European Movement Ireland is delighted to confirm to Seomra Ranga that the Blue Star Programme will be running for its fifth year over the 2015/2016 school term and that the registration process for interested primary schools across Ireland is now open.
The Blue Star Programme introduces participants (pupils, teachers, parents and the wider community) to the EU, what it means and how it works. The aim of the programme is to foster better knowledge and understanding of the European Union and how it affects our lives amongst Irish primary pupils through fun, creative classroom projects and activities.
The programme is designed to foster a strong sense of citizenship and leadership among participants that goes far beyond the school walls and into the wider community.
How does it work?
Pupils of all ages, from primary schools all over Ireland, are challenged to get creative and think about Europe by carrying out projects in relation to four key elements: the history, geography, culture and creativity, and institutions of the EU. The programme is designed to be as curriculum friendly as possible for teachers so it can fit in with lesson plans already in place. It also aims to draw in the wider school and local community and to encourage parents to engage and get involved.
One of the advantages of this programme is its flexibility in that the teacher can decide whether the entire school completes the programme or whether individual classes participate. Most of all though, The European Movement emphasises that this is a really fun programme that encourages students and teachers to be as creative as possible in their project work, particularly in the use of online technologies and tools.
Registration
To register your interest in taking part in the programme, or just to learn more about what is involved, visit www.bluestarprogramme.ie/register/, fill in the registration form there and return it by email or post before Monday, 19 October 2015.
