Background to European Dimension in Rathmichael School

The Principal is a member of the European Association of Teachers U.K. This is a self-funding organisation doing work in bringing a European dimension into schools in Great Britain. It is affiliated to ‘AEDE International’ founded in1956. Membership entitles our pupils to enter for European Knowledge tests annually.

The syllabus is very comprehensive and covers Geography- Physical and Political; Food and Drink; Festivals and Traditions; Sport; Famous Places; Travel and Communications; Mapping Skills and Art. An important question in the test requires pupils to plan a journey from the U.K. (or Ireland as we do) via car ferry to a given destination in Europe. They must learn about ferry routes, distances, road systems, documents required, international registration letters, etc.

This syllabus can be easily integrated into the Primary School Syllabus; Geography, Elementary Science, Maths, Civics, English and Music.

In school each year a special presentation is organised to award certs to the pupils of 6^th Class. The local inspector, Minister for Education, Local Historian or an important figure may be invited to present the certificates and attend a small function.

Certificates are awarded when the test has been marked and results and papers sent to the Association office for checking.

The aim of this programme is to acquaint pupils with the wider community in which they live and make them aware of the part they play in contributing to that community.

Rathmichael Parish School is the only Irish member of the European Association of Teachers U.K.

Year1 – the certificates were presented by Terry Stewart of European Commission.

Year 2 – by Chairman of our Board of Management.

Year 3 – by Ms. Niamh Breathnach, Minister for Education.

Year 4 – by Mr Gay Mitchell, Minister of State for European Affairs.

In subsequent years a variety of local representatives were invited to make the presentations.

French has been taught to pupils in classes 1 - 6 in Rathmichael School for more than thirty years.

In 1993 a French / Irish exchange was set up with Assomption Bellevue, Lyon, France – a bilingual school similar in size and outlook to Rathmichael. The exchange is for 6th Class and their corresponding class CM2.

The exchange allows for correspondence throughout the year by letters, greeting cards, Emails.

Exchanges take place in late Spring / early Summer each year and continue with a high degree of success.