Tag Archives: education

the-thinker
Hmm. Intriguing.

Steven Lydon of Change.org is currently petitioning Education Minister Ruari Quinn s to expand the curriculum by introducing philosophy as a full subject.

The President supports it.

600 people have already signed up.

Steven sez:

In February 2012, the Royal Irish Academy for Philosophy and Ethics submitted a curriculum for a Leaving Certificate philosophy course to the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment. Despite these encouraging initial steps, the Department of Education halted this process last year.
As Budget 2014 approaches, it should once again be emphasised that Irish citizens require a philosophical education to engage enthusiastically, critically, and independently with society. Because these educational goals are rights rather than commodities, they should not depend upon budgetary restrictions.

Vote here.

(Thanks Steve)

90278890(Teachers pre-budget protest in Dublin, October 2012)

As a newly-qualified (two years) secondary school teacher, I do not know what it was like to teach pre-austerity. I know only of daily life in a busy secondary school in Cork. I know of big classes, big work-loads and people doing their best. I have a Masters (in my subject) that is not acknowledged by the department. I am not in receipt of the teaching through Irish allowance.

Newly-qualified teachers’ pay is down 15 per cent since 2011. I’m appalled at the increase in the size of classes, at the cutbacks in special education needs resources and the constant air of gloom that pervades.

What happened to valuing the individual and of nurturing their potential? I consider it an achievement just to have spoken to every student by the end of certain classes, never mind meeting their specific educational needs.

I invite Minister for Education Ruairí Quinn to spend a day shadowing me through the minefield that is secondary education. Although I might not have time to speak to him.

Roisin Mulford, Dungarvan, Co Waterford.

 

Teaching In An Age of Austerity (Irish Times Letters)

(Sam Boal/Photocall Ireland)

Pádraig O’Shea.

Founder, patron and manager of St Joseph’s College, Borrisoleigh, Thurles, Co Tipperary.

inadvertently named and (perhaps even) shamed on RTE R1’s Liveline this afternoon

Leave him alone.

He’s doing God’s work.

From Children’s Ombudsman Emily Logan’s report:

Teenage Girl Refused Place At School Following Pregnancy (RTE)