This unique programme allows educators to engage with material that will provide them with confidence and technical skills to deliver ICT in schools for the 21st Century. The certificates have been carefully crafted to ensure that educators will be given opportunity to gain proficiency and to derive tangible elements for their own classrooms.
Each certificate is worth 10 ECT credits and is at level 8 at a costs of only €200 per module/certificate. Educators can take as many or as few of the certificates as they wish but completing 6 certificates will enable the participant to convert their 60 credits into a Higher Diploma in Computing for Educators.
Teachers who have completed this programme have gone on to become accredited to teach Leaving Certificate Computer Science by the Teaching Council of Ireland.
Joe’s Jotter: Final Thoughts on Exam Prep Including Parental Support 2023
Dear Leaving Certs and their Parents,
Here are some final thoughts on how students can prepare best over the upcoming days, as well as 20 tips on how Parents can support these efforts. Link below...
Registration for Joe’s 5th and 6th Year Higher Maths Tuition Classes (Sept 2023) will open soon (Online and in Ratoath). Click here to get full details and indicate your Initial Interest...
ChatGPT on the Leaving Certificate Computer Science
You might be interested in the following articles on work that Joyce Mahon (UCD ML-Labs PhD student supervised by myself and Brian Mac Namee) did examining how ChatGPT does on the Leaving Certificate Computer Science. Brett Becker - UCD
Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) were delighted to recently welcome 40 Transition Year (TY) students from various local secondary schools on to campus to participate in a week of computing and creative workshops.
It was a free event and was facilitated by volunteer DkIT staff across all 3 departments in the School of Informatics and Creative Arts. Students took part in workshops on topics such as: Programming, Web Development, Animation, Film, Games Development and Networking. At the event students also got an introduction to data science, which is a huge part of one of the Institute’s popular new courses: Mathematics & Data science. This course and the Computing Systems & Operations course were introduced to great success this year, and both were developed in consultation with industry to ensure DkIT are teaching the skills most required for business.
The Computing Industry is one of the biggest sectors of the economy and qualified graduates are constantly in demand both nationally and internationally with many DkIT students receiving job offers before graduating. DkIT are delighted to report that 75% of graduates from the BSc in Computing were in employment within 6 months of graduating and over 60% of them earning €30-€50k. From the BSc (Hons) in Computing in Games Development 83% were in employment within 6 months of graduating with all working in Ireland, and from the BSc (Hons) in Computing in Software Development 91% were in employment with 73% earning €30-€50k within 6 months of graduating.
This recent event allowed TY students to get a taste of a wide variety of computing and creative subjects to help inform their decisions as they move closer to leaving school in the next few years. Along with in depth overviews of computing related topics, students were also given a tour of the Carroll's building, which houses the Institute’s state-of-the-art facilities in TV/Film, Audio/Video Production and Computing.
For more information on the diverse range of computing courses offered by DkIT visit www.dkit.ie
Further Education and Training (FET) May 2023 Issue 2
In this Issue: Spotlight on Future Building Skills; an update from the FET sector including Fish Farming Techniques Research Visit and Celebrations at the Education Awards.
Read on for these and lots more!
Future Building Skills
National Society of Apprentices – Inaugural Meeting
FB Skills hosted an inaugural meeting of the National Society of Apprentices in Ireland. Ably facilitated by Ben Kinross of the National Society of Apprentices, UK, and the Union of Students in Ireland, the event selected 3 Apprentices to represent Ireland at the European Network Meeting in Brussels in June. Further event to be held Q4 2023. Thanks to Cathal Brugha FET College and CDETB for facilitating event.
3D Concrete Printing and CybersecurityThematic Event
The Future Building Skills Team held their first Thematic Event of 2023 on 11th May in Dundalk. It was a demonstration and presentation on 3D Concrete Printing and a Cybersecurity Presentation
The event was facilitated by the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence [AMTCE] team in LMETB. An attendance of 25 Training Centre Managers and Assistant Training Centre Managers along with SOLAS and other stakeholder representatives made for a highly informative and engaging morning. Marchant van den Heever, PhD. of HTL shared his expertise with us and delivered the presentation on 3D Concrete Printing. Adrian Kelly, Operations Manager of AMTCE delivered an insightful presentation of Cybersecurity. The event was followed by a networking lunch.
Many thanks to LMETB for their organisation and support.
Construction Jobs Expo
The Future Building Skills team participated in the Construction, Jobs, Apprenticeships & Training Expo 2023 at the NBA Tallaght along with the Future Building team of the Department of Social Protection. FB Skills invited 3 other companies working in the Modern Methods of Construction [MMC] sector to join us at the event. FB Skills promoted ETB training across all disciplines to the attendees.
Schools Summit
The Future Building Skills team took a stand at the Schools Summit in Connaught GAA Air Dome in Mayo, attended by 1800 school students. We promoted ETB apprenticeships and other skills training, highlighting career pathways and choices to TY and Fifth Year students and their teachers.
