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3rd August 2010 Issue Number 44 Welcome Welcome to the AONTAS Update! The AONTAS Update is a weekly resource designed to keep members informed about current lifelong learning issues as well as what’s happening in AONTAS! Please let us know what you think of the bulletin by taking a short survey here.
Weekly Survey The reintroduction of fees for higher education may be endorsed by a strategy group examining higher education. Do you agree This week the AONTAS Weekly Update is a bumper issue! We had technical with the reintroduction of problems last week and couldn’t send it out. Thankfully, everything has been fees for higher education? resolved and all information is included in this week’s edition. Click here to let us know. AONTAS recently opened a consultation process for our new strategic plan. A questionnaire was disseminated to all members during June/July with the aim of creating an opportunity for members to comment on the Strategic Plan document. Over 50 responses were received and all inputs have been collated and analysed, this will reshape the consultation document which will be used Each week, we will include as a basis for telephone surveys, one-to-one interviews, focus groups and a short poll / survey in the membership meetings. More AONTAS Update. This is The Update will be e-mailed to members every Tuesday afternoon. If you have just one opportunity for difficulty viewing the Update in your e-mail window, download as a PDF by members to let us know clicking here. Members are very welcome to contribute and if you have your opinions on the anything for inclusion, please e-mail it to Eleonora Peruffo current issues! (eperuffo@aontas.com) by 5pm on Monday afternoon.
POLICY
PROMOTION
MEMBERSHIP
INFORMATION
Adult Education News
Adult Learners’ Festival News Events Publications &
AONTAS News Membership News AONTAS
Information Referral Service Education & Training Opportunities
Websites Press Release
Membership
POLICY ADULT EDUCATION NEWS €3.1bn for upgrading of schools Under the revised capital spending plan €4 billion will be spent on education in the years to 2016. The majority of the spending will focus on primary and secondary schools though the higher education sector is to get 8,600 new student spaces and improved facilities for another 25,600 students. However the sector has been warned that there is a limited case for continued State investment despite an expected rise in demand for thirdlevel places. (Irish Times, 27th July 2010) Global students of future to get degree of flexibility Higher Education Authority chairman Michael Kelly talked about the possibility of learning without borders at a recent seminar in Cork. Thirdlevel degree programmes involve students gaining 60 credits each year and in the future a student could earn 30 of those credits from a base college in Ireland and then 15 each through distance learning from universities as far apart as Canada and New Zealand. This new approach could allow students to tap into international expertise for a particular module. (Irish Independent, 30th July 2010) Numbers leaving Ireland at double rate of next EU state (28/07/10) Figures compiled by Eurostat have shown that for the first time since 1995 figures for the 12 months to April 2009 point to net outward migration of 7,800 in that period. ERSI economist Thomas Conefrey believes a significant proportion of the outflow so far reflects the departure of non-Irish nationals. Young Irish males are deemed be the second-largest group of migrants though figures for this are not yet available. (Irish Times, 28th July 2010) ****** th
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Week 19 -23 August Year-long wait for education grant cut to nine months The waiting time for the Back-to-Education Allowance has been cut for those wanting to go back to college and on the live register to nine months. For the first time the allowance will also be available to people who dropped out of college after only completing part of their course and now want to return to complete it. Funding of €169m will allow an estimated 25,000 people to return to college for the 2010-2011 academic year. Read the press release here (Irish Independent, 19th July 2010)
International News
Second-time lucky for grind students after HPAT furore Students from the 2009 Leaving Cert have proved that results can improve by taking the HPAT entry test for medicine a second time. Official advice states that it was impossible to prepare for the test and that, given the nature of such assessments, there is little prospect of improvement in a repeat sitting. One candidate saw her ranking improve from being in the mid 50s to the top 97pc. She puts this improvement down to preparation. (Irish Independent, 19th July 2010) Students pin college hopes on business and science Applications to the CAO are up almost 5,300 since the initial closing date in February to 77,124. 