Education Magazine 25-1 by Michael Farrell

Vol.

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Issue

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Volume 25, Issue 2

Ireland's Cleantech Future?

Editor Niall Gormley

The Cleantech sector in Ireland can create nearly 80,000 jobs across the Irish economy and boost GDP by €3.9 billion by 2020 according to Ernst & Young’s 'Cleantech Ireland' report.

Publishers Ard Education Ltd. Email: education@clubi.ie www.educationmagazine.ie

Layout Real Issues, Drumhaldry, Moyne, Co. Longford 086-8986827

Printers Nicholson & Bass Ltd.

Cover Story Pages 18-21 4 News 11 Éirim: The National Assessment Agency 13 Athlone IT: Using Facebook and Twitter for business 14 ACCORD Marriage Preparation Course 14 Dublin City Hall: The story of the capital 15 College of Progressive Education & Montessori Education Centre 16 Earn while you learn with Lidl 18 Cover story: Ireland's Cleantech Future? 22 HP school technology case study 25 Care of the elderly course launched 26 Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark 28 Institute of Beauty & Holistic Training (IBHT) 29 DCU Editorial????????

At the time of press information in Education is believed to be accurate and authoritative. However, some information may change due to circumstances beyond our control. Acceptance of advertisements, does not constitute an endorsement of products or services by the publishers.

31 Sandford Language Institute 31 Walmer College and Holistic Centre 32 The Science Gallery: A place where ideas meet and opinions collide 34 Irish School of Homeopathy 35 NST Student Travel 36 Global Ireland Football Tournament (GIFT 2012) 36 IBAT College and AirSpeed Telecom 38 Reviews Education 3

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News Scan...........................................................................................................................

€22.4m for Lero over the next five years The Government has promised funding through Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) of €16 million for Lero, the Irish Software Engineering Research Centre based at the University of Limerick (UL). The SFI funding is second-term funding provided through its Centre for Science, Engineering and Technology Programme and is also complemented with a very significant industry contribution of €6.4million. SFI is an agency of the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

Comprising a team of 170 top-class researchers and PhD students, Lero’s research outputs have numerous applications for industry and society globally, in areas such as urban traffic control, corporate compliance systems, medical devices, financial services, ICT, mobile communications and space missions. Making the announcement at the University of Limerick, Minister for Research and Innovation, Seán Sherlock T.D. said “This renewal SFI funding to Lero is in recognition of their research excellence and considerable impacts already delivered.” “Crucially, it will also enable the Lero team to further deepen the level of collaboration with industry and provide for increased commercialisation opportunities for Ireland.” Minister Sherlock also commended Lero on its inclusivity, with the Centre drawing upon the software expertise of UL, UCD, Trinity College Dublin, DCU, NUI Galway and Dundalk Institute of Technology. industry contribution The industry contribution will be provided by numerous companies collaborating with the research centre, including IBM Ireland, Intel, Information Mosaic, JBA Consulting, QAD Ireland, Kugler Maag CIE, Almir Business, Movidius, Lumension Security Ireland, Vitalograph, Storm Technology and Fineos. Since its foundation in 2005, LERO has established strategic research partnerships with over 70 multinational and indigenous companies, with research contracts having been signed with partners such as the European Space Agency and United Technologies Research Centre in Cork.

New €1m energy research projects Approval has been announced of the first two projects as part of the government-supported International Energy Research Centre. Contracts valued at a total of €1million have been agreed between the International Energy Research Centre and four Higher Education Institutions. The cutting-edge research projects will focus on energy efficiency and energy storage in commercial buildings, in particular: • using wireless networks to control and manage heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, and • redesigning and developing storage heating solutions The Centre is hosted at the Tyndall National Institute, Cork.

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Arts Courses

Funding and Fun at the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences, UCC

ou may not realise this but as a student entering the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences (CACSSS) you may be eligible to apply for a number of entrance scholarships, language scholarships and sports scholarships to help you fund your studies for the BA Degree. Mary Ryan Language Scholarships Last month saw the award of the first Mary Ryan Scholarships. These language scholarships are exclusively for students in CACSSS. They are named after Professor Mary Ryan who was the first Professor of Romance Languages in UCC and the first woman in Ireland and Britain to be appointed a Professor. These awards are in the form of a

Certificate and a cheque and were made to four first year students with the highest overall Leaving Certificate points who registered for two or more foreign language subjects in first year. These recipients will receive further monies in each year of their degree while they continue to take two or more foreign language subjects from French, German, Italian, Hispanic Studies and Chinese Studies (Mandarin). Aideen O’Connor who attended St. Aloysius in Carrigtwohill said she “enjoys the non-language component of the subjects, like learning about the culture and literature of the countries as we didn't do this in school at all”. While Luke Nolan who attended Gael Cholaiste Chol, Ballincollig said he “liked the fact that the classes are smaller than in some of the other subjects plus the opportunity to travel attracts me as well”.

Try It Out Day On a cold but dry day last December sixty Transition Year students from twenty schools in Cork came to CACSSS for our first ‘Try It Out Day’. We wanted to show students that there is a lot more to doing a degree then sitting down reading a book. We wanted to tell them about our range of 33 subjects and we wanted them to see the variety of ways in which subjects are taught here. They were broken up into groups and then shown around campus by our own students. On the way they stopped off at various places to see things, for example our human bones collection in the Archaeology Department and places of interest on the mini-fieldtrip; do things, for example playing instruments in our Javanese orchestra in the Music Department and participating in activities in our drama workshop and listen to things, for example a fascinating presentation on the psychology of offender profiling in the School of Applied Psychology and our pop-up language class in the School of Languages, Literatures and Cultures. “The great thing about the day” said Dara from St. Peter’s Community School, Passage West “was that it was so interesting, even the bits that I thought would be b o r i n g ” . N i c o l e f ro m P re s e n t a t i o n Secondary School, Ballyphehane “enjoyed the Archaeology and the Geography the most. I found them very entertaining and the teachers were very helpful and kind”. New for 2012

n Learning is a laugh at the Drama Workshop during the Try It Out Day

We are introducing two new subjects for our incoming students in 2012. They are Portuguese and Asian Studies.

Continued >>>

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Languages are a particular strength in CACSSS and as Brazil, as part of the BRIC block of world economies (Brazil, Russia, India and China) is rapidly moving to the forefront of the world stage, Portuguese is becoming a language of increased global significance so it makes sense for us to add this subject to our suite of languages. In support of Ireland's national strategy to engage more closely with Asia in what is rapidly becoming the 'Asian century', Asian Studies will fit side-by-side with Chinese Studies in our newly formed School of Asian Studies. A new pathway BA (International) pathway is also on the cards. Students choosing this pathway at the end of first year, extend the degree from three to four years, and spend third year studying at a partner University in another country. Unlike the other pathways on offer, students do not have to take a language with this pathway. We are increasing our quota into the first year of the BA in Drama and Theatre Studies by 12 this year. This is because we are introducing a Single Subject stream from 2013 which allows the top 12 students to specialise in practice and performance training for second and third year taking 50 credits of Drama and Theatre Studies with 10 credits in another Arts subject. Our updated website now includes a

n From left to right, Front row- Aideen O'Connor (St. Aloysius, Carrigtwohill), Professor Caroline Fennell (Head of College), Ciara Brickley (Cholaiste Cholm, Ballincollig) Back Row: Professor Fan Hong, Dr Manfred Schewe, Luke Nolan (Gael Cholasite Cholm, Ballincollig), Prof. Nuala Finnegan, Dr Mark Chu, Patrick O’Callaghan (Scoil Pol, Lissane), Prof. Patrick O'Donovan

‘School Leavers 2012’ page and a ‘Prospective Students’ page at www.ucc. ie/en/cacsss which are packed full of information about the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences and the degree programmes we offer including subject videos and our subject brochure.

If you have any particular queries about any of the above or any of the undergraduate or postgraduate degrees offered by the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences in UCC, please feel free to contact us directly on 021 4903304 or email arts@ucc.ie.

The School of History prize-giving ceremony 2012 The School of History Prize-giving Ceremony is an annual event celebrating the excellent achievements of students at both undergraduate and postgraduate level in the School of History in the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences. The event provides an opportunity for the staff of the School of History to acknowledge publicly and pay appropriate tribute to the inspiring work of those students. Prizes are awarded to the History Student of the Year in first, second, third and fourth Year, as well as at MA level. The event also provides an opportunity to acknowledge the generosity of the donors and representatives of the families of donors of various other prizes which were awarded – the John A. Murphy Prize in Irish History, the John B. O’Brien Annual Prize in History, the Leonora Hanrahan Prize in History, the James and Mary Hogan Prize in History, the Michael Joseph McEnery Memorial Scholarship. Professor Geoff Roberts, Head of School, introduced the Dermot Keogh Prize in Irish History in honour of Professor Keogh, for his outstanding contribution to Irish historical studies. All of these prizes carry considerable prestige,

as well as providing much-appreciated financial assistance to History students. The achievements of two other UCC History students who were awarded

National University of Ireland Travelling Studentships in the Humanities and the Social Sciences was also acknowledged at the ceremony.

n Front Row (l-r): Laura Cuesta Fernandez (Fourth Year student of the year), Michael Dwyer (The James and Mary Hogan Prize in History) (North Monastery, Cork), Christin Hollweck (First Year student of the year), James Cussen (MA student of the year) (Boherbue Comprehensive), Kara Hanley (The Michael Joseph McEnery Memorial Scholarship), Aoife O’Leary McNeice (First Year student of the year) (At. Angela’s College, Cork). Back Row (l-r): Michael Smyth (The Dermot Keogh Prize in Irish History) (St. Joseph’s College, Borrisoleigh), Simon Egan (Third Year student of the year; The John A. Murphy prize in Irish History; NUI Mansion House Fund Scholarship) (Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí, Tralee), Alan McCarthy (The Leonora Hanrahan Prize in History) (Charleville CBS), Jesse Harrington (Second Year student of the year) (PBS, Cork), Brian Elphick (Second Year student of the year), (Beara Community School, Castletownbere), Robert Honohan (The John B. O’Brien Prize in History) (Coláiste an Spioraid Naomh, Bishopstown), Maeve O’Riordan (The Michael Joseph McEnery Memorial Scholarship) (St. Mary’s Secondary School, Charleville)

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EMERGENCY SERVICES TRAINING INSTITUTE Looking for an interesting, challenging career, that tests your skills to the limits every day? Be the person that people look to for help by becoming a licensed practitioner.

EMT – EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN As an EMT you will train at the highest level currently available in Ireland. Learn professional life saving medical skills and interventions that really make a difference..... Other courses available at responder level include: CFR- Cardiac First Responder OFA- Occupational First Aid EFR- Emergency First Responder

Emergency Services Training Institute is an Irish Owned company and is recognised by the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC). We specialise in emergency medical training, utilising Paramedic and Advance Paramedic tutors and instructors. All our training, equipment and facilities are of the highest of standards.

