Education Magazine 28 1i

Vol.

28

Issue

1

The Earn and Learn route to ICT careers

Plus: The impact of concussion Adult Learning with NUI Galway â—? National Council for Exercise and Fitness Graphics, illustration, fibre art and portfolio preparation at Ballyfermot CFE New course launched to train Chinese language teachers â—? Reviews

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VOLUME 28, ISSUE 1 3

News: UCD Beacon Hospital Academy to train healthcare students News: Irish researcher awarded €150k from the EU News: New policy announced on smaller schools

Editor Niall Gormley

News: Ireland's first 'work-life campus' launched in Dublin

Production Michael Farrell

News: Griffith College teams up with Innopharma Labs

Publishers Ard Education Ltd. Tel: 01-8329246 Email: education@clubi.ie www.educationmagazine.ie Layout Real Issues, Drumhaldry, Moyne, Co. Longford 086-8986827 Printers Nicholson & Bass Ltd. 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. ©2015. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

ISSN 0791-6161

Education Magazine is available to read online in the same format as the paper edition.

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ICT Associate Professional Programme Launches

13

Adult learning with NUI Galway

14

Graphics, illustration, fibre art and portfolio preparation at Ballyfermot College of Further Education

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Shape a future with Saint Nicholas Montessori College Ireland

18

Feature: The impact of concussion

20

UCC Asian Studies: New course launched to train Chinese language teachers.

23

Top results for GMIT Mayo nursing graduates

25

Cork student accommodation with direct access to CIT

29

Exclusive school jackets students love to wear

31

NCEF: A professional qualification in fitness education

32

Spotlight on UPC’s Corporate Social Responsibility programme

35

An Óige: Take the stress and cost out of your group trip

37

Take the DFEi route to college

38

Education and fieldwork opportunities at the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark

42

Reviews

Cover story:

The impact of concussion

www.educationmagazine.ie

In recent years the dangers posed by head injuries has been reinforced by evidence of long term injury and even fatalities. Many sporting authorities have moved to introduce guidelines and practices that take into account of new evidence. The education system is also faced with the challenge of updating its practices to ensure the safety of students.

Page 18 EDUCATION 3

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A Career in Horticulture...

Situated in the National Botanic Gardens Glasnevin the Teagasc College of Amenity Horticulture offers the following courses in Horticulture. This wonderful setting provides the unique blend of the fi nest park setting in the Capital coupled with the experience of the staff of the gardens and the Teagasc staff. All students can avail of work experience in the Botanic Gardens as well as on parks around the city and other placements further afield.

Botanic graduates are leaders in the field of Horticulture and develop clear career pathways. Careers in landscape design and construction, parks, garden centres and fruit and vegetable production are all followed by the graduates.

Teagasc are proud to have new state of the art classrooms and drawing studio to support the learning of the next generation of Horticulturalists in the National Botanic Gardens.

CAREERS AND COURSE INFORMATION DAY: Thursday 19th March 2015 @ 2.00 to 4.00pm in the College.

● FETAC Level 5 Certificate in Horticulture ● FETAC Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Horticulture (Open to all holders of FETAC Common Awards Level 5 Horticulture) ● HETAC Level 7 Degree in Horticulture in Partnership with WIT (WD097) Details on all courses can be found at www.teagasc.ie/botanicgardens Telephone 01 8040201 or email: botanic.college@teagasc.ie Application for HETAC courses through CAO application process www.cao.ie

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..................................................................................................................................News

UCD Beacon Hospital Academy to train healthcare students A NEW centre for educating and training healthcare students of medicine, nursing, physiotherapy and radiography has been opened at UCD Beacon Academy.

It is the most comprehensive of its kind between a university and a private hospital group in Ireland with UCD students now able to take part of their clinical training at Beacon Hospital. The first of 20 UCD medical students will commence clinical

■ (l-r, front): Prof Andrew Deeks, President of UCD; Mr. Michael Cullen, Beacon Medical Group; Back row: Prof Mark Redmond, Beacon Hospital; Minister Leo Varadkar; Prof Des Fitzgerald, UCD.

training at Beacon Hospital in September 2015.

The education and training at the UCD Beacon Academy will have a strong focus on interdisciplinary team work. Through the UCD Smurfit Graduate Business School, UCD will also offer education programmes in healthcare management and leadership to Beacon Hospital.

UCD and Beacon Hospital will further partner on the development and deployment of technologies in connected health and personalised medicine. In the context of connected health, the focus initially will be on remote care for patients following orthopaedic surgery and with chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.

This entails the use of monitoring devices to gather information on patients’ conditions and provide treatment while they are at home rather than in hospital. In personalised medicine, this will centre on molecular diagnostics in cancer, harnessing the expertise of UCD’s Systems Biology Ireland.

Irish researcher awarded €150k from the EU PROFESSOR Róisín Owens, from Glasnevin in Dublin, has been awarded a €150.000 'Proof of Concept' grant as top up funding by the EU's European Research Council (ERC) for her research project entitled 'Exploitation of Organic Electrochemical Transistors for Biological Ionsensing' which is looking into finding new ways of testing drugs so that fewer animals (or no animals at all) will need be involved in testing in the future.