Fish Farming Techniques research visit for Employer Engagement Team
ETB, SOLAS and Údarás na Gaeltachta staff visiting Bradán Beo Fish Farm off Lettermullen in Co. Galway.
LMETB’s Skills to Advance Employer Engagement Officers recently visited Bradán Beo Fish Farm off Lettermullen in Co. Galway, as part of an event organised by SOLAS and Galway & Roscommon ETB.
The purpose of this site visit was to provide first-hand experience of the Fish Farm facility operation, as well as informing of the resources and infrastructure necessary for the successful roll-out of the QQI Level 5 Specific Purpose Certificate in Fish Farm Techniques programme. It is hoped that LMETB will soon roll out this course offering along the East coast.
Colleagues from Cork ETB, Donegal ETB, Limerick & Clare ETB, along with representation from Údarás na Gaeltachta, also attended the event on 10th May.
Employer Engagement Roadshow takes place in Co. Louth
LMETB Skills to Advance section, in conjunction with Regional Skills Forum Northeast, held an Information and Networking morning recently to showcase funding supports and services available to companies in the Northeast.
The event took place in Ardee Parish Centre, Co. Louth on Friday 21st April, with 40 information stands available from a range of statutory, community and business partners. SOLAS, Department of Social Protection and Local Enterprise Office staff were on hand to offer advice, for example, and local community and enterprises organisations such as Cultúr Migrant Centre and Ardee Business Park were represented too.
Information was available about Enterprise resources as well as employment and funding supports. Attendees could enquire about upskilling and training opportunities, including Apprenticeships & Traineeships, and companies could find out more about Sustainability & Greening.
A total of 80 attendees registered for what was a very successful event.
CDCFE’s Frank Berry wins Best Director at IFTAs 2023
Huge congratulations to Frank Berry who has won the best Director Award at the Irish Film & Television Awards (IFTAs). A former student and tutor of Coláiste Dhúlaigh College of Further Education, Berry beat Banshees of Inisheerin Director Martin McDonagh in the category for his film Aisha, which also won Best Script at an awards ceremony held in Dublin on Sunday.
Berry’s work focusses on hard hitting documentaries in his trademark social reality style. He aims to spotlight difficult social issues such as addiction, poverty, suicide and wealth inequality. Aisha tackles racism and looks at Ireland's immigration system through the eyes of his protagonist, Nigerian woman Aisha Osagie, played by Leticia Wright.
The award-winning director has previously spoken out on the issue of direct provision and worked closely with groups such as Asylum Seekers Ireland to highlight what he describes as an "inhumane system” while making Aisha.
Berry previously directed the IFTA nominated "I Used to Live Here" as well as the critically acclaimed "Michael Inside". Frank’s earlier work "Ballymun Lullaby", is an uplifting look at the impact one person can have in a community.
In a guest lecture recently with Film Production students at Coláiste Dhúlaigh College of Further Education Frank advised students who want to get into the media industry to “practice a lot, make lots of films and then you will see your voice coming through. Hard work pays off no matter where you are”.
Monaghan Institute launches Innovative Learning Support Hub for Students
Early in 2023 Monaghan Institute opened its specialised Learning Support Hub, a facility that offers students a uniquely designed area for focused learning, academic support and a well-being space. The hub aims to address the diverse needs of students by providing a tranquil environment and personalised assistance accessible to all learners.
No effort has been spared in crafting an area that caters to students who require a quiet space to concentrate and gain dedicated support in their personal and academic development. The innovative design of the Learning Support Hub incorporates noise-reduction measures, ample natural lighting, bespoke furniture and ergonomic seating, ensuring an atmosphere that promotes deep learning, uninterrupted focus and relaxation.
"Our dedicated learning hub offers a variety of resources including private computer workstations, group areas for study groups and one-on-one tutoring/support sessions, as well as a designated quiet area when a safe space is needed." said Karol Harvey, the college's Guidance Counsellor. "This hub represents our commitment to fostering an inclusive educational experience accessible to all of our learners."
The Learning Support Hub offers more than just a serene environment. Dedicated learning support specialists provide assistance, guidance, and resources tailored to the unique needs of students.
As Monaghan Institute continues to invest in the success of its students, the Learning Support Hub stands as a symbol of our commitment to nurturing the potential within each individual.
For more information and to explore our Student Support Services, visit our website.
Virtual Welding Workshops offered to local Secondary School students in Monaghan Institute
Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training board (CMETB) hosted a number of Virtual Reality Welding Workshops for several Monaghan Secondary Schools in Monaghan Institute.
The main goal with Virtual Reality Welding is to optimize the welding expertise and improve performance. Students completed welding tasks thus simulating the physical movements of welding and received feedback on body position, arc speed and quality. Welding is a skilled trade that is in high demand in many industries including construction, manufacturing, and engineering. However, it is also a potentially hazardous activity that requires a great deal of skill and expertise to carry out safely and effectively.
