The secondary educational team at Colegio Alarcón has launched an innovative educational project that will take second-year ESO students to learn about rural life in La Matilla, a small town with a population of only 80, belonging to … Segovia Province.
The aim of this initiative is to understand the reality of “Empty Spain”, reflect on the challenges and opportunities that rural communities face today and engage in the relationship with their inhabitants and the development of the city.
The experience began with a very special surprise: a video invitation from Diego Hernández, the charismatic young mayor of La Matilla, known for his distinguished life where he combines his work as mayor with his passion for music. Diego has become an example of how passion and commitment can transform even the smallest places. His invitation excited the students, who responded with selfies and short biographies to introduce themselves to the neighbors and initiate an intergenerational cultural exchange, before going to visit them.
The visit of the Alarcón School students was announced by the City Council, and neighbors were invited to take to the streets to welcome the visiting Alarcón School students. Many neighbors waited for the students at their doors to share stories, traditions and their visions about the city’s future.
Intergenerational experiences
The meeting exceeded all expectations! During the day, students heard stories from older residents, shared experiences, and understood first-hand the challenges and fortunes of small Spanish towns. In addition, they enjoyed traditional games such as frog, fronton and sticks, activities that allowed them to get closer to local customs in a fun and participatory way.
“Learning doubles when what happens in the classroom resonates in real life,” explains the teaching team responsible for the project. “Our students have discovered that behind every demographic data or every map, there are people, stories and culture that deserve to be heard.”
In addition to interviewing residents of La Matilla, students investigated the town’s lifestyle, history, trade, culture, traditional sports and folk dances (which will serve as the basis for their work in the second assessment). To do this, they toured the town to learn about the oldest houses, mark the symbolic buildings of the town and learn about their history and meaning to the residents.
Upon their return from the visit, the students analyzed all the information collected to prepare a report on the development and population changes of La Matilla and the possible consequences of the current decline in population, which they attached to improvement proposals to revitalize the life of the city and revitalize its economy. All this applies knowledge in mathematics, geography and history.
In physical education they will delve into the origin and traditions of the sports and games they have known; In music and plastic arts, they will draw pictures of some of the visitors they met and perform some traditional songs and dances. All of this will culminate in a second visit to La Mattila, where the students will organize a party to share everything they have learned with people and strengthen their bonds.
Learning outside of school
More than just an academic project-based learning project, this experience aims to awaken empathy, curiosity and a genuine connection to the history and culture of the environment. Learning goes beyond the book and the school doors, so that students discover the meaning of what they study, understand how the past shapes the present, appreciate the encounter between generations and learn about the cultural heritage preserved by the cities and villages of our country. An education that must be lived to be true.
Link to the YouTube video of the first experience in the city.
At Alarcón School “We teach for life”, we are committed to a comprehensive education that combines academic excellence with personal attention and values education. From a perspective based on respectful education and positive discipline, we help our students become confident people, capable of making free and responsible decisions to reach their fullest potential. Learn about our project by arranging a personal visit at: https:www.colegioalarcon.com.