Erasmus + Exchange 2025/2026
Bridgetown in Płock
Day 1
Today was spent travelling from our beautiful homes in Co.Wexford, Ireland, in search of our new homes for the week in Ptock, Poland. We set off in the early hours of the morning- excited and nervous for the journey ahead. We were greeted beautifully by our partner Erasmus + school, Jagiellonka.
Day 2
Today we had a lovely morning in the school. We watched some informative and entertaining videos about the school and the town of Ptock. Our students got to know each other better through ice- breaker activities.
We were given a guided tour of the school getting to see the different classrooms by the Polish students.
Jagiellonka is a beautiful school steeped in history and culture. The atmosphere once you set foot in the school is magical. We were greeted by all staff and students with a beaming smile. On a number of occasions our students said, "can we stay here forever"- this is testament to Jagiellonka's opened- arms- approach.
In the afternoon we did a walking tour of the town in the crisp outdoors, and got to see many beautiful landmarks of the area such as the Cathedral and the viewpoint of the city. We also did a guided tour of the Mazovian Museum Art Nouveaux Exhibition where pupils got an insight into the rich heritage of the country and had the chance to examine some of the artefacts up close.
It was lovely to finally be reunited with our Bridgetown College students Anthony & Antonina. They both have spent a month in Płock on a long term exchange studying in Jagiellonka Highschool. Both students loved their experience studying here and even commented on how at home they feel.
Day 3
Today we spent the day in Jagiellonka Highschool. We had lots of discussions about culture and connections throughout the day.
In small groups, the students spoke openly about how people may stereotype both of our cultures, for example how Ireland may be known for their Guinness, shamrocks and leprechauns and the Polish known for how everything is so cheap, vodka and snow, to name just a few. The students shared their stereotypes on padlet through a link sent by their teachers.
They debated on the differences between the Polish and Irish cultures, and found that some of the stereotypes before travelling about our new friends were very untrue.
We then focused on similarities in our cultures, and students made beautiful posters and presented their findings to the class in pairs.
In the afternoon we watched an Irish film with Polish subtitles called "The Quiet Girl" based on the novel 'Foster' by Claire Keegan. Students relaxed as they watched the movie. It was a very touching film. It depicted life in rural Ireland in the 80's & dealt with themes such as grief and sadness and explored how a young child found her voice through love and belonging. It was a film played out with empathy and care.
Everyone had a great day as they bonded over our culture which brought us closer together. Thank you to Erasmus + co-funded by the European Union for this opportunity.
Day 4
Today we set off early on a crisp morning and travelled to the capital city of Poland, Warsaw.
We started the day off with an audio tour of The Royal Castle of Warsaw (Zamek Królewski w Warszawie).
Today, it is a museum which holds a significant collection of Polish and European art, including Rembrandt paintings. Historically the Castle was the formal royal residence of several Polish monarchs.
After our visit to the Royal Palace, we set off by foot on a walking tour of the city. We stopped at famous landmarks throughout the city. We stopped to admire the Statue of the little insurgent, King Sigismund's Column and Tomb of the unknown soldiers to name just a few.
Our Polish friends told us about the history of the statues and the areas we visited.
Our students really enjoyed some free time later on in the day to shop 'till they dropped in a shopping centre called Zlote Tarasy. It was a great day had by all. Thank you Erasmus + for making this happen!!
Day 5
Today was our last day inside Jagiellonka Highschool but, thankfully, we have two more days with our Polish friends.
We started off the morning with what is know as a traditional 'second breakfast! The Polish students provided us with a selection of beautiful homemade traditional Polish cuisines and dishes.
Both Polish and Irish students then presented their pre-prepared oral presentations on popular musicians and writers from their countries. We enjoyed a peak into many different genres of music as well as some very interesting discussions on poets and writers from both our countries respectively.
We then took a walk to the Town Hall where we met the Deputy major kukas Jankowski. We enjoyed a small chat, an informative Question and Answer session, and a guided tour of the Town Hall. Some gifts were kindly presented to us from Mr. Jankowski.
