CREA2

Summary

The CREA2 project targets both teaching and non-teaching staff in pre-primary schools, offering immersive, structured courses in Dublin delivered by the Alliance Française. The programme focuses on developing language skills, deepening knowledge of Irish culture, and enhancing professional competencies to support early English learning. Participants also take part in collaborative projects designed for implementation upon their return. What makes the project unique is its whole-school approach, which increases pupils’ daily exposure to English and fosters a bilingual teaching environment.

"This Erasmus adventure in Dublin was an unforgettable personal and collective experience. Our stay provided us with a rich cultural, linguistic and professional experience - a formative, intense and deeply human interlude". 

Topic(s) addressed

• Active citizenship
• European values
• Promotion of linguistic and cultural diversity
• Collaborative projects and immersive learning
• Fostering systemic impact in early childhood education settings

Target group(s)  

128 participants from seven pre-primary schools, teaching and non-teaching staff 

Methodologies used

 The CREA2 training in Dublin is innovative in its intercategory, immersive design, bringing together both teaching and non-teaching staff. It combines formal classroom instruction with cultural workshops and dedicated time for project work, culminating in a final presentation at the end of the week. The programme is tailored to each school’s specific project and built around teamwork, fostering a shared work culture among staff who often operate separately due to differing schedules between school hours and after-school activities.

Opportunities for individual skill development and ongoing access to resources support continuous professional growth. This flexible, inclusive approach promotes collaboration, personal development, and key competence acquisition in real-world contexts.

Innovation environment

By adopting a whole-school approach, the project transforms schools into hubs of innovation, fostering a positive climate where all staff collaborate and share responsibility. Delivering the training abroad offers intensive linguistic immersion and cultural insight, while ensuring participants are fully engaged and present. Cross-sectoral cooperation enriches professional practice and broadens perspectives.

These dynamic learning environments support innovative teaching by combining teamwork, cultural immersion, and tailored methodologies that respond to the unique context of pre-primary schools - creating fertile ground for continuous growth and lasting change.

Teachers’ role

Teachers and animators participating in CREA2 strengthen their roles as innovators by adopting more collaborative and flexible teamwork practices. The training enhances cooperation between teaching and non-teaching staff, ensuring continuity of projects across both school and after-school settings. This cohesive approach fosters a supportive environment that promotes pupil well-being and increases daily exposure to English.

Participants gain greater language confidence, make use of authentic resources - such as interviews, brochures, and books - and share real-life experiences in the classroom. They also engage pupils through creative tools like the journeys of class mascots. By applying the innovative methods acquired during the immersive training, they boost learner engagement and adapt their teaching more effectively to meet pupils’ needs.

Impact and output

The CREA2 project benefits pre-primary pupils by increasing their daily exposure to English within inclusive and supportive learning environments. It engages a wide range of school staff in continuous professional development - including teachers, headmasters, animators, specialised early childhood assistants, as well as catering and maintenance staff - many of whom are often overlooked in mobility programmes.

The project’s impact extends beyond its direct participants, inspiring broader school communities, local partners, and families. By supporting bilingual education and fostering collaboration across diverse roles and settings, CREA2 contributes to sustained enrolment and encourages multilingual initiatives, promoting lasting educational and social benefits.

Learn more about the project

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