KIRÁNDULÁSOK A ZÖLD HÉTEN

Green Week provided the opportunity for rich experiential pedagogical activities. In our report, we focus primarily on the excursions.

Grade IX.A and IX.B (report by form teacher Deme Ildikó)

On 21 October 2025, grade IX.A, and on 23 October, students from grades IX.A and IX.B took part in an unconventional educational excursion programme. On 21 October, grade IX.A students visited the Mikes Castle Park in Zăbala, the Csángó Museum and the Reformed church monument there.

During the activity programme of 23 October, students from grades IX.A and IX.B visited the Vârghiș Gorge nature reserve area.

About the visit to Mikes Castle Park

Grade IX.A visited Mikes Castle Park, where they learned about the castle's construction cycles, the history of the Mikes family, their role in history during the principalities, their almost permanent exile, torture, loss of life and property, and their persecution during communism.

Students also gained insight into how the estate was gradually recovered after 1990 and how such a historic place can be revived within the current social framework.

The visit to Zăbala continued at the Csángó Museum, where, in addition to learning about the history, lifestyle and customs of the Csángó people, students could see through the exhibited objects how this ethnic group utilised the opportunities provided by the natural environment in their daily lives, without excessively polluting or damaging it.

During the visit to the fortified Reformed church, the church's pastor presented its history, its Gothic-Renaissance and late Baroque stylistic features, the characteristics of its coffered ceiling, and provided insight into the transformation of the church interior after the Reformation.

On 23 October we went on an excursion to the Vârghiș Gorge nature reserve

Students from grades IX.A and IX.B hiked in the Vârghiș Gorge, the largest karst region in Székely Land. During the five-hour hike, in addition to team building, students discovered the natural wonders of the karst region (the high rock formations through which the stream forces its way among waterfalls and rapids), its caves (the largest, Orbán Balázs Cave at 1527 m, with its bat roost, was also visited), flora and fauna, and the love and respect for nature. While crossing bridges and climbing rocks, much could be learned about patience, caution, empathy, perseverance, and mutual assistance.

To explore the gorge's unique flora and fauna, students completed plant and animal identification worksheets. The winning team with the most and most accurate identifications received a reward.

Organising teachers: on 21 October, Deme Ildikó, Dr. Szekeres Jolán, and on 23 October, Turoczi Andrea, Deme Ildikó, Szász Barbara, Szőke–Kertész Andrea

Grade X.A (report by Héjja Beáta)

After long preparation, that early morning finally arrived when we set off for Cluj-Napoca. We were filled with excitement about the two days we would spend there, as well as the accommodation. The journey went smoothly, full of laughter. Upon arriving in Cluj, our first task was to settle into our accommodation, where we found out our class got the big room.

After a short preparation, we took to the streets of Cluj and headed to the Botanical Garden. Our eyes feasted on ever more beautiful plants. The scenery was like a fairy tale. Unfortunately, due to the season, we could not see the tulips and roses in bloom, but we were compensated by the green plant "terrarium house." We crowned these few short but content-filled hours with lunch.

After lunch, we also looked around the fair in the square in front of the great church, where everyone found interesting and special souvenirs, followed by free time.

At 8 pm, we took part in the torch parade organised in memory of the 1956 revolution, which started from the birthplace of King Matthias and ended at the Házsongárd cemetery with the singing of the Hungarian national anthem.

The next day, we visited the Faculty of Psychology of Babeș-Bolyai University, where we got a taste of university life and the interesting aspects of psychology and clinical psychology.

Our next destination was the Montessori School, where we gained insight into the use of materials, the application of different techniques, the organisation of the "timetable," and performing basic calculations in a mathematics lesson.

Grade X.B (report by Zsigmond Nóra)

We left for Cluj-Napoca at 6 am and after a long but pleasant journey we arrived at the accommodation around noon. On the first day we visited the Botanical Garden, where we saw many interesting plants and beautiful landscapes.

In the evening, on the occasion of 23 October, we took part in a parade. We marched with torches through the city, then went to the Házsongárd cemetery, where we gathered at the grave of Dsida Jenő. This evening was a special and moving experience for all of us.

The next day we visited Babeș–Bolyai University, where we heard an interesting lecture about the life and history of the university. Then we went to the Montessori School, where we gained insight into a different learning method. In the afternoon we spent some free time at the shopping centre, then at 6 pm we set off for home. After a long journey, we arrived around 11:30 pm.

The excursion was very rich in content and experiences, we learned many new things and returned home with unforgettable memories.

About the excursion programme of grades XI.A and XI.B, teacher Zoller Katalin reports:

On 22 October, students from the two grade XI classes took part in a special educational programme consisting of two parts: in the morning they visited the Codlea prison, and in the afternoon they explored the historic centre of Brașov through an interactive urban walk. During the day, students gained serious lessons and lasting experiences that served both personal development and community building.