CONTACT US: C21 The Exchange, Calmount Park, Ballymount, Dublin 12. E-mail: info@esti.ie • Tel: + 353 (0)1 409 8113 • Web: www.esti.ie

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Emergency Services Training Institute

Professional education and training in emergency care Emergency Services Training Institute (ESTI) is now a national leader in emergency medical training and in all aspects of pre-hospital emergency care, first aid, health and safety, fire-fighting and fire prevention.

stablished in 2005, the Emergency Services Training Institute, (ESTI) offers flexible, cost-effective, professional education and training in emergency care, delivered by practicing and highly experienced emergency services professionals. Instructors, tutors and course facilitators who work for the Emergency Services Training Institute are drawn from experienced highly qualified members of the emergency services nationally. This allows trainers who are actually working in their areas of qualification to impart the most up to date and relevant information to the learner in their class as well as adding a valuable realism to support key knowledge objectives ESTI is a recognised training institute of the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC). Phecc is a government body set

up to provide training standards and clinical practice guidelines within the pre-hospital care framework of the HSE. Qualification levels ESTI is fully recognised and accredited to train people to the highest level available privately in pre-hospital emergency care and does so to the highest standards. The levels of qualification on the PHECC framework of qualifications are Cardiac First Responder; Occupational First Aid; Emergency First Responder, Emergency Medical Technician (NQEMT), NQEMT Paramedic and NQEMT Advanced Paramedic. ESTI is heavily involved in education and training. We provide Emergency First Responder training to services such as Dublin Airport Fire and Rescue Service and Kildare Fire Service, and First Aid training

to Aer Lingus, City Jet, Aer arann and Air Contractors. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Tutor Qualification Programmes to Dublin Fire Brigade, Fire training for Cork main port, Dublin port and Harland and Wolfe shipyards to name a few. Successful participants on our EMS Tutor Qualification Programme are granted a w a rd s a t L e v e l 7 o n t h e N a t i o n a l Framework of Qualifications by the National University of Ireland Maynooth. The Level 7 award granted is in Adult Training and Continuing Education and ensures our tutors are some of the most innovative trainers available in the prehospital industry. Around the country ESTI also provides training in a number of Further Education Colleges nationally. In 2008 we designed, implemented and continue to provide the external, professional elements of the Fire and Ambulance Access Course in Senior College Dún Laoghaire, where successful participants are awarded National Certification at Level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications. This course started out in Dún Laoghaire with 60 students in its first year and now has 200 students enrolling nationally each year. Each year one student is awarded a ‘best student award’ this is in recognition of outstanding achievements during both their college year and their EMT course. Testament to this courses success is that our course has now been adopted and is running in Limerick College of Further Education and Coláiste Stiofán Naofa in Cork where the course has grown each year

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in popularity and student number ESTI have also trained several members of volunteer first aid organisations who have preferred to be trained at their own pace on a clearly planned and laid out course with professional placement opportunities. for the general public As well as running courses for public bodies, schools, colleges and private enterprises ESTI also run courses to which the general public can enrol. The most popular and successful of these is the Emergency Medical Technician course (EMT). Recognised by PHECC as a Practitioner level 4 course, this course allows successful participants to enter the phecc professional register as EMT’s and apply for positions within the private ambulance services, retained fire services and similar professional bodies that may require advanced medical personnel. Not all learners who successfully pass the EMT course do so to gain employment, some use this qualification to enhance their

medical skill set for their volunteer or part time careers like members of the Irish coast guard, Mountain rescue services or retained fire brigades; or to add too CV’s for jobs abroad or VISA applications. The EMT course is 160 hour certified course that teaches Pre Hospital Emergency Care Legislation; Anatomy and Physiology; Patient Assessments; Respiratory Emergencies; Medical Emergencies; Obstetric Emergencies; Trauma including Spinal Emergencies; Pediatric Emergencies; Ambulance Operations; Communications; Pharmacology; Intramuscular Injections and incorporates 40 hours of clinical placements. Modern accessible facility Emergency Services Training Institute is based in a brand new, well maintained facility with ultra modern audio visual devices in comfortable, air conditioned training rooms. The institute is positioned strategically in Ballymount beside the M50 near the red cow junction. This allows easy access to the N7 and city centre as well as the M50. With a Dublin bus stop 300m from the institute and luas red line stops nearby the facility is very accessible and easy to find. All the medical equipment is new and there’s never a shortage of items to practice skills with. Be the person that people look to for help by becoming a licensed practitioner. Find OUT MORE C21 The Exchange, Calmount Park, Ballymount, Dublin 12. www.emergencyservicestraining.ie Telephone: 01 409 8113 E-mail: info@esti.ie

Student testimonials from recent courses "Thanks to ESTI for a brilliant EFR course in Cork" Barry O’Leary - CSN "Just want to say thank you for yesterday’s course, well run and enjoyable day" Jim Connelly "Big shout out to the guys in ESTI. Thanks for the help getting me my EFR. See you in June for EMT" Ciarán McDonagh "My certificate arrived in the post today, I passed, many thanks to all the instructors and staff, very happy" Andy O’Connell "Just to say a big 'Thank you' for the excellent training during the course, Instructor was so approachable and made us all feel so relaxed" Aoife Costello - Aer Lingus Education 11

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06/03/2012 15:28:27

Localisation

Graduates in high demand in Ireland’s localisation sector Localisation is worth €680m annually to Ireland and employs 16,000 people here, says Laura Grehan from the Dublin City University-led Centre for Next Generation Localisation (CNGL)

he Science Foundation Irelandfunded Centre for Next Generation Localisation (CNGL) has published a guide which urges secondary students to consider language and technology at third level for a career in the localisation sector. The guide, which was launched by Seán Sherlock T.D., Minister for Research and Innovation, says that Ireland needs to significantly increase its supply of language and technology graduates if the country is

to maintain its leadership position in the multi-million euro localisation and global services sector. What is Localisation? Localisation is the process of adapting and personalising digital content, products and services to the needs of global users. In addition to language translation, localisation involves modifying content, products and services to consider cultural and politi-

Ireland – a world leader in localisation The localisation industry was practically invented in Ireland in the 1990s and the country continues to play a global leadership role. Many of the world’s largest software and web companies co-ordinate their localisation activities in Ireland. The sector contributes an estimated €680 million annually to the Irish economy and employs 16,000 people. It is an area of substantial growth, not just in traditional product and service localisation but also in the areas of global multilingual customer care and support. Many employers Potential employers here include multinational companies such as Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Google, IBM, Microsoft and Paypal, as well as many excellent Irish small and medium-sized companies who offer localisation and language services. Scientists in Ireland are playing a key role in shaping the future of localisation. The Centre for Next Generation

Localisation (CNGL) is a world-leading research centre that links Irish-based companies with more than 150 researchers at DCU, TCD, UCD and UL to produce ground-breaking localisation tools and technologies that can benefit Irish industry and society.

cal sensitivities; date, time and currency formats; colours and sounds; and the social norms and legal requirements of the country for which they are being adapted. Proper localisation means adapting the product seamlessly, so that it appears to have been created specifically for each user. Opening up Export Opportunities Localisation brings added value as it enables companies to introduce their products to otherwise inaccessible markets. Although English is the international business language, research has shown that even fluent English speakers are much more likely to buy a product when it is in their native tongue. In fact, more than half of consumers say that the availability of product information and after-sales support in their own language is more important than price. When it comes to foreign markets, it’s clear that a ‘one size fits all’ approach won’t work. Instead, products must be carefully adapted and personalised to the needs of distinct users. Dr Páraic Sheridan, Associate Director at CNGL, explains: “Localisation is critical to so many industries, including software, games, financial services and medical devices, in bringing their products to foreign markets. For example, specialist staff at Microsoft’s European Development Centre in Dublin localised the Microsoft Office 2010 product for 300 million users worldwide in 90 languages.” Fascinating Career Options Although still a relatively young industry, localisation is expanding at a rapid pace and

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offers exciting career opportunities. Graduates can work in language services, using the latest machine translation tools to help ensure that all content is translated perfectly. They might like to develop innovative technologies that enable companies to communicate with their customers around the globe. Or they could opt to work as games localisation engineers, adapting the games of tomorrow to the requirements and tastes of foreign players. Whatever a student’s interests and aptitudes, they are sure to find a role that fascinates them in the field of localisation. A localisation career offers many benefits, including strong job prospects, opportunities to travel, and excellent salaries. A recent study by US consultancy, Common Sense Advisory, revealed that the average salary of language services industry professionals in Ireland is €57,400 – far above the national average gross income of €30,900. According to Dr Fred Hollowood, Research Director at Symantec Corporation’s Shared Engineering Services G ro u p i n B l a n c h a rd s t o w n , D u b l i n ,

■ Seán Sherlock T.D., Minister for Research and Innovation, pictured with Professor Josef van Genabith, CNGL Centre Director, at the launch of CNGL’s Localisation Careers Guide

“Localisation is ideal for students who have an interest in language and technology, who are fascinated by the differences between the languages of the world, and who are seeking a career in a fast-growing sector.”

Games Localisation... GAMES localisation refers to the preparation of video games for foreign markets. This adaptation to the standards of other countries covers far more than simple translation of language components such as the user manual, in-game menus and dialogue between characters. There are many non-language considerations also, including cultural and legal differences, graphics (including the physical appearance of characters) and music. Many elements have to be adjusted to fit the country’s tolerance and taste relating to such matters as violence, historical events, or use of foul language. These factors will have an impact on the age rating that is given to the game in a particular country. The game’s pack-

aging and marketing strategy must also be adapted for the target market. DID YOU KNOW? • Top quality localisation helped Kinect for Xbox 360 to become the fast-selling consumer electronics device ever. When Kinect for Xbox 360 was first launched, workers at Microsoft in Dublin localised games into 9 of the 12 language versions that were released. • Big Fish Games, the world’s leading supplier of online and mobile gaming, distributes more than 1.5 million games per day to customers worldwide. Staff at its European headquarters in Cork focus on multilingual game testing, customer support, and product localisation.

On the left is the UK version of FIFA 11 packaging, featuring English footballer Wayne Rooney as the star player. On the right is the Australian version of FIFA 11 packaging, with Australian star Tim Cahill pictured out front.

Relevant Third Level Courses

LOCALISATION jobs are at the intersection of language, linguistics, computing, business and culture, so there are many possible routes to careers in localisation. For example, students might choose to study a course in just one of the disciplines of localisation. Better still, they might consider combining two or more localisation disciplines in their degree, such as business and languages, computing and linguistics, or languages and cultural studies. Another popular option is for students to pursue a specialist Masters course in localisation, or to complement their degree with postgraduate study in a different discipline, so that they acquire knowledge and skills in more than one area of localisation. There are so many great options available; students can select the path that most appeals to them. CNGL’s careers guide provides details of relevant degree courses at its four partner universities (Dublin City University, Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin and University of Limerick) that can provide a launch pad to a dynamic career in localisation. FIND OUT MORE Copies of CNGL’s Localisation Careers Guide were distributed last month to all secondary schools in Ireland. The publication features practical examples of localisation, profiles of industry professionals, insights into the variety of job roles on offer, and details of relevant third level courses. The guide can be downloaded at www.cngl.ie/careers EDUCATION 13

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Griffith College 25-1.indd 2

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Griffith College

Studying law at Griffith College

riffith College (based in Dublin and Cork) is home to Ireland’s largest Law School. The School runs two three year undergraduate degrees - the LLB (Hons) degree in Irish Law and the BA (Hons) degree in Business a n d L a w, b o t h v a l i d a t e d b y b o t h Nottingham Trent University and HETAC. LLB As well preparing learners to undertake the Law Society of Ireland / King’s Inns Entrance Examinations to train as solicitors and barristers, the LLB degree also enables students to pursue stimulating career opportunities across a range of areas such as journalism, media, finance and commerce. Structure of the LLB • Year One: Law of Tort ,Constitutional Law, Law of Contract, Introduction to Law and Legal Skills • Year Two: Criminal Law, Land Law, Equity & Trusts, Administrative Law (Elective), Law of Evidence (Elective), Criminology (Elective), Planning & Development Law (Elective), Public International Law, (Elective) Employment Law (Elective) • Year Three: European Union Law, Jurisprudence, Company Law, Media Law (Elective), Human Rights Law (Elective), Revenue Law (Elective), Intellectual

Griffith College CAO Codes: Honours Bachelor Degrees - Level 8 GC200 Business Studies (Cork) GC201 Accounting and Finance (Cork) GC203 Law (Cork) GC301 Accounting and Finance (Limerick) GC400 Business Studies (Dublin) GC401 Accounting and Finance (Dublin) GC403 Law (Dublin) GC404 Business and Law (Dublin) GC405 International Hospitality Management (Dublin) GC430 Computing Science (Dublin) GC450 Journalism and Visual Media (Dublin) GC489 Interior Architecture (Dublin) GC494 Fashion Design (Dublin - Portfolio required) Ordinary Bachelor Degrees/Higher Certificates Level 7/Level 6 GC210 Marketing (Cork) GC211 Business (Cork) GC216 Business (Cork) GC265 Journalism (Cork) GC316 Business (Limerick) GC320 Business Administration (Limerick) GC335 Computing (Limerick) GC340 Computing (Limerick) GC416 Business (Dublin) GC435 Computing (Dublin) GC440 Computing (Dublin) GC465 Journalism (Dublin) GC470 Photographic Media (Dublin) GC490 Interior Design (Dublin) GC495 Fashion Design (Dublin - Portfolio required)

Property (Elective), Family Law (Elective) All electives offered subject to demand BA in Business and Law The BA (Hons) in Business and Law degree provides learners with a balanced educational programme in both business and law and is also recognized for entry purposes by the Law Society and Kings Inns. On graduation, a student could pursue a career in business either as an in-house legal consultant or in the management of his own legal practice. Structure of the BA in Business and Law • Year One: Law of Tort, Constitutional Law, Law of Contract, Introduction to Law and Legal Skills, Business Economics, Quantitative Methods • Year Two: Land Law, Equity & Trusts, Financial Accounting, Management Accounting, Marketing Management (Elective), Employee Relations & The Law, Administrative Law (Elective), Management Accounting • Year Three: European Union Law Company Law Strategic Management International Business Human Resource M a n a g e m e n t Ta x a t i o n ( E l e c t i v e ) Jurisprudence 1 (Elective) Dissertation (Elective) All electives offered subject to demand Staff at the Law School The Law School is comprised of lecturers and associate teaching staff, who are either noted academics or practising solicitors and barristers. Lecturers are graduates of such illustrious institutions such as Harvard University, Oxford University, Cambridge University and Trinity College. The judge in residence at the Law School is Mr Justice Frank Clarke.

