Could information about the European Union be on the curriculum in Kilkenny schools?

Primary School teachers in Kilkenny are being called on to register for the Blue Star Programme.

Now, in its 14th year, the award-winning Programme teaches children about the European Union with over 1,200 schools and an estimated 200,000 pupils understood to have completed the Programme to date.

In 2023, only five schools in Kilkenny participated and the group is calling on local teachers across the county to register and get involved.

Participating classes learn about European history, geography, culture, and the EU institutions in a fun, informative and accessible way that complements the national primary curriculum. 

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Aspects of the Programme's curriculum include cross-cultural activities, such as learning basic phrases in other European languages and celebrating European cultural days. Additionally, the Programme encourages pupils to learn about the European elections, in particular the role of MEPs and the differences between the EU Institutions.

Teachers have the flexibility to integrate the programme into their lesson plans and tailor EU projects to their classes’ aptitude and ability.

The Programme is open to all primary school ages, from junior infants to sixth class, and is designed to be run in all school settings across Ireland. Gaelscoileanna can avail of Clár na Réalta Goirme i nGaeilge.