In the first part of the day, the group visited the Codlea Penitentiary and Prison, where students were able to learn about the penal system, the daily lives of inmates, and the purpose of reintegration programmes. The students were welcomed by one of the institution's education officers, who emphasised that, alongside punishment, an important task of the prison is to help convicts reintegrate into society.

The most shocking but most instructive part of the visit was when students met convicts sentenced for drug trafficking. The convicts spoke frankly about their life journeys, their mistakes, and the consequences of breaking the law. These personal stories made a deep impression on the young people: they could see, through real, authentic examples, where bad decisions, the temptation of easy money, or irresponsibility can lead.

The educational role of the programme was outstanding. The prison visit had a preventive and value-transmitting effect: it helped students reflect on the value of freedom, the consequences of decisions, and human responsibility. The group discussion after the visit provided an opportunity to process the experiences, formulate lessons, and develop empathy and self-awareness.

After the serious experiences at the prison, the afternoon was spent in the historic centre of Brașov, where students explored the city's landmarks in small groups. The aim of the programme was to lighten the emotional weight of the day and provide an opportunity for the joy of shared experiences, movement, and discovery.

The beautiful autumn weather provided an ideal backdrop for the urban walk. The route was planned in advance, and we used a smartphone app to navigate the city's important points. At each stop, students received a brief description of the location, and then they took a selfie together as a souvenir.

During the walk, we visited the following landmarks:

• Catherine's Gate – one of the most beautiful entrances to the medieval city,

• Rope Street – one of the narrowest streets in Europe,

• Council Square – the heart of Brașov, the city's most important historic centre,

• The Black Church – an outstanding Gothic architecture monument in Transylvania,

• Grote Bastion and the White Tower – offering a wonderful view of the city and the surrounding mountains.

The small-group urban walk concluded the day as a liberating, experience-rich, community-building programme. Students not only learned about Brașov's cultural values but also experienced the joy of freedom and cooperation – a particularly poignant contrast after the morning prison visit.

About the activities of grades XII.A and XII.B, form teachers Szőke–Kertész Andrea and Turoczi Andrea report:

On 22 October, we visited Sapientia University together, where we had an extremely rich and interesting day.

The programme started at 9:00 am when we arrived at the university. We listened to a short presentation about the institution, where we learned about the university's training offer, as well as the study and dormitory possibilities. We then received instructions on the schedule for the rest of the day.

From 10:00, Dr. Gergely Orsolya gave us a lecture titled "I'm scrolling and looking for a partner." During the lecture, many interesting ideas were expressed on the topic of social media and relationships, which was instructive for all of us.

Following this, between 10:30 and 12:00, we took part in a campus tour, where we familiarised ourselves with the university buildings. We visited the studios, the laboratories, the library, and the dormitories. It was good to gain insight into the environment in which students learn.

At noon, Dr. Both Emese presented the "Magic Grove" programme, during which we saw various chemistry experiments. The spectacular and entertaining experiments captured everyone's attention.

The day concluded with a career orientation session by Dr. Tőkés Gyöngyvér, where we received useful advice regarding further studies and career choices.

Overall, we had a very good time and enriched ourselves with many new experiences and information. The friendly atmosphere and modern environment of Sapientia University inspired many of them to perhaps continue their studies here in the future.

About the excursion of grade XII.C, form teacher Dr. Deák Ferenc reports:

On 22 October, we visited the Râșnov Fortress in the Bârsa Land. We revived the culture of the Saxons through the story of a unique peasant fortress. In the inner courtyard of the fortress and from the watchtower, we had a view of the landscape dressed in autumn colours. The local guide enthusiastically told the history of the fortress, which was also conquered by Gábor Báthory, and where two Turkish captives dug a 140 m deep well over some twenty years. We learned that international film productions rent the fortress as a unique location.

We walked in the autumn forest. In the second part of the day, we visited the Brașov Zoo, where we observed the quality of life of the animals living there.

On Wednesday, we received the envoy of Sapientia University, Dr. Tőkés Gyöngyvér, who provided career guidance advice based on conscious and deeper self-knowledge and guided the completion of specific tasks.

During Green Week, numerous sports activities took place, about which teacher Fogarasi Emese reports:

On 20 October, grade XI.A enriched itself with team-building games; in addition, they learned about the importance and significance of community. Part of the healthy lifestyle education took place at the Sinkovits Stadium, where, as a community, they could run happily and cheerfully, recharging their energy throughout the day.

On 22 October, grade X.B became acquainted with sports-themed crossword puzzles and developed their knowledge in this area. In addition, the class enriched itself with dynamic, community-building games and tasks.

On 23 October, grade XI.B also took part in a lecture titled "Why it is good to belong to a community." Through this briefing, students could understand how important it is to belong to a community and, through this, to move forward with exemplary behaviour towards a person who is more withdrawn than oneself, helping them succeed in integration. The objectives of the week's events were successfully achieved; students created joyful moments for themselves and for each other.

On 23 October, a smaller group of our school marched in the torch parade to pay respect to the memory of the 1956 revolutionaries and took part in the festive programme organised at the Vigadó Hall.