Prof Owens, based in the Center for Microelectronics at the Ecole des Mines de St. Etienne in France explains: "Our particular take is that we look at the interface between electronic components and biological systems - using a new electronic technology based on polymers. These are soft materials that in fact are much more like biology because they are softer, and 'fit' better with cells for example."

We want your students to have memorable and fun experience at great value for money. We offer: • The widest range of destinations, visits, attractions & accommodation • Expert knowledge & one-to-one tour planning • Complete financial protection & 24hr emergency assistance on tour • Safety assessed accommodation, transport & excursions

For more information on our cultural and curriculum based group tours –

call: +353 (0)1 894 0300 email: info@nst.ie www.nst.ie EDUCATION 5

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PEOPLE’S COLLEGE For Adult Education 31 Parnell Square, Dublin 1

The People’s College for Adult Education organises adult education in a wide range of subjects for trade unionists, their families and the general public at very reasonable prices. Most are evening classes but Spanish, Yoga, Creative Writing and Wildlife are offered in the morning.

Courses offered include Creative Writing, Languages, Music & Art Appreciation, Yoga, Pilates, Painting, Photography, History and Genealogy. The college also has a choir, debating society and a drama group.

Information for

Autumn Courses available from July 2015: VENUE: PEOPLE’S COLLEGE, 31 PARNELL SQUARE, DUBLIN 1 For further Information:

Tel: 8735879 • Email: info@peoplescollege.ie www.peoplescollege.ie 6 EDUCATION

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..................................................................................................................................News

New policy announced on smaller schools MINISTER Jan O'Sullivan has announced two new policies aimed support the sustainability of small schools, and particularly those in isolated areas.

This policy approach involves two key elements: improved changes to the staffing schedule for some small schools and avoluntary protocol for future sustainability for 1 teacher schools with reducing enrolments Minister O'Sullivan said: "The two new policies being proposed today will provide some improvement to the staffing levels of some of our smallest schools. These improvements particularly recognise the challenges faced by very small schools that are more than 8km from the next nearest school of the same type of patronage and language of instruction" "We are developing a voluntary amalgamation protocol for the very smallest schools with reducing enrolments with representatives of teachers and school managers. If any school which is within 8km of the next nearest school of the same type of patronage and language of instruction sees their pupil enrolment drop below 25, there will now be a series of voluntary local conversations about whether amalgamation of local schools would create more sustainable school communities into the future."

letter will invite them to reflect on their future sustainability as a one teacher school and engage with the Department of Education on the supports available if they decide to amalgamate. In future, similar letters will issue in the case of any such schools which fall below 25 pupils (and are therefore approaching 1 teacher status).

Patrons will lead local community discussions, and when they have considered

potential future options, can contact the Department.

The Department will provide clarifications to the patrons on issues such as staffing, school transport, capital implications or grant funding Patrons to use this information to reengage with communities and identify possible courses of action. Patron retains authority to make final decision.

STAFFING In relation to the staffing schedule, the Minister intends to change the staffing schedule for some small schools as follows: a. Improved teacher retention thresholds (a retention threshold is the number of pupils required to retain the existing classroom teachers in a school) to be introduced commencing in the 2015/16 school year as follows: i. a 2nd teacher - a threshold of 19 pupils rather than 20 as it is currently ii. a 3rd teacher - a threshold of 53 pupils rather than 56 as it is currently iii. a 4th teacher - a threshold of 83 pupils rather than 86 as it is currently. b. new teacher allocation thresholds for isolated one-teacher schools - the threshold for appointment and retention of a second teacher in schools more than 8km from the next nearest school of the same type of patronage and language of instruction is being reduced (from 20 pupils to 15 pupils).

ONE TEACHER SCHOOLS WITH REDUCING ENROLMENTS The Department will write to patrons of all 1 teacher schools that are located within an 8km distance of a school of similar patronage and language of instruction. The EDUCATION 7

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..................................................................................................................................News

Ireland's first 'work-life campus' launched in Dublin IRELAND’S first work-life campus has been launched in Dublin, aimed at creating a community that balances lifestyle, work, home and the environment.

Weekly Farmers Markets and a unique app as well as a continuous programme of activities under the banner of Live Work Grow will be at the heart of a community of up to 8,000 potential employees and residents at Central Park, Leopardstown.

And all members of the Central Park community will have access to a Building

Link app which will enable them to integrate some of the daily tasks of living such as dry cleaning, ordering food, running errands, prescription collection services and much more.

Central Park is already home to a range of blue chip companies and over 3,200 people are currently employed at Central Park. The complex also houses 340 residents in 272 apartments, with this figure expected to grow to 700 by mid-2016.

“We have designed full programmes

which operate under the three tenets of Live, Work and Grow,” said Central Park Marketing Director Viv Gaine.

“Our goal is to create a world-class environment which will connect the people who live and work there to each other.

