European Information Portal
The Scottish European Educational Trust is a registered charity, set up in 1992, and the current chairman is Gerald Wilson. The Trust aims to provide information about Europe and the European Union to schools, colleges and universities. It works closely with the European Parliament, the European Commission, the Scottish Government and the Scottish Parliament and runs the following activities.
Euroquiz for Primary 6 pupils
Now in its 14th year, the Euroquiz for primary schools started in Edinburgh and the Lothians. Thanks to sponsorship from Standard Life the 2006/07 Euroquiz was expanded Scotland-wide, with heats in 16 local authority areas and a grand final in Edinburgh in June 2007. Jose Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, attended the Edinburgh heat and was most impressed at the high level of knowledge shown by the contestants.
The 2007 final was won by Inverkip Primary School, Inverclyde. Morag Paul, the teacher, said 'Thank you for giving the pupils a chance to interact with children from all over the country in such a friendly and encouraging environment, for letting them meet with adults who are in the European workplace and for the challenge to research and learn about Europe. I honestly believe that this experience will be valuable in their journey to becoming responsible citizens, effective contributors, successful learners and confident individuals.'
The Trust provides an information pack on how to run a heat, including the questions and answers and the prizes. Where possible, a member of the Trust attends each heat.
Speaking competition for S3 pupils
The Speaking competition, for novice speakers, is also run on a Scotland-wide basis, with local authority heats and a final in Edinburgh. It is currently sponsored by the European Parliament. Topics change from year to year and for the 2006/07 competition pupils had to choose one of the European Union countries and focus on two issues of particular importance to that country. The overall winners were Sinead Leach and Sarah Armes from Broughton High School in Edinburgh who said 'The competition was an amazing opportunity which has widened our horizons for the future. We have gained confidence while talking in front of audiences of many ages, and have expanded our knowledge of the European Union and our place within it.'
Sarah and Sinead’s prize was an all expenses paid trip to Brussels to visit the European Parliament, the European Commission and Scotland House.
This year's competition is currently under way, with heats running between January and May. The same fantastic prize - an all-expenses-paid trip to Brussels - is on offer. For more information, visit our Speaking Competition page.
European languages and employment conference
A very successful conference was held in Glasgow in 2006 giving university students a chance to find out about studying and working in Europe, including employment in the European institutions. It is to be hoped that this will be run again in 2007/08, and that it will include information on Erasmus exchanges.
Class quizzes for primary and secondary schools
Contact the Trust for class quizzes on Europe and the EU. In addition, class quizzes are available each year to celebrate Europe Day (9 May).
Speakers service
The Trust can provide speakers on Europe and the EU, either generally or on particular topics. Speakers include MEPs, representatives from the European Parliament and the European Commission offices in Scotland, MSPs, Members of the Consular Corps in Scotland, students who have studied or done work experience in Europe, and former employees of European institutions. Please make sure to give plenty of notice.
Further information
For further information about the Scottish European Educational Trust contact:
Barbara Macleod
National Organiser
Scottish European Educational Trust
12b Cumberland Street South East Lane
Edinburgh EH3 6RU
Tel: 0131 557 9886
Email: seet@euromove.org.uk