Extra-Curricular Activities Law students at Griffith College enjoy a vibrant schedule of activities including: Innocence Project: The Law School at Griffith College is home to the ‘Irish Innocence Project’, which enables a select group of students to partake in a postconviction review of a case in response to claims of wrongful conviction or court judgement, under the supervision of a qualified, practising lawyer. The Law Society The Law Society schedules a series of talks for students by prominent members of the legal community. Recent speakers include the Honourable Mrs Justice Catherine McGuinness, President of the Law Reform Commission and Mr James Hamilton, DPP. It also organises regular court trips at home and abroad as well as numerous social events. Communication and Debate Society The college runs a debating competition for its own students and externally, students are encouraged to participate in prestigious international and national debates such as the annual Irish Times debate, which a Griffith student won recently. Mooting Society The Mooting Society encourages legal debate by way of written submission and oral presentation. The Society runs an internal Moot Court for Griffith law students and encourages teams to enter renowned intervarsity Moots such as the Thomas Finlay Moot Court, which a Griffith team won recently. Find OUT MORE Email: admissions@gcd.ie Web: www.gcd.ie/law Griffith College Dublin: 01 415 04 00 Griffith College Cork: 021 450 7027 Education 15

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St. Nicholas College

Leaders in montessori teacher education

mong the many institutes in Ireland offering teacher education, St. Nicholas College in Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin provides degree programmes in this discipline. From Pestalozzi to Deweyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s progressive education, the Montessori Method has stood the test of time and is being used today in schools all over the world. Dr. Maria Montessori, at the beginning of the twentieth century, based her childcentred on careful observation of what children revealed about their developmental needs. However, Montessori education in Ireland is synonymous with the preschool sector and it is important to dispel this misconception. Throughout Europe and the United States, the Montessori Method of Education is utilized both at Primary and Secondary level. Today, as it was a century ago, education is rightly seen as a means to tackle poverty, inequality, anti-social behaviour and other ills of society. The fundamental problem with education is the lack of faith in the child to guide his/her own development and to guide the educators in supporting this task. Montessori Education worldwide shows that the child is best supported in an learning environment which meets all his/ her needs in order to become a valued member of his/her society. Teacher's Role The teacher's role in the Montessori classroom is to observe children engaged in activities that follow their own natural interests. This indirect teaching to control the environment, not the child, contrasts sharply with the ordinary teacher's role of implementing a pre-determined curriculum. For example, a Montessori class has the teacher resolving misbehavior by refocusing the child to some positive activity, freely chosen rather than engaging in the system of rewards and punishments. Children learn from each other in a spontaneous manner that supports their

independent self-directed activity. In the family, in the workplace and society as a whole we are in constant interaction with those who are older or younger. Children in traditional schools are the only members of society segregated by age. A mixed-aged environment is an important feature of Montessori Education. Since the children need different environments at different stages in their development, classes are mixed within bands, for example, 3-6 yrs, 6-9yrs and 9-12yrs. Each child is surrounded by role models a little more developed than him/her or becomes a role model for younger peers. Similarly, the older child finds him/herself in a position of responsibility, and by showing younger children what s/he knows, affirms to him/herself, more surely than any test, the extent of his/her learning. Co-operation replaces competition as the driving force within these mini-societies.

The auto-education facilitated by the prepared environment learning means that each child is always successful learning and developing at his/her own pace. Degree programmes St. Nicholas Montessori College Ireland (SNMCI) offers the student the possibility of obtaining this degree either full-time or part time (ACCS mode). The degree programmes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; (levels 7 & 8) and the Higher Diploma in Arts in Early Childhood Montessori Education (level 8) are accredited by The Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC) which is the qualifications awarding body for third level education and training institutes outside the university sector. Stage 1 of the programme delivers the pre-school curriculum to students and requires them to have an internship of 200

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hours teaching practice in Montessori preschools. Stage 2 is the 6-9 curriculum and the students have a block of 6 weeks in Primary schools or Special Education schools. The college has an Erasmus exchange with the Hogeschool in Rotterdam and 4 lucky Stage 2 students will spend from February to May attending college and complete the required teaching practice there. Stage 3 requires the student to study the requirements for teaching children from 9-12 years which requires the student to teach for at least 6 weeks in the Primary sector, Montessori sector or Special Education schools. Throughout the four

years of study, all students become competent in implementing all aspects of the Primary School Curriculum 1999 utilising in particular the Montessori Method of Education to facilitate each childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s learning. Students who have met the learning outcomes of the programme will be conferred with a level 7 degree and those who receive a merit grade will be interviewed and present their lesson plans portfolio for entry onto the level 8 programme. However, in November 2009 the Teaching Council announced that only those with level 8 qualifications will be eligible to register as Montessori Teachers

from April 1st 2013. (Montessori Teachers are entitled to register for Restricted Recognition, as per DES Special Education circulars 25/00 and 36/06)) The College is now in the process of submitting a new suite of programmes for HETAC validation. These will hopefully commence in September 2011. Accordingly, the college recognises the need to differentiate its product and is also designing a level 6 Higher Certificate in the Montessori Method of Education for those wishing to obtain a qualification to teach in the pre-school sector only. The College welcomes requests for further clarification â&#x20AC;&#x201C; email info@snmci.ie.

Courses:

BA in Montessori Education (Level 7) BA in Montessori Education (Level 8) Higher Diploma in Montessori Education (Level 8)

Go to www.snmci.ie Call 01-2806064 / 01-2300080 email: info@snmci.ie or visit us at 16 Adelaide Street, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin or Century Court, 100 George's Street, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin Education 17

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Located at the heart of the City, the Wood Quay Venue is an imaginative and exciting development which houses the Dublin City Wall Conference Suite and Exhibition Space. With a capacity for 120 people, this state of the art conference centre which features a stretch of the original Viking City Wall is an ideal location to host a conference/meeting/exhibition. Situated in the grounds Dublin City Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Civic Offices, Wood Quay, Dublin 8 the Dublin City Wall Conference Suite and Exhibition space is available to hire for daytime, evening and weekend events.

Ph: 01 222 2857/01 222 5457/01 2225233 Email: woodquayvenue@dublincity.ie 20 Education

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Enterprise

Ex theology student becomes entrepreneur

RISH Kennedy is no stranger to starting out in new territory. A long time ago when All Hallows College in Dublin opened its doors to outsiders, Trish rushed in as a mature student willing to take on anything that came her way. One of the first women in All Hallows and one the first lay people to grace the ancient buildings that lie in the leafy suburb of Drumcondra in Dublin, she found the area so attractive that she bought a beautiful bungalow down the road. Many years later, finding herself without a job, and her son also out of work, they embarked on a new adventure, www. dublininclusive.ie . Trish has been travelling all of her life, from her hitching days in the early seventies, to her work as a volunteer in countries such as India, Thailand, Malaysia and others in the late 2000’s. In between that she helped to bring in free and fair elections in Bosnia and Serbia working with the UN and the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs. These experiences have equiped Trish with all that’s required to show people her native city in all its glory and to give them the holiday of a lifetime. Teaching them to make great Irish Coffee, Coddle and Irish Stew and arranging a first-hand game of hurling or football with their local GAA club Na Fianna. During her time in India she was brought on a very interesting four day Cultural Immersion into the lesser known India. Following this model herself and her son have set up Dublin Inclusive, which is set in that same bungalow in Drumcondra, which has been tastefully extended with a purpose built building to house their visitors. This is the first business of its type in Ireland bridging the gap between B&B’s, hotels and hostels. Roy and Trish offer a four day trip into their local Dublin, combining that with a cultural immersion and fun, while also bringing visitors to the usual tourist haunts. Trisha’s life seems to personify that old saying “God works in mysterious ways”. She herself would say that if you told her

back in her days in All Hallows that this is what she would be doing in the year 2012 she would have thought you needed your head examined! Nevertheless she and her son are excited and rearing to go in their new business and we at Education Magazine wish them every success. You can help these entrepreneurs by sending their website address on to all of your friends and anyone you think might have an interest in the link.

FIND OUT MORE www.dublininclusive.ie

Four great days in Dublin Trish Kennedy describes a typical four day Dublin tour. Day 1: We will travel into Dublin City centre and visit some of the best tourist attractions. There are many choices but we recommend the Guinness Storehouse and the Jameson Whiskey Distillery. That evening we will all go out for a three course Irish meal in a traditional Irish Pub situated on the River Liffey, where one of Ireland's best story tellers will regale you with stories of Fairies, Irish folklore and legend. We will listen to traditional Irish music and even watch some exhilarating Irish dancing. Day 2: We will have an amazing trip to Ireland’s largest stadium – the 82,300 seater Croke Park - where you will go on a guided tour and learn all about our native sports, such as Gaelic football and Hurling (Ireland’s version of Hockey). Croke Park is the third largest stadium in Europe, after Barcelona’s Nou Camp and Wembley in London. Day 3: Howth is a beautiful fishing village with restaurants, pubs, music, markets

and lots more. This is where you will spend your third day. Weather permitting, we will have fish and chips at the shore or spend the evening in a local bar where we will be entertained and have our evening meal. Day 4: Free time to shopping etc, usually this day is decided by consensus, if that can’t be reached we will set out another itinerary. If the weather is bad we will demonstrate how to make Irish coffee, Irish stew and coddle. Say your goodbyes in Irish (Gaelic). Places of interest – Guinness Storehouse, Jameson Distillery, St. Patricks Cathedral, The Iveagh Gardens, Trinity College, (this is just a selection). You tell us the Dublin you want to see and we will do our best to accommodate. Dublin has so much to offer we can’t put it all on one website, so we will personalise your holiday as much as possible. Don’t worry about those stories that you hear about the weather, we will ensure that you will always have something interesting to do in this wonderful city of ours. EDUCATION 21

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Student Nutrition

Healthy eating and physical activity Getting the balance right By Theresa Bagus and Dr. Muireann Cullen

Facts and Figures on students’ nutrition

Nutrition & Health Foundation

Diet

Physical activity

74% of students felt confident about their skills in cooking a balanced, healthy nutritious meal

Only 20% of students get the recommended 30 min of physical activity 5 times per week

21% of students only have 2 meals each day and 21% said the majority of their meals were fast food or convenience food

29% of students play sports or exercise 3-4 times each week, while 26% do so once or twice each week

68% of students meet the recommended 2 portions of meat or meat alternatives per day, only 41% reach the recommended 5 portions of fruit and vegetables

A worrying 20% of students only exercise or play sport every fortnight or more

tudies by the Irish Universities Nutrition Alliance show that 18% of Irish teenagers (13-17 years) are overweight or obese. This is not linked to the type of food consumed, but rather the over all calorie intake and exercise levels. It all comes back to the balance between energy in (food eaten) and energy out (physical activity). Based on research conducted by the NHF in 2011, half of college students expect to or have gained weight when they started college. The majority admit to having a more nutritionally balanced diet when living at home. A significant of 60% students perceives the cost of food to be more important than its nutritional value. With the average student weekly disposable income at €55, it is worrying to see that 41% of students spend between €21-€40 on socialising (cinema, pubs, nightclubs, cigarettes, alcohol) while only 26% spend between €21-€30 on food shopping. It is time for us all to re-appraise our dietary and lifestyle habits and make vital changes that will benefit us in the long term. The Nutrition & Health Foundation helps you to get the balance with the following tips: Diet tips l

Never shop when you are hungry as you are more inclined to buy more “quick fix” high sugar, high calorie foods.