CMETB revolutionises driver education with State-of-the-Art Simulators for “Realistic Training Experience”
CMETB has recently acquired two state-of-the-art lorry driving simulation systems for its Supply Chain, Logistics, and Procurement Centre of Excellence in Cavan.
These advanced simulators, expertly installed at the Further Education and Training (FET) Campus, were developed by FORUM8, a renowned Japanese company specialising in 3D Virtual Reality Simulation. The installation of these simulators will offer learners a valuable training tool when completing driving courses with CMETB.
Courses which will benefit from the new equipment include the Professional HGV Driving Traineeships, Full-time/Part-time Bus courses and the Part-time Rigid & Artic Driving.
The simulators offer a unique training experience for learners, with software that boasts the ability to replicate diverse visual driving scenario while encompassing different vehicle types such as Rigid Lorries, Artic Lorries, and Buses. Learners can switch between manual and automatic transmissions, further enriching their training sessions.
Below are some examples of the flexibility of the software to replicate driving conditions to ensure that the learner will be able to experience all different types of driving:
Time of Day: day, early dusk, early evening, night
Visibility and Viewing distance: clear day, haze, mist, fog, heavy fog
Precipitation and Wind: none, rain, snow
Road Tyre Traction: dry, wet, snow, ice
Vehicle Dynamic Parameters: (engine power, gearbox efficiency, acceleration load, tyre pressure, fuel level, tyre friction coefficients)
Traffic Density: city, highway and rural traffic
The simulators will provide the learners with the ability to experience an enhanced training tool, to fine tune their driving skills in a safe and secure environment.
The OEM Engineering Apprenticeship have partnered with Irish Rail to offer the Apprenticeship programme to train prospective apprentices in the area of OEM engineering.
The OEM Engineering Apprenticeship is managed nationally by Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB).
Irish Rail are the state-owned operator of the national railway network of Ireland and are one of the latest companies to partner with the OEM Engineering Apprenticeship to date. The OEM Engineering Apprenticeship covers a variety of innovative and practical training in engineering including Electronics, OEM Practices, Operations Management, Mechatronics, Engineering Drawing, Analytics and Problem Solving, PLCs and Industrial Robotics.
Established in 1987 Irish Rail, a subsidiary of Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ), operates all internal InterCity, Commuter, DART and freight railway services in the Republic of Ireland. The company employs approximately 4000 people and carried a total of 35.8m passengers in 2022. Irish Rail already employ approximately 35 apprentices each year in the areas of Heavy Machine Mechanic, Electrician and Fitter.
Irish Rail have launched their 2023 Apprenticeship recruitment campaign and are now accepting applications for the OEM Apprenticeship Programme.
Opportunity to contribute to our review of Access Transfer and Progression (ATP) of learners
Quality and Qualifications Ireland is gathering evidence of practice relating to access, transfer and progression in the context of education and training of learners in Ireland.
A review is being undertaken and as part of this we would like to hear from providers and stakeholders about any relevant activities, projects and practices relating to access, transfer and progression. These contributions will inform the broader review and may be highlighted as case studies.
The concept of access, transfer and progression is a fundamental one in our education and training landscape. It applies to so many activities all helping to facilitate wider participation, create learner pathways from FE to HE, improve access procedures, provide guidance and information to learners regarding opportunities, facilitate transfer and highlight progression opportunities. Activities to enable the recognition of prior learning (RPL) and enhance related management or governance activities are also very relevant.
The review aims to put together a repository of case studies that will facilitate peer learning and share examples of good ATP practice across the tertiary sector.
QQI would like your contributions!
Your department, organisation or institution can contribute by
Submitting material such as reports, policies, case studies or other items
OR
Facilitating a brief interview with a member of the review team to outline the practice that your institution would like to share.
QQI would love to hear from you – if you have any queries please contact Orla at [email protected]
Help QQI mark the 20th anniversary of the National Framework of Qualifications
Tell your story of learning in the context of the NFQ.
This year 2023 marks a key milestone for Quality and Qualifications Ireland with the twentieth anniversary of the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). Established in 2003, the Irish framework was the first of its kind in Europe and has become a cornerstone of the Irish qualifications system over the last twenty years. Our NFQ paved the way for many similar frameworks across Europe and strongly influenced the establishment of the European Qualifications Framework
The framework has evolved over the last two decades reflecting changes in the landscape of education and training. It is well embedded across the education and training system with a high degree of familiarity with the 10 levels and what this means for qualifications and their holders. More can be done of course.
To coincide with a celebration of its 20th anniversary QQI has commissioned a report which will reflect on achievements to date as well as opportunities for the future. We are keen to hear perspectives and gather case studies from across the sector about the use and benefits of the NFQ over the years in the ETB context.
QQI would love to hear your story or the stories of your learners about using or benefitting from the NFQ during the last 20 years. Submissions can be sent to QQI by email to[email protected].
GRETB’s Apprenticeship Open Day
Galway Roscommon ETB (GRETB) hosted an Apprenticeship Open Day on Thursday May 11th in Claregalway.
