Eurydice

In the run-up to the Olympic and Paralympic Games, which will be held in France during the summer of 2024, all schools are being asked to step up their efforts to encourage pupils to take part in physical activity and sport, and to promote the values of Olympic and Paralympic sport: commitment, excellence, equality, respect, friendship, inclusion and sharing. 

The main measures put in place are the following: 

Encouraging pupils to take part in physical activity and sports: 

The Research Institute of Child Psychology and Pathopsychology launched a national project entitled “Systemic Support of Mental Health and Prevention of Children, Pupils, and Students” through the Counselling and Prevention System. It will be implemented until October 2026.

In February, the Portuguese government launched a programme for qualified young people, with the aim of benefiting recent graduates living in Portugal by providing them with an annual salary premium to reward their qualifications.  

To better prepare students for the demands of the modern workforce and to foster interest in STEM fields, Estonia has launched a strategic initiative focused on enhancing ICT and engineering education within its general, vocational, and hobby education sectors. Supported by the European structural funds, this initiative seeks to update educational content, methodologies, and infrastructure. Special attention is given to encouraging female participation in both fields, addressing gender imbalances in STEM areas.

The Department of Education hosted the first Senior Cycle Redevelopment Conference for school principals and deputy principals in Croke Park, Dublin.  

Four hundred school principals and deputy principals from all counties in Ireland converged for the inaugural conference which has been organised to share information about the Senior Cycle reform and to gather feedback from them.