Plan your meals, have a weekly shopping list and stick to it to save money, time and minimise food waste. l Shop around and shop local – get to know your local grocer / butcher / fish monger etc. They will never let you down. l Make soups / pies / stews/ stir-fries with left overs. l Check out local and farmers markets for excellent produce and value. l Buy foods in season – they are always cheaper. Remember frozen, tinned or dried fruit and vegetables all count as part of your five a day. l Review your shopping list before you go shopping. It should mainly have items from these food groups: fruit and vegetables - wholegrain breads and cereals - low fat dairy foods - lean meat, poultry, fish and meat alternatives. l

Buy in bulk where possible and make use of your freezer. Physical Activity Tips

Get Moving - Take the stairs instead of the lift, Walk short journeys or get off the bus a stop early. l Start slowly and build up - Don't try to do too much too soon. Instead, take a gradual approach, and build up your activity routine as you become fit. l Stuck for time? - Only two bouts of 15 minutes of exercise can make the difference. l Do things you enjoy - You are more likely to stick with exercises that you find fun. l Find a partner - People who exercise with a partner or group are more likely to stay on track. l Write it down - An exercise diary can l

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help you chart your progress and provide motivation on those days that you just don't feel like getting off the couch. l Reward yourself - Set yourself weekly exercise goals and reward yourself with a new book, massage etc. at the end of the week if you have achieved these. l Play those funky tunes - Exercising to your favourite songs can help keep you motivated. Eat Smart Week The NHF’s Eat Smart Week is an awareness raising initiative, which focussed on students in 2011. The aim was to highlight that healthy eating is possible to achieve in this time and money deficient era. The NHF was delighted to team up with top chef Kevin Dundon: “No matter what our lives are like, small positive changes can be made. I have devised these recipes specifically for budget conscious students and time conscious families. They are straightforward to cook, nutritionally balanced and delicious. Developing healthy eating habits is simpler and easier than you might think and you will look and feel better.” … find more Eat Smart recipes on www.nhfireland.ie! About the Nutrition and Health Foundation The Nutrition & Health Foundation (NHF) is an independent partnership of industry, government, State agencies, scientists, health professionals and citizens working together to address Ireland’s lifestyle, nutrition and health challenges. The NHF communicates evidence based

n L-R: Chef Kevin Dundon, NHF Manager Muireann Cullen, Miss University Ireland Holly Carpenter

information on nutrition, health and physical activity to encourage an improved and healthier society in Ireland. For further information, see www.nhfireland.ie. Eat Smart Week is an annual NHF initiative to encourage the Irish population to re-appraise their dietary habits. There is a dedicated section on the NHF website for Eat Smart Week that hosts a suite of nutritious and low cost food recipes, tips on smarter shopping etc. There is also valuable information on how to develop an exercise routine that will bring about a more balanced lifestyle. Find OUT MORE Find more Eat Smart recipes on www. nhfireland.ie!

Healthy Recipe: Savoury Quiche (Serves 6 - 8) Pastry is nice to have ready in the freezer if you make your own but also don’t rule out the possibility of buying the pastry. You can put anything in your quiche in the line of meat and vegetables so please yourself.

Ingredients • 7ozs/200g plain flour • 3 ½ ozs/100g hardened butter• Pinch of salt • 5-6 dessertspoons of ice cold water • 1 dessertspoon of poppy seeds (optional) • 6 large free range eggs • 10flozs/300ml milk • 1 medium sized onion • 6 mushrooms-thinly sliced • 10 cherry tomatoes • Seasoning • 4ozs/110g grated cheddar or mozzarella cheese • Preheat oven to 180C/350F/Gas Mark 4 To make the pastry: Sieve the plain flour into a large mixing bowl. Add the salt. Rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add the poppy seeds at this stage also

(optional).Mix in enough cold water to bind the pastry together. Cover with cling film and rest until required. Roll out the pastry and use it to line a 9 inch quiche dish. Blind bake the tartlet shell for 15-18 minutes or until the pastry is lightly browned. Meanwhile prepare the filling: Fry the sliced onions and mushrooms for 4-5 minutes or until they are just softened. Spread the mushroom and onion filling over the base of the quiche dish. Finely chop the bacon and spread it over the onion mixture. Dot the cherry tomatoes in though the filing-approximately placing one in each slice. Mix the eggs and milk together and pour generously over the top of the flan. Sprinkle with the grated cheese and bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes. Serve hot or cold with a mixed side salad.

Healthy Recipe: Potato & Thyme Soup Ingredients: 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 tablespoon butter 1 litre chicken or vegetable stock 3–4 Sprigs Thyme, leaves picked 600g Potatoes, peeled and finely chopped Salt and Pepper Olive Oil for frying Instructions: In a large saucepan, fry the onion in a little butter and olive oil until softened but not browned. Add the potatoes and most of the thyme and cook until the potatoes turn translucent. Season well with salt and pepper. Cover with the chicken or vegetable stock and simmer until the potatoes are tender. Let the soup cool slightly before blitzing with a hand blender - leave a few lumps for a more rustic soup. Serve with the remaining thyme leaves scattered on top. It serves 6 people and only 118 calories per bowl! (created by Kevin Dundon of Dunbrody Country House Hotel & Restaurant)

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GMIT Castlebar

Study business and construction management at Gmit in Castlebar

espite the passing of the CAO deadline it is still possible to apply for programmes of study in GMIT at Castlebar. Such programmes include: • Higher Certificate in Business in Computer Applications • Bachelor of Business • Bachelor of Arts in Accounting & Financial Management • Bachelor of Arts in Humanities in Heritage Studies • Bachelor of Science in Construction Management in Refurbishment & Maintenance. These programmes of study prepare students for a wide range of challenging roles in the commercial, industrial and academic sectors at all levels. Business

The main business programmes take students through to a Bachelor of

Business at ordinary and honours levels. The ordinary degree programme allows students to specialise in marketing, management, accountancy and information systems management while the honours degree further develops critical thinking and problem solving skills. The Higher Certificate in Business in Computer Applications focuses on the use of IT in Business and students can also progress to the Bachelor of Business programme. Graduates may progress to the Bachelor of Business (Honours) programmes. Heritage Heritage Studies includes a broad range of modules from history, archaeology and environmental science to literature and folklore. There is an emphasis on geography in this programme. The heritage programme

is guided by current best practice in the sector as seen in museums, heritage centres, conservation programmes and research. The academic programme also provides a forum for critical reflection on the heritage concept as it relates to issues of identity, diversity and pluralism. Construction Management – Refurbishment & Maintenance The Bachelor of Science in Construction Management is a three year programme where there is a focus on refurbishment and maintenance. In particular relevant building technologies form an important part of this programme. Admission to programmes of study in these disciplines is through the CAO or by direct application.

Business, Humanities or Technology AT GMIT, CASTLEBAR

CAO Programmes still available – www.cao.ie Business

GA869 – Computer Applications GA877 – Business GA878 - Accountancy

Construction

GA875 - Refurbishment & Maintenance

Humanities

GA872 – Heritage Studies

For more information: Telephone: 094 9043174 / 094 9043101, Email: michael.gill@gmit.ie Web: www.gmit.ie/castlebar Education 25

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ITT Dublin

Skills to take advantage of both the Irish and European employment market Year three of this four year course is spent at one of ITT Dublin’s partner colleges in either France, the Czech Republic, Poland, Germany, Austria, or Spain, as part of the European Erasmus exchange programme

he BA (Hons) in European Studies at ITT Dublin, the Institute of Technology Tallaght, is a four year liberal arts degree programme (level 8). In the CAO booklet the relevant code is TA021, and you can get details from the Department of Humanities website: www.it-tallaght.ie/humanities.

Combining a European language (French, German or Spanish – all of which can be taken at beginners’ level) with the study of European history, international politics, business and law, economics, culture and literature, as well as communication and computer skills, this course provides students with a range of commercially attractive transferable skills to take advantage of both the Irish and European employment market and allows its graduates great flexibility in relation to job opportunities. Launched in 2002, there has been a steady demand for places on the programme. Students spend their first two years at the Tallaght campus in south west Dublin, with year three of this four year course spent at one of ITT Dublin’s partner colleges in either France, the Czech Republic, Poland, Germany, Austria, or Spain, as part of the European Erasmus

exchange programme, With an emphasis on high quality teaching in a student-friendly environment, the BA (Hons) in European Studies at ITT Dublin is a worthwhile and popular choice for students wishing to complete a liberal arts degree with a strong European dimension. Find OUT MORE For further information contact: Dr. Geraldine Grogan Email: Geraldine.grogan@ittdublin.ie Or Ms. Mairead Power: email Mairead.power@ittdublin.ie Institute website: www.ittdublin.ie

Course facts: CAO Code TA 021: HONOURS BACHELOR DEGREE IN ARTS – EUROPEAN STUDIES l

Honours Bachelor Degree in Arts European Studies

Length of course: 4 years

Entry Requirements, Honours Bachelor Degree – European Studies: At least Grade C3 in two higher level papers and Grade D3 in four ordinary level papers in the Leaving Cert. The subjects must include either Irish or English. Se also pages.

Recognised in Europe

Mature students welcome. Mature applicants (23 years of age) may not be required to meet the minimum entry requirements but may be considered on their merits.

Links Scheme

3 Distinctions, Languages and European Studies (ELESX), Cultural and Heritage Studies (ECHSX), Tourism (DTXXX), Print Journalism (EPJXX), International Trade (BBSIT).

No prior knowledge of a foreign language is required.

Research opportunities at Post Graduate level

Career Opportunities

Recent minimum CAO points: 250

Recent points range for applicants choosing this course: 250-400

Political Lobbying and Advocacy, postgraduate study, political and marketing researcher. Education 27

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28 Education

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College of Agriculture Food and Rural Enterprise, (CAFRE)

Grow your career at Greenmount

reenmount Campus is part of the College of Agriculture Food and Rural Enterprise, (CAFRE), situated just a few miles from Belfast International Airport near the town of Antrim. The superb nationally recognised horticulture facilities include 18 hectares of landscaped grounds, a modern horticulture production nursery and a recently completed golf driving range. The college offers a wide range of courses, both full-time and parttime, to meet the needs of school leavers and career changers. For those studying full time very competitively priced accommodation is available on site. Increasingly employers are looking for students who are ‘good to go’. This is why, at CAFRE, the students not only study horticultural

theory but also get involved in practical projects. They have just completed a project making up, marketing and selling a range of Christmas baskets. Later this year they will be growing plants and designing and building gardens for shows. All the courses at Greenmount include a period of work experience, at home or abroad, with landscaping businesses, historic gardens, nurseries or garden centres. Greenmount Campus has been educating and training members of the industry since 1924, so to grow your career come along to our taster day or open evening and find out what we can offer you; Greenmount Campus Open Day: Wed 25 April 2012

CAFRE Career Profiles Philip Reid - HNC in Agriculture "Part-time study gave the best of both worlds being able to further my education as well as working on the home farm. I found the course really challenging and could relate the subjects taught, such as Animal Production, IT and Farm Management back to my home farm situation. It also gave me the opportunity to meet new people and I would strongly recommend the course to anyone interested in part-time study". Christopher Holden. Job Title: River Watcher Christopher graduated from the Foundation degree in Rural & Countryside management course at Greenmount Campus in June 2008. He successfully gained employment with the Loughs Agency as River Watcher; his duties included patrolling Lough Foyle and coastal waters, investigating pollution incidents and undertake survey work. Chris comments ‘Modules such as Environmental Science and Habitat Management and are really useful in my new job, I’m now putting the theory I learnt into practice. Shelley Annan - BSc in Equine Studies Shelley completed the National Diploma in Horse Management at Enniskillen Campus and then progressed onto higher-level courses before graduating with an Honours Degree in Equine Studies. Shelley has worked for a large yard in North Carolina working with show jumpers, attending shows on the Florida Circuit. ‘I really enjoyed the variety of life at Enniskillen Campus, I was involved with the equitation, racing and breeding yards. I developed my equitation skills, rode the racehorses every morning and during my third year of the HND gained valuable experience running the breeding unit.’

Open Day: Wed 25 April 2012

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UCC General ad 25-1.indd 1

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College of Progressive Education & Montessori Education Centre

Quality in montessori education

he College of Progressive Education established in 1986 is based in Blackrock a leafy suburb of Dublin. The College has been the leader in care training in the country since its foundation and currently delivers FETAC Level 5 and 6 internationally recognised, accredited programmes in the areas of Childcare, Montessori and Healthcare.

The programmes are on the National Framework of Qualifications, which gives students the valuable option to progress their studies in the future in one of Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s renowned third level colleges. Recognising the CAO route is not suited to every student the College has over the years developed a range of high quality full time vocational based training programmes

for learners who wish to pursue a career in care. In the current challenging employment market there is clear evidence that the employment opportunities for many of the College graduates is as strong now as it was in the height of the economic boom. The new ECCE scheme is giving rise to an increase in demand for trained childcare practitioners as is the changing population profile giving rise to an increase in demand for trained healthcare assistants. Students who have attended the College are well regarded in their sector and have found it relatively easy to secure permanent employment. Students will find all the support they need from the highly trained College staff. Find OUT MORE For further information on the College programmes contact Irene Keane the Principal on Tel: 01 4884302 or Email: irene@progressivecollege.com.