The event featured over 20 Employers from the Galway and Roscommon Region who are currently recruiting apprentices, they were in attendance to promote their companies and showcase what they have to offer to someone considering an apprenticeship.
Over 20 schools from the region attended and the students interacted well with the Employers and were very interested in the opportunities available.
The day focused on all the various apprenticeships currently available, and it was also an opportunity for the GRETB Training Centre to showcase the craft apprenticeships that operate in the Centre. Apprentices from each of the trades were there to offer firsthand experience of their own path to their chosen career and it was a great opportunity for the school students to interact with them.
Also, on the day providers from the many other consortium apprenticeships, along with colleagues from SOLAS were on hand to meet students, parents and the general public.
GRETB look forward to hosting a similar event in 2024.
GRETB supports a Social Enterprise initiative through REACH funding.
The Green Bean Café supports trains and employs people supported by the Bothers of Charity, giving them employment within their communities, whilst empowering them and supporting them to transition into the world of work. The goal of the café is to build a sustainable social enterprise, create a pathway to employment for people supported and create a space to display and sell craft products.
GRETB provided funding through REACH to purchase an electronic cash machine, card payment system, a laptop and printer. The Café is located in the Athenry Primary Care Centre.
Community Education Offers Pike angling tour Guiding Course
Community Education in Galway & Roscommon Education & Training Board and Longford & Westmeath Education & Training Board recently joined forces to offer a Pike angling tour guiding course with the support of the Lough Ree Angling Hub in Lanesborough. This joint training course, which is the first of its kind in Ireland, was offered on Lough Ree, bordering Ballyleague in Co. Roscommon and Lanesborough in Co. Longford. The course was aimed at equipping local anglers with the skills and knowledge needed to become successful Ghillies. It entailed both theory-based elements and practical time out on the water, while also encompassing First Aid training. It is hoped that this course will strengthen the local fishing tourism in the area and create more of a focal point for Pike angling tourism on North Lough Ree, in addition to generating employment and additional income for local people and businesses.
Further Education and Training Centre, Tuam Road, Galway opens their photographic exhibition ‘Education is Life’ to celebrate its learners.
On the 20th of April, the GRETB, Tuam Road, FET Centre in Galway opened a photographic exhibition entitled ‘Education is Life: A Photographic Celebration’. This exhibition features a selection of large photographic prints displayed for public view on the outer railings of the FET Centre. Additional prints are also on display inside the Centre. Shot by Galway-based photographer Anita Murphy, these beautiful and striking photographs showcase adult learners from the Centre, highlighting their diversity and personality within this educational context.
The exhibition coincides with the celebration of the ETB’s tenth anniversary in the provision of adult and further education in the Republic of Ireland. The opening of the photographic exhibition also coincided with the Centre’s general Open Day. The day itself was a great success, with the sunshine and the presence of the Galway Bay FM Outside Broadcaster contributing to the vibrant and almost festival-like atmosphere at the Centre. Speaking on the day, Ann McCormack, Centre Manager, commented that, ‘we feel the exhibition shines a light on the unique background, culture and perspectives of each of our learners and illustrates their human experiences as adult learners.’
LMETB celebrations at Education Awards 2023
Maeve Coleman, Barbara Cooney, Maria Larney from DIFE receiving the award for ‘Best Further Education Provider’
It was a successful night for LMETB Further Education and Training at the recent 2023 Education Awards.
Launched in 2017, the Education Awards recognise, encourage, and celebrate excellence in the further and third level education sectors in Ireland. On Thursday, 27th of April, at The Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dublin, the winners of this year’s Awards were announced.
Two of LMETB’s Post-Leaving Certificate Colleges were successful on the night. Ó Fiaich Institute of Further Education (OFI) in Dundalk was delighted to win “Best Erasmus Programme”, while Drogheda Institute of Further Education (DIFE) was celebrating as “Best Further Education Provider” in Ireland.
OFI’s Erasmus programme offers students the opportunity to spend 2 weeks on work placement in Malaga, Spain, where they can experience a new culture and society, and socialise in a new country. OFI was also shortlisted in the Best Education Provider category on the night.
DIFE’s award as “Best Further Education Provider” was a welcome addition to their two previous successes in this category. DIFE was also shortlisted for ‘Best Industry Academic Collaboration’ for its innovative Amazon Web Services Data Technician programme.
Congratulations to the staff and learners in both colleges for their contribution to these successes.
LMETB launch Early Learning and Care ebook for QQI Levels 5 and 6
LMETB has produced a short guide to the QQI approved Early Learning and Care (ELC) programmes at NFQ Levels 5 and 6.
The eBook gives an overview of this new professional award and sets out the main roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders in the programme: including learners, professional programme providers, professional placement providers, placement supervisors and placement monitors.
It provides guidance on the placement requirements in addition to providing an overview of key ELC policies and procedures.
For more information and to view the ebook click the button below;
Coláiste Dhúlaigh College of Further Education Welcomes Film Director Frank Berry
In March 2023, Siobhan Magner (Assistant Manager) Jessica Martin (National Programme Manager - Sales Apprenticeship) and Edel Gavan (Training and Standards Officer) welcomed our Erasmus+ colleagues during their visit to Ireland to continue their work on the ApprEUnance project.