10,760 applicants have listed business and administration level 8 degrees as their first preference, a 17.5% increase in the same five-month period while almost one-in-10 CAO applicants have applied for a science degree – up 16% to 7,542 first preferences. (Irish Examiner, 26th July 2010) Unemployment among services sector degree-holders rises 12-fold According to a report from the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) young people with degrees to work in the services sector (covering areas such as sports, catering and transport management) have seen a rise in unemployment from 1% to 12% by the end of last year. However the report also highlights the relatively high levels of employment among third-level graduates compared to those with lower qualifications. (Irish Examiner, 21st July 2010) Government to clarify position on reintroduction of college fees The reintroduction of fees for higher education is being backed by a strategy group examining higher education. Education sources though have said that the Minister will clarify how the Government has no intention of backing fees, even if this move is endorsed by the Hunt report. (Irish Times, 22 nd July 2010) Induction courses planned for new teachers Minister for Education Mary Coughlan has announced a new induction programme for newly qualified teachers. The programme is to be made available to all primary teachers qualifying from this year and to all new post-primary teachers from next year. It will provide professional support and further development suited to the professional learning needs of newly qualified teachers. (Irish Times, 22nd July 2010) UCD head wants fees restored ‘for those who can afford them’ University College Dublin president, Dr Hugh Brady has called for the reintroduction of fees for those who can afford to pay them. Dr Brady warned that current under-funding of universities was eroding quality and threatening the ranking of Irish universities internationally. (Irish Independent, 23rd July 2010)
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PROMOTION ADULT LEARNERS’ FESTIVAL NEWS Adult Learners’ Festival 2011-Date for your Diary The Adult Learners’ Festival 2011 takes place from 21st to 25th February 2011. The Festival, now in its fifth year is a nationwide celebration of adult learning coordinated by AONTAS – The National Adult Learning Organisation. Planning is well underway for the 2011 Festival and further information will be circulated in the coming weeks. Adult Learners’ Festival 2010 Report This report contains an in depth look at the organisation of the Adult Learners’ Festival 2010 as well as key outcomes and recommendations for future Festivals. The report is intended to be a companion document to the Adult Learners’ Festival Explore Magazine which provides a snapshot of the celebrations during the 2010 Festival week. Click here to read the full report. In the coming weeks more information will be available on www.adultlearnersfestival.com *******
PUBLICATIONS & WEBSITES International journal of Lifelong Education The latest issue of “International journal of Lifelong Education” is now available in the Aontas library. *******
Events AONTAS is putting together the next issue of the magazine Explore. The next issue will profile some of the new Activation Measures, give an overview of the AONTAS Strategic Planning Process, and an update on the latest policy development in adult education. Do you have an idea for a feature, news from your project that you would like to share, or a policy issue that you would like to raise? If you would like to write a short article, or suggest an idea for an article, then contact Niamh Farren, Communications Officer, nfarren@aontas.com or on 01 406 8220.
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MEMBERSHIP AONTAS NEWS Strategic Plan Consultation Process
AONTAS MEMBERSHIP
AONTAS is currently engaging in a consultation process to develop its next Strategic plan which will guide the work of the organisation for three years from 2011 until 2013.Click here to read more about the consultation process and to find out the date of the meeting nearer to you!
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MEMBERSHIP NEWS Many Happy Returns AONTAS have recently published a short booklet chartering the organisations 40 year history (1969 – 2009). For your copy, please contact Ciara Murphy, Resource & Communications Officer at cmurphy@aontas.com
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Over 550 learners, tutors, adult education coordinators, managers, policy makers and many other interested organisations and individuals avail of the many benefits of AONTAS Any organisation, group or individual that is involved, or interested, in adult and community education may apply for membership. If you feel that you would benefit both in your practice and personally from AONTAS join our vibrant organisation today!
INFORMATION EDUCATION & TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES Labour Market Activation Measures In June 2010, the Tanáiste announced details of a number of ‘Labour Market Activation Measures’ by providers within the public, private and statutory sector. Different levels of accreditation are offered, and subjects on offer vary from engineering to web design, aquaculture to enterprise. Many of the courses are currently recruiting. For more information about what’s available in your area, visit the information section of the AONTAS website: http://www.aontas.com/information/ ****** Management courses specific to the Non-Profit/Voluntary/Human Services sectors (Nationwide) Given the current economic climate, do you need to upgrade your management qualifications, or do you need to take the first step in formalising your management qualifications to improve your chances of promotion or employment in the sector? The Open Training College offers you three individually accredited (HETAC) management awards to assist you in gaining essential management skills,
INFORMATION REFERRAL SERVICE What are the training and upskilling options if I become unemployed? Click here to find the answer! Visit the AONTAS website to get the latest updates on how to return to education and what courses are available under the new “activation measures”.