Education 31

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06/03/2012 16:38:15

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Ink Cartridges

Original, remanufactured and compatible ink & toner cartridges ECO INK sell Original, Remanufactured & Compatible ink and toner cartridges to businesses and the public throughout Ireland via our website www.ecoink.ie. All of our remanufactured & compatible toner cartridges are sourced from STMP & ISO9001 compliant suppliers which is our customers guarantee of quality and consistency. For added peace of mind we offer a free warranty on our customer printer whilst using our product. Best of all is the 50% + savings which you will enjoy by switching to Eco Ink products. Eco Ink are approved suppliers to Institutes of technology in Cork & Letterkenny. ● 50% average savings on our quality certified ink and toner products. ● STMC & ISO9001 certified cartridges- your guarantee of Quality & Consistency ● Compare and choose from Original, Compatible & Remanufactured cartridges. ● Full Replacement Warranty on your Printer whilst using our products ● No Quibble guarantee on all of our products. ● Free delivery on all orders over €50. ● Secure online shopping - great customer service & friendly staff. ● Irish owned company based in Tipperary. ● Online Charity shop available to source & sell office equipment. FIND OUT MORE www.ecoink.ie

Eco Ink Eco Ink - for your ink & toner supplies that won't cost the Earth Patrick Clarke E: pclarke@ecoink.ie P: +353 (0)87 9020321 W: www.ecoink.ie Eco Ink Ballycorrigan, Boher Road, Ballina / Killaloe, Co Tipperary. Ireland

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168 ARDLEA ROAD, ARTANE, DUBLIN 5. Email: education@clubi.ie Publishers of:

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www.educationmagazine.ie 34 EDUCATION

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STUDENT TOURS

Special Feature

Student tours Learning and Leisure

TUDENTS are still faced with huge pressures to succeed in exams, perhaps now more than ever. Education systems the world over face the charge that they produce industry fodder. Commentators fret that our young people come ill-prepared for the adult world. Schools and educators retort that they are not charged with producing rounded human beings, that the curriculum and the outside culture is results driven. One of the ways of leaving the pressure behind is to take students out of the classroom setting and allow them to experience destinations, venues and settings first hand, whether for a day or for a week. The school tour is an old idea but there has never been a greater choice of destination or experience on offer as there is today. Those organising student travel and tours, as well as those designing the experiences at student destinations aim to cover the two sides of the modern student. The venues need to be educational. Indeed, they need to be stimulating in a world where young people have never had so much stimulation. But as with the old adage that to travel is better than to arrive, the tour itself needs to be enjoyable for the student and allow them to interact with their fellow students outside the academic environment. Even the logistics of getting prepared and organised for the trip can be a challenging, rewarding and practically useful experience for the young traveller. The tour can be one of the memories of student days that never fade over the years and with the demands for a more rounded education, the student tour is an invaluable resource for any school or college.

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STUDENT TOURS

Budget School & Group Tours

For the student trip of a lifetime What type of tour groups do you cater for? Budget School & Group Tours caters for groups with a minimum of 15 people. Groups are from varied backgrounds including schools, sports clubs and choirs to name a few. Very often groups will have a particular interest and Budget School & Group Tours caters to the group’s specific requirements. Whether it’s a choral group that wishes to perform in a prestigious venue, a rugby club looking for an overseas training camp or a school tour that wants to focus on World War Two events Budget School & Group Tours looks after everything from before departure, while the group’s away and follows up upon the group’s return. Budget School & Group Tours has recently launched a series of school subject specific tours including history, geography, languages and transition year. Day trip tours to UK theme parks are both popular and very affordable. History tours to Northern Ireland have seen a huge increase, and with the 100 year anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, Belfast is now proving a popular overnight destination for tours.

Gareth Flood of Budget School & Group Tours talks to Education Magazine can put into practice what they learned in the morning. There has been a massive interest in tours to Krakow where tours can explore the UNESCO city, local salt mines and infamous Auschwitz. Groups can opt to add an overnight rail trip to Berlin. The feedback from this tour has been incredibly positive. Despite being seen as an expensive holiday ski and snowboard tours remain popular for school tours. Budget School & Group Tours offers ski tours to great traditional European resorts, as well as to lesser known gems in Slovakia and the USA. What level of assistance do you offer teachers planning a tour? Each tour is assigned a Tour Advisor and a Tour Co-ordinator from Budget School & Group Tours. The Tour Advisor is the first port of call for a group leader. The Tour Advisor runs through the costs of tours, and can offer suggestions to keep everything in line with their budget.

What are the typical destinations that tour groups choose? Budget School & Group Tours works closely with local suppliers to ensure they can deliver value to their customers while at the same time being able to offer the most up to date, jam packed itinerary full of attractions and points of interest. Paris is favoured by many school tours year after year. The city offers something for every interest, from sports, the arts and right through to good old fashioned fun at Disneyland. Budget School & Group Tours organises language tours for many schools. Students participate in structured language classes in the morning and have their afternoons filled by interesting trips to museums, galleries and famous landmarks where they

Thorpe Park, Surrey

The Tour Co-ordinators create a detailed tour itinerary for the group travelling. Many of the Tour Co-ordinators are from the countries the group will be visiting. The multilingual Tour Co-ordinators have a close relationship with the suppliers overseas and are easily able to deliver on the demands from the tour group leader. Fully comprehensive insurance is included in all tours organised by Budget School & Group Tours. The Tour Co-ordinators will arrange everything from the group flight booking, airport transfers, accommodation booking, itinerary planning, booking of all activities on the itinerary, restaurant reservations and are able to advise and guide group tour leaders through the whole process. An emergency assist number is available to all our tour group leaders whilst abroad if they need help. How should teachers and parents go about arranging a trip? The first step would always be to contact Budget School & Group Tours and let them know what type of tour you’re interested in and what time of year you plan to travel. Your dedicated Tour Advisor will then be able to suggest options and pricing at this stage. The tour leader can add or remove activities as they wish and the tour will be re-priced accordingly. Parents are often invited to an evening meeting at the school where they’ll be introduced to the tour and the costs involved.The group leader will then collect deposits from the students who wish to go on the tour. Budget School & Group Tours will then assign the school group leader a Tour Co-ordinator who will take them step by step through the entire itinerary, organising every last detail.

36 EDUCATION

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Student Tours Do you have any price offers for early booking? There are lots of incentives to book early. If you take a typical example for a group of 40 passengers travelling on a tour, they may be able to avail of a €25 per paying passenger discount if booked well in advance of the departure date. That ammounts to a €1,000 saving for the whole group. Budget School & Group Tours can offer the best prices the earlier the booking is made. Free leader places are also available, and these all depend on the numbers travelling. Generally speaking a ratio of one free leader place per eight students travelling is offered. Budget School & Group Tours also offers inspection tours. Inspection tours give group leaders the opportunity to research and experience a tour destination prior to bringing their group on the tour. Inspection tours also give group leaders the opportunity to meet with other group leaders, exchange experiences and make recommendations. Staff from Budget School & Group Tours go on all inspection tours, so it's a great chance for everyone to get to know each other a little better. Do you provide backup for group leaders while there are on a tour? Group leaders can rest assured that there is always assistance on hand with an emergency telephone line to contact. Budget School & Group Tours has been organising tours for over 26 years and has dealt with all kinds of situations. What would a ski trip typically entail? Ski and snowboard tours offer a great healthy, activity based experience and is excellent for team building and bonding. Budget School & Group Tours has selected ski resorts across Europe and the USA that can cater especially well for school groups that can cater especially well for school groups. Packages are all inclusive and include airline tickets, transfers, full board accommodation, equipment hire, lessons and lift passes. Tour Co-ordinators will also ensure that evening activities are organised to occupy the group after their day on the slopes. Students new to skiing will be comfortable skiers by the end of the tour, and already accomplished skiers will have gained new skills, and improved their confidence on the snow. Do you include travel insurance as part of your packages? When you book a tour with Budget School & Group Tours you can rest assured that fully comprehensive travel insurance is automatically provided on all their tours, whether at home or abroad and winter sports insurance is provided for ski tours. In

fact the insurance policy is specifically designed for groups and group leaders. Budget School & Group Tours recommends that people carry their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The EHIC allows access to health care services when travelling to other EU or EEA countries and Switzerland. Is Budget School and Group Tours bonded? Budget School & Group Tours is a fully bonded, registered travel agency and is part of ITAA, IATA and ABTA. All payments made to Budget School & Group Tours are 100% secure. With recent bad weather, and volcanic ash causing disruption across Europe it’s an acute reminder as to the security that a bonded travel agency provides. If you were to organise your own tour and were disrupted due to weather you'd be left with the administrative nightmare of cancelling and seeking refunds for everything you've booked and organising your own way back home. Budget School & Group Tours is part of the well known Irish owned USIT travel agency. Why would a teacher book a tour with Budget School & Group Tours instead of organising it themselves? Budget School & Group Tours has a close working relationship with travel providers at home and abroad. As a result they are able to negotiate the best prices available. They’ve been working with suppliers for over 26 years and have a deep understanding of how the market works. Their multilingual team is able to offer a local insight to many tour destinations, helping you get an authentic experience abroad. An emergency phone service is available to all group leaders, useful in the event of flight delays and poor weather. Help is at hand to get you on your way as quickly as possible. What is Budget School and Group Tours background and history? Established in 1985, Budget School & Group Tours is Ireland longest established school tours company. Bought by USIT in 2007, the two companies have a combined 80 years experience in the Irish travel industry. Budget School & Group Tours looks after the needs of over 15,000 people each year who travel from Belfast to Bondi and Cork to Cape Town! 100% Irish owned and based in Dublin, the company employs a multilingual team of 20 people.

The Walls of Derry

Plazza de Toros, Málaga

Eiffel Tower, Paris

Pompei, Naples

Thorpe Park, Surrey

Amsterdam Canals

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Student Tours

Avon Ri

Primary & secondary school tours at Avon Ri Adventure Centre

We have an exciting selection of activities available here on the shores of the Blessington Lake. With over 20 years experience working with school groups, colleges and transition year programmes we can offer a wide range of activities such as multi activity programs, team building , courses and specially designed programs to cater for your school. Activities can include, Kayaking, Canadian Canoeing, Archery, Climbing Wall, Team Tasks, Low ropes Course, Zipline, mountain biking, Orienteering and 5 a side. Discounted prices for schools in 2012. Find OUT MORE Call us on 045-900670 ext 3 for more information or bookings. Email: blessingtonteamup@gmail.com www.avonri.com

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Student Tours

National Wax Museum

Science and Discovery is a Big Plus The National Wax Museum Plus puts the fun and exploration back into Science this year as Dublin is dubbed European City of Science 2012.

he National Wax Museum Plus encourages school groups to engage with Science and Invention this year as the capital becomes the European City of Science for 2012. Housed in the National Wax Museum Plus is a hidden gem, the attractions' very own Science and Discovery Gallery celebrating Irish inventors, scientists and engineers, many of whom have engineered some of the world most revolutionary inventions. The National Wax Museum Plus delivers this element of the attraction in an interactive and informative way using wall charts, touch screen technology and online databases, giving visitors a chance to explore and discover for themselves. This area is perfect for both primary and post primary school groups as it is in keeping with the school curriculum. It gives pupils a chance to get real hands-on experience through interaction with the exhibits, which exhibits the work of our great Irish inventors in a practical way. The tour will take you on a journey through Irish history and cultural heritage, an enchanting children’s zone of discovery, a green screen video room, a recording studio and all the exceptional life-like stars of Rock n’ Roll, film, TV, theatre and sport that you would expect to see at the National Wax Museum. Find OUT MORE Open 7 Days, 10am – 7pm School Groups are €6.50 per pupil teachers are free. www.waxmuseumplus.ie For group bookings call: 01 6718373

Tours

The story of the capital

Dublin City Hall An outstanding example of the Georgian architecture for which Dublin is world-renowned www.dublincity.ie/dublincityhall/

City Hall, situated in the heart of Dublin is an outstanding example of the Georgian architecture for which Dublin is world-renowned. Designed by Thomas Cooley, it was built by the Guild of Merchants as the Royal Exchange and used as a financial centre until Dublin Corporation bought the building in 1851. It was re-named 'City Hall' in 1852 at the first meeting held there of Dublin City Council. City Hall was the hub of Dublin’s civic administration until 1995, when Dublin Corporation moved its headquarters to the newly completed Civic Offices at Wood Quay. It was then refurbished from 1998-2000, and was open to the public in 2000. It is still the focal point for the Council’s elected members, Dublin City Council and the Council meets on the first Monday of every month in the historic Council Chamber, originally the coffee-room of the Royal Exchange. The sheer size and sumptuous fittings of City Hall reflect the prestige of Dublin in the late 18th century. The spectacular entrance hall or Rotunda with its spacious dome is surrounded by an ambulatory where the merchants strolled and discussed business. The Rotunda is now available for hire for corporate events, private functions and Civil Marriage/ Civil Partnership Ceremonies. The superb vaults at lower ground floor level were also restored as part of the refurbishment of City Hall and they now host a multi media exhibition, “The Story of the Capital”. The exhibition traces Dublin’s evolution, from before the Anglo-Norman invasion of 1170 to the present day through a mix of video and newsreel footage, display of a number of important artefacts, interactive software and interpretative text. Audio guides and leaflets are available in several different languages, the building is fully wheelchair accessible and a charming café on site adds to the ambiance.

