Forum on Patronage and Pluralism in the Primary Sector holds final public session [education.ie]
- Published: 17 November 2011
Forum not aimed at designing a new primary school system, but adapting existing system to make it more inclusive
The Advisory Group to the Forum on Patronage and Pluralism in the Primary Sector held its final public session today, 17th November, in the Department of Education and Skills in Dublin.
Since the launch of the Forum on 19th of April 2011, almost 220 written submissions on patronage and pluralism in the primary sector have been received and a three day public session of the Forum was held in late June.
The Advisory Group, which consists of Professor John Coolahan, Dr Caroline Hussey and Fionnuala Kilfeather, has analysed and evaluated a significant amount of data including the submissions received and research and practices on patronage and pluralism in schools in other countries. They have also consulted with eighty one primary and post primary school students.
The purpose of today's session was to allow the Advisory Group the opportunity to share their reflections with the main stakeholders, including officials from the Department of Education and Skills, interested bodies and representatives from the general public.
Full Story: www.education.ie
Sherlock says Research Councils merger will strengthen their role [education.ie]
- Published: 17 November 2011
Sean Sherlock T.D., (Minister of State with responsibility for Research and Innovation) has said that plans to merge the Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering and Technology (IRCSET) with the Irish Research Council for the Humanities and Social Science (IRCHSS) into a consolidated single council under the Higher Education Authority will bring positive benefits to the Irish research community. The merger of the two Councils was announced as part of the Government’s Public Service Reform Plan published today.
"IRCSET and IRCHSS both play fundamental roles in supporting researchers in the early stage of their careers, in fostering skills development and in encouraging independent exploratory research. This role is essential to nurturing the talent we need for a vibrant research system and a creative, innovative and prospering economy and society.
Full Story: www.education.ie
Minister Seán Sherlock, T.D., launches research report on the Impact of Learning Mobility under the Lifelong Learning Programme [education.ie]
- Published: 17 November 2011
Addressing an audience of education stakeholders in the Marino Institute of Education, Dublin, today, Minister for Research and Innovation, Seán Sherlock T.D. launched the report "Making a Difference; A Study of the Impact of Learning Mobility under the Lifelong Learning Programme in Ireland 2007-2009".
The Lifelong Learning Programme 2007-2013 is the European Commission-funded Education and Training Programme, which is providing €6.9bn towards exchanges and activities in these areas. It supports learning opportunities from childhood to old age in every life situation and comprises several component programmes.
The report was commissioned by Léargas, the Exchange Bureau, which administers most of the Lifelong Learning Programme in Ireland, and drawn up by management consultant Gerard M. Doyle. Its recommendations are based on a detailed analysis of the operation of mobility projects under the Programme.
Léargas wished to establish a clear picture of the impact of the learning mobility actions within the core elements of the Lifelong Learning Programme for which it has responsibility, in the light of the stated objectives of the Programme.
Full Story: www.education.ie
Board Games - teaching us all a lesson [schooldays.ie]
- Published: 16 November 2011
I read an interesting piece in the Irish Independent this week about the educational benefits of traditional family board games. It caught my attention because we have recently had two birthday's in the house and a number of board games were given as presents. We've had great fun on an evening playing these games together as a family (rather than watching TV) and with most of the games being old favourites which we played ourselves as children (Connect 4, Guess Who, Operation), it's been a fun trip down memory lane also.
For Junior and Senior Infant level children, board games can help to teach many valuable skills, such as colour recognition, number recognition, counting skills, letter recognition, problem solving and the invaluable lessons of taking turns and understanding the rules of the game. Of course, the concept of 'It's not the winning, it's the taking part,' is a tricky one to accept and is a concept which my four-year-old is clearly struggling to come to terms with as demonstrated by his stomping off for a good sulk after losing at Snakes and Ladders. Oh dear.
Full Story: www.schooldays.ie
"Whole school approach" needed to tackle bullying [schooldays.ie]
- Published: 16 November 2011
Schools need to have a comprehensive response strategy in place to tackle bullying and teachers must act to stamp out all forms of the abuse, the coordinator of the Anti-Bullying Alliance has argued.
Speaking following the release of research showing a quarter of children have been affected by verbal bullying, Sue Steel said a "whole school approach" is needed to tackle the problem, including training to help staff identify its various forms.
Schools in Ireland follow the guidelines on countering bullying behaviour in primary and post-primary schools drawn up by the Department of Education and Skills.
Full Story: www.schooldays.ie