The purpose of this 2-year project is to conduct a comparative analysis of work-based training programmes across each of the 6 European countries (Ireland, Portugal, Slovenia, France, Iceland, and Belgium). The aim is to identify differences to share best practices and create communities of practice.
This was the fifth meeting, and it was hosted at the Sligo Training Centre. A sincere thank you to all the staff at the training centre for making our guests feel welcome. The group were given a tour by Anthony Quinn (Assistant Manager) visiting facilities including vehicle body repair, hospitality and catering, butchery, hairdressing, electrical and tool making to name a few. During their stay, Tom Grady, Peter Egan, Sean Burke, and the FET leaders all made time to drop in and ensure our guests felt at home.
During their stay, we visited Sligo College of Further Education (CFE) where David Downey (Deputy Principle) and Nicole McGowan (Erasmus Coordinator) took us on a tour of their wonderful dog grooming and animal care department, hairdressing salon, complementary therapies room, and ICT facilities.
The group also got to visit Achill Outdoor Education Centre where they went surfing. Under the careful guidance of Michael Kean (Director of Achill Outdoor Centre) and his team, the group bravely experience the Atlantic Ocean in March!
The group were also welcomed to Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Sligo where Padraig McGarry (Head of Dept. Engineering Technology) and Marie Moran (Head of Department of Business) gave a tour of their craft apprenticeships facilities, met with staff from the consortium apprenticeships and learned about their work-based learning courses.
During their visit we also managed to show them some of the fantastic local cultural sights including Yeats Society and Grave, Rosses Point, Glencar Waterfall, Parkes Castle, and Foxford Woollen Mills.
We thoroughly enjoyed hosting our Erasmus+ European partners and we look forward to continuing our project work at the next meeting in Paris later this year.
Tipperary ETB Commis Chef Apprentices Cook Up a Storm in National Competition
Tipperary Education and Training Board (ETB) won three awards at the Chef Ireland Final which took place from February 21-23 at Catex 2023 in the Simmons Court Pavilion, RDS, Ballsbridge, Dublin.
Jozsef Horvath, Shauna Kelly and Grace Nagle, all of whom are Commis Chef apprentices based at Tipperary ETB’s Further Education and Training Centre in Archerstown, Thurles, were praised by the judges in three separate cooking categories.
Jozsef won the Silver Medal in the National Chef Apprenticeship Skills competition, the highest mark awarded to any ETB student. Meanwhile, Shauna Kelly won Bronze in the Macaroon Tasted Open Class while Grace Nagle came home with a Certificate of Merit in the Cup Cake Tasted Open Class.
Commis Chef Instructor at the Archerstown training facility, Fergal Phelan, was thrilled with the performance of his students:
“Everybody who travelled to Dublin performed to a very high standard. This was a fantastic achievement, particularly as it was our first time competing at CATEX. The feedback from the judges was very positive in their professionalism, hygiene, organisation, and overall quality of their work.”
The cookery competitions at CATEX were organised by the Panel of Chefs of Ireland. Its mission is to promote excellence in all aspects of the Culinary Arts, particularly the development of craft skill training and education in Ireland. This major culinary event affords all chefs throughout the island of Ireland the opportunity to display their exceptional culinary skills, creativity, innovation and techniques.
The emphasis this year was on encouraging young chefs to participate, visit and learn more about the skills needed to thrive in the hospitality industry.
The Further Education and Training Centre in Archerstown is establishing an excellent name for itself in the culinary world. This is the second time apprentices from the centre have come out on top when competing in national competitions.
GTI End of Year Student Art Exhibition, 'HeadstART'
GTI's End of Year pop-up student Art exhibition, 'HeadstART', opened on Thursday 18th May showcasing the artwork of the 2022-23 Art Portfolio Preparation studnets. Work included experimental drawing, energising painting, innovative 3D design and much more. GTI were delighted to welcome ATU Contemporary art lecturer & artist, Katharine West, as guest speaker to formally open this year’s show.
GTI Student Graduations 2023
GTI Beauty, Hairdressing, Animal Care: Dog Grooming & Make-up Artistry students graduated from GTI. The graduation was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the achievements of students this year.
Erasmus+ work placements in Finland & Poland
Students from Nursing, Social and Emergency Care will spend 3 weeks working in Karis, Finland. Learners from Animal Care will spend 2 weeks working in Brusaby, Finland. Students from Programming & Software Development will spend 3 weeks in Poland. These students will develop a range of key skills linked to their vocational area during these exciting, applied learning European placements. This year, GTI are delighted to reach the milestone of sending 1000 learners on Erasmus+ work placements across 12 European countries over the past 15 years.
