Join the Network of European Blue Schools

European Blue Schools will bring the ocean into the classroom to improve understanding of the ocean and develop a sense of responsibility towards our shared planet. The aim is to create awareness and a feeling of responsibility for the ocean (the so-called Ocean Literacy) and encourage students to become more active and responsible European and global citizens

The program challenges schools to Find the Blue and explore their connections to the ocean while creating networks all across Europe. The Network of European Blue Schools is an initiative of the European Commission, supported by DG MARE and was developed by the EU4Ocean Coalition partners.

Becoming a European Blue School

Schools that take up the Find the Blue challenge shall identify an ocean-based topic relevant to their students and collaborate with their pupils to create a school project. Through project-based learning, the goal is to make the ocean a vital part of what kids learn in school. Student ownership, collaborations with other organisations, and people involved with the ocean and creating a community with the same passion will be key values of these projects. Schools will receive a European Blue School certification by successfully completing the Find the Blue challenge.

All certified European Blue Schools become part of the Network of European Blue Schools, where teachers and students:

• become agents of change for ocean sustainability;
• share experiences with teachers and students from other schools;
• connect to the wider ocean literacy community.

Every project that a school submits to become a European Blue School should achieve the following five compulsory criteria:

1. Develop a project with interlinked activities.
2. Produce a clear output.
3. Involve all students.
4. Collaborate with a local partner. Go to the EU4Ocean Platform members to find a partner.
5. Communicate project results.

For more information

Download the teacher's handbook