We’re taking every opportunity to socialise all groups in Central Park by offering an extensive range of events ranging from personal and professional development and inter-company challenges as well as health, fitness and wellbeing activities.

■ Pictured at the launch are Ian Jones, CEO, Innopharma Labs, Minister Damien English and Diarmuid Hegarty, President, Griffith College Dublin. Photo: Conor McCabe

Griffith College teams up with Innopharma Labs THE Irish owned technology company Innopharma Labs has entered into an innovative education partnership with Griffith College Dublin to collaborate in up-skilling graduates and experienced professionals for onward careers in the Pharmaceutical, MedTech and FoodTech sectors.

The Faculty will provide pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical and food science accredited qualifications for graduates interested in direct entry or conversion to careers in these economically important sectors.

Innopharma Labs is an award-winning Irish technology company. As well as operating an R&D Budget of over €6 million a year, it is also the country's leading provider of innovative training programmes in the pharmaceutical and medical devices industries. This provides Innopharma Labs and the wider tech sector with graduates to sustain technology developments and industry growth in Ireland.

Ian Jones, CEO of InnoPharma Labs said, “We welcome this development with Griffith College and to continuing our contribution to economic growth through this new Griffith-Innopharma Faculty of Science programme.”

EDUCATION 9

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ICT Education

ICT Associate Professional Programme Launches reveals that companies which invest in such apprenticeships derive many long term business benefits from doing so.

For participating technology companies like IBM, the programme is designed to ensure that not only will they have an employee who is being trained to industry standards, but they will also have an employee who understands their unique workplace conditions.

FUTURE

By Peter O’Neill, Managing Director, IBM Ireland.

I

BM has been involved with FastTrack to IT (FIT) for many years, as one part of an extensive programme to hire and develop the skilled people we need for our operations in Ireland. We were delighted when FIT approached us to help with the development of their new ICT Associate Professional Programme and to support its launch in December 2014.

For this certification programme FIT has produced an innovative syllabus focusing on equipping the IT professionals of the future with the skills to meet the business needs of today and tomorrow.

It draws on FIT’s own extensive experience in working directly with IT companies and its close collaboration with government departments and national education and training agencies.

COLLEGE SETTING The IT apprenticeship will take place over two years and combines workplace learning in a technology company, with classroom teaching in a college setting.

There are many merits to this dual education approach for both the participating companies and the apprentices.

Current evidence from around the world

It ensures that future skills needs will be met and also provides a pool of skilled employees from which future supervisors and managers could be internally recruited.

By training within a technology company’s working environment apprentices use the tools and IT equipment that will be needed to carry out their specific job role.

As a result, the skills they learn are of immediate use and benefit to the participating company.

CONFIDENCE The apprentice also practices under the supervision of more experienced employees of the company, allowing them to gain more confidence in their work and to integrate quickly into the company.

The training that apprentices receive during the college-based part of the course is state-of-the-art, so as technology and industry moves on, companies can be assured that new developments or certification skills will be incorporated within the programme of study.

Would a career in the tech sector tick all your boxes?

FIT ICT Associate Professional is a new IT apprenticeship-style (learn & earn) pathway to a career in the technology sector.

Over 7,000 jobs are currently available in ICT sector – as highlighted by the FIT ICT Skills Audit 2014 – 75% of which are at entry and competent levels.

THE ICT SECTOR WANTS YOU! The technology sector is not all about STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) – there is a larger and growing requirement for people just like you who attain good technical skills, combined with project management, employability

ON-THE-JOB As the apprentices learn by a combination of attending college and learning on the job, many find that it is a more effective approach than the traditional college course, allowing them to apply classroom learning immediately to an on-the-job situation.

The newly launched FIT Associate Professional Programme modernises the apprentice model for the digital age. It is a very exciting new initiative with serious potential to secure Ireland’s reputation in the tech space.

We at IBM look forward to the Class of 2015 arriving soon.

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■ Business and Education Leaders Unite to Launch new Earn & Learn route to ICT Careers - right to left are Liam Ryan SAP, Peter O’Neill IBM, Paul O’Toole SOLAS, Jacinta Stewart CDETB and Peter Davitt FIT

and customer facing skills. The technology sector in Ireland is much broader and more varied than most people realise – with an appetite for ‘Smart People with Smart Skills’ – who have a wide range of talents and attributes, and most importantly the enthusiasm to work in the sector.

We know it works!

WHAT IS FIT ICT ASSOCIATE PROFESSIONAL? FIT ICT Associate Professional is a dualeducation apprenticeship-style format of ICT skills training and development which has been endorsed by the industry and government.

This ‘learn and earn’ model of provision is a two year programme during which you will attain a Level 6 ICT and Professional Development Qualification and will be

awarded the title of FIT ICT Associate Professional by the industry. The first 6 months are college-based where candidates will acquire the technical acumen.

The remaining 18 months are a combination of work-place application and college-based learning where candidates will further their skills development and apply their learning to live projects within their sponsoring company.

