Active Sister Schools - Second Edition

2024-2025

Following the remarkable success of the pilot program and the enthusiastic response from our partners, Active Sister Schools is launching a new edition with even more exciting opportunities for students and teachers. This year, we’re thrilled to welcome schools from Spain, joining participants from Denmark, Poland, and Ukraine. Through shared activities, friendly challenges, and cultural exchanges, this expanded program will foster international friendships and enrich students' learning experiences across four countries.

The goals of Active Sister Schools remain consistent: to foster international friendships, promote physical and mental well-being, and support Ukrainian children by creating a safe, interactive space. Through collaborative activities, the program encourages students and teachers alike to build meaningful connections across borders, enriching their cultural perspectives and daily lives.

Timeline and activities

1. Online team formation ceremony
(October 1, 2024)

Teachers and students from each participating country will gather virtually to form international teams through an engaging online drawing ceremony. This session, held in simple English, lets students experience the scope of their community and meet their new teammates.

2. Monthly thematic challenges
(October 2024 - May 2025)

The challenges in the Active Sister Schools program are designed to connect students from different countries through fun, interactive activities. Each month, international teams are given a theme and participate in creative, movement-based tasks that explore aspects of culture, language, and everyday life. These activities, which range from classroom games and interactive videos to cultural quizzes and physical challenges, encourage teamwork and cross-cultural learning. Each team documents their experiences in a shared Team Diary, which serves as both a record of their journey and a friendly competition, with points awarded for completed tasks.

Every month, teachers receive:

  • Classroom Videos and Activity Guides with structured activities.
  • 5 Thematic Tasks completed individually or as a team, indoors or outdoors.
  • Interactive Activities that allow teams to connect, either through messages or online meetings.
  • Homework Ideas for students to share with their families, deepening the cultural experience.

 

Monthly themes include

October

Common
Expressions

An icebreaker challenge to help teams get to know one another.

November

Cultural
Heritage

Share and learn about each other’s traditions.

December


Food

A culinary journey to explore favorite dishes from each country.

January


Animals

Introduce and learn about local animals and their significance.

February

Traditional
Clothing

Discover unique outfits and discuss their cultural importance.

March

Festivities
and Traditions

Celebrate local customs and holiday traditions.

April

Free Time
Activities

Share popular hobbies and after-school pastimes.

May

School
Environments

Compare and share what school life looks like in each country.

3. Team diary and scoring system

  • Each team will document their journey in a shared Team Diary, recording photos, notes, and activity outcomes each month. This diary keeps track of each team’s progress, with points awarded for completed challenges.
  • At the end of each month, teams earn points based on their participation and can check their standings on the scoreboard. The top-scoring teams will be celebrated during the program’s closing events.

    • 4. International webinars (November 2024 - September 2025)

    Teachers will have access to exclusive webinars led by international experts, focusing on topics such as physical activity, student leadership, and cultural exchange. These sessions will inspire teachers to enrich their classroom activities and provide a forum for sharing experiences across countries.

    5. Closing events and awards (June 13, 2025)

    Online Ceremony
    The final online event will gather all participants to celebrate their journey, recognize top-performing teams, and enjoy a series of fun, interactive activities.

    Awards and Recognition
    The three top teams will receive special awards, while all participants receive certificates. The winning teachers will be invited to attend the prestigious Move Congress in Copenhagen in October 2025, where they can connect with global educators.

    Impact and expected outcomes

    With the expansion of Active Sister Schools to include Spain, the program will impact an even larger and more diverse group of students. By the end of the program, we aim to:

    Promote Physically Active Learning (PAL)

    Engaging in Physically Active Learning activities enhances focus, motor skills, and memory retention in children. Through PAL, students experience the benefits of learning through movement, which supports both their academic growth and physical well-being, creating a foundation for a healthy lifestyle.

    Cultivate international friendships

    Students will have a deeper understanding of their peers’ cultures, promoting empathy and global citizenship.

    Enhance student confidence and communication skills

    Regular interactions and challenges will improve students’ English language skills and boost their ability to collaborate across cultures.

    Strengthen teacher networks

    Educators from participating countries will establish lasting professional connections, fostering a network of support and shared innovation.

    This new edition of Active Sister Schools creates unforgettable memories and lasting impacts on all involved, paving the way for a future where children and teachers are more connected, empowered, and inspired, with students benefitting from enhanced focus and well-being through Physically Active Learning.