English Language Teachers Engaged in Professional Dialogue at the Buzău County Teachers’ Council Meeting 27/09/2025

At the beginning of each school year, the English language teachers across the county come together for a significant professional event - the County Teachers’ Council (Consfătuirea Județeană). This annual meeting, organized by the County School Inspectorate and coordinated by the English language inspector, provides an essential platform for reflection, planning, and collaboration.

This year’s council brought together a wide range of educators, from experienced teachers to new professionals entering the classroom for the first time. The meeting aimed at harmonizing the teaching practices with the latest curriculum updates, national educational strategies, and international trends in language teaching.

The agenda included a comprehensive review of the previous school year's achievements and challenges, focusing on student outcomes in national assessments, exam results, and demonstration language activities. The teachers were encouraged to continue sharing examples of good practice, innovative methodologies, and classroom experiences that could inspire and support others in the field.

The language inspector highlighted the importance of using modern, communicative approaches in English language teaching, integrating digital tools, and promoting learner autonomy. In addition, there was a strong emphasis on inclusive education, differentiation, and formative assessment, all of which contribute to more effective and equitable learning environments.

One of the most appreciated aspects of the meeting was the opportunity for professional development and peer exchange as both the discussions and Q&A sessions allowed the teachers to clarify some aspects related to the effective planning of their teaching and assessment, and gain insight into how to better navigate the school year 2025-2026.

The teachers also discussed plans for future training sessions, online courses, and international projects that would enhance their teaching competencies. Networking among schools was encouraged, particularly for organizing interschool contests, cultural events, and collaborative student projects.

The 2025 Buzău County Teachers’ Council meeting on 27 September reaffirmed the shared commitment of English language teachers to providing high-quality education. By staying informed, engaged, and open to innovation, we play a crucial role in helping students develop not only linguistic skills, but also key-competences for lifelong learning - including cultural awareness and expression, and 21st century skills which prepare our students for global citizenship.

As the new school year begins, the insights and resources gained during the meeting are expected to enrich classroom practices and contribute to the continuous improvement of English language education in the county.

The first online meeting of the eTwinning project "A Song for Our Souls in an English-Speaking World" 26/09/2025

On September 26, 2025, the eTwinning project “A Song for Our Souls in an English-Speaking World” officially began with its first online meeting. This session brought together an enthusiastic project team ready to establish a clear roadmap and shared understanding of our work ahead.

The meeting agenda focused on several key points. First, we introduced the project calendar, highlighting important milestones and collaborative activities. The clear timeline will help us coordinate across schools and ensure balanced participation. We also confirmed that parental consents would be in place, safeguarding the learners’ rights and ensuring the students' families engagement and support.

The teachers' attention then turned to the eTwinning community standards and eSafety guidelines, reminding us of our responsibility to model respectful digital behaviour and protect our students in online spaces. Everyone agreed to embrace these shared commitments and ensure a safe, inclusive environment.

Pedagogically, the meeting emphasized collaboration and innovation. The teachers will guide their students in co-creating materials, sharing cultural insights, and experimenting with creative methods and Open Educational Resources. This approach supports active learning, strengthens motivation, and connects language practice with meaningful experiences.

As one of the participants concluded, this project is not only about teaching English - it is about building a collaborative learning community where students and teachers grow together, supported by thoughtful planning and innovative practices.

The European Day of Languages 2025 – Languages Opened Hearts and Minds!

Between 23–26 September 2025, almost one hundred students enrolled at Liceul Teoretic “Radu Vlădescu” in Pătârlagele town, Buzău county, celebrated the European Day of Languages 2025 (EDL). The event coincided with the 25th anniversary of EDL and embraced the inspiring theme “Languages open hearts and minds.”

The celebration took place under the guidance of the school’s English teachers, who coordinated a variety of creative and collaborative activities. The students worked both individually and in teams to produce materials that reflected linguistic diversity and the power of languages to connect people.

