In Search of Europe is the appropriately-named resource pack for Transition Year students trying to get information for projects on the European Union.
The pack and its accompanying video were compiled by the Department of Education's Transition Year Support Team and went out at the end of August to every second-level school in the State. In Search of Europe is a comprehensive pack with details and information on all the European institutions - the Commission, Parliament, courts etc - the member states and key policy issues.
It contains invaluable profiles of each country, up-to-date information on developments within the EU - including Maastricht, the Social Charter, the Inter-Governmental conference - and European legislation and political representation.
There are student worksheets and role-playing exercises. The 22-minute video, features a group of 40 students from 10 schools, who go out "in search of Europe". "Throughout In Search of Europe, the emphasis is on engaging students actively in their own learning, encouraging them to discover today's Europe for themselves," says Gerry Jeffers, who with colleague Mary Anne Halton compiled the pack.
"It's an interesting step away from a traditional text book and we're saying to teachers that here is a menu of options for teaching and learning, extending the boundaries of teaching as much as broadening horizons.
"There are so many ways to use the pack. It's flexible so the teacher can focus on one or more elements, depending on the needs of the students."
Colm Larkin, director of the European Commission Representation in Ireland, who hosted a reception to launch the pack, explains: "Our idea with the pack is to enhance students' understanding of Europe. In Search of Europe will assist in cultivating respect for cultural, social and ethnic differences as well as enhancing mutual understanding and a shared sense of a common heritage."