A FIT ICT Associate Professional spends much of their time training with a company, helping them to effectively learn the skills needed in the work place using modern technology and equipment and getting involved in real-life work processes.

WHAT DOES IT COST? The FIT ICT Associate Professional training is funded by SOLAS and the Education

& Training Boards so you don’t need to pay fees.

WHAT WILL I EARN? Once you commence your work experience with your Sponsor company in the 7th month of the programme, you will receive an allowance of between €260 and €290 per week for the reminder of the first year. In the second year of the programme, you will receive between €340 and d€385 per week.

HOW DO I SIGN UP? If you are a keen tech enthusiast and are interested in participating in the FIT ICT Associate Professional programme, then contact FIT at ICTAP@fit.ie or call us on 01 8825570 or lo call on 1890 815 704.

See www.fit.ie for further information.

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NUI Galway

Adult Learning with NUI Galway “I

T’S never too late to be what you might have been”, a famous quote from the novelist George Eilot rings true today and never more so than at the Centre for Adult Learning and Professional Development at NUI Galway.

“There is always time to change”, claims the Centre’s Director, Nuala McGuinn.

“Our students come from a variety of educational backgrounds, life experiences and ages, and are motivated to embark on a programme of study for personal development, career enhancement or other professional development reasons”.

The Centre offers an impressive range of part-time programmes in Technology and Science, Adult Training and Education Studies, Early Childhood Studies, Humanities and Social Sciences and Community Education.

PROFESSIONALS Among the new programmes on offer for September 2015, is a part-time MA in Early Childhood Studies. This course has been developed to meet the needs of professionals working in or supporting the early years care and education sector. “Offered on a part-time, blended-learning basis the course is particularly suitable for students who are employed in an early years practice setting and require flexibility to combine work and study commitments”, highlights MA Academic Coordinator, Dr. Sheila Garrity.

“The course content has been developed to reflect contemporary approaches and understandings of family life, childhood, play and pedagogical philosophies as they inform the early years sector”, says Dr. Garrity. It provides a natural progression route for students of the highly successful part-time BA in Early Childhood Studies and Practice, which is also offered by the Centre.

“Our graduates are seeking opportunities to progress into broader, professional roles such as management, training, policy development and other emerging roles in the area of mentoring and leadership”, outlines MA programme coordinator, Suzanne Golden. “Offering a flexible, blended learning progression route is the ideal next step for graduates working in this sector”.

■ From left Dr. Shelia Garrity and Ms. Suzanne Golden – MA Early Childhood Studies, NUI Galway

A course which was introduced just two years ago, the Professional Diploma in Education (Further Education) has been extremely popular with FE teachers. This two-year programme focuses on the professional knowledge and skills necessary for further education teachers and tutors to carry out their teaching roles. It is ideally suited to those who wish to register with the Teaching Council of Ireland for certification as a Further Education teacher in Ireland, the EU, as well as other English speaking countries.

“A Certificate in Advanced Trainer Skills (Coaching and Mentoring) is also available and builds on trainer competencies by developing their coaching and mentoring skills and abilities as well as a two-year, part-time MA in Adult Learning and Development”, highlights Nuala McGuinn.

PRACTICE-BASED PLAY THERAPY For readers who already have a teaching or psychology qualification, or who work with children as a counselor, psychotherapist or creative art therapist and may wish to add to their therapeutic play skills, a part-time, blended learning Certificate and

Diploma in Practice-based Play Therapy is on offer. These postgraduate courses build on students’ practical experience, enhances their skills through exposure to theory, policy, research and experiential learning opportunities.

PRACTICAL APPROACH Run in collaboration with the Academy of Play and Child Psychotherapy (APAC), the courses focus on an experiential and practical approach to delivery.

They are run over an intensive, 15-day summer school each July on the NUI Galway campus. On completion of the programme students will attain a postgraduate certificate or diploma and an internationally recognized play therapy practice qualification to become a certified play therapist.

FIND OUT MORE: For further information don’t forget to check out the Centre for Adult Learning and Professional Development’s website where a full list of all programmes and application details are available: www.nuigalway.ie/adultlearning EDUCATION 13

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Ballyfermot College of Further Education - Art & Design

Graphics, illustration, fibre art and portfolio preparation A

RT in BCFE is diverse, creative and exciting. It can lead to work in the creative industries or can be the foundation for further study in art and design. BCFE offers three Higher National Diploma programmes and three Portfolio courses. The Art department is a hub of creativity, hard-work, fun, ideas, design and art-making, both traditional and digital. It contains excellent resources: nine art studios, a darkroom and a state-of-the-art Mac Room. Art in BCFE offers all the challenges and excitement of Art College in a supportive learning environment with small classes. We are committed to nurturing the creative and artistic development of our students.

PORTFOLIO COURSES Our one year Portfolio courses offer students a whole year to become immersed in art, to learn new skills and to create a really strong personal portfolio. A trip to Paris or London to visit galleries and museums or a trip to Inis Oirr to explore the west of Ireland landscape, location drawing, guest lectures by visiting artists and community art projects all add to the excitement and learning.

