Educational Excursion Report – 1st Primary School of Rafina
On April 9 and 10, 2025, the sixth-grade students of the 1st Primary School of Rafina participated in a two-day educational excursion to the Environmental Education Center (K.E.P.E.A.) of Amfissa. A total of 39 students, accompanied by teachers, explored firsthand the natural and cultural landscape of the area, combining environmental education with active citizenship and outdoor experiential learning.
This educational visit was part of the European project PARCCE, in which our school proudly participates as a partner. The excursion was also aligned with our school’s broader strategy to foster climate awareness, civic engagement, and sustainability values through interdisciplinary and inclusive education.
A core component of the visit focused on implementing and deepening the concepts introduced in the PARCCE Activity 1: “Exploring the Skies: Weather vs Climate Change“. Building on prior classroom work and observations at our school’s weather station, students engaged in real-world investigations of weather patterns and long-term climate indicators. By recording local meteorological conditions and comparing ecosystems at different altitudes and soil types, they learned to differentiate short-term atmospheric phenomena from broader climatic trends.
Particular emphasis was placed on:
– The observation and analysis of xerophytic (drought-tolerant) plant communities, linking their distribution to regional climate pressures and phenomena such as desertification.
– The relationship between traditional architecture and climate, as students explored how old stone houses in Amfissa and the surrounding villages were adapted to local climatic conditions (orientation, building materials, insulation features, use of courtyards).
– Field-based investigations in three different ecosystems, where students recorded temperature, humidity, wind conditions, and plant adaptation strategies, enriching their understanding of climate-resilient landscapes.
On the evening of the first day, students participated in a collaborative reflection session where they presented their findings in groups. These mini-presentations helped consolidate their observations and fostered teamwork, critical thinking, and communication skills.
We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to those who contributed to the success of this initiative:
- To Vasilis Psallidas, for his significant contribution to shaping the program of the two-day visit.
- To Georgios Kottis, Head of the K.E.P.E.A. of Amfissa, for the excellent organization and his invaluable guidance.
- To Biologist Kalotina Skotti, for the warm welcome and the meaningful implementation of the educational activities, which captured the interest and hearts of our students.
This excursion provided a unique opportunity for the children to connect theoretical knowledge with experiential learning, to foster cooperation and responsibility, and to develop a deeper bond with the natural environment.
Through initiatives like this, our school continues to invest in the holistic development of its students, with respect for nature and horizons open to the future!