Find OUT MORE www.dublincity.ie/dublincityhall • E. cityhall@dublincity.ie T. 222 2204 • Dublin City Hall, Dame Street, Dublin 2 Education 41

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Student Tours

Group Travel International (GTI)

Your one stop shop for group travel What is GTI’s history? This year when you think “School Tour," think Group Travel International (GTI), Ireland’s leading school tour operator. 100% Irish owned and operated, we are an innovative group travel company providing tailor made tours to European and worldwide. Catering for all age groups, we have extensive experience in designing itineraries and our motto is to provide a professional service at the most competitive price. We cover a wide area of interests including school, sports, music and escorted tours and recently set up a new company, Golf Travel International, promoting golf tours and tournaments. Celebrating 10 successful years, GTI school tours are educational, professional and packed with value. As one of the largest and most secure group travel companies operating in Ireland, our dynamic team are enthusiastic and committed to making your tour an enjoyable and memorable experience. I have worked in the school tour market since 1991 - this probably makes me the most experienced school tour expert in Ireland today.

Why book a group tour with GTI? A great thing about GTI is we offer a flexible approach to our clients, as well as a great range of choice. You tell us when, where, how long, how much and we do the rest. Combine this with free places and personalised itineraries and you have a wonderful, affordable tour! Having organised over 1500 tours in 10 years, we offer a wide variety of school itineraries including tours for music groups, rugby teams and set subject courses such as Art, History and Geography. In 2012, following a high number of requests, we will also be offering language classes in China, our most popular long haul destination for school tours. The team at GTI are well travelled with firsthand knowledge on worldwide destinations and our experienced, long term staff are able to assist you with all aspects of your

Derek Keogh of Group Travel International talks to Education Magazine tailor made tour at a price that’s right. We can arrange tours to almost any part of the world and are always happy to look at new destinations and ideas for your group. We continually set ourselves high standards of excellence and are small enough to be flexible and large enough to be imaginative and develop new destinations.

Operation teams work closely together to ensure everything behind the scenes is as simple as possible, with as much or as little input from you as you like. Our simple approach means there is no time consuming paperwork to complete, no difficult procedures to follow and no hassle.

What are the benefits to the Group Leader?

Our tours include scheduled flights, rail services or sea crossings, executive coach transfers, good quality accommodation, professional tour managers, local guides and a tailor made itinerary. Included in your itinerary is a daily programme of excursions and visits which we design with your group in mind. When we book a group tour, we consider all the airline and airport options to ensure you get the best times and flights. The groups are met on arrival by modern executive coaches, ranging in size from a 25 seater up to 84 seater depending on the country you visit. Every year GTI send staff to inspect the hotels and excursions so our clients have the very best hotels along with the most up to date information. Our operations team are just back from inspections in Barcelona and we have another site visit organised to Krakow in May. We also make sure to include a wide choice of evening activities which give students the opportunity to wind down after a long day. Typical evening activities include swimming, tenpin bowling, ice skating, student discos and quiz nights.

GTI pride ourselves on our friendly, personal service and understand there is no such thing as a standard tour. The interests and requirements of each group are different and we work with tour organisers and use our extensive network of international agents to research and design tours to your exact requirements. When you call you will be speaking to someone who understands how group tours work, what makes them a success, and who will be able to give a quick, honest answer to your questions. A face to face meeting can be arranged with our sales staff to ensure we know your specific requirements and to deliver exactly what you want. Once your tour is confirmed our Sales and

What do GTI tours include?

Does GTI offer value for money tours? We are all very conscious of budgets and money at present but it is important to remember the value of school tours to students. School tours don’t have to be expensive and there are still plenty of opportunities

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Student Tours available for good value tours to overseas destinations. These destinations offer plenty of exciting activities and excursions to keep your school group entertained. With a choice of accommodation and flights GTI are able to build you a budget conscious tour while providing the key ingredients that make up a fun and educational trip. We have negotiated lower prices with suppliers and by booking early you can take advantage of the best value flights, accommodation and excursions. You can also coordinate the tour at your leisure, giving students time to save. GTI offer an early booking bonus to all paying persons travelling on our tours and for each 8 paying persons the 9th person travels free. We also offer a free single room to the group leader.

Am I getting the best tour possible? Our objective is to arrange a tour that exceeds your expectations. GTI start by learning what you want from your trip and use our expertise to arrange the best possible tour, giving you maximum value and enjoyment. Each year GTI visit the destinations we sell to ensure the hotels, guides and local services meet our needs and our strict requirements. Even after you depart, we are still working for you. Our local partners are trained to go the extra mile and provide you with the best possible service. They communicate with us to let us know how your trip is going. Should any problems arise, they are there to resolve things efficiently and effectively and we are just a phone call away. Upon your return our Operations Department contact Group Leaders and send out Questionnaires for feedback. We want to know how your trip was and learn how to continue to improve our services. GTI continually strive to improve and maintain the high quality of tours we provide and much of our business is from repeat clients and referrals, proof of our dedication to customers. We appreciate the great support Find OUT MORE Contact GTI Tel: 01-8434734 Email: info@gti-ireland.com Web: www.gti-ireland.com

received over the years and enjoy arranging the perfect trip, as much as groups enjoy travelling with us.

Paris

What back up does GTI provide for Group Leaders while they are on tour? GTI hold a Travel Agents Licence (T.A. 0533) issued by the Commission of Aviation, a government body, to ensure that all bookings for holidays by air are fully protected. Our school tours always include fully comprehensive travel insurance, ensuring students and adults are covered for their trip. GTI give all of our groups a 24hr emergency phone service while they are abroad so in the unlikely event emergency assistance is required, we will be on hand to help you.

china

Does GTI offer Inspection Visits? Each year GTI arrange inspection visits to destinations we feel will be of interest to Group Leaders. These tours offer an ideal opportunity to familiarise yourself with new and different destinations and to sample the accommodations, local excursions and activities available. These fantastic tours, which are also a wonderful holiday opportunity, enable Group Leaders to meet and get to know the GTI team and the people who will be looking after your group during their stay. All Group Leaders who book a tour with GTI by April 2012 are entitled to travel on our Group Leader Tour in June 2012. This wonderful tour visits beautiful Munich, sunny Lake Garda and includes a spectacular journey by Alpine Train.

berlin

What else can GTI offer? As Ireland’s leading cultural, history, and special interest holiday provider, Group Travel International (GTI) provide an exciting range of escorted tours. This exceptional range of holidays, supported by The Irish Times, Irish Independent, Sunday Times and Farmers Journal, include special interest destinations, cultural journeys and relaxing getaways. The tours offer a perfect balance of excursions, amazing sights and free time. Visit www.gti-ireland.com for more information and don’t forget to use your €50 voucher!

barcelona

normandy

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Student Tours

Glasnevin Museum

A fascinating view over Ireland’s Necropolis

ewly opened this year, Glasnevin Museum is a wonderful introduction to the wealth of national history within the walls of Glasnevin Cemetery. This interactive visitor attraction offers a fascinating view of Ireland’s Necropolis and the many renowned figures that shaped the country we live in today. A trip to Glasnevin Cemetery includes a guided tour of the cemetery and a visit to the museum and is a unique opportunity to gain an understanding of Ireland’s complex history. Glasnevin Museum is a must see for anyone interested in Irish Heritage and Genealogy. The exhibitions over two floors show the social, historical, political and artistic development of modern Ireland through the lives of the generations buried in Ireland’s necropolis. The tour also includes a visit to the crypt of Daniel O Connell. Glasnevin Museum and Tours bring history to life for children and adults of all ages. School groups to Glasnevin can make use of our Education Packs for Primary, Junior and Leaving Cert. For Primary Schools we offer the opportunity for active exploration and investigation of our archive material. Glasnevin allows children to experience a number of the Strands for 5th and 6th class such as Era of Change and Conflict; Politics, Conflict and Society and Literature, Arts, Craft and Culture.

Glasnevin Trust, who operates both the museum and Glasnevin Cemetery, is a non for profit organisation (CHY 5849).

A visit for Junior Certificate history students can link into the curriculum in Section III: Understanding the Modern Ireland, as Glasnevin is such an important place in our political and social landscape as many of those who shaped the modern Ireland are buried here. Transition Year Students have even more possibilities as projects and visits can be developed around History, Religion, Genealogy and Travel & Tourism. For students of the Leaving Certificate History syllabus Glasnevin offers a unique insight into three of the Later Modern Ireland section of the curriculum. Our Religions exhibition offers a comprehensive view of the many different faiths which are interred in Ireland’s first nondenominational Cemetery. Museum facilities include the Tower Cafe which offers a wide and varied menu and the Glasnevin Trust Shop which stocks exclusive gifts and souvenirs. Glasnevin Cemetery is the largest cemetery in Ireland and was first opened in 1832. It was established as a place where people of all religions and none could bury their dead with dignity. The cemetery has grown to become a national monument and is a vital part of the Irish Heritage story.

Opening Hours Monday to Friday 10am – 5pm Saturday Sunday & Bank Holiday Mondays 11am – 6pm Cemetery Tours Daily 10.30am, 11.30am & 2.30pm (Additional Tours on Sundays at 3.30pm) For Groups over 10 advance booking is required please contact: museum@glasnevintrust.ie 01 8826550. Admission Prices Exhibition & Cemetery Tour €10.00, Family Ticket €25.00 (2 x Adults, 2X Children) Find OUT MORE www.glasnevinmuseum.ie Follow us on facebook!

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Student Tours

NST

Confey Community Collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tour to Paris Stephen McLoughlin, a French teacher at Confey Community College in Leixlip, took his first year students on a school tour to Paris in February 2012 with NST. Stephen took some time out from his busy teaching schedule to tell us about his groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tour experience. Why did you choose Paris for your school tour? The first year tour to Paris has always been a very popular trip offered by the school, even more evident this year as we had the largest number to date with 70 students. How did you fill your time and what were your highlights? We had a packed itinerary for our four days in Paris. From when the coach met us at the airport to when it dropped us off four days later, we were busy visiting all the top sights of Paris including the Louvre, Versailles and the Sacre Coeur in Montmartre. We had an excellent guided coach tour of Paris where the students were able to sit back and be shown the city from the comfort of the coach. The guide told anecdotal stories which the students enjoyed hearing. They found out some information on places and areas that were not covered in the itinerary and they got a chance

to take some photographs of them too. Our top three highlights were: Walt Disney Studios and Disneyland Paris as this is somewhere the kids have always wanted to see and experience. Eiffel Tower due to it being such a national monument that everyone wanted to ascend to the top for the fabulous views of the city. Stade de France as this year we had a lot of boys on the n First Years of Confey Community College, trip and they were Leixlip at Sacre Coeur in Paris interested in rugby and music concerts held there. We had a guided tour of the stadium and the week of the visit coincided with the 6 Nations Rugby Tournament which made it even more exciting for the group. What were the main benefits of the trip for your students? I felt the benefits of the tour included social development and interaction amongst their peers, especially with those not in the same base classes. They had the opportunity to experience the target language and culture first hand. Now the students are back in the classroom, they seem to be more outgoing and sociable as a result of the tour. They now call on their fist hand experience of the city, language and culture in French classes. The tour was a very positive experience for the students and staff involved. The group was extremely well-behaved and all were proud ambassadors for the school whilst abroad. For many it was their first trip away without a parent or family member and they enjoyed the independence this gave them. With such an actionpacked four-day itinerary, they are fortunate to cover all the major attractions Paris has to offer, and more! For many it is the highlight of their first year in secondary school and the memories they have and the friends they make from it remain with them for many years into their futures! Finally, how did you feel about travelling with NST? I have always enjoyed travelling with NST. I have found the staff accommodating, helpful and efficient. I would have no hesitation in recommending this tour to others. Find OUT MORE Website: www.nst.ie

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Sage@School

An opportunity to train in Sage accounts software

age Ireland is providing school teachers across Ireland with an exciting and unique opportunity to become certified trainers in Sage Instant Accounts, giving them the chance to up-skill and enrich their knowledge as a teacher. The Sage@School programme was created to give all those students with an interest in accounting and business an insight into Irish companies and the daily challenges they face, by outlining how business decisions are taken based on accounting information. The course gives students an opportunity to train in Sage accounts software and learn the key aspects of cash flow, financial processes and budget management. Sage@School is designed to prepare the next generation workforce for the 21st

century business world with a practical way of learning business skills with Ireland’s leading accounts software. It also enriches students CVs with valuable experience, fosters entrepreneurship, increases employability and enhances the use of ICT in business education by giving students the opportunity to use, and become certified in, a commercially available accounting package. teacher training and student training The course is split into two distinct parts – teacher training and student training. The aim of the teacher training course is to provide teachers with the skills, knowledge and competencies to deliver Sage training to students. All teachers receive a web

based e-learning solution to prepare them for a one day workshop, held in every county across Ireland throughout the year. The student course is completed in approximately 12 hours and is designed to give students an insight into computerised accounts, business students and basic accounting principles. Students receive practice CDs, programme manuals and complete online exams to receive their Sage certification. “By working together with schools across Ireland, we can help develop the business people of tomorrow, today”. Find OUT MORE Call Sage@School on 1890 924 280. Or e-mail sageatschool@sage.com.

