Kilcullen students to benefit from European experience
CPC Erasmus team: Glenda Groome, Claire McDonnell, Clare Lamont, Eleanor Higgins, Ciaran Blanchfield, Mary Quinto and Fiona Murphy.
A SUCCESSFUL application to the Erasmus+ Programme by Kilcullen's Cross and Passion College will give staff and students opportunities to experience education across a variety of European countries over the next year.
In May 2024, the college was granted €109,896 by the programme for the period 1 June this year to 31 August next. This will help fund 6th year student trips during the period to France and Germany, as well as the participation of two students in a Model United Nations Conference in Namur, Belgium to debate the theme of Diversity.
Eight staff members completed courses on the use of the programme during this summer, in Italy, Czech Republic, Denmark and Finland. They formed friendships and professional ties with course participants from all corners of Europe. The courses were in the areas of school innovation and wellbeing.
Developing mobility and cultural ties for students and teachers between different countries is key to the goals of Erasmus+ to improve the quality of education across the continent.
The project at CPC is being implemented by a team of seven staff members who are supported by the CPC Board of Management.
"Access to the programme will offer our school community enriching opportunities to engage with European partners," says CPC language teacher Mary Quinto, who initiated the college's application for accreditation to the scheme last October. "Inclusion is at the heart of our project and partnerships with EU schools are currently being established to enable our students, both language and non-language learners, to engage in exciting experiences with our European partners."
There is a commitment to making the programme accessible to all learners, and all members of staff will also have the opportunity to undertake courses for the scheme during the year.
