Two Maltese educators recently took part in a week-long Erasmus job-shadowing experience in Beaune, France, gaining valuable insights into teaching practices within the French secondary education system.

Ms Melanie Cassar, a French teacher, and Ms Paula Calleja Casha, who teaches History, Geography and Environmental Studies, visited Lycée Étienne Jules Marey between 30 March and 5 April as part of the European Erasmus mobility programme.

The visit formed part of an ongoing collaboration between the two schools. Earlier in the year, one of the French educators from Lycée Étienne Jules Marey visited Malta and spent time shadowing lessons at St. Jeanne Antitde College in Tarxien, creating the opportunity for a valuable exchange of ideas and teaching practices.

During their stay in Beaune, the teachers were warmly welcomed by the school’s leadership team and staff, who opened their classrooms and shared their professional experiences.

Throughout the week, the Maltese educators observed lessons across several subjects, including foreign languages, French literature, history and geography. These classroom visits offered them the opportunity to see how lessons are structured and delivered within the French education system.

Foreign language lessons placed strong emphasis on oral communication and student participation, encouraging learners to actively use the language in class. Literature lessons demonstrated structured approaches to analysing texts, helping students develop critical thinking while expressing their interpretations.

History and geography lessons made effective use of visual tools such as maps and timelines to support learning. The visiting teachers also noted how lessons balanced the development of subject knowledge with opportunities for discussion and student engagement.

The job-shadowing programme also included discussions with teachers and school leaders about topics such as curriculum organisation, assessment methods and approaches to student support. These exchanges provided an opportunity to compare educational practices and reflect on new ideas that could be applied in their own teaching.

Beyond the classroom, the visit also allowed the Maltese teachers to experience daily life in Beaune and interact informally with members of the school community, strengthening professional connections and cultural understanding.

Ms Paula Calleja Casha & Ms Melanie Cassar