FÓN wins European Award for Languages [NCCA.ie]
- Published: 01 October 2009
On Fri 25th September, NCCA and Ratoath College accepted the European Award for Languages - The Language Label for the FÓN project. The FÓN project incorporated mobile phones into the teaching, learning and assessment of Irish for nearly 400 second year students in 6 schools.
The European Award for Languages is presented in recognition of a project's ability to engage language learners in a manner that is both meaningful and productive, while at the same time promoting a positive attitude towards both the learning and use of the target language.
Full Story: http://www.ncca.ie
Schools Adopt Art as Building Block of Education [NYTimes]
- Published: 01 October 2009
NEW HAVEN - Math students at the Christopher Columbus Family Academy learn about angles by measuring whimsical figures of hot-air balloons, paper airplanes and pinwheels built right into the walls of their school.
Seventh graders figure out direction by mapping the sculptures of the north, south, east and west winds that serve as compass points for the building. And fifth graders study astronomy by searching for Cassiopeia in an inlaid night sky that stretches across the lobby floor.
The Columbus school incorporates sculpture and other art into nearly every corner of its year-old building with the hope that it will inspire students in this working-class Hispanic neighborhood to learn. It is one of a growing number of newly built or renovated public schools across the country that look more like cultural centers than the austere, utilitarian houses of learning of the past, displaying museum-worthy pieces commissioned from artists alongside more traditional finger paintings and statues of school mascots.
Full Story: http://www.nytimes.com
Greens want education cuts revoked, reduction in TD numbers [IrishTimes]
- Published: 01 October 2009
A REVERSAL of recent education cuts, a reduction in the number of TDs, major changes in the electoral system and a commitment to a single-tier universal health system are among the key demands of the Green Party in the review of the programme for government.
Among the other priority measures being sought by the Greens are a new third rate of income tax, the abolition of the PRSI ceiling, the integration of the income levies with the tax rates and a clampdown on tax exiles.
An animal welfare Bill that would ban hare coursing, stag hunting, fur farming and the importation of wild animals to be used in circuses is another objective.
The Greens are also insisting that basic social welfare entitlements and overseas development aid should not be cut in the forthcoming budget. They also want a massive shift of emphasis from investment in road building to public transport initiatives in the Government's capital programme.
Full Story: http://www.irishtimes.com/
Spelling Bee (Fun Game) [Irish Times]
- Published: 30 September 2009
Can you spell better?
Test yourself with The Times Spelling Bee.
Full Story: http://www.timesspellingbee.co.uk/
Sophie was my touchstone for the whole 6th year class [Independent.ie]
- Published: 30 September 2009
Last year, I think I might have been in love. Well, actually love isn't the word for it, but I know I certainly cared a lot -- and had a special regard -- for one of my pupils in a way that perhaps only teachers do.
Full Story: www.independent.ie
