Socrates & Comenius

Socrates is the European Union education programme. It supports European co-operation on a range of educational projects, initiatives and professional development, providing opportunities for all sectors from schools through to higher education and lifelong learning. It comprises eight parts, or "Actions", which aim to improve quality and strengthen the European dimension in education

Comenius is the Action of Socrates which targets school education which includes any type of institution from nursery schools through to sixth form or further education colleges. Comenius comprises three broad types of activity, all of which provide opportunities for schools and colleges looking to introduce or strengthen the European dimension in their curriculum.

• Comenius 1 supports a range of School Partnerships which enable pupils, students and staff from across Europe to work together on joint projects

• Comenius 2 provides European in-service training for staff involved in school education and opportunities for trainee and intending teachers

• Comenius 3 supports Networks of organisations involved in Comenius which share expertise and good practice.

Comenius 1

There are three different types of School Partnerships under Comenius 1:

• Comenius Joint Curriculum Projects - These run for a maximum of three years, involving at least three schools or colleges across at least three countries, within the curriculum of each participating country.

• Comenius Bilateral Language Projects - These offer students aged over twelve years the opportunity to become actively involved in a joint project with a European partner institution.

• Comenius Development Projects - These are projects aimed principally at teachers or college managers who want to compare practice and ideas in school management and development issues.

Comenius Joint Curriculum Projects

Also known as School Projects, these are cross-curricular schemes that involve at least three schools or colleges from at least three European countries. They enable staff and students in the UK to work alongside partners in other countries, and last for up to three years. They are aimed at staff and students in nursery, primary, secondary and special schools, as well as sixth form and further education colleges.

In addition to learning more about other cultures and gaining insight into other teaching practices, participating staff have reported increased enthusiasm and motivation from colleagues and children alike, often resulting in raised standards across the curriculum. Real friendships have developed across Europe for schools involved in Comenius and the projects enable a broadening of horizons through European co-operation.

This History Project is a Comenius Joint Curriculum Project (Comenius 1)

Further information about the Socrates education programme and Comenius Action can be found at the following external websites:

• British Council - Socrates website
• Comenius Schools & Further Education
• School Partnerships
• School Development Projects