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.