Learner Wellbeing Day in North Cork
Cork ETB Learners’ Voices Group organised a Wellbeing Day for 200 FET learners in North Cork on March 1st, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the formation of Education and Training Boards. They chose Mental Health Ireland’s Five Ways to Wellbeing as the theme for the event. These are Connect, Give, Be Active, Keep Learning and Take Notice. Daragh Fleming, an ambassador for See Change was the keynote speaker.
The importance of connecting with the people around you was highlighted by the HSE Community Work Department, Local Link, Social Prescribing Service, and Age Action.
We should all be active in some way every day to improve our mental, as well as physical health. Cork Sports Partnership and North Cork Rural Community Health Project outlined opportunities available locally.
Cork Volunteer Centre, the local Tidy Towns, Cultural Companions and Ballyhoura Befriending Service (BRS) outlined the benefits of volunteering and giving back to your community.
The benefits of Keeping Learning was emphasised by Cork ETB Guidance and Information Service, Cork College of FET Mallow Campus, Cork ETB Active Inclusion Service, Cork Council Library Service and the Department of Social Protection.
Take notice was the final theme of the day and the learner practiced some mindfulness and chair yoga and participated in a consultation about learners’ voices.
Learners were surprised to know that there were so many supports available locally and appreciated meeting other learners and having their voices heard.
Youthreach’s Got Talent Showcase
Cork ETB students from 12 Youthreach Centres gathered at Cork College of FET Tramore Road Campus on May 18th for a Youthreach’s Got Talent Showcase. Students participated in a Creative Treasure hunt and some brave students performed, including Maciej who performed a live drag act, Chloe and Anouk who sang and Robert and Harry played guitar.
John Fitzgibbons, Director of FET, presented the prizes and praised the excellent staff in Youthreach centres who supported their student’s creativity. Ballincollig Youthreach Centre won first prize for their feel-good performance of Maroon 5’s “Moves Like Jagger” which was choreographed by Emma. Kaya from Cork City Learning Support Service won second prize for a detailed portrait which captured a young person after a fight, displaying vulnerability and strength at the same time.
The third-place prize winner, was a film by Daniel from Fermoy Youthreach who showed originality and told a whole story in just 3 minutes, about how challenging life can be for some young people and that we shouldn’t judge people unless we know their story. Daniel, devised, scripted and acted in this short film, supported by his fellow students and teachers.
Denis Leamy, Chief Executive of Cork ETB, commended the quality and variety of entries to the competition ranging from the performing arts to pyrography, photography, poetry and piano playing. A montage of the entries can be viewed here Youthreach Got Talent Montage 1 - YouTube and here Youthreach Got Talent Montage 2 - YouTube
The ETBI Inclusion Unit was delighted to host a Global Citizenship Webinar with Saolta on Wednesday 26th April 2023.
Saolta is a Global Citizenship Education strategic partnership programme for the Adult and Community Education sector in Ireland between Irish Aid and a consortium of organisations. Development Perspectives is the lead partner in the consortium, which also includes AONTAS,Concern, Irish Rural Link and the Adult and Community Education Dept of Maynooth University.
To watch a complete recording of the webinar, along with the presentation itself and further contact information, please click here.
UCD MSc Systemic Psychotherapy - for Guidance Counsellors
Events & Updates
May 2023
I would like to draw your attention to a graduate programme that the School of Medicine in UCD is providing that is suited to Guidance Counsellors who would like to focus on psychotherapy. An outline is below and a link to further information.
UCD MSc Systemic Psychotherapy
This course will appeal to those people who are interested in training as a Psychotherapist to a high level of knowledge and skill. Systemic Psychotherapists work with relationships in the context of families, couples and other groups. It is a creative, innovative and thought-provoking model of Psychotherapy which places ethics at the heart of the work.
This Programme is for graduates of the human sciences or suitable candidates applying under the APL (Approved Prior Learning) System who have relevant experience of working with people in a responsible caring role and who wish to develop their theoretical and clinical skills and qualify as Systemic Psychotherapists.
The Programme will appeal to:
Psychiatrists in training who are required to undertake psychotherapy training in some modality
Psychologists
Social workers
Nurses whose task in mental health requires specialist training in couple and family therapy
Child care professionals whose task requires preparation for the management of complex treatment plans in the delivery of child care strategies
Addiction counsellors desiring to extend their therapeutic repertoire to include family and couple therapy skills
A range of other individuals who are re-directing their career pathways towards psychotherapy.
Best wishes,
Jean McQuillan
Schools Liaison Officer University College Dublin Belfield Dublin 4
This year we have a varied selection of summer courses with partners including ESERO Ireland, MTU Blackrock Castle Observatory and The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). We have four online asynchronous courses which are available from 3 July to 18 August 2023 and in partnership with the SEAI we have a face to face course from 3-9 July in Airfield Estate, Dundrum, Dublin 14.
All of our summer courses have been approved by the Department of Education and applicants who complete the course will be eligible for EPV days.
As part of our commitment to improve equality, diversity and inclusion within the SFI Curious Minds programme, we invite teachers who have previously engaged with the programme to complete the user feedback survey:
If you would like to get involved further and take part in focus groups sessions, please contact [email protected] Please note that both the surveys and focus groups are being led by a third party group, and all responses will be anonymous to SFI.
