Comenius Programme

Europe in the classroom - a Lifelong Learning programme funded by the European Commission and managed in the UK by the British Council

The Comenius Programme is named after Jan Amos Comenius (1592-1670), often considered the father of modern education.  Comenius is aimed at schools, colleges and local authorities across Europe.

Comenius has two main objectives:

• to develop knowledge and understanding among young people and education staff of the diversity of European cultures and languages, and the value of this diversity
•  to help young people to acquire basic life skills and competences for their personal development, for future employment and for active European citizenship

CALLINGTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE LINKS UP WITH EUROPE

On 2nd November 2011 Callington Community College linked up with schools in Germany, France and the Netherlands as part of an EU scheme to create partnerships across Europe and improve education standards.

Eight students from Year 10 and 11, plus members of the teaching staff from Callington visited the Netherlands to start the joint project, which will run over the next two years. The joint tasks undertaken by students focus on life as a teenager, identifying similarities and differences between countries. While the overall aim is to give students and staff first-hand experience of the languages, school and home life of their partners, through study visits to their linked schools.

The program has been made possible through the Comenius programme, which is funded by the European Commission and managed in the UK by the British Council.

Head of EU Programmes at the British Council, Simon Williams said:

"We have a responsibility to prepare young people for life and work in our global society.  Partnerships like this one not only help to build trust and understanding between people of different cultures, but also broaden pupils' horizons, bring languages and other subjects to life in the classroom, and equip young people with the skills and understanding they need to become global citizens."