"Heroes and cultural identity" (a short summary from the project submitted to the National Agency)

This innovative project uses the concept of 'heroes' to encourage wide participation and direct interaction between students internationally, in a genuine cultural exchange.

Students promote a number of heroes (from any field they think suitable - history, music, sport, etc.) on a website and/or a notice board within each school. The contribution made by famous and lesser known 'local heroes' can be studied and celebrated.

The materials vary - written, visual, sound etc. (The different media will assist in overcoming language barriers). Heroes are voted on internationally through a website and 'medals' awarded. (1 per partner in each round of voting) This will encourage democratic civic participation as well as appreciation of other cultures and interests. Teachers of different disciplines and those working with students of differing abilities and social disadvantage will easily be able to integrate the project into their normal teaching programmes.

At a more sophisticated level students can work on issues like " what makes a hero ", the cult of celebrity and so on. The project therefore enables small groups of students to work in-depth, while the open voting system will encourage widespread democratic participation by large numbers in a spirit of exciting but friendly competition.