The European dimension in secondary school curricula

Abstract

The main aim behind this study was to investigate one aspect of the European Dimension in Education which is the European Dimension in secondary school curricula. The initial part of the study was meant to test pupils' knowledge about Europe and their attitudes towards its people. An investigation of the amount and extent to which pupils are being taught about Europe has been carried out through a syllabus analysis of the relevant subjects taught in secondary schools in Malta. The latter was presented in a comparative framework with other European countries. Since "Europe" is a multifaceted concept it has proven to be a multidisciplinary exercise. Schools should therefore make special provisions for cross-disciplinary linkages and an attempt should be made to bring the various disciplinary approaches to a coherent study of Europe. On the other hand programmes to promote a European Dimension must not promote Eurocentric attitudes where pupils should see themselves not only as citizens of Europe but citizens of the wider world.