We walked back to the school, and this time it was our long term students' turn to give us a reflection presentation on their month long stay in Jagiellonka Highschool.
Anthony and Antonina spoke highly of their time in Jagiellonka and of their beautiful host families. They truly felt like it was a 'home away from home' experience. One that they will cherish forever.
In groups, the students enjoyed playing a music activity. Using the song 'Last Christmas' by Wham, the aim was to work together as a group to sing the lyrics and use their language and team work skills to fill in the missing words. Group 2 stole the show, working very well together and proving victorious by a small margin of points.
As a group we were then presented with individual personalised certificates from the Deputy Principal of Jagiellonka, Agnieszka Kasprzycka, during a ceremony in the school Auditorium and a beautiful group photo was taken.
Day 6
Today we travelled to the fairytale city of Toruń, some two hours from Płock.
Our students enjoyed a homemade gingerbread workshop to start off the day. They learned about the rich history of gingerbread and where it comes from. The pupils were also guided through making their own. They picked their own gingerbread mold, shaped it, baked it and packaged it to take home with them as a personalised souvenir.
The students were then given some time to explore the city on their own. Many students bought some souvenirs at the beautiful Christmas markets in the Old Town Square.
In the afternoon we did a guided tour of the city. We saw Copernicus' House, the Monument to Donkey, and the Leaning tower of Toruń (Krzywa Wieża w Toruniu) to name a just a few.
The beautiful markets brought Christmas alive for everyone. Many pupils sampled some of the local foods, and tasted new flavors and dishes. They also bought gifts for their host families and their own families back in Ireland.
Day 7
Today was our last day in Płock, Poland for both our students and staff. Today they enjoyed time with family and friends. Thank you to the European Union for Erasmus +. A project that enriches people's lives and opens people's minds. Bridgetown and Jagiellonka have a special bond like no other. Two schools brought together through Erasmus + with long life friendships made.
Erasmus + trip to Poland 2024/2025
Day 1
In the early hours of the morning a group of staff and students from Bridgetown College travelled to Plock in Poland. On our arrival to @jagiellonka_er school we were warmly greeted by teachers and students. The Polish and Irish students got acquainted over a delicious lunch made by the polish students. In the afternoon we learned a traditional Polish Polonaise dance followed by some fun ice breaker activities. A great day was had by all and we look forward to the days ahead!!
Day 2
Today was a day of discovering the hidden treasures of the city of Płock. Our student took part in a treasure hunt around the city. They visited many interesting places including the Madovian Museum, the Jewish Museum and Płocks Cathedral. Students developed team work and communication skills through each of the task. There was clear evident of our students gaining cultural knowledge and wellbeing was promoted throughout. The highlights of the day was visiting the Towarzystwo Naukowe Plockie, where we were privileged to be shown an original copy of books dating from the 15th century.
Day 3
As it was the 6th of December, the Feast of St. Nicolas, a special day in Poland, small gifts are exchanged. We were given beautiful Paçzek: donuts. With the help of our new Polish friends our students have spent the past few days learning a traditional Polish Polonaise dance. Today they got to perform the dance on stage and were kindly given tradition Polonaise costumes to wear for their performance. They also took part in re-enacting famous Polish paintings. Students were given a famous painting and had to make their own costumes and props. They worked together to recreate the scene in the paintings.
Day 4
Today we travelled to the capital of Poland Warsaw with our polish friends. We were taken on a walking tour of the city. We stopped at monumental places and statues of historical importance while the Polish students explained to us the relevant history of the area. We ate at a beautiful indoor food market where there was a choice of food from all over the world. We then took a trip to the Palace of King Jan III at Wilanòw. The students enjoyed learning about the King Jan and his French Queen, the clothes they wore, their favourite past-times etc. We learned a new Polonaise dance and some students enjoyed trying on costumes of the era. We were then treated to a special lights display as we walked around the grounds of the palace.
