Blue Star Programme 2025 / 2026

Website:                      https://www.bluestarprogramme.ie/

Registration Link:      https://www.bluestarprogramme.ie/register/

Programme Overview

We are delighted to confirm that the Blue Star Programme is running for its fifteenth year over the 2025-2026 school term.

Registration for this year’s programme will open on Monday, 18th August, and close on Friday, 10th October.

The Blue Star Programme teaches primary school pupils about European cultures, diversity and the EU through creative activities and projects which complement the national primary curriculum. The aim of the Programme is to foster better knowledge and understanding of the EU and how it affects our lives among Irish primary pupils through fun, creative classroom projects and activities.

Since the first year of the Programme in 2011-2012, the Blue Star Programme has had just over 1,300 primary schools’ registrations across the country, as the Programmes grows from strength to strength!


How does it work?

Pupils of all ages, from primary schools all over Ireland, are challenged to get creative and think about Europe by carrying out projects in relation to four key elements: the history, geography, culture and creativity, and Institutions of the EU.

The Blue Star Programme is designed to be as curriculum friendly as possible so it can fit in with lesson plans already in place. It also aims to draw in the wider school and local community to engage and get involved.

One of the advantages of this Programme is its Flexibility: Teachers, can decide whether their entire school or individual classes participate. Most of all, this is a fun Programme that encourages pupils and Teachers to be as creative as possible in their project work, particularly in the use of online technologies and tools.


VIP Visits

VIP visits are a key part of the Blue Star Programme, connecting pupils with European Institutions. Schools are encouraged to invite their local representatives to meet pupils, share their experiences of working with Europe, and discuss its impact on Ireland. Pupils can also present their work and ask questions.


Europe Day

Schools can celebrate Europe Day during the week surrounding the 9th of May, known as Europe Week. Pupils can showcase their Blue Star Programme work to their peers, families, and the wider community. VIPs like MEPs, Oireachtas members, and European Ambassadors are encouraged to participate, making it a perfect opportunity to highlight pupils' engagement with the EU.