Comenius
Comenius is a range of programmes developed for schools and funded by the European Union.
Up till the end of 2006, Comenius has been one of the chapters of the overarching Socrates educational programmes. The funding for all Socrates options came to an end on 31 December 2006 and was replaced on 1 January 2007 with a new 6-year budget entitled The Life Long Learning Programme (LLL).
In the new framework, partnerships schools can decide together whether their project should focus on the curriculum or on development. The opportunity to introduce a language element into these new projects is also for the schools to decide.
Comenius projects will still require the involvement of at least 3 schools or colleges from at least 3 European countries. They will enable staff and students in the UK to work alongside partners in other countries, and will last for 2 years with one single application process.
These project partnerships are fully inclusive.
Benefits
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.
A large proportion of Oxfordshire schools that have completed their first few years of Comenius often return for a further project.
Funding
A single project grant will be available to cover the 2 years of the project. These amounts are either €17000 or €22000 depending on how many visits you plan to make to partner schools. Any balance from these planned visits can be spent within the school.
If you are a school in Oxfordshire and would like to discuss your project idea or application, please call Nick at the OIEB (01865) 328559.
The Comenius in-service courses strand will continue to be on offer as a separate option.
