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Primary School News
EU teaching launched through Blue Star Programme
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 09/02/2012.Tags: Primary School News
Primary schools in Ireland are set to introduce a new initiative designed to help educate children, teachers and parents on how the European Union (EU) affects daily life.
European affairs minister Lucinda Creighton and Taoiseach Edna Kenny launched the Blue Star Programme in a bid to foster a better understanding and knowledge of the EU.
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New study finds deaf children 'failed by schools'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 06/02/2012.Tags: Primary School News
Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald has spoken of being "taken aback" by the results of a new study looking at educational difficulties experienced by school kids with hearing problems.
Research carried out in the US, which is said to be an indication of the universal disadvantages experienced by deaf youngsters, shows many leave school at 18 with a reading age of nine, the Irish Times reports.
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From the classroom to the streets
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 06/02/2012.Tags: Primary School News
From the classroom to the streets: How primary school science will inspire the 2012 St. Patrick’s Festival ParadeSt. Patrick’s Festival is calling on teachers and primary school pupils throughout Ireland to get involved and contribute to the national Festival parade on Saturday, March 17th. The ‘how, what and why’ of science is playing a central role in this ... click to read full post & comments
Education Minister defends primary school policy
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 30/01/2012.Tags: Primary School News
Education Minister Ruairi Quinn has come under fire due to his latest school policy, which suggests amalgamating primary establishments where class sizes are particularly small.
Speaking at the annual conference of the Irish Primary Principals Network, director Sean Cottrell claimed the initiative threatened the closure of rural schools across the country.
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Irish Primary Schools urged to ‘Spring’ into Science
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 30/01/2012.Tags: Primary School News
Irish Primary Schools urged to ‘Spring’ into Science~ Greenwave Programme Helps Irish Primary Schools Monitor the Signs of Spring ~
Discover Science and Engineering is calling for all national primary schools to get involved with Greenwave 2012, the mass science project which sees primary students tracking the arrival of spring as it moves across the country. When viewed from outer space, it is said that a ‘green wave’ begins in the south of Europe in February and as the ... click to read full post & comments
Study highlights variation in primary school experiences
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 19/01/2012.Tags: Primary School News
A new report has revealed some of the differences that are seen in the way teaching resources are utilised in primary schools in Ireland.
The research, conducted as part of the Economic and Social Research Institute's Growing Up In Ireland study, found there is a large variation in the amount of time allotted to particular subject areas, both between facilities and within individual institutions.
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Cuts 'could squeeze small schools out of existence'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 16/12/2011.Tags: Primary School News
The survival of many small primary schools could be under threat as a result of cuts to the education system in Ireland.
This is the warning of the Irish Primary Principals Network (IPPN), which has stated it is dismayed at both the range and depth of reductions announced in last week's Budget, RTE reports.
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Disadvantaged schools 'to be hit hard' by Budget
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 13/12/2011.Tags: Primary School News
Some of the most disadvantaged primary schools in the country are set to see the largest impact of funding cuts announced in last week's Budget, one teachers' union has warned.
The Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) said such establishments would be "devastated" by the planned austerity measures, the Journal reports.
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Modern Languages in Primary Schools Initiative Abolished
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 08/12/2011.Tags: Teachers News Primary School News Educations And Politics
Response by Tanya Flanagan, National Coordinator, Modern Languages in Primary Schools Initiative' to this weeks budget proposal to abolish the 'Modern Languages in Primary Schools Initiative' The budget announcements included a proposal to abolish the Modern Languages in Primary Schools Initiative with immediate effect. As you can appreciate, we are ... click to read full post & comments(3)
Schools 'still employing unqualified teachers'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 28/11/2011.Tags: Primary School News
Many primary schools are still turning to unqualified teachers to provide cover, despite directives requiring priority for places be given to those registered with the Teaching Council.
According to Department of Education figures obtained by the Irish Examiner through Freedom of Information, up to 1,500 individuals without adequate qualifications have worked in Ireland's classrooms since September.
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Could school religion rule be scrapped?
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 18/11/2011.Tags: Primary School News
Rules governing religious instruction in primary schools could be abolished if a recommendation from the Advisory Group to the Forum on Patronage and Pluralism is followed.
As part of its interim report, it called for Rule 68 - which describes religious education as "by far the most important" aspect of the curriculum - to be deleted.
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Summer-born children 'often lower achievers'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 02/11/2011.Tags: Primary School News
Children who are born in the summer months may perform significantly worse in school and have lower well-being than those born in the autumn.
This is according to research carried out in England by the Institute of Fiscal Studies (IFS), which claimed the impact of being one of the youngest pupils in an academic year could stay with individuals throughout their life.