Day 5
Family day
Day 6
Today we travelled to the fairytale city of Toruń. Jagiellonka and Bridgetown were joined by a French school Lycée Henri Darras a group of 8 students also taking part in an Erasmus+ mobility who arrived just yesterday to Płock. 32 students of three nationalities joined together for the day enjoying each other’s company and spreading the true spirit of the Erasmus + program. When we arrived in Toruń, the students split up into mixed nationality groups and did a guided city tour. The groups had to collect information and clues along the way. We then visited the Living Museum of Gingerbreads. We enjoyed a very entertaining workshop and even got to make our own gingerbread biscuits. Toruń was alive with Christmas markets so everyone had the opportunity to look around them, buy gifts as well as taking in the beautiful Christmas lights.
@jagiellonka_er
@lycee_henri_darras_lievin
Day 7
Today was our last day in Plock with our beautiful Erasmus partners Jagiellonka 😢. During the week Jagiellonka and Bridgetown students made a Guide Book tour of Plock. Today they presented the booklet using Canva. We were reminded of the beauty of Płock through images and information read to us by the students. Jagiellonka (Poland), Bridgetown (Ireland) and Lycée Henri Darras (France) came together in the afternoon to do some fun activities. The afternoon was all about friendship, communication and working together as a team with our new found friends. Late afternoon we were treated to a video reel of photos from our week in Poland. A lovely moment for all and a reminder of the good times, the fun we had and the memories we have made. The students reflected on the week long mobility by making posters, videoing each other’s experience and sharing their favourite photo from the week. The polish teachers Martyna and Małgorzata presented teachers and students with their cert along with some lovely gifts. We then went to the Town Hall and met the Vice President and one of the directors of the Education Department. They kindly gave us gifts.
Day 8
This morning we said fair well to our Polish family 😢. It was a very successful Erasmus trip for both the Irish and Polish students. We learned about the Polish culture, their language, their food and their country with help from our Jagiellonka family. Life time friendships were made and strong connections were forged between our two schools. Well done to all our students that travelled on the Erasmus trip. You flew the flag for Wexford and Ireland so proudly. You are all a credit to your school and family. Thank you to our Jagiellonka family for their kind hospitality it felt like a true home from experience. We look forward to hosting you all in April. See you soon!!
Hosting Poland
Day 1
Today we were delighted to welcome Teachers & students from Jagiellonka in Płock Poland to our School as part of an Erasmus + program. A program co-financed by the European Union.
We started the day off with some ice breaker activities. The students had to make an outline of both our countries Ireland and Poland using a rope. They then had to place famous landmarks within the countries in the correct order.
The students then made posters talking about similarities and differences in both our countries.
Students enjoyed listening to some Irish tunes sung by the very talented Mr Carley, and they learned a cùpla focal (a few words) as gaeilge (in Irish) courtesy of Ms Whitty & Mr kelly.☘️
In the afternoon they travelled to Johnstown Castle where they enjoyed a tour of the castle and a walk in the beautiful grounds.
A beautiful day spent with beautiful people.☺️
Day 2
Today Wexford did not disappoint as the sun shone high for our visitors again today. 💜💛
In the morning we travelled to one of Wexford’s most famous landmarks Hook Lighthouse.
Hook Lighthouse is one of the oldest operating Lighthouses in the world and one of the most picturesque sites in Ireland if not the world.
We enjoyed a tour of the Lighthouse thanks to John our tour guide, followed by a walk around the coast to take in the breath taking scenery of Wexford's coastline.
We spent the afternoon in Wexford town where our students participated in a Scavanger Hunt.
Our students were split into teams and had to find famous historical landmarks along with completing little challenges around Wexford town.
The Scavenger Hunt was designed to let our Bridgetown and Jagiellonka students be creative while learning about our county, to have fun, be themselves and create long lasting memories and friendships with each other.
Day 3
Today we took our Bridgetown and Jagiellonka crew up to the ‘big smoke’ the capital of Ireland, Dublin.
