The Zakladni Skola Komenskeho in Louny first attracted us for a jobshadowing project because we had little knowledge about Czech schools and culture and we were eager to know more about this country. Louny also seemed to be a very interesting place to visit, being located off the beaten tracks and providing a nice insight of the Czech daily life.
From day one, we received a very warm welcome from Vladimir, whom we want to deeply thank.
He made his best to make us feel comfortable at school, showing us all the buildings and equipments and introducing us to the whole teachers‘ team. We were amazed to see how lovely and cosy the school is. The classrooms are very well decorated with pictures, drawings and plenty of plants. In many rooms, the students have access to rugs and cushions to sit and take a rest during the breaks. For example, they are allowed to use cards or board games to play in small groups when they are done working. We were happily surprised to see that this kind of freedom is taken very seriously by the students, even younger ones who go and play quietly while other students are finishing their work. During the lessons, we noticed that Czech students
mainly learn through oral practice. Teamwork is encouraged and the different groups have to present their point of view, discuss and defend it at the end of the lesson. Each class lasts 45 minutes, but all the teachers really make the most of the lesson, organizing two to three different activities during the same session. Digital tools are often used with great skill and efficiency. We could see how beneficial these uses were, specially in geography – to locate various places – or in biology and anatomy. Serious games are sometimes used in various classes such as music or history. We found it very enjoyable and so did the students. We were amazed to hear teenagers sing plenty of songs with great enthusiasm and musicality. The daily life inside the school, is at the same time, warm, relaxed and sober. As it can be very cold outside (minus 15 °C at the time we were there), the students are allowed to wear slippers in the class and in the corridors. The corridors are extremely colorful and well decorated. The diversity of works of art, drawings and paintings made by the students is remarkable and creates a very lovely atmosphere. On our last day, the school organized a « super hero day ». Many students and even some teachers came to school dressed up as super heroes, which created a joyful atmosphere full of surprises. The teachers and Vladimir were very friendly. Jan And Hana showed us around many places in Louny and in the area. We were lucky enough to climb to the top of Louny’s bell tower, one of the most outstanding in the Czech Republic with three distinct towers. We could also catch a glimpse of Jan Hus’s statue and the tallest bike in the world. At the same time, we were lucky enough to taste Louny’s hot spring water, which taste was a little bit surprising.
Thanks to Vladimir and Jan, we also visited the very lovely town of Karlovy Vary. We were delighted by the city’s architecture and the walk we took along the river banks. The hot springs there were not very savoury either. But it was an adventure worth trying.
We will definitely keep an excellent memory of our stay in Zsjak. We will especially remember the quality of the various courses we had the chance to attend and the kindness of the teachers.
Staying there for a few days, gave us plenty of ideas we are willing to try with our students and colleagues in France, in order to bring more fun and diversity to our teaching methods.
Lila HÉBERT, Muriel DELACOU
