Committee Reports > List of Committees > Joint > 1978 > Committee on the Secondary Legislation of the European Communities > Report No. 24 - Study of the European Community in Schools

REPORT

Introduction

1. The Joint Committee has considered a Communication sent by the Commission to the Council on the study of the European Community in schools [R/1515/78 (EN 26)]. The Committee understands that the Communication is scheduled for consideration by the Ministers for Education meeting in Council on 27 November, 1978.

2. An action programme adopted by the Council on 9 February, 1976 envisaged giving “a European dimension to the experience of pupils and teachers in primary and secondary schools in the Community”. The Commission is now proposing that “Member States should consider a series of measures designed to strengthen one specific aspect of the European dimension in schools—namely, the study of the European Community itself”. The Commission suggests “that activity should concentrate on education up to the age of 18 in a first phase, with the intention of initiatives for those over the age of 18 at a second stage”.

Outline of Commission’s Proposals

3. The Commission is asking the Council to approve in principle the study of the European Community in schools and to support the promotion of such study in secondary schools initially. It is seeking the Council’s approval for a Community programme involving:

(a) Curricular Provision

A systematic examination by Member States of existing curricula over a period of 3 years.

(b) Curricular Development

The adoption of a number of pilot projects to be carried out in selected schools and to be financed as to 50% by the Community.

(c) Teacher Training

A review by Member States of initial and in-service training of teachers to be supported by the Commission in providing links between institutions in the different countries, in assisting the development of joint courses and in facilitating study visits and teacher exchanges.

(d) Support Facilities for Teachers

Provision by the Commission of a catalogue of relevant teaching material and of information about initiatives taken in some countries to provide material needed by teachers.

(e) Participation in Community’s Educational Information Network

Provision of information regarding the European dimension in schools through the Education Information Network which the Community will establish in 1979.

The programme would be financed partly by the Community and partly by the Member States.

Views of the Joint Committee

4. The Joint Committee would have doubts about the advisability of introducing the study of the European Community into the school curriculum as a separate subject. However, it considers it desirable that civics as a school subject should include a European element. The Commission’s suggestion for a systematic examination of existing relevant curricula is one that the Joint Committee would support. The status of civics in Irish schools should be reviewed. In particular, consideration should be given to the effect on the status of the subject of its non-inclusion in public examinations. The Committee has had evidence which suggests that the suitability and adequacy of available teaching materials also needs examination. In the Committee’s view it is most desirable that suitable up-to-date civic text books with appropriate European material which have been prepared by Irish people familiar with the needs of Irish children should be available.

Acknowledgements

5. The Joint Committee wishes to acknowledge with thanks the assistance it received from the Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland and the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation in considering this matter.

(Signed) MARK CLINTON,

Chairman of the Joint Committee.

8 November, 1978.