At the heart of each portfolio courses is the production of a really strong personal portfolio. Progression from all three portfolio courses to NCAD, IADT and DIT is

By Brian Walsh, Co-ordinator, AGP and Dave Pearson, Co-ordinator, ADT very good. Many students also choose internal progression to our excellent HND programmes.

Art Design and Mixed Media (ADM) is the longest-running art portfolio course in Ireland. Drawing, observational skills and exploring creativity and personal expression through a broad range of creative processes including Sculpture, Mixed Media, Printmaking, and Fine Art-based Photography are central to the course.

Art, Design and Three Dimensional Studies (ADT) specialises in exploring creative concepts in a 3D format. Students are based in a 3D workshop. Initially design ideas are explored through drawing and discussion. After exploring a range of materials- wood, clay, plaster, foamboard - students often expand into multimedia and nonobject based art forms. Graduates pursue further study at 3rd level in Sculpture, Model-making, Special Effects, Theatre Design and Make-up and Product Design.

Art Design and Graphics course (AGP) offers students the opportunity to create and produce an interesting and dynamic portfolio of work in a stimulating education environment. Traditional methods of Art making such as drawing, painting, print making, figures studies combine with digital photography and computer graphic design, resulting in an integrated portfolio.

HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA PROGRAMMES The HND in Graphic Design is an intense, rigorous and professional programme which has been producing outstanding, industryready graduates since 2000. Students are taught all the fundamentals of good graphic design from developing innovative and sophisticated concepts for design problems to the subtleties of good typography and editorial layout.

Students learn how to use and apply software to a professional standard in traditional print media and in motion and interactive graphics, including HTML and CSS, as part of the web design aspect of the programme. When graduates apply for design positions, employers are not only

"It's a great time to be in digital arts. Within weeks of graduating, I was working full-time as a graphic designer earning a decent wage. My training in Graphics in BCFE meant there was no need to do an internship” Edel Quinn, Packaging Designer, Dublin. ICAD UPSTART 2012

“”

“The techniques, creativity and knowledge gained in Fibre Art gave me the skills to set up my own business as a textile artist” Laura Jordan, Textile Artist

“”

“I learned new skills under the guidance of wonderful teachers who themselves are fantastic artists” Sarah Wassar, Fashion and Textile Design Artist

“”

“I would highly recommend AGP to anyone interested in the field of visual communication. It opened my imagination. The tutors were informative, inspiring and extremely helpful. I am now in the final year of my dream course, Illustration in BCFE” Marianna Mooney, Illustration student, BCFE

“”

“The wider environment of the college is unfailingly welcoming providing students with a sense of belonging and the confidence to explore their own potential.

The excellent work ethic and confidence I gained in ADT prepared me for my current studies in NCAD” Caoimhe McGuckin, Art student, NCAD

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impressed by the quality of their portfolio, but also the technical skill set they have acquired, making them incredibly versatile and sought- after designers.

The HND in Fibre Art (Textile/Fine Applied Arts) is an innovative multi-disciplinary Fine Art, Applied Art and Textile Design course which integrates visual studies and design skills with a contemporary approach to applied art techniques. It offers the student the opportunity to explore the principles and practices of textile fibre art under the umbrellas of Fine Art, Design and Craft.

Visiting lecturers engaged in various professional capacities within the Textile Fibre Art discipline deliver lectures and workshops and students have the opportunity to participate in live competitions.

The HND in Illustration is a highly specialized discipline within the field of Visual Communication. In our unique course, students develop their drawing, painting and media skills and learn to regard their

work in terms of commercial viability.

Students are actively encouraged to develop a range of illustrative styles and explore the entire gamut of illustrative practice, including editorial, archaeological, technical, advertising, instructional, fashion, as well as illustration for graphic novels, storyboards, greeting cards, websites, book covers and children's books.

Working on tailored and competition briefs is a key component of the course.

Workshops by visiting lecturers working in

the field of illustration take place throughout the course.

GRADUATE SHOW The Fibre Art, Graphics and Illustration Graduate Show is a highlight of the calendar every year. This year the show will be in Farmleigh from 19th to 24th May. It promises to be an exciting event and all are welcome to visit the exhibition and enjoy the wonderful work.

Apply online at www.bcfe.ie for all art courses.

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Shape a Future Courses:

Higher CertiďŹ cate in Arts in Early Years Montessori Education (Level 6) BA in Montessori Education (Level 7) BA (Honours) in Montessori Education (Level 8)

Higher Diploma in Arts in Early Years Montessori Education (Level 8)

Go to www.snmci.ie Call 01-2806064 / 01-2300080 email: admissions@snmci.ie or visit us at 16 Adelaide Street, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin

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Saint Nicholas College

Shape a future with Saint Nicholas Montessori College Ireland

S

AINT Nicholas Montessori College Ireland (SNMCI) has been the source of many graduates in Montessori and early years’ education since 1984. The College’s programmes aim to develop educators of the highest quality, based on the Montessori principles of education.

