Junior Cert to switch emphasis [irishtimes.com]
- Published: 26 August 2011
Junior Cert to switch emphasis
Written exams would account for only 50 per cent of the marks in the revised Junior Cert under new proposals designed to radically overhaul the grading system.
The proposals place a heavy emphasis on school-based portfolio work in a move which could be opposed by the main second-level teacher union, the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland (ASTI). The confidential briefing document has been prepared at Minister for Education Ruairí Quinn’s request.
Full Story: www.irishtimes.com
High Court blocks dismissal of Kilkenny principal [examiner.ie]
- Published: 25 August 2011
High Court blocks dismissal of Kilkenny principal
THE Education Minister has been restrained by the High Court from sacking Catherine McSorley from her position of principal of Kilkenny City Vocational School on the grounds she is "unfit for office".
Barrister Ercus Stewart SC told the court Ms McSorley, of Annamult, Bennettsbridge, Co Kilkenny, had repeatedly been forced, often in court, to vindicate her decisions and character over the past eight years.
Full Story: www.examiner.ie
Principal granted interim order preventing dismissal [irishtimes.com]
- Published: 25 August 2011
Principal granted interim order preventing dismissal
THE MINISTER for Education has been restrained by the High Court from sacking a school principal from her position at Kilkenny City Vocational School on the grounds she is “unfit for office”.
Barrister Ercus Stewart SC told the court yesterday that Catherine McSorley, of Annamult, Bennettsbridge, Co Kilkenny, had time and time again been forced, often in court, to vindicate her decisions and good name and character over the past eight years.
Full Story: www.irishtimes.com
Chaos as school-building work stalled days before new term [independent.ie]
- Published: 25 August 2011
Chaos as school-building work stalled days before new term
PUPILS and parents face chaos ahead of the new academic year because a number of school-building projects have stalled due to last-minute problems.
The Irish Independent has learned of problems at two school-building projects just a week before the start of the school year.
Full Story: www.independent.ie
Resources vital for literacy and numeracy plan [southernstar.ie]
- Published: 25 August 2011
Resources vital for literacy and numeracy plan
THE first phase of Minister for Education and Skills Ruairi Quinn’s welcome and ambitious Literacy and Numeracy for Learning and Life strategy is due to be put into action next week, as schools re-open after the summer holidays. This involves primary schools being required to increase the time available for literacy to 90 minutes per day and for mathematics to 50 minutes per day (up from 36 minutes currently) from this September.