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Optometrists urge Children’s Eye Test during Bright Eyes week
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 12/10/2011.Tags: Parenting Primary School News
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Optometrists across the country are encouraging parents to take their children for an eye test next week as part of the ‘Bright Eyes’ campaign to promote eye health for children. During Bright Eyes week (October 17-22) eye tests will be available in many optometrists across the country free of charge and for a nominal cost at others.
Parents can take their child to ... click to read full post & comments
School patronage 'not a priority' for parents
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 11/10/2011.Tags: Primary School News
The patronage of primary schools is not a key concern for parents when looking for a place for their child, it has been claimed.
This is according to new research into parental understanding of patronage from the Catholic Schools Partnership (CSP), which found geographical proximity and knowledge of the facility's quality are more pressing concerns.
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Minister Quinn meets with Educational Book Publishers to Reduce School Book Costs
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 11/10/2011.Tags: Secondary School News Primary School News
The Minister for Education and Skills Ruairi Quinn TD has welcomed the commitment by the main educational publishers to give substantial discounts to schools that run book rental schemes.The commitment was made at a meeting yesterday with representatives of the publishers which was called to discuss proposals to reduce the cost of school books for parents. This was the second meeting with the publishers since the Minister took up office.
Mr Quinn had proposed that schools ... click to read full post & comments
Irish class sizes 'among largest in Europe'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 28/09/2011.Tags: Primary School News
Primary schools in Ireland have some of the largest class sizes in Europe, according to new figures revealed this week.
The official Department of Education statistics, released by the Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO), show that 85 per cent of children at this level are taught in lessons of 20 or more, while 20 per cent of classes have at least 30 students.
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Ireland's newest gaelscoil 'offers great interaction for school kids'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 05/09/2011.Tags: Primary School News
The set-up at the country's newest educational establishment provides a "great" learning environment for school kids, it has been claimed.
Gaelscoil na Mi, which is the newest multi-denominational gaelscoil in Ireland, opened its doors for the first time in Co Meath last week, the Independent reports.
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New students 'to be hit by education cuts
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 02/09/2011.Tags: Primary School News
Children entering primary school for the first time this year will be the first to experience the full effects of the cuts to the education system enacted by the government.
This is according to the president of the Irish National Teachers' Organisation Noreen Flynn, who warned pupils with special needs may be among the hardest hit.
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Trio of new primary schools promised for Dublin
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 25/07/2011.Tags: Primary School News
Dublin is to get three new primary schools by next year, after the Department of Education and Skills invited applications for facilities.
The Evening Herald reports that Ballinteer, Stepaside and Tallaght will be considered as locations for new establishments.
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Teachers' group calls for end to faith-based lessons
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 24/06/2011.Tags: Education And Politics Primary School News
One of Ireland's largest teachers' unions has called for a law that prescribes a "religious spirit" to run though all the work done in primary schools to be dropped.
Presenting at the Forum on Pluralism and Patronage in the Primary Sector yesterday (June 23rd), the Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO) said the legislation is unfair on parents who do not follow such an ethos and have exempted their children from religious education classes, the Irish Independent reports.
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Quinn launches Discussion Paper on School Enrolment Policies
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 13/06/2011.Tags: Education And Politics Primary School News Secondary School News
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Education Minister Ruairi Quinn has today launched a discussion document on the issue of how schools select pupils. “The purpose of this discussion paper is to inform consideration by the education partners and other interested parties, of the range of issues and options to be considered in creating a new regulatory framework for application to recognised schools, both in terms of the content of schools’ enrolment policies and the processes operated by schools when enrolling children. “
After the consultative process, the Minister proposes ... click to read full post & comments(1)
Funding confirmed for school improvements
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 09/05/2011.Tags: Primary School News Secondary School News
The government has confirmed a package of 30 million euros worth of funding that will be used to improve hundreds of schools.
Works to get under way later this year that were confirmed by a spokeswoman for Education Minister Ruairi Quinn will include "shovel-ready" refurbishments to at least 380 primary and secondary schools, the Irish Times reports.
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Education Minister to meet Archbishop of Dublin to discuss school patronage
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 18/04/2011.Tags: Primary School News
Education Minister Ruairi Quinn will meet with the Catholic Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin later this week to discuss the future of school patronage in the Irish education system.
The Irish Independent has revealed that the pair will join at a forum tomorrow (April 19th 2011) in order to determine the church's role in the nation's schools.
Earlier this month, Mr Quinn launched the Forum on Patronage and Pluralism in the Primary Sector in an effort to divest the Roman Catholic Church's authority over education establishments in the country.
He has stated that 1,500 primary schools should be taken out of control of the church and given to other authorities.