While many think of Montessori teaching as confined to 0 - 6 year old children, it is only part of the story. There are a number of Montessori schools providing the National Primary Curriculum to children up to the age of 12. Indeed, there is one such school on the College’s campus in Dún Laoghaire.

PEERS AS A ROLE MODEL Montessori Education is based on the premise that children are best supported in a learning environment which meets all their needs. This in turn will assist them to become valued members of society. Key to this is the multi-aged groupings, which fosters children’s development as role models for their peers. Encouraged by this supportive environment, each child learns to co-operate.

Furthermore, in the eyes of pedagogical experts, the Montessori Method is also strongly aligned to working in the field of Special Education. This is linked with the use of concrete, manipulative materials to support the cognitive development of the child. Montessori’s multi-sensory approach has, for example, been found to be successful for developing literacy and numeracy skills in children with learning difficulties in inclusive educational settings.

Education Sector. Also, 2015 will see the introduction of a Level 6 Higher Certificate in Arts in Early Years Montessori Education, in response to a recognised need, from both learners and stakeholders, for the provision of a solid foundation programme for early years’ education.

This year, school leaver enrolment onto SNMCI’s Level 6 and Level 7 programmes will be managed via the CAO Handbook.

Applications for part-time provision, Recognition of Prior Learning or the Higher Diploma programme should continue to be made directly to the College.

PART-TIME STUDY OPTIONS Many school leavers choose to defer fulltime study and opt to work instead.

SNMCI’s Level 6 and Level 7 programmes are available on a part-time basis and have recently been reformatted in order to improve on their delivery.

SNMCI’S PROGRAMMES

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS

SNMCI’s programmes of study are accredited by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), so applicants can be assured of the quality of its programmes. Each of these programmes continues SNMCI’s strong tradition of developing educators of the highest quality, who will serve and support children within all sectors of Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) settings.

Not only does the College deliver highly regarded undergraduate Level 7 and Level 8 Bachelor of Arts programmes, we have recently changed the format of our postgraduate programme, the Higher Diploma in Arts in Early Years Montessori Education, to meet changing demands within the

Uniquely among private colleges, full time students of SNMCI are eligible to apply for financial assistance under the Higher Education Maintenance Grants scheme operated by SUSI. If school leavers don’t qualify for this, the College has an instalment plan in place to assist with the payment of fees. This plan is also available to those wishing to pursue SNMCI programmes on a part-time basis.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES On successful completion of their programme, SNMCI graduates are ready to enter the workforce, with many pursuing careers in ECCE settings. Depending on the level of the qualifications, career opportuni-

ties include teaching in Montessori pre-schools, working as Special Needs Assistants and as expert practitioners in ECCE settings.

Furthermore, Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Montessori Education receive restricted recognition from the Teaching Council under Regulation 3 for working with children with special educational needs in recognised mainstream primary schools and in recognised special schools where Irish is not a curriculum requirement. (Please note that this is currently the subject of consultation).

Many graduates opt to progress to Level 9 programmes in education, special education or other care, therapy, or education related programmes. They may also progress to Higher Diplomas in Primary Education in Ireland, or to a Post-graduate Certificate in Education in the UK. LOOKING TO THE FUTURE One message should be clear from recent Government publications such as the Right from the Start report and wider policy initiatives. There is an increased emphasis on professionalising the early years’ work force, including developing a graduate-led workforce in ECCE settings. While this may take some time to achieve, a Saint Nicholas Montessori College qualification will be a distinct advantage for educators.

Full details of our programmes are available on our website at www.snmci.ie FIND OUT MORE: The College welcomes requests for more information email admissions@snmci.ie.

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Sports Injuries

The impact of concussion Health and safety awareness is high in Irish education. But a recent sporting tragedy has raised new concerns about the dangers of concussion and prompted calls for managers and principals to respond. Dearbhla Gormley investigates.

H

EAD injury has always been taken seriously. But only in recent years has the seriousness of concussion as a potentially fatal injury been fully realised.

In January 2011, 14 year old Ben Robinson, died after being injured during a rugby match in Northern Ireland. His mother Karen Walton was present at the game and her testimony and subsequent recall of the events of that day has perhaps changed the way concussion is viewed in sport forever.

Benjamin sustained an injury in the first half of the match which was serious enough for him to be assessed for concussion. He passed the test and resumed playing. Later in the match he took some more heavy blows. He began to exhibit symptoms of concussion and then collapsed. He never regained consciousness and died two days later.

A coroner later determined that the cause of Benjamin's death was 'second impact syndrome' and it is this phenomenon which has sent the major sports bodies in Ireland and around the world to rewrite their guidelines with respect to concussion.

Second Impact Syndrome occurs where the brain swells after sustaining a blow. This swelling leaves the brain particularly vulnerable to a later blow which can then cause serious injury.

REMOVED The basic lesson to be learned is that if concussion is suspected, the person should be removed from the threat of further injury. Of course, concussion can happen in many circumstances as well as in a sports setting, and schools and colleges have been adjusting their policies since.