The products included short articles, essays, and literary creations in prose or verse, as well as posters with inspirational quotes, suggestive images, and digital collages. Many contributions were created in English, underlining the students’ ability to communicate across cultures. All the works were gathered in a collaborative Padlet, which served as a virtual exhibition and the final digital product of the event.

The initiative offered several benefits for participants. The students developed their creativity, improved their digital literacy, and enhanced their communication skills in foreign languages. They also gained a deeper appreciation of linguistic and cultural diversity, which strengthened their empathy and openness toward others.

At the same time, the activity brought significant advantages to the school community. It promoted collaboration, teamwork, encouraged intercultural dialogue, and highlighted the importance of multilingualism in education. The event also increased the school’s visibility by aligning local efforts with a major European celebration.

In conclusion, the European Day of Languages 2025 at Liceul Teoretic “Radu Vlădescu” succeeded in combining learning with creativity and cultural exchange. It demonstrated once again that languages truly open hearts and minds, fostering mutual respect and understanding across communities.

You can view the students’ collaborative work here: European Day of Languages 2025 – Padlet

You can also watch our dissemination video on Youtube!

Happy European Day of Languages 2025!

Suggested Answers for the Written Tasks in the 2025 Baccalaureate Linguistic Competence Exam

 

1. An informal email to a pen friend, Alex, who needs help with a school project about popular sports among Romanian teenagers explaining what sports are most popular, describing where teenagers usually play or watch these sports and mentioning why they enjoy them. (80-100 words)

Hi Alex,

Thanks for writing! I’d be more than happy to help with your project. Here in Romania, football is the most popular sport among teenagers. They usually play it in schoolyards, small neighborhood pitches, or watch matches at stadiums and on TV. Handball is also big, especially in schools and sports clubs - it’s fast and exciting, so teens really enjoy the energy. Tennis became more popular thanks to famous players like Simona Halep, and many teens play on local courts or follow big tournaments online. These sports bring friends together, create fun rivalries, and give everyone something to cheer for!

All the best,

Martin

2. An Opinion Essay: Living in Urban and Rural Environments for Teenagers

Both big cities and the countryside provide environments which influence the way young people live and develop nowadays. In my opinion, both of them present positive and negative effects and the better option depends on what teenagers prefer: the excitement of the city life or the peace and closeness to nature in the countryside.

On the one hand, living in urban areas gives teenagers more opportunities. Cities usually offer better schools, sports facilities, and cultural activities such as cinemas, museums, or concerts. Teenagers can also meet people from different cultures, which helps them become more open-minded. However, life in cities is often stressful. There is a lot of traffic, pollution, and noise. In addition, some teenagers may feel lonely in a big city, even though they are surrounded by lots of people.

On the other hand, the countryside is calmer and safer. Teenagers there can enjoy nature, fresh air, and more physical activities outdoors. Growing up in a rural place may also give them a stronger sense of community because people often know each other. Nevertheless, the countryside sometimes lacks access to modern schools, entertainment, and job opportunities. What is more, teenagers may feel isolated and have fewer chances to meet new people or explore different lifestyles.

In conclusion, both urban and rural environments offer advantages and disadvantages for teenagers: cities provide more opportunities and better facilities, while the countryside gives peace and a healthier lifestyle. The best place to live depends on what people value most in life.

Wakelet Certified Teacher

 

Book Creator Certified Author

 

The results of the creative writing competition organised within the educational project "Să cunoaștem Europa!/Let's know Europe!"

The Creative Writing Workshop & Competition within the 4th edition of the Summer School 2025

Date: Tuesday, 1 July 2025

Time: 09:00–11:00

Event: Creative Writing Workshop & Competition

Location: School Library

Occasion: 4th Edition of the Summer School

The creative writing workshop and competition organized on July 1st, 2025, as part of the 4th edition of the Summer School, proved to be a highly engaging and pedagogically effective event. Designed to develop our students’ expressive abilities and boost their confidence in using written language creatively, the session combined instruction, collaboration, and performance in a supportive academic environment.

