A delegation from the Francisco Franco Secondary School (ESFF) visited Berlin, Germany, from September 20th to 26th for an Erasmus+ mobility.
The exchange focused on observing pedagogical practices and the educational system's responses to interculturality and the integration of foreign students, as part of the project "Empowering Teachers: Building a Connected, Inclusive and Technological Tomorrow". The delegation included ESFF Executive Council President António Pires and teachers Olavo Teixeira, Ricardo Félix, and Jorge Monteiro.
During the visit, the group observed the operations of the Gail S. Halverson school and learned about aspects of the Berlin educational system, particularly the integration of students who do not speak German. This experience is significant for ESFF, which had 92 foreign students from 21 nationalities in the 2025-2026 academic year, highlighting the need to prepare the school for a diverse community.
Topics discussed also included the organization of the German educational system, teacher training, student pathways, and challenges common to Portugal and Germany, such as teacher shortages. The project coordinator at the German school, Monika Floyd, explained that in Germany, 75% of students opt for vocational training, with guidance starting around ages 10-11. Other specificities addressed included the administrative organization of education, with each German federal state having its own system, and the prohibition of digital textbooks and electronic devices during classes.
