Time for Longford primary teachers to Register for the Blue Star Programme

Primary School Teachers in Longford are being called to register for the award-winning Blue Star Programme. Now in its 15th year, the primary education Programme introduces pupils to the European Union and promotes a greater understanding of European democracy, languages and cultures. Pupils participating in the Programme this year, will also learn about Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2026. 

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Until October 10 2025, the National Implementation Body, European Movement Ireland invites primary schools across Ireland to register and complete the Blue Star Programme, in particular Gaeilscoileanna, island schools and DEIS schools.   

The Programme's curriculum includes cross-cultural activities, such as learning basic phrases in other European languages and celebrating European cultural days. To date, over 1,300 schools and an estimated 220,000 pupils have participated in the programme, with a record 350 schools participating last year.  

As the National Implementation Body of the award-winning programme, Noelle O’Connell, CEO of European Movement Ireland said: 

“In its 15th year, as Ireland prepares to assume it’s EU Presidency next year, there has never been a more exciting time for teachers and pupils to participate in the Programme. Since the inception of the Programme, it has taught thousands of pupils about the importance of the EU and civic participation, along with fun facts about other member states! I encourage teachers across Ireland to register, and I’d like to thank all of the teachers for their commitment and dedication to the Programme to date.”  

Participating classes learn about European history, geography, culture, and the EU institutions in a fun, informative and accessible way that complements the national primary curriculum. To successfully complete the Blue Star Programme, participating schools must complete all four core elements of the Programme across history, geography, cultural and creative and intuitional modules and hold an event to mark Europe Day, 9 May, with some schools receiving visits from Ministers, MEPs and Ambassadors. 

Teachers have the flexibility to integrate the Programme into their lesson plans and tailor EU projects to their classes’ aptitude and ability. The Programme is open to all primary school ages, from junior infants to sixth class, and is designed to be run in all school settings across Ireland. Gaeilscoileanna can avail of Clár na Réalta Goirme i nGaeilge.    

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European Movement Ireland is an independent not-for-profit, membership organisation dedicated to developing the connection between Ireland and the EU and the Programme is funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs. 

Further information about the Programme can be found at bluestarprogramme.ie.