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improving your chances of employment or promotion, and being more effective in the non-profit/voluntary/human services sector. The Certificate in Applied Management course is particularly effective: Professional, accredited management qualification in less than a year! Real value for money - costs less than â‚Ź2,000 (incl. all fees, course materials) Developed specifically for the Non-profit and Human Services sector Accessible by any student nationwide The College is now accepting applications for all three management courses scheduled to commence in October 2010. Please contact Conor Murray at the Open Training College if you require an application form or any further information about the individually accredited (HETAC) management courses. Details can be viewed on: http://www.opentrainingcollege.com/site/studying-at-the-otc/courses/ Open Training College, Prospect Hall, Willowfield Park, Goatstown, Dublin 14 Tel: (01) 2988 544 Email: cmurray@opentrainingcollege.com ****** Certificate in Applied Social Studies (with a focus on housing) This course is designed to introduce students to concepts of sociology and social studies and will do so with a particular focus on housing. It provides students with, An understanding of housing policy, legislation and practice and discussion on core themes in social housing including housing rights, tenure types, tenant participation and housing finance. Exploration of concepts of community and community development. A social analysis on inequality and discrimination. An understanding of local and national political systems. An analysis of homelessness and an introduction to key legislation in this area. An opportunity to practice some of the skills that can enhance housing and community work. The teaching styles used will be participatory and experiential and students will be encouraged to debate, analyse and reflect on the way in which society works. There will be a strong focus on applying theories to practice within the field of social studies (particularly community and voluntary sector organisations, housing associations and local authority structures) and this will be complemented by a work experience component. Learning will be assessed in a range of ways including group projects, written assignments and reflective journals. Venue: Respond! High Park Campus, Grace Park Road, Drumcondra, Dublin 9
Information Booklet If you are interested in returning to education why not contact our Information Referral Service on 01 4068220. Alternatively, download a copy of the Information Booklet by clicking here ******www.ifpro.de
Time: 10am – 4.30pm Dates: Tuesday 21st September, Wednesday 13th and Thursday 14th October, Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th November, Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th December, Wednesday 12th and Thursday 13th January, Wednesday 16th and Thursday 17th February, Wednesday 9th and Thursday 10th March, Wednesday 13th and Thursday 14th April, Wednesday 11th and Thursday 12th May Total Cost: €995 Please contact: caroline.nolan@respond.ie or Phone 0818 357 901 for enquiries and booking forms.
****** A Career Planning and Support Programme for Lone Parents ‘I finally have some clarity about my possible future and know if I stay motivated I can achieve my goals’ – past participant. Starting in September 2010, One Family is running New Futures. This is a five month training and support programme that includes a 14 week FETAC Level 4 course. Join the New Futures programme and: Discover what jobs or courses suit you Become more confident Get the support and friendship from parents in the same situation as you Learn how to balance work and family life As part of the programme the following are available: Childcare (funded by One Family) One to one support Information, counselling and parenting support For further information please call Helen or Clodagh on 01— 6629212 or email: hconway@onefamily.ie
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International News Study Visits for Education and Vocational Training Specialists and Decision Makers --Academic Year 2010 -2011 (Round 2) Study visits provide education and VET specialists and decision-makers with an opportunity to spend up to one week in another European country, learning about different practices and approaches in education. The visits provide a forum for discussion, exchange and learning on themes of common interest and on European and national priorities. By exchanging innovative ideas and practices, participants promote the quality and transparency of their education and training systems. Study Visits are also an invaluable networking opportunity and a chance to meet potential
partners for transnational collaborative projects. The application round for visits taking place from March 2011 to June 2011 is now open. Applications are invited for study visits taking place from March 2011 to June 2011. Applications must be submitted online as well as a hard copy signed by the applicant and endorsed by the head of the organisation. The deadline for receipt of online applications is 11.oo a.m. on 15th October 2010. Signed hard copies must be postmarked no later than 15th October 2010. Late or incomplete applications cannot be accepted. Successful applicants will receive a grant contribution towards subsistence and travel. The catalogue of study visits and the application form are available from July 19th 2010 online at: www.studyvisits.cedefop.europa.eu Léargas will host an information and application procedures meeting for the Study Visits Programme on Wednesday, 8th September 2010, from 14.3016.00 in the Maldron Hotel, Granby Row, Parnell Square West, Dublin 1. To register, please telephone or email your name, job title and organisation / institution by the 3rd September to bdesmond@leargas.ie / 01-8871214. For further information, eligibility criteria and application procedures please visit http://www.leargas.ie/studyvisits or email studyvisits@leargas.ie
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Back to Contents AONTAS is the National Adult Learning Organisation. It is a non-governmental organisation that exists to ensure that every adult in Ireland has access to appropriate and affordable learning opportunities throughout their lives, thus enabling them to participate in the economic, social, civic and cultural development of Irish society. For further information visit www.aontas.com or www.adultlearnersfestival.com. Apologies for any cross posting. If you no longer wish to receive information from AONTAS, please e-mail mail@aontas.com. AONTAS – The National Adult Learning Organisation 83 – 87 Main Street, Ranelagh, Dublin 6W Ph 01 4068220«Fax 014068227«E-mail mail@aontas.com Company Registration: 80958 Charity Registration: 6719