This year we have a varied selection of EPV day approved summer courses with partners including ESERO Ireland, MTU Blackrock Castle Observatory and The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Read more
Sign up for our free online workshop on 31 May from 16:00 – 15:00 for the perfect introduction to teaching STEM through inquiry and to learn a new practical STEM classroom activity. Read more
Register for Whole-School CPD 2023/2024
Sign up for our free whole-school CPD course to help your school bring STEM to life using hands-on, inquiry-based learning approaches. Read more
SFI Curious Minds Awards 2023
We are delighted to announce that 422 schools will receive an SFI Curious Minds Award this year! If you want your class and/or their STEM work featured in the online awards ceremony, send images or videos to us at [email protected].
SFI Curious Minds Award Ceremony
Join us to celebrate your STEM achievements with exciting experiments, special guests and more with a live-streamed Awards Ceremony on 16 June at 10:00am. Awardees will be invited by email.
Dates to Remember
SFI Curious Minds Awards Ceremony
16 June 2023
Mary-Claire (MC) and Phil Smyth host a celebration of all your STEM work over the school year!
Preparatory Course for Electronic Engineering Maths Entry Exam 2023
Date
04/09/2023
11am
Location
BioScience and Engineering Maynooth University Campus
Event Restrictions
Booking Required
Comment
Preparatory Course for Engineering Maths Exam for entrants without the Leaving Certificate H4 which is required as part of matriculation for the MH304 BE Bachelor of Electronic Engineering degree. The Department of Electronic Engineering at Maynooth University hold an Engineering Maths Exam annually for CAO applicants interested in MH304 and who do not meet the H4 Maths requirement.
BioScience and Engineering Maynooth University Campus
Event Restrictions
Booking Required
Comment
Engineering Maths Exam for entrants without the Leaving Certificate H4 which is required as part of matriculation for the MH304 BE Bachelor of Electronic Engineering degree. The Department of Electronic Engineering at Maynooth University hold an Engineering Maths Exam annually for CAO applicants interested in MH304 and who do not meet the H4 Maths requirement. The exam is based on the content covered by Paper One of the Leaving Certificate Higher Level Mathematics syllabus and consists of a two-hour examination. It provides prospective Engineering students with a second chance to secure the required H4 in Leaving Certificate Maths to meet the basic entry requirement for qualification to our Engineering degree. Please note that the required pass grade in the Engineering Maths Exam is 60% and where there are more eligible applicants, following the maths exam, than places available, CAO points will be taken into consideration. Engineering students, the requirements, in addition to passing the Engineering Mathematics exam are: Minimum entry CAO points 350 Two grade H5 or better, Four grade O6/H7, including a pass in Irish, English and a science subject Note that a foreign language is not required
ATU School of Design and Creative Arts hosts Graduate Exhibition from 2 June 2023 72 students will showcase their work in a variety of media
Atlantic Technological University (ATU)’s Department of Creative Arts and Media is delighted to announce the annual exhibition of students’ work from of the art, design, film, and documentary undergraduate programmes which will be formally opened on Friday, 2 June, at 2 pm in the Wellpark Road, Galway city campus, by Lelia Doolan. The exhibition will run until Friday 11 June, with opening times daily from 10am to 5pm. This vibrant and dynamic event serves as a platform for the students to exhibit their creativity and innovation to the public.
Several hundred guests are expected to attend the exhibition, a hallmark event on the cultural calendar of Galway. As the academic year ends, the exhibition celebrates the culmination of countless hours of hard work, exploration, and creative endeavour by the students.
The exhibition will showcase and include the captivating work of 72 students through paintings, sculptures, installations, graphic design and illustration, digital art, film & documentary screenings, animations, video game designs, product designs, textiles and fashion designs.
Celine Curtin, Head of the ATU Dept of Creative Arts & Media, says: “We are immensely proud of the hard work and dedication demonstrated by our students throughout the year. The exhibition is a celebration of their achievements and their remarkable talent.”
The exhibition is testament to the commitment of the School of Design and Creative Arts in fostering an environment that nurtures artistic expression, critical thinking, and innovation as it showcases the exceptional talent and dedication of its students. With students acting as invigilators throughout the week visitors will have the opportunity to chat with the students”.
For further information on all programmes see: Click here ...
Captions of photos showing the students’ work: [Photographs: ATU students and staff]
Image 1
‘Withering Wonders’ by Caoimhe McHale, final year student on the ATU BA in Design
Image 2
‘Gemini’ by Magdalena Sikora, final year student on the BA in Design
Image 3
‘I Put a Spell on You’ by Jed Gjerek, final year student on the BA in Contemporary Art
Image 4 ‘no title’ by Shannon Kleinschmidt, final year student on the BA in in Contemporary Art
Opinions on the Exam Papers
Studyclix daily expert teacher opinions on the 2023 Leaving Cert and Junior Cycle exam papers
When?
