The recession has had a significant impact on secondary school pupils in Ireland, it has been noted.

Attendees at the annual conference of the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland voiced their concerns about how some students are becoming increasingly miserable - and even going hungry - this school year, the Irish Times reports.

Ciara Kinsella, an Irish and history teacher at St Raphaela's Secondary School in Stillorgan, said she is sending lots of students to the guidance counsellor due to them being upset about certain issues.

Ms Kinsella explained this year is the worst she has ever seen for such matters, noting the problems go beyond issues normally associated with adolescence. For instance, some pupils have seen their parents lose their jobs and are arriving at school without having eaten breakfast as a consequence.

Reductions in funding also appear to be limiting the services that schools are able to offer pupils.

Noel Buckley of Presentation College, Clonmel, revealed students are not assured of a place in transition year anymore, stating: "Over 40 students wanted to do the programme but we could only give places to 24."

Written by Donal Walsh

Comments