If you have ever wondered what the children are learning in school these days, the euro changeover may provide a few clues. Teachers covering subjects from home economics to business and civics are educating children in everything they need to know about the new currency.

The Irish Banks Information Service (IBIS), which runs educational school programmes, reports that its school liaison officer is asked detailed questions on the euro from students.

"The standard is very high and we can only wonder if it's as high among the parents. Until notes and coins are issued, people won't feel it's particularly relevant to them," said an IBIS spokeswoman.

In response to teacher requests, the Irish Banks and Building Societies euro information campaign was launched recently in primary schools. Hot on its heels is the introduction of a similar post-primary programme in the next two weeks.

An Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland (ASTI) spokeswoman says there is plenty of information on the euro changeover and many businesses have provided information to the schools and particularly to students of business studies.

The Euro Box provided to teachers as part of the banks and building societies' information campaign is particularly comprehensive. Students curious about the actual coins and bills may view nearly all the denomination designs and recreate them on a colouring sheet. One worksheet that may be of interest to parents is a sample shopping list with euro conversion rates and quick tips to ensure accurate results.

A pocket-sized card called euro-morph is perplexing for most adults but children seem able to manipulate it into different shaped panels that answer basic euro questions. A portable euro converter is also provided.

"Children are always slightly more adept at taking on these conceptual changes, but dual pricing means that the population will be fairly well tuned in. I don't think parents will be as left behind as they were with decimalisation," said the ASTI spokeswoman.

When prices start appearing more regularly in euros do not be surprised if you see nine-year-olds converting from pounds to euros for their parents during shopping trips.

For more information on the schools programme call the Irish Banks Information Service at (01) 671 5299, or fax (01) 679 6680.