Ben’s father, Peter Robinson later said, “At schools level we don’t assess, we

remove if there is a suspicion of concussion after a head collision. It's not for them to assess on the pitch and do the memory function. That’s in the IRFU guidelines in black and white. If this is so clearly in the rulebook, then why has a tragedy like this occurred?"

The IRFU has responded at all levels of the game and in January this year released guidelines and instructions for their amateur and under-age rugby. Over 500 personnel have attended courses on the guidelines.

The GAA were one of the first organisations in Ireland to issue guidelines on concussion in 2007. Some 2 per cent of injuries in football and hurling are head injuries with less than 1 per cent result in concussion. Nevertheless, the association rewrote their rules again in 2013.

In Northern Ireland Education Minister John O'Dowd wrote to all schools about

The science of concussion MOST concussive brain injuries are mild, and generally, people recover fully. The problem of concussion lies in the fact that it is not recognized straight away and in a lot of cases, ignored.

The brain is a very delicate and is separated from the skull by a layer of cerebrospinal fluid. The brain swells, thereby lessening the space between the brain and the skull.

When a blow is powerful enough, this cushion is inadequate to protect the brain from

trauma. The area of impact may not only be the location of the blow but also where the rebounding brain hits the opposite side of the skull, shown here.

When the brain is moved by the force of the blow, rotational forces are thought to have the greatest effect. Therefore, not only the amount of force should be considered but also how the blow was received.

Brain injury may cause symptoms which last for hours or may be life long.

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the dangers of concussion and included reference to the Concussion Recognition Tool (CRT) which contains a checklist to help coaches, teachers and parents recognise the signs of concussion.

In the South a novel campaign by Tr a n s i t i o n Ye a r s t u d e n t s i n C a s h e l Community School highlighted the lack of awareness about the problem across the education system. Their project, 'Without Your Brain You Have No Game', won a b ro n z e a w a rd a t t h e Yo u n g S o c i a l Innovators of the Year 2014.

THE LONG TERM While much of the recent focus in Ireland has been around the immediate dangers posed by concussion, a potentially much larger issue coming down the tracks is that of long term injury.

The centre of attention has been American Football where the issue of longterm injury (particularly Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)) has led to claims that past NFL players have higher rates of memory loss, depression and suicides.

CTE is a progressive degenerative disease and in September 2014 it was revealed in a study that 76 out of 79 deceased NFL players were found to have had ºCTE. In 2013, even before this news, the NFL had agreed to pay $765m to provide medical care to former players.

Given the nature of American Football it is perhaps unsurprising that concussive injuries are prevalent, but all contact sports have an incidence of head injury. The treatment of those injuries and the current policies of administrators may well be tested in the courts here in the future.

In the meantime, everybody involved with younger people would be well advised to overhaul their thinking and policies around head injuries. The legacy of Ben Robinson should be the protection of young people from short and long-term injury.

Guidelines on concussion management in schools WHAT IS CONCUSSION? A concussion is a disturbance in brain function caused by a direct or indirect force to the head. It results in a variety of non-specific signs and/or symptoms and most often does not involve loss of consciousness. Concussion should be suspected in the presence of any one or more of the following: • Symptoms (e.g., headache), or • Physical signs (e.g., unsteadiness), or • Impaired brain function (e.g.,confusion) or • Abnormal behaviour (e.g., change in personality).

CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT 1. Concussion must be taken extremely seriously to safeguard the longterm welfare of young athletes (those aged under 18).

2. Any young person suspected of having a concussion should be immediately removed from play and must not resume play in the match or training on the same day as the suspected concussion.

3. Young people suspected of having concussion must be medically assessed.

4. After a concussion, young people must rest and not take part in any form of training or matches for a minimum 14 days.

5. If after a minimum 14 day rest period young people are entirely symptom free, they must then follow a graduated return to play protocol.

6. It is recommended that every young person seeks medical clearance before returning to play.

RETURN TO SCHOOL • Concussion may impact on the child‘s ability to learn at school. This must be considered, and medical clearance should be sought before the child returns to school.

• It is reasonable for a child to miss a day or two of school after concussion, but extended absence is uncommon.

Source: Scottish Government Advice in association with The Scottish Rugby Union, the Scottish Football Association and Sports Scotland

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Asian Studies at University College Cork

New course launched to train Chinese language teachers Course designed with emphasis on combining theory and practice, with hands-on classroom experience

T

HE School of Asian Studies has just received approval for a new MA p ro g r a m m e , I re l a n d ’s f i r s t , i n Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages (MA TCSOL), which will have its first intake of students in September 2015. The course has been designed with an emphasis on combining theory and practice, with lots of hands-on classroom experience.

VARIETY OF SETTINGS Students will have opportunities to develop their skills in a variety of settings, from some of those secondary schools in the Cork area which already offer Chinese to evening classes for adult learners and specialised provision for staff from local companies preparing for a secondment to China.

