Promoting and encouraging quality, excellence and innovation in Literacy and Numeracy 

The Department of Education and Skills today (Wednesday October 17^th) launched the inaugural Literacy and Numeracy Forum.  The forum aims to;

• showcase and celebrate exemplars of quality, excellence and innovation in Literacy and Numeracy in the Irish school system
• capture the voices of learners as to their reflections on the literacy and numeracy competence and knowledge
• strive for excellence - providing curricula and learning outcomes appropriate for current and predicted future skills requirements and to
• highlight the work of our education partners and industry to improve literacy and numeracy skills

Opening the forum Harold Hislop, Chief Inspector with the Department of Education and Skills stated: “The Forum is a celebration of the quality, excellence and innovation in Literacy and Numeracy that is happening in the Irish school system and of the work of our education partners and industry to ensure our learners are equipped with the necessary literacy and numeracy skills to succeed in an ever-changing world”.

The Forum allows reflection on the progress that has been made in the achievements of our learners over recent years, to identify some of the exemplary practice that has led to these achievements, and to explore the innovative ways in which we can proceed into the future.

Speakers were welcomed from industry, Further Education, National Council for Curriculum and Education, Primary Parents Council, libraries, schools and most importantly the student themselves.

Today we will hear from students who will reflect on the skills, competencies and knowledge that they will require to participate fully in the social and economic life of Ireland in the future.  It is vital that our learners are equipped with the 21st century learning skills required to enable them, as citizens of tomorrow, to learn, to enjoy and confidently participate in every aspect of day-to-day life.

Áine Lynch from the National Parent’s Council Primary spoke about a joint initiative between the Irish Primary Principals Network and the National Parents Council Primary called Partnership Schools Ireland (PSI).  PSI provides a framework to schools to support their work with Parents, students and the local community with the focus being on better outcomes for children to include supporting numeracy and literacy in Irish primary schools.

Minister McHugh stated, “This future must be for all.  It is essential that every child has the opportunity to fulfil their potential, regardless of their circumstances. The gap between the learning achievements in schools with a high proportion of disadvantage and other schools remains. We need to tackle educational disadvantage with targets that will closely link the Literacy and Numeracy agenda with the DEIS plan 2017”.

The Action Plan for Education commits to continue building on our strong improvements under Literacy and Numeracy and to improve the learning experience of learners so that they may reach their full potential.

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