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...........................................................................................................................News Scan

Five new spin-out companies established at UCD during 2011 UCD’s commercialisation results for 2011 show that 5 new spin-out companies were established to commercialise the output of University College Dublin research programmes during the year. The 5 new spin-outs are involved in diverse activities including; energy management [Belfield Technologies and Wattics]; ultra-violet light sources and optics for the semi-conductor industry [New Lambda Technologies]; pharmaceutical processing technologies [APC]; and specialist construction risk assessment and management [BRAM].

In addition 17 licence agreements were concluded by UCD in 2011 with a range of indigenous and international companies bringing to over 50 the number of licences concluded since 2007. N o v a UCD , t h e I n n o v a t i o n a n d Technology Transfer Centre, is responsible for the commercialisation of intellectual property arising from UCD research programmes and for nurturing high-tech and knowledge-intensive enterprises. The 5 new spin-out companies have all

c o m p l e t e d t h e N o v a UCD C a m p u s Company Development Programme. This enterprise support programme assists UCD academic and research entrepreneurs in bringing their innovative ideas from intellectual concepts to fully-developed and sound commercial business enterprises. 187 new ventures and 289 individuals have now completed this programme. 37 high-tech and knowledge-intensive companies, employing over 200 people, are currently based at NovaUCD.

sustainable smart economy “Developing a sustainable smart economy in Ireland needs a strong flow of innovative ideas and high-tech start-up companies,” said Professor Peter Clinch, Vice-President for Innovation at UCD. “2011 was an excellent year for the establishment of new high-tech start-ups at the University. These start-ups will grow and develop in the coming years and will generate highly-skilled job opportunities.” 2011 also saw forty-four (44) new inventions generated by researchers at the university. UCD filed 36 patent applications, including 18 priority, 8 PCT (patent co-operation treaty) and 10 national/regional applications during 2011. These patents were filed for intellectual property arising from research taking place across the University’s Colleges, Schools and Institutes. A total of 91 priority patent applications have now been filed by UCD in the last 5-years.

n Pictured are members of Wattics Ltd, one of the five UCD spin-out companies established during 2011, (l-r) management team, Seamus Porter, Sales Director, Dr Antonio Ruzzelli, CEO, Anthony Schoofs, CTO and Alex Sintoni, Head of Engineering

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Sound Training Centre

Setting standards in audio education

he Sound Training Centre has been setting standards in audio education for over 25 years. With full and part time fully accredited courses in music production, sound engineering, live sound, lighting and stage management. The college incorporates a very impressive list of facilities including Grouse Lodge Residential Recording, Apollo, Sun, and Elektra Studios, The Button Factory Venue and Temple Lane Rehearsal Studios. Our dedicated approach to training and top class facilities has provided opportunities for students to succeed within the music industry unmatched anywhere in the world. Indeed some of our graduates have

recently worked in conjunction major international artists such as Morrissey, multi platinum selling and Grammy Award winners The Black Eyed Peas and stunning songstress Rihanna. Other artists credited to the studios include REM, the late Michael Jackson, Paolo Nutini, Muse, The Coronas, Morrissey plus many many more. Album release Each year the Advanced Sound Engineering & Music Technology course students release an album for charity. The 2011 album "Silver Lining", in conjunction with the charity Headstrong , first went on sale back in May 2011 and has become a

huge success. The album won the Audio/Music production category in The Digital Hub’s Best in Show 2011 Awards. James Vincent McMorrow’s cover of Steve Winwood’s hit ‘Higher Love’ from the album now features on Amazon’s LOVEFILM.comadvertisement. This ad is currently airing on television. James has also included ‘Higher Love’ as a B-side to his new vinyl for the single ‘We Don’t Eat’. This is great news because James has very kindly agreed to donate all monies paid to him by Amazon to Headstrong. A combination of James’ donation and funds raised from the sale of the album come to €20,000 so far! The Sound Training Centre is now enrolling for a wide range of courses. Find OUT MORE For more information please contact College Administrator Maggie Gallagher @ 01 6709 033 or email us at soundtrainingcentre@gmail.com. You can also find us on the web at www.soundtraining.com or follow us on facebook or twitter at sound_training.

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Exciting career opportunities in the financial services sector - 10,000 new jobs to be created Choose this programme to gain a comprehensive and market-relevant qualification leading to a rewarding career in Ireland or overseas New IFSC strategy for creating 10,000 jobs... In New York in June 2011 the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan, announced that he would be bringing forward a new strategy for the creation of 10,000 jobs in the IFSC (International Financial Services Centre) over the next five years. The Strategy will unfold a plan to develop the funds, insurance, international banking, aircraft leasing and Islamic finance industries. IFSC employment increased for the first time in three years in 2010, bringing total numbers in the centre to nearly 33,000 and the sector contributes â&#x201A;Ź2bn in tax annually.

ITT Dublin

Entry Requirements

is three years on from the successful launch of its Honours Degree in Financial Services and Investment Analysis. The degree programme was developed to meet the growing requirements of the financial services sector. It is timely that in 2012 the sector is now entering a phase of planned expansion through government initiatives that include: expansion of the network of tax treaties around the world, speedier transposition of European law into Irish legislation, marketing of Irish financial services abroad and through attracting funds from emerging markets to set up domiciles in Ireland.

Leaving Certificate students may apply for the Higher Certificate level 6 two year programme, the Abinitio Ordinary Degree level 7 three year programme or the Abinitio Honours Degree level 8 four year programme. Mature applicants may be considered on their merits. For further information logon to: www.ittdublin.ie Programme Leader: Pasqueline.Tierney@ittdublin.ie Ph 01 4042426

PAthways to your qualification

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...........................................................................................................................News Scan

Education key to getting people 'Job-Ready' The Education sector will play a central role in successfully implementing the Government's new 'Pathways to Work' plan and ensuring people are 'Job-Ready' according to Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn TD, announcing a new call for Springboard 2012 Springboard 2012 will provide free parttime higher education places to enable unemployed people to upskill and reskill in areas of identified skills needs where sustainable employment opportunities are expected to arise. Educational institutions have been asked to submit proposals for courses which can be included in the programme.

In keeping with Springboard's aim of leading to employment, courses in the programme must address an identified current or future skills need. These include information and communications technology (ICT); the green economy; biopharma-pharmachem; the food and beverage sector; international financial services; the medical devices sector; wholesale and retail; and cross-enterprise skills needs including international sales skills. It is anticipated that the applications process for students will be launched in May 2012 and that courses will commence from the summer onwards.

This new call for Springboard 2012 is in addition to announcements earlier this month of an extra 500 places on the existing Springboard programme and 750 new places on graduate conversion programmes to meet the skills needs of the ICT sector. These 750 places are being provided under the new joint Government- industry ICT Action Plan. "An optimal response must be to provide relevant education and training at all levels in areas where we know there are clearly identified employment opportunities available for the right people with the right skills," said Minister Quinn.

56 major school building projects for 2012 56 major school building projects will be going ahead as part of a €430m education infrastructure plan for 2012. The 56 projects will provide over 15,500 primary and 7,700 second- level places The major projects due to go to construction next year comprise: • 26 new schools at primary level • 12 major extensions at primary level • 9 new schools at second level • 9 major extensions at second level Enrolment continues to rise The Government has said that total enrolment in both primary and post-primary schools is expected to grow by around 70,000 between now and 2018 – by over 45,000 at primary level and 25,000 at post primary. Enrolment will continue to rise at post-primary level to the year 2024 at least. Details of the five year plan will be published in the coming months. This will outline when the major projects needed to cater for demographic growth will be completed. Publication of the plan will also enhance the transparency and openness in the school building system. This investment will provide over 100,000 permanent school places of which over 80,000 will be additional school places - the remainder will be replacement of temporary or unsatisfactory accommodation. Permanent places for over 18,500 pupils were completed in 2011. Education 53

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AirSpeed Telecom

Learning without limits! Telecommunications infrastructure rolled out by AirSpeed Telecom significantly improves the day-to-day classroom experience in schools, colleges and universities across Ireland

ver the last fifteen years in the school we have used a variety of technologies to link us to the Internet, moving from one computer connected on a 28kb modem to every computer and mobile device in the school connected via a 100mb synchronous wireless link from Airspeed Telecom. The tools that fast reliable Internet access makes possible have revolutionised administration processes in the school. Email, using Googleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s free Apps for Education service, is now the standard means of communicating information among staff and between the school and parents. We now use parent mailing lists rather than posting circulars via snail mail. Reports are now completed online by teachers and accessed online by students and parents which means we no longer post reports home. The savings in time, effort and money are immense and information flow both inside the school and between the school and home is faster and more efficient. While school administration has been revolutionised ,the impact on what happens in the classroom has been slower but is gathering pace. So what can we do online now that we couldn't before? Well quite a lot but I'll give two examples for now. To engage with the new approaches promoted in Project Maths I get my first year class to use the collaborative features of Google forms and spreadsheets to gather and analyse data. They can then do an online presentation to share their findings with their peers. Having a productive session with the full class using tools like Google Apps can only be done in an environment where the internet access is good enough to support it. The Transition Year students follow a course called Digital Creator. During the course they complete a series of assignments that will involve them uploading their work to a Moodle site. With each student trying to upload a 5-15mb file work used to come to a halt. The n John Hegarty

100mb connection we are enjoying now is synchronous meaning the upload and download speeds are the same and that means the handing in (uploading) of an assignment is no longer an ordeal and more time is concentrated on getting the work done. I used to joke to students that WWW stands for World Wide Wait rather than World Wide Web ......... with the 100mb Link from Airspeed Telecom I don't do that any more. John Hegarty, an ICT Coordinator, has 20

years teaching experience and has been teaching IT full time for 12 years. He has a MSc. (IT in Education) from TCD and is an active member of the Computers in Education Society of Ireland www.cesi.ie, a member of ILUG (Irish Linux Users Group) and has an interest in the use of Free/Libre/ Open Source Software (FLOSS) in education in Ireland. Find OUT MORE Airspeed Telecom www.airspeed.ie 1890 799 899

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Relationships

ACCORD Golden Jubilee. ACCORD Catholic Marriage Care Service (formerly CMAC) celebrates its Golden Jubilee this year. It is fifty years since the first Centre was opened in Belfast in 1962. ACCORD actually had its origins in the British army. The parent organisation, the Catholic Marriage Advisory Council, was the brainchild of a Catholic officer, Major Graham John GrahamGreen. A lawyer in civilian life, his duties in the aftermath of the Second World War included helping troops in London with marriage problems. He came to the conclusion that there should be a separate organisation for Catholic personnel. By coincidence his wife Eirene, a social worker, had arrived at the same conclusion for Catholic civilians. He approached Cardinal Griffin and so the CMAC was founded. The growth of CMAC in Ireland was truly remarkable. Between 1962, when the first centre was opened in Belfast, and 1975, when Fr. Andy Kennedy became the first director in Ireland, no less than 40 centres were established with the help of CMAC headquarters in London. This is all the more remarkable when it is remembered that Ireland was a separate country with a separate hierarchy. Formal separation of the two organisations did not end their relationship. Tutors from the two countries continued to train together and conferences in each country were always attended by representatives from the other, to the benefit of both. More important was the common bond of being Eucharistic communities engaged in non-directive counselling of people with marriage difficulties in a Christian context. For more on Accord's services details visit www.accord.ie.

