, based on the quality of the open-ended responses provided in the application form.
Who is behind the project?
Active Sister Schools by InPost is coordinated by the V4Sport Foundation.
V4Sport builds on the experience of two previous editions of Active Sister Schools and develops educational initiatives that use movement to support learning, wellbeing and social connection.
InPost is the strategic partner and funder of the 2026/2027 edition.
Through its involvement and locker network, InPost adds a tangible dimension to international school cooperation: children can send and receive real signs of friendship across borders.
Ready to take your class on an international adventure?
Give your pupils the opportunity to move, learn, create and build real relationships with children from two other countries.
You receive all the materials and support you need. Your class brings its curiosity, energy and unique perspective.