State Exams: Leaving Cert and Junior Cycle
Wednesday June 7th, 2023
What?
The State Exams are almost here with English papers kicking off proceedings on Wednesday June 7th for Leaving Certificate and Junior Cycle students. As usual, Ireland’s top exam experts Studyclix.ie and its team of Expert Teachers led by Luke Saunders, teacher and founder of Studyclix.ie, will be issuing a daily media bulletin of post-exam commentary as early as possible in the afternoon on the exam papers.
Who?
Luke and his Studyclix.ie team of Expert Teachers for different subjects will provide the following during exams:
A general run through of that day’s exam papers
Chat about any unexpected exam stories that arise
Comment on any unusual or topical questions
Luke is also available in the week leading up to the exams to chat about:
Last-minute advice and prep tips before the exams
Advice on how to get through it all – handling stress and wellbeing
Luke, a secondary school teacher, set up Studyclix as a way to help students across Ireland to access cheaper tools to help prepare for the State exams. Over 200,000 students and 29,000 teachers use Studyclix. If you would like to know more about the experts, we have worked with click here.
The analysis will be running primarily from the 7th - 14th of June but analysis can be provided for specific subjects if requested.
Print/Online: Studyclix has lots of suggestions and tips to manage exam wellness, stress and last-minute preparation - for both students and parents or guardians
Broadcast: Luke is an engaging speaker and is available to take part in any pre-exam or post-exam items or discussions that you may be planning.
Contact: StoryLab: 01 685 3029 or email [email protected] for more information
NOTES: *Studyclix.ie is a website that aims to simplify the learning process for students by breaking each subject into topics, allowing learners to test themselves on that specific topic. Studyclix sorts all the past junior and leaving certificate exams into topics and, for each question, gives students access to the marking schemes and sample answers to improve their answering technique. Studyclix publishes the annual Student Attitudes Survey, monitoring trends among secondary school students.
Pre - Exam Revision Courses
Are you looking for your highest points in the Leaving Cert? We are delighted to offer you focus, structure and valuable insights, tips and predictions for the State Exams.
Join the experts for a revision course that will give you the best chance to succeed!
Courses with Parent Friendly Hours on Offer in Cork College of FET-Douglas Street Campus
We are presently recruiting students for two courses that start in September, that is the Applied Computer Training Course-QQI Level 5 and the NewDirections–IT Skills Development Course-QQI Level 4. Both courses run mornings only and both courses are just one academic year in duration from September 2023 to May 2024. In addition, those participating on the courses may retain their social welfare payments.
If you are aware of anyone who you feel would be interested and benefit from any of these courses, I would be most grateful if you would please contact them and make them aware of these opportunities. Anyone interested canapply on the Cork College of FET-Douglas Street Campus (web site links below).
Applied Computer Training Course-Level 5 is as follows and contains the Apply Online - Click here ...
New Directions-IT Skills Development Course-Level 4 is as follows and contains the Apply Online - Click here ...
If you require more information – please contact the college office at (021) 425 5500 or e-mail [email protected].
The Central Applications Office (CAO) has today announced the date for Round One offers.
Round One offers for school leaving applicants will issue on Wednesday, 30 August at 2pm. Round Two offers will follow on Monday, 11 September at 2pm.
The updated schedule, including Round A and Round 0 offers for other categories of applicants, is published on the CAO website in the Important Dates section.
Speaking about the offers schedule, Head of Communications for CAO, Eileen Keleghan, commented:
“Since the announcement yesterday of the Leaving Certificate results date we have been working with our colleagues in the Higher Education Institutions and the State Examinations Commission to finalise the 2023 offers schedule.
“The processing schedule for Round One offers cannot commence until CAO receives the Leaving Certificate examination results data from the State Examinations Commission.
“CAO and HEIs will endeavour to complete the offer allocation process and issue offers in a similar timeframe to previous years, as soon as this data becomes available. The State Examinations Commission has indicated a date when the results data will be released to CAO, and CAO and HEIs have built the schedule accordingly.
CAO also uses this opportunity to remind applicants that the Change of Mind facility to add and change course choices closes on 1 July at 5pm.
“Applicants who have yet to add any courses, or those wish to make changes, should take note of this deadline and ensure to make any changes in a timely manner”.
This month, CAO has begun emailing all applicants asking them to check and confirm their account information. This email is called the Statement of Application email, and it contains important instructions for applicants to check their account information and modify any missing or incorrect information, for example, a missing or incorrect examination number, before it’s too late.
The 2023 offers season will commence on Thursday, 6 July at 10am with the issue of Round A offers for mature applicants, mature nursing/midwifery applicants, and deferred applicants. Offers are also issued to some applicants who have completed an access course, or those who may be required to make visa arrangements.
Round 0 offers will issue on Thursday, 3 August to graduate entry medicine applicants, additional mature applicants, deferred and Access applicants, and applicants presenting QQIFET/FETAC qualifications for consideration for entry to courses with a quota for QQI FET applicants.