Catholic Marriage Care Service

Are you getting married in 2012? Prepare well with ACCORD Attend an ACCORD Marriage Preparation Course by booking on-line or contact your local ACCORD Centre (60 locations nationwide)

Visit www.accord.ie for more details

Franciscan Missionaries of our Lady Consecrated women following in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi, we make the Gospel our rule of life. Our missionary spirit prompts us to go throughout the world to serve others, especially the poorest, in areas of:

Health Care Education Foreign Missions Parish Ministry Write to: Franciscan Convent , Ballinderry, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. Tel: 044-9352000 58 Education

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Focus Ireland

New teaching resource on homelessness THE housing and homeless charity Focus Ireland and the Curriculum Development Unit in Crumlin developed a new education resource for CSPE students titled “Without Your Home Your Life Develops Differently”. The resource was launched in 2010 and aims to support students develop a better understanding of homelessness and also breakdown stereotypes. It is a valuable resource for teachers and students alike. “I FELT like nobody cared what happened to me when I was homeless. It was horrible. I was all alone.” Why are people homeless? This is how one young person described how it felt to be homeless. There are up to 5,000 people who are homeless in Ireland and this is how they can feel sometimes. Homelessness is a complex problem and there is no “one size fits all” solution. People become homeless for many reasons including family breakdown, addiction issues, leaving State care, or sometimes though illness. However, the key foundation stone of any effort to tackle homelessness is providing better access to housing along with funding for vital support services. FOCUS IRELAND – WORKING TO SOLVE HOMELESSNESS Focus Ireland has a long history of working to support people to move on from being homeless. The charity provides a place to call home for 640 households and worked with over 6,500 people through its services last year. Focus Ireland is always working to keep homelessness on the agenda. A vital part of this work is raising awareness of the issues and building support for long-term solutions. BREAKING DOWN STEREOTYPES THROUGH EDUCATION When some people think of homelessness they often see the problem first and not the person. It’s important to remember that somebody who is homeless is just like you except they are going through a tough time in life. Focus Ireland’s education module aims to

■ RTE's Aidan Power went back to school today at Belvedere College in Dublin to launch Focus Ireland’s new CSPE (Civic Social & Political Education) Pic: Marc O'Sullivan

challenge stereotypes about people who are homeless and explain what it actually means for somebody to not have a home. It is vital for young people to understand social issues like homelessness. Today’s students are the leaders of tomorrow so it is important for them to have empathy with people and understand homelessness can be solved. The fact that the young person quoted at the start of this article now has a home proves that homeless can be solved. The person said recently: “For the first time I feel like I have a future. I now have a home thanks to Focus Ireland and my own determination.” WITHOUT YOUR HOME YOUR LIFE DEVELOPS DIFFERENTLY The CSPE resource aims to engage students by using music, role-playing, poetry,

photography and also a DVD about the work of Focus Ireland. Teachers will give the students the chance to discuss homelessness and the issues people who are homeless face so they can understand the issues. The resource is broken down into nine lessons and was piloted with students in two CSPE classes to ensure young people had direct input into the development of the modules. The Focus Ireland education resource “Without your home your life develops differently” was previously distributed to all secondary schools. To receive a copy or for any other information contact: Focus Ireland at 01 8815 900 or e-mail info@focusireland.ie FIND OUT MORE Find out more about Focus Ireland at www.focusireland.ie

Secondary School CSPE Teachers can order Focus Ireland’s education resource

Without Your Home Your Life Develops Differently with CD FREE OF CHARGE at 01 88 15 900 or at info@focusireland.ie

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Christian Brothers

Edmund Rice and the Christian Brothers

Christian Brothers

lessed Edmund Rice founded the Christian Brothers in 1802. His life had led him to explore at a deeper level his experience of religious faith while also reaching out to the neediest in society. He decided to found schools for the education of poor boys. The Christian Brothers have followed and adapted this tradition in more than twenty-six countries throughout the world. In the developing world, there is still a pressing call to provide education for the poor as a pathway to liberation and human dignity. Nowadays, Brothers also work in townships, villages and slum areas as teachers while also co-ordinating health, social services and adult education among the people of these communities. In the western world, Brothers still teach in schools and colleges. In more recent times they are engaging in projects for youth, the disadvantaged and migrant peoples. They run centres for spiritual development, educational life centres and adult education. Christian Brothers today recognise the need to engage in a new spiritual search and in a new search for meaning. There has been a rapid change in the faith and consciousness of people in the twenty-first century. Scientific and religious knowledge are discovering each other in new and creative ways. The challenge today is for education in a new experience of religious meaning and purposefulness in the world.

THE SALESIAN SISTERS (Daughters of Mary Help of Christians FMA)

Founded by Mary Mazzarello, under the guidance of John Bosco, 1872. There are currently about 14,115 sisters in the congregation working in 91 countries around the world. Mission: Reaching out to the young through formal education, youth groups, catechesis, youth centres, summer camps, retreat centres, and missionary work. In recent times our mission has continued to expand to the Ukraine and other Eastern European countries. We walk and work with young people making a difference in the world. If you are interested in finding out more about the Salesian Sisters and the work they do: Please feel free to contact us at: Sr. Frances Beggan FMA, Dun Ide, Lr Shelbourne Road, Limerick Tel: 061 454511 Or visit our web site at: www.salesiansisters.net

In a new search for – Meaning Spiritual Living Justice with Peace To make a difference – By living a full life with a new mission in brotherhood

For more information contact: Brother Edmund Garvey, Christian Brothers Province Centre, Griffith Avenue, Marino, Dublin 9. Email: edmundgarvey@eircom.net

SALESIANS OF DON BOSCO A religious congregation of Brothers and Priests

Founded in 1859 by Saint John Bosco. There are currently almost 16,000 members (priests and brothers) in the congregation, working in 129 countries around the world. In the past few years new works have been undertaken in Azerbaijan, Iraq, Kuwait, Mauritius and Mongolia. Mission When St John Bosco founded the Salesians in 1859 his mission was clear and simple: to be a friend to young people who were poor, abandoned or at risk, and in so doing to be a friend to Christ. Wherever the Salesians work, their mission is the same. Its expression changes to suit the particular context. So you will find Salesians in schools of all kinds, youth clubs, in homes for homeless or abandoned children; working with street children; missionaries; chaplains in schools and universities and in parish work. If you are interested and want to hear more about the Salesians please contact the Vocation director at: Fr Eunan Mc Donnell SDB Vocations Director St Catherine’s Centre, Maynooth University Campus Maynooth, Co. Kildare Tel: 01 6286111 Email: sdbmaynooth@iol.ie Or any of the Salesian Houses at: Milford, Celbridge St Teresa's Rd Limerick. Co. Kildare Dublin 12 Tel: 061 339268 01-6275060 01-4555605

Pallaskenry Co. Limerick 061 393313

Or visit our web site at: www.salesians.ie

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Franciscan Missionaries of Mary

Mission: our work or our life?

ftentimes when we think of mission we have images of hospitals, schools and colleges etc., and this is all part of mission. But the heart of mission is relationship. It is about being a sister or brother to others. This excerpt of an a r t i c l e b y S r. M a r y D o n l o n FMM expresses this reality very clearly.

A nomad’s tent in the heartland of Islam…

(a title from a book by a French Franciscan who saw the nomad’s tent as a potent symbol for the Church’s presence among people of another faith.) The FMM (Franciscan Missionaries of Mary) relationship with the Muslim Berber population of Morocco began in 1926 with the foundation at Medelt In the late 1960s, Sr. Cecile Prouvost (19211983), a nurse based at our dispensary became increasingly aware of the poverty and isolation of the nomadic families. She expressed her desire to the Institute and to the local Bishop to found an FMM community among the nomads. Having secured a post as a nurse, Cecile spent the rest of her life living with the nomadic families (more than 500 at that time) and witnessed to her enduring solidarity for the poor. Cecile’s life project as a Franciscan of Mary (as we are known in Morocco) was the imitation of Mary, ‘whose body was the tent which sheltered Jesus, particularly through her meditation of the mystery of the Visitation. Mary, as the Mother of God, represents on the one hand that which utterly separates us from the faith of our Muslim brothers and sisters but on the other hand, Mary, as mother of Jesus, venerated in the Qur’an is a bond of unity. We as a community had a very pro-

l Sr. Mary outside FMM house

l The FMM tent

found experience of this unity on Christmas Eve, 2006. It is an established ‘tradition’ for us to prepare the crib on the morning of December 24th and the whole village comes to visit the crib during the afternoon. In the evening we always invite one of the nomadic families in the nearby mountains to have supper with us to celebrate the feast of “Lalla Miryeme” (Lady Mary) as Christmas is called in Tatiouine. Just at that time there was a problem between two families in the village and our neighbours suggested that it would be a good idea to invite both families to supper in the hope of reconciliation. Initially, everyone was very tense. Harsh words were exchanged almost reaching boiling point. But after a visit to the crib by the father of one of the families, things became somehow calmer and conversation began to flow again. Cherif, another of our neighbours, began to tell the story of Mary, the mother of Jesus, as told in the Qur’an. Short spontaneous prayers of praise and thanks followed when he finished. All present prayed with hands outstretched to Allah, the All Merciful and we three FMMs with the local priest responded by praying the Our Father in Arabic. When our neighbours left us just before midnight, we gathered around the crib to celebrate the Eucharist and give thanks for the ‘marvels the Lord works for us’ in the ‘house of Islam.’ If you are interested in having a missionary or overseas experience with us please contact Helen Sennell at fmmimesvoc@yahoo.co.uk. Find OUT MORE To learn more about our FMM missions please visit: www.fmm.org • www.fmmii.org Email: fmmimesvoc@yahoo.co.uk

l A nomadic family

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Just Published.....................................................................................................................

Rock and Popular Music in Ireland: Before and After U2 by Noel McLaughlin and Martin McLoone THIS book explores Irish rock's relationship to the wider world of international popular music through detailed analysis of the island's most prominent artists and bands such as U2, Van Morrison, Sinéad O'Connor, The Boomtown Rats and Horslips - and key musical movements including the Beat Scene, the Folk Revival, Northern Irish Punk and Dance Music in Ireland. It brings to the study of popular music the concerns of Irish Studies about national and cultural identity and, at the same time, enriches these debates by applying a focus on popular music culture to debates traditionally concerned with literature and drama. The book focuses on the significance of music and music in performance and analyses songs and albums as well as live concerts on television and video/DVD. It presents a wealth of primary research to establish a detailed critical context, such as the music press in Ireland, the UK and US. The authors have interviewed key industry personnel, artists and commentators and their thoughts on Irish rock and pop are particularly interesting to the broader debate. Irish Academic Press • €25

Irish Social Work & Social Care Law by Claire Hamilton A NEW textbook that introduces students to social care and social work law, concepts and structures in Ireland. Provides a clear and concise guide to both the legal framework and the substantive law relating to social care and social work law. Presents social care and social work law in an accessible manner, focusing on the specialist functions performed by social care professionals such as child protection, adoption and fostering, disability and mental health. Discusses both child law and the law relating to vulnerable adults in an Irish context. Considers the broader issues that affect service users in a social care context such as domestic violence, youth justice and the asylum system. Written for Undergraduate and post-

graduate students of: • Social Care • Applied Social Care • Social Studies • Social Work • Youth and Community Studies • Child Protection and Welfare courses. Dr Claire Hamilton, LL.B (Ling. Franc.), MLitt, Barrister-at-Law, DipEurCon in Human Rights, Dip. in Third Level Learning and Teaching, practised as a barrister until 2004. She now lectures in criminology and social care law in the Department of Social Sciences in Dublin Institute of Technology. Claire has published widely in national and international peer reviewed journals and edited collections.

Prodigals and Geniuses: The Writers and Artists of Dublin's Baggotonia by Brendan Lynch LONDON has Fitzrovia, Paris its Left Bank. But Georgian Dublin boasts an equally atmospheric Bohemian quarter. Centred on Baggot and Leeson Streets, and girdled by the Grand Canal, it is the unmapped village of writers, artists and ne’er-dowells which in the 1950s became known as Baggotonia. Its inhabitants and habitués include four winners of the Nobel Prize for Literature and nearly every nineteenth and twentieth century Irish writer of note. From Oscar Wilde, Oliver St. John Gogarty, George Moore and George Bernard Shaw to

Samuel Beckett, Elizabeth Bowen, Seamus Heaney, James Joyce and Flann O’Brien. Based on interviews and contemporary accounts – and a timely celebration of Dublin’s designation as a UNESCO City of Literature – Prodigals and Geniuses is an entertaining and enlightening history of a remarkable time and place. The Liffey Press • €20

Ireland’s County High Points- A Walking Guide by Kieron Gribbon

WHETHER a leisurely rambler or a serious hill walker, there’s a good chance you’ve visited or plan to visit at least one of Ireland’s County High Points. While this special set of Irish hills and mountains continues to attract more visitors each year, they’ve never had a walking guidebook exclusively devoted to them. Ireland’s County High Points – A Walking Guide explains everything you need to know as a walker before setting out on your County High Point quests. Each county-focused chapter contains a brief county profile and detailed walking route descriptions accompanied by easyto-read maps. Also featured are various challenge options based on County High Points. This definitive guide is based on detailed desk-study investigation combined with on-site research, and dispels any commonly-believed myths that may have previously lingered over certain County Top and County Peak locations. . The Collins Press • €15 range

The Belfast Blitz - The People's Story by Stephen Douds

UNTIL the first bombs fell on Belfast in 1941, the city had had little direct experience of the war: there was plenty of food, no conscription and the only air raids that residents saw were on news reels. But, in April and May of that year everything changed. The Luftwaffe targeted the city, launching bombing raids of such ferocity that one observer described the Nazi planes as being like a ‘giant swarm of insects’. Over one thousand people were killed, countless more were injured and the shape of the city changed forever. Blackstaff Press • £10

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