These workshops in Melbourne (for schoolteachers in Victoria) and Sydney (for schoolteachers in NSW) will review recent socio-political developments in the European Union (EU) and consider how these developments can be covered in learning and teaching activities and integrated into secondary school curriculum.
The EU has set out to reshape itself into a “geopolitical force”. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated she wants to lead a “Geopolitical Commission” with the European Green Deal as the centrepiece of its strategy. Being the largest market in the world with the second highest defence spending, and the world’s largest development-assistance budget, the EU has significant transformative potential.
The EU, however, is limited by the fragmentation of the European power both between and within EU institutions and member states. The challenge of economic recovery from COVID-19 pandemic has shown the need for greater solidarity among European leaders. At the same time, the pandemic provides an opportunity for boosting European integration internally and for implementing a new external geopolitical vision.
These workshops provide teachers with a unique opportunity to learn more about the EU’s approach to tackling a broad range of issues and engage with diverse expert speakers on topics that complement secondary school curricula.
Themes covered
- A crash course in European institutions: the who, what and where of how the EU operates?
- What does the EU stand for in the contemporary world?
- How does the EU relate to the US, China, and the UK?
- What is the European Green Deal?
- How will Australia manage its relationship with the EU and the UK?
- What will be the post COVID-19 challenges for the EU?
- How can we integrate the EU and European Studies into the Secondary School Curriculum?
The program will feature interactive sessions, an interdisciplinary approach, and multiple case studies which can support learning in classroom settings.
Guest speakers
Various experts on the EU and European studies.
Who should attend?
- Schoolteachers from Victoria are invited to Melbourne workshop.
- Schoolteachers from NSW are invited to the Sydney workshop.
Each workshop is a one-day intensive program for secondary school teachers of:
- History
- Global/International Politics
- Social and Cultural Studies
- Legal Studies
- Economics
- European Languages
Dates and locations
The Melbourne workshop for VIC Teachers:
- Friday 25 March 2022
- 9:00am – 4:30pm
- RMIT University, Melbourne City Campus, 124 La Trobe Street, Melbourne Victoria 3000.
The Sydney workshop for NSW Teachers:
- Friday 1 April 2022
- 9:00am – 4:30pm
- Sydney Mechanics' School of Arts, 280 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000.
Cost and registration
Free to attend but registration is essential. Places are limited to COVID restrictions.