We travelled to Dublin by train enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way.
We visited the Jeannie Johnstown Famine Ship and learned about the difficulties that faced our ancestors during the Famine era. Many took to waters in search of a new life. We heard of the tails and stories of some of the passengers and how their decendents fared in their new land.
This was followed by a tour of the Epic Museum where we learned more about emigration, about famous Irish people in history, the GAA and Music to name but a few.
The teachers went to see The Book of Kells while our students enjoyed some free time to view the city.
We explored the city by foot taking in famous landmarks such as the Spire, the GPO, the Molly Malone Statue, and the biggest hit with our students was the Dublin Portal. We enjoyed interacting and making connections with people in Poland and New York.
Today we learned the importance of our history and Culture, the similarities between both of our countries turbulent histories and how we overcame these great difficulties to flourish and prosper as nations in our own rights.
Day 4
Today was a jam packed day with in school activities.
In the morning our Polish visitors were treated to an exhibition game of hurling by our 1st & 2nd year boys and girls Camogie and Hurling teams.
The students then got a chance to learn some skills in hurling. The basic solo, Handpass, striking the ball etc.
We then went into the gym to watch a GAA PowerPoint which game us a brief history of the GAA, the rules of the game, and some video clips of famous GAA people and moments in games through the years.
The students then got the chance to try handball and it was very popular with the students.
After break we were treated to some beautiful Irish singing, instrumentalists and dancing courtesy of our amazingly talented students. They then learned an Irish set dance and performed it together to great cheer and laughter.
In the afternoon the students were treated to a Flag Stand Workshop. The used wood and plastic to make this project. We brought two subjects together Woodwork and Metalwork to create this piece. The teachers showed our visitors how to use how to mark out the pieces, how to use tools and also how to use machinery in the class room. This gave them another skill to take home with them.
At 4.30 we had a presentation of certificate. We were lucky to have some influential people present including former Councillor Jim Moore also Chairperson of the Board of Management for Bridgetown College, Cathaoirleach of Rosslare District Jim Codd also a teacher of Bridgetown College and Mayor of Wexford Town Catherine ‘Biddy’ Walsh.
Day 5
Today the students enjoyed a Chocolate Making Workshop in the amazing coffee shop Zaeire
Zaeire is situated in the heart of Bridgetown and is famous all over Ireland for its homemade chocolates. The students got to be creative and make their own Easter treats. It did not disappoint and our Irish and Polish came away with some lovely handmade Easter crafts.
In the afternoon the students enjoyed mixing with the school community for our annual fundraiser Daffodil Day. They were treated to live music performed by our very talented Staff and students in the courtyard.
Day 6
There was great excitement with our students today as they travelled up to Emerald Park. Emerald Park is a theme park which boasts 45 eye- popping rides and a zoo fully of exotic animals including the endangered ting-tailed Lemurs.
Day 7
In the morning the students spent time with their host families while the teachers travelled to Kilmore to take in the scenery followed by chips from the Saltee's Chipper.
Late afternoon we had to bid farewell to our friends from Poland. It was a very emotional time for everyone as we build such great friendships over our week in Poland in December and while hosting them here in Ireland too. Our teachers and students are sad to see them go but take comfort in knowing we have meet some amazing people, made new friends for life and we are only a phone call away.
Erasmus+ Days - October 2024
Our 'Erasmus+ Days' event took place from October 14th to October 19th 2024 to promote and acknowledge Erasmus+ project participation in schools across Europe. We aim to make project participation open to all students, all staff and management in the school in the coming years. We marked the event here in school on Friday October, 18th 2024. Bridgetown College came together to celebrate @erasmusdays. Erasmusdays is an International 6 day celebration of the Erasmus + programme. Students and teachers involved in last year’s mobility were delighted to share their knowledge and experience on the day to all staff and students in our school! Many students called into us in the canteen at breaktime to see what Erasmus+ is all about.