School partnerships as a catalyst for exchange
The first meeting of the colleges already took place in autumn 2022: A delegation of heads of schools and teachers responsible for the exchange travelled to Blonay – Saint-Légier (VD) and enjoyed a multifaceted stay. The school communities were brought together by the cantonal exchange officers from Zug and Vaud – with comparable sizes, number of pupils and socio-economic situations, they are suitable as a starting point for a partnership.
In May 2023, the Zug municipality returned the favour with a rich programme during a two-day visit of the French-speaking part of Switzerland: Classroom visits, coffee and croissant breaks, presentations on current exchange activities, a professional exchange between school administrators and an evening boat trip on Lake Aegeri – the visitors from Vaud gained a broad insight into the Zug (school) landscape. The formal highlight of the meeting was the signing of the charter for language and cultural exchange by the heads of the schools. In addition to the teachers from Zug and Vaud, municipality presidents, media representatives and the cantonal exchange officer from the canton of Zug were also present. The latter, together with her counterpart from the canton of Vaud, brought the three school communities together.
A school partnership of this kind strengthens contacts between colleges and enables a wide range of exchange opportunities between schools. Teacher Tandems have already been formed to carry out exchange activities such as joint project weeks with the classes.
Movetia supports this type of network meeting via schools in Exchange. More information about the programme and a sample school partnership agreement can be found here.
Would you also like to establish contact with a school in another language region of Switzerland? Movetia's first national exchange week offers you the perfect opportunity to do so.
Media release of the municipalities in the Aegeri valley (in German)