However, his plans are likely to be opposed by the Archbishop and the Catholic Schools Partnership has released a paper stating that church-run schools "form a central part of the education system" in many countries.
Mr Quinn is expected to hear all opinions supporting and criticising his plans at the meeting tomorrow.
Written by Donal Walsh
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School literacy project 'has good results'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 12/04/2011.Tags: Primary School News
A literacy project launched in Ireland's education system has delivered good results.
The Write to Read programme was implemented at Our Lady Immaculate Junior National School in Darndale two years ago and since then its pupils have shown significant improvement in their abilities.
Results of the pilot project revealed that the proportion of first and second-class students who were above the 80th percentile for reading went from zero to 20 per cent.
The scheme worked by providing 90 minutes of literacy lessons to kids every day and giving them the opportunity to take part in writing workshops where they could be more creative.
Minister for education Ruairi Quinn said: "Write to Read has shown that targeting continuing professional development for teachers and schools can have a significant effect on improving literacy standards."
Following the success of the pilot initiative, the government is rolling out the programme to other primary schools.
This is likely to come as a relief to parents after Sean Flynn, writing for the Irish Times, suggested that pupils have "serious deficiencies in basic literacy" skills.
Written by Donal Walsh
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Closing small schools 'would damage children's education'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 31/03/2011.Tags: Primary School News
If the government goes ahead with plans to close small primary schools, this is likely to affect the education of many children in Ireland, it has been stated.
John McKenna wrote in the Irish Times that the government's review into the value for money of small educational facilities could lead to a false economy.
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ECCE scheme 'very important to develop kids' activities'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 30/03/2011.Tags: Primary School News
The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) initiative has been praised for being important in encouraging children to take part in kids' activities.
Writing for the Irish Times, Sheila Wayman looked at the progress of the ECCE scheme, which was introduced in January 2010.
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Cap on special needs assistants 'is a problem for school kids'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 25/03/2011.Tags: Primary School News Teachers News
The limit on the number of special needs assistants (SNAs) available in the Irish education system is going to be a problem for all school kids, it has been argued.
Sheila Wayman, writing for the Irish Times, stated that having fewer SNAs per class is not only going to have an impact on children with special needs, but other pupils too.
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Some parents concerned over future of small primary schools in Ireland
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 22/03/2011.Tags: Primary School News
Some parent associations have expressed their concerns that small primary schools in Ireland may be closed following a review.
Last week, interest groups were given their final opportunity to tell the Department of Education why facilities in the country with fewer than 50 students should remain open, reports RTE.
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Five new primary schools to be established near Dublin by 2013
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 08/03/2011.Tags: Primary School News
Parents with children approaching primary school age may be pleased to note that an initiative is set to see five new institutions being established in Ireland by 2013.
According to the Irish Times, several regions within the Dublin commuter belt are experiencing increased levels of demand for schools due to the fact that their populations are expanding rapidly.
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Teachers call on government to deal with school patronage
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 03/03/2011.Tags: Primary School News
Teachers at primary schools across Ireland have urged the government to prioritise the issue of school patronage in 2011.
According to the Irish Times, the Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) has said all parties concerned with this issue should be provided with a platform upon which they can openly discuss and debate school patronage at the earliest possible time.
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Kellogg's Fun Raise 4 kids 2011 has started
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 21/02/2011.Tags: Secondary School News Primary School News
2011 marks the 10th year that Kellogg's has partnered with the Children's Medical & Research Foundation to help raise vital funds for Our Lady's Children's Hospital. So far, more than 100,000 students and teachers have got active whilst raising money for this enormously worthwhile cause.So what do Teachers and Students have to do? All you have to do is organise a sporting event at your school. It can be something as simple as a student-teacher tug-of-war or maybe something a little more exciting like a dance-off, Pyjama Race or skip-a-thon. You choose the activity, but don't forget that the most creative event will win a special prize
So get to Kelloggs.ie and get creative!
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Parents told toddlers can understand maths
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 18/02/2011.Tags: Primary School News
Parents could encourage their kids' activities in maths at a young age after it was revealed that toddlers are able to grasp basic numeracy skills.
Scientists have discovered kids at 18 months old are able to recognise basic arithmetic, showing that they are able to start counting younger than previously anticipated.
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Small Irish primary schools could close to save money
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 18/01/2011.Tags: Primary School News Teachers News
Small primary schools in Ireland could be shut in an attempt to save the government money.
The Irish Independent has reported that some of the country's two-teacher facilities will be looked at as part of the Department of Education's value-for-money review.
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Irish concert programmes 'encourage kids activities in music'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 22/12/2010.Tags: Primary School News
A variety of concert programmes taking place around primary schools in Ireland has helped encouraged kids activities in music, it has been suggested.