The workshop commenced with an interactive lecture facilitated by two experienced teachers, Mrs. Emilia Frînculeasă and Mrs. Mihaela Neacșu, who introduced the fundamentals of narrative structure, character development, and imaginative storytelling. The eighteen participants, comprising primary, middle and high school students, were actively involved through question-and-answer segments, reflective prompts, and collaborative exercises. Visual aids and projected examples further enriched the learning experience, catering to visual learners and supporting comprehension of abstract writing techniques.

Following the instructional component, the students participated in a guided writing session where they were given thematic prompts designed to spark originality and personal expression. Observations indicated high levels of engagement and focus, as participants drafted their creative texts and received individual feedback from instructors.

The competitive element of the event provided a meaningful goal and sense of purpose. The students submitted their work for evaluation which included criteria such as originality, coherence, emotional impact, and language accuracy. The competition aspect fostered motivation and encouraged the students to push the boundaries of their creative potential.

Throughout the workshop, collaborative learning and peer support were evident, especially in mixed-age group settings. Older students often mentored younger participants, reinforcing a sense of community and academic mentorship.

Pedagogically, the workshop successfully blended direct instruction, formative assessment, collaborative tasks, and reflective practice. It highlighted the importance of creativity as a skill that can be cultivated and celebrated within an academic framework.

The creative writing workshop and competition significantly enhanced the students’ writing skills, confidence, and appreciation for the craft of storytelling. It fostered creativity, critical thinking, and communication - core competencies in 21st-century education - and contributed meaningfully to the goals of the 2025 Summer School.

https://www.canva.com/design/DAGsXUgS8go/yQXz9zgwmywXfOzHUZR7Wg/edit?utm_content=DAGsXUgS8go&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

🏆 Celebrating our champions - the winners of this year's school competitions 🎉

On 20 June 2025, the students who excelled in the two school competitions organised at county level within the educational projects "Dor de Eminescu/Missing Our National Poet" and "Scriitori pentru Eternitate/Writers for Eternity" were awarded their well-deserved diplomas and book prizes.

The winners, cheered on by their classmates and teachers, each received a certificate recognizing their talent and dedication - along with some exciting prizes to celebrate their achievements.

Congratulations to all the participants from Liceul Teoretic "Radu Vlădescu" on their hard work, creativity and enthusiasm. We can’t wait to see what they’ll accomplish next!

Bookfest 2025 - the final online meeting of the project team 17 06 2025

The eTwinning project Bookfest 2025 held its final online meeting on 17 June 2025, bringing together coordinating and partner teachers from the Republic of Moldova and Romania for one last, enriching exchange. Throughout this year-long initiative, Bookfest 2025 has been much more than a simple bilateral project - it’s been a genuine platform for international collaboration, pedagogical innovation, and the heartfelt sharing of good practices that will continue to inspire our school communities long into the future.

One of the most valuable aspects of Bookfest 2025 identified by the meeting participants was the chance to explore and share valuable interdisciplinary knowledge and key-competence development opportunities across borders. Both participating schools showcased their most successful activities and practices - from interactive workshops to digital storytelling - allowing the teachers to reflect on new teaching methods, enrich their lessons, and adopt practical techniques to improve literacy and creativity.

The final online meeting was a perfect demonstration of the power of transnational teamwork. Despite the geographical distance, we communicated freely and celebrated our shared passion for reading in particular and education in general. Building this partnership fostered a strong sense of community, personal development and self-confidence, where both teaching and learning thrived, encouraging creative and critical thinking and the motivation to achieve one's full potential.

Thanks to Bookfest 2025, the Romanian and Moldovan teachers embraced new tools and pedagogical strategies. Innovative practices like collaborative writing, interactive reading challenges, digital workshops and student-led presentations were among the many innovations that can now be integrated into our regular lessons. This final meeting was not just a summary of what we accomplished; it was a launch pad for new ideas that will continue to grow in our schools.

As we close this chapter, with the certainty of having reached the eTwinning quality standards, we carry forward the beautiful friendships, lessons learned, and inspiration that have made Bookfest 2025 so unforgettable. Here's to future projects that continue to bridge cultures, enrich classrooms, and empower both educators and students around the world.