The new MA course is open to both native speakers of Chinese and others who have reached a high level of competence as second-language learners.

“As Chinese companies increase their overseas presence and global supply chains almost inevitably come to include China, a postgraduate qualification in teaching Chinese is a highly portable one,” said Professor Jackie Sheehan, Acting Head of the School of Asian Studies.

“Demand is only going to increase, not only in Europe, but also in areas like Central Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, where Chinese investment and migration has run way ahead of the availability of Chinese-language teaching, especially for adult learners.”

A TASTE OF CHINESE While decisions about Chinese as a curricular subject in Ireland are still pending, a number of schools have given their students a taste of Chinese through the short course now offered in the Transition Year.

This Easter, another group of TY students and their teachers from Cork, Limerick and Galway will spend two weeks in China try-

ing out their new language skills, led by Mr Yongbin Xia of UCC’s Confucius Institute and Professor Sheehan.

“Chinese is a challenging language for European beginners, who have to get used to features of it like the tones and the writing of characters,” said Professor Sheehan, “and one of the best ways to encourage them early on is to get them out to China and show them that they can actually make themselves understood with what they’ve learned in class.”

EMPLOYABILITY Asian Studies at UCC puts great stress on employability in all its courses, and in this academic year, students on its Springboard course have once again benefited from the School’s extensive range of corporate, diplomatic and government contacts in a series of two-day workshops held at the Irish Management Institute in Dundrum.

Each workshop had a specific national focus, on Korea, China, and Japan, and

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"Demand is only going to increase, not only in Europe, but also in areas like Central Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America"

brought in a range of speakers to share their business experience of the region with students.

Participants included Pat McGrath from PM Group, an Irish engineering and construction project management company with many successful projects behind it in China and other Asian locations, and Julian Erskine, senior executive producer of Riverdance, an Irish cultural export which has been such a huge hit in China that versions of the show tour there more or less constantly.

The Japanese workshop featured Mr Jun Arima, Director General of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) in London, and Sato Akiko of Enterprise Ireland.

VITAL FOR IRELAND Tying each workshop together, Dr Mary Hogan of the IMI gave macro-level insights into trade relations and agreements across the northeast Asian region, while Paul Brennan of Celtic Forwarding covered the crucial practicalities of logistics involved in

trading with Asia.

This area, vital for Ireland as geographically the end link in so many international supply chains, will be a major focus of the Asian Studies Springboard course in 201516.

FIND OUT MORE: w: www.ucc.ie/en/asian/ t: 021-4902825 e: asianstudies@ucc.ie School of Asian Studies, 3rd Floor, O'Rahilly Building, UCC.

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UCC School of Asian Studies

Undergraduate courses for 2015-16 Chinese Studies BA - CK101 This course aims to develop students’ understanding of the history, culture, economy, politics, religion and philosophy of China.

Chinese Studies can be taken over three years or as a four-year Chinese Studies Pathway, with the third year spent at a partner university in China

Taught-postgraduate courses for 2015-16:

MA or Higher Diploma Contemporary Chinese Culture and Business These courses are designed to equip students with knowledge of the Chinese language (Mandarin) and provide them with the expertise Commerce (International) with Chinese to work in a China-facing multi-cultural and international business environment in the future.

Studies BComm International - CK211 This is a broadly based degree that combines Based at UCC for the first half year, students a range of business modules, the study of then go to China for further language training and a work placement with a Chinese organizaMandarin Chinese and courses on contemporary Chinese tion, before returning to UCC to complete their society, popular culture and media, politics and course. modern history to provide students with the necessary tools to work effectively in an inter- MA Asian Studies This one-year full-time course offers graduates national environment from the arts, humanities, social sciences, business, science and engineering an understanding Asian Studies Arts BA (Hons) - CK101 This three-year course focuses on contemporary of Asian societies including culture, education, Asia. It begins with an overview of the entire social systems, politics, business and manageregion from the Middle East to the Far East, ment, as well as the opportunity to develop the including Asian diasporas worldwide. In subse- linguistic and intercultural skills necessary to quent years students choose modules from a work in or relate to Asia and Asian countries. variety of disciplines focusing on Asia and It includes opportunities to experience living and working in Asian countries. language options Contact Details: School of Asian Studies, O’Rahilly Building, UCC Tel: 021-4902825 Fax: 021-4903825 www.ucc.ie/calendar/arts/art025.html

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Nursing at GMIT

Top results for GMIT Mayo nursing graduates

G

ENERAL and Psychiatric Nursing graduates achieved some of the top results in the country at the GMIT Mayo Annual Conferring of Awards held in November. This is a testament to the skills of the lecturing and clinical staff, the benefits of the smaller class size and the calibre of education on offer at GMIT Mayo. Statistics from the graduating class of 2014 showed the following results: First Class Honours Degree -H1- 35.13% (over 1/3 of total students), 2.1 - 56.76 % (over 1/2 of total students) GMIT Mayo Department of Nursing, Health Sciences and Social Care is committed to excellence and innovation in teaching and learning. Head of Department Kