How religion made its way into primary school system [IrishTimes]
- Published: 13 February 2010
The original primary school system was envisioned as being interdenominational, writes GARRET FITZGERALD
I INTEND to write next week about some of the issues recently raised in connection with religion and education. But I do not think these matters can be usefully debated without a clear understanding of the complex historical background to the present arrangements in relation to primary education.
This background includes radical changes made 40 years ago, of which most people seem unaware, which substituted a fully denominational structure for one that in the first 40 years of our State had remained de jure interdenominational – but in which, of course, the churches had from the 1830s been playing a significant role.
Full Story: www.irishtimes.com
Minister Haughey outlines position on School Bus charges [education.ie]
- Published: 12 February 2010
Seán Haughey, TD Minister of State with responsibility for School Transport today outlined the facts in relation to the costs of the school transport service.
Minister Haughey said it was important for the general public to be made aware of the facts.
The allocation this year for School Transport is €186m which represents a very significant investment by the taxpayer.
The school transport scheme, which is operated by Bus Éireann on his Department's behalf, facilitates the transportation of over 125,000 children to primary and post-primary schools each day. School transport is a very significant operation involving about 42 million journeys and over 82 million kilometres on 6,000 routes every school year.
The introduction of the annual charge, which replaced the term payment system, enabled Bus Éireann to streamline the payments system and the allocation of tickets.
It also ensured that route planning and seating arrangements are managed in a more efficient and cost effective manner.
Furthermore, those who pay the full annual charge, in advance, will benefit from a ticket being issued for the school year and this includes pupils on concessionary travel.
The revised annual charges for school transport have been confined to eligible post-primary children and children availing of concessionary transport.
Full Story: www.education.ie
Study: Use engineers to teach maths [IrishExaminer]
- Published: 12 February 2010
TAX breaks should be introduced to help unemployed engineers train as maths teachers and help existing maths teachers upskill, according to a study.
The report on the teaching of maths and science at second level by Engineers Ireland made the suggestion as part of a raft of proposals that it says can raise the standard of maths among secondary school pupils.
The body is just one of many groups that have routinely expressed concern at the low level of students taking the subjects at higher level in the Leaving Certificate.
Full Story: www.irishexaminer.com
Exams for schoolchildren urged [Independent.ie]
- Published: 12 February 2010
An official post-primary transfer test should be used for Northern Ireland as a temporary solution to the stand-off between Sinn Fein and the other parties over school selection, a cross-party group of assembly members has said.
The news follows months of wrangling between Sinn Fein Education Minister Caitriona Ruane, who wants to abolish selection, and some schools and parents, who want it retained.
A spokesman for the cross-party group said: "We are of the firm opinion that using a CCEA (Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment) test is the most suitable way to alleviate the transfer chaos until a permanent solution can be agreed."
Full Story: www.independent.ie
Minister Haughey launches ' Live Link 'at Colaiste Dhulaigh [education.ie]
- Published: 12 February 2010
The Minister for Lifelong Learning, Seán Haughey, TD, today launched 'Live Link', a digital link between Colaiste Dhulaigh radio studio and the NEAR FM community radio station.
The launch took place at Colaiste Dhulaigh's campus on Barryscourt Road, Coolock.
This is a further development in a long line of new initiatives that those involved in NEAR FM have developed over the years to encourage lifelong learning and integration amongst this community here in North Dublin.
Minister Haughey praised this latest development by NEAR FM and Colaiste Dhulaigh 'This new link will allow the students of Colaiste Dhulaigh to broadcast live from their own studio to listeners, via NEAR FM, and the link is the first of its kind in the country.
Full Story: www.education.ie
