Strengthening European connections through our collaboration with UCC
KCS has continued to build a strong and meaningful partnership with University College Cork, working together on a range of European-focused initiatives that promote active citizenship, shared values, and future-focused thinking. This collaboration has provided students with unique opportunities to engage with real-world issues, connect with experts, and explore their role within Europe Union and beyond. There were three distinct opportunities for us to engage with colleagues from UCC this year – the PEACE project, ‘Key to the EU’ and 6th year Podcasting series.
Promoting European Values Through the PEACE Project
Our students were incredibly lucky to take part in the PEACE project, a PAN European Erasmus project with teachers from Ireland, Brussels and Denmark which explores the importance of European values such as democracy, inclusion, human rights, and intercultural understanding. Through this initiative, students have engaged in discussions and activities that encourage them to reflect on what it means to be an active European citizen in today’s world. On Wednesday 22nd of April ,30 students had the opportunity to engage in a debate on European values, piloting material created by teachers from across the European Union. Teachers Mr O’ Leary Hegarty and Ms Lancaster supported debates throughout the Cork leg of the project, developing connections and supporting with materials for the debates.
The project supported students in developing a deeper awareness of the challenges and opportunities facing the European Union, while also fostering respect for diversity and a commitment to peaceful cooperation. We are incredibly grateful to take part in such an empowering event.
Launching “The Key to the EU” Primary Schools Programme
Working alongside UCC, our students also contributed to the development of The Key to the EU, an innovative programme designed for primary school pupils. This initiative aims to introduce younger students to the European Union in an engaging and accessible way, exploring its history, institutions, and core values.
Our students played a role in the relaunch of the programme through feedback provided to the creator, Dr Emmanuelle Schon-Quinlivan in regarding to graphics and images she intended to use. This collaboration highlighted the importance of peer learning and strengthened links between primary and post-primary education. It allowed our students to consider the importance of research and feedback on such programmes and how their voice can be considered. We wish Dr Schon-Quinlivan the best of luck with her newly relaunched programme and can see how beneficial it will be for primary school students to engage with. See further information regarding the programme here: Hub in Active European Citizenship | University College Cork
Engaging with Experts: Podcasts, Lectures and Dialogue
As part of the partnership this year, we were delighted to welcome Dr Emmanuelle Schon-Quinlivan and Dr Philip Murphy from University College Cork to work with our students on a series of political podcasts and lectures. These sessions provided valuable insights into European politics, current affairs, and the functioning of democratic institutions.
Students had the opportunity to ask questions, share their perspectives, and develop their understanding of complex political issues in a supportive and engaging environment. The podcast element allowed students to build confidence in articulating their ideas and engaging in informed debate.
A Partnership with Lasting Impact
Our collaboration with the Hub for Active European Citizenship in University College Cork continues to enrich teaching and learning within the school. Through projects such as the PEACE Project, The Key to the EU, the podcast series and our future planned intergenerational initiatives, students have developed a stronger sense of European identity, enhanced their communication and critical thinking skills, and engaged meaningfully with the values that underpin the European project. This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to providing students with opportunities that extend beyond the classroom and empower them to become informed, active, and responsible citizens in an ever-changing world. It is a relationship we value highly at Kinsale Community School and thank the Hub in Active European Citizenship and in particular Dr Emmanuelle Schon-Quinlivan and Dr Philip Murphy for the opportunities and expertise offered to support our students.