An article in the Irish Times by Conor Power looked at the various schemes which are being held at education establishments across the country, bringing renowned musicians to play in front of kids so that they can develop their interests.
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Primary school children to learn craft skills
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 08/09/2010.Tags: Primary School News
Children in primary schools in Ireland are set to learn "traditional craft skills" under a new initiative.
The Crafts Council of Ireland is running the programme entitled CRAFTed: Learning Skills for Life across 36 selected primary schools, starting this month (September 2010).
More than 900 children will spend two hours a week for five weeks learning how to knit, sew, make jewellery and craft wood.
According to organisers, it will give pupils the "opportunity to explore their creativity and learn new skills by working collaboratively with professional craftspeople".
The first schools to launch these lessons will be in west Dublin, Kilkenny and west Cork this month and from November, education facilities in Monaghan, Sligo and Athlone will feature the programme.
Children in secondary schools also have the opportunity to learn new talents by taking a 3rd level course in Craft or Design - a subject which will teach youngsters how to sculpt, weave and carve.
The programme could even help train the skills of future craftsmen as it remains an important industry in Ireland, with the biggest sectors being in pottery, jewellery, textiles and furniture.
Written by Donal Walsh
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Primary school parents 'should be more careful when dropping kids off'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 01/09/2010.Tags: Primary School News
Parents of primary and secondary school children should take extra care when they drop their kids off at school, it has been suggested.
According to Tullamore Town councillor Sinead Dooley, it is "nothing short of negligent" for parents to let their children cross busy roads without an escort on the school run, the Offaly Express reported.
The newspaper recorded the councillor as saying: "I am pleading with parents to be extra careful at busy times, use the set down area for that purpose and keep your children safe."
Otherwise, Ms Dooley said it is "only a matter of time before a serious accident occurs".
As schools in Ireland prepare to open their doors, the local authority in Tullamore has installed new road markings to make it easier for parents to drop their children off.
Last month, the Road Safety Authority and the ESB announced it will distribute more than 800,000 high-visibility vests to primary school children as part of its Back to School road safety initiative to provide more protection for kids crossing busy roads.
Written by Donal Walsh
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Parents angry over school bus scheme
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 12/08/2010.Tags: Primary School News
Many parents in Ireland are upset over the restrictions to only provide school transport to pupils who live more than three miles from their primary or secondary school.
Meath Chronicle reported that students in the catchment area of Colaiste na hInse in Laytown will lose out as they live just under the three-mile zone from the educational facility.
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Primary school children to be asked about their education
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 05/08/2010.Tags: Primary School News
Children in primary schools will be asked to answer questions on their teachers and peers in an attempt to improve education in Ireland.
The Irish Examiner reported that the Department of Education will send inspectors to primary schools in the coming school year to evaluate the quality of the schools and gauge pupils' opinions on their educational facilities.
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Irish education 'will suffer from lack of book funding'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 04/08/2010.Tags: Primary School News
Irish secondary schools will suffer with the government's spending cuts on library books.
According to best-selling author Cathy Kelly, speaking to the Irish Independent, the reduction in spending for public libraries in Ireland will result in a "gigantic education step backwards".
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Using ebooks in the classroom 'can be beneficial'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 20/07/2010.Tags: Primary School News Teachers News
Technology is a powerful tool in the classroom and ebooks in particular can be of great benefit to children learning to read.
Dr Jeni Riley, a reader of literacy in primary education from the Institute of Education, said they help to engage, encourage and motivate children.
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School broadband 'inadequate'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 19/07/2010.Tags: Primary School News Secondary School News
Broadband access is not up to scratch in many schools across the country, it has been suggested.
According to the Irish Independent, unions and politicians are calling for the Department of Education to improve facilities.
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Data Protection Commissioner expresses concern over school forms
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 13/07/2010.Tags: Primary School News
The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner has expressed concern over the content of a number of primary school admission forms.
According to RTE News, three Vocational Education Committees (VEC) have been contacted after it emerged that some parents were being asked to ask to disclose their religion, with the form stating that this information may be passed on to other schools.
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Science experiments 'important at primary level'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 12/07/2010.Tags: Primary School News
Doing practical work gives primary school children a greater understanding of subjects such as science, it has been suggested.
Libby Steele, head of education at the Royal Society, said it is important that even young pupils are given an appropriate amount of practical work to do.
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Competitive sports for school kids 'could build life skills'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 01/07/2010.Tags: Primary School News Kids Health
Getting children involved in competitive sports at school could help them to build skills which they will need later in life.
This is according to Steve Grainger, chief executive of the Youth Sport Trust (YST), who pointed out getting involved in team sports is likely to make kids feel better about themselves and allow them to work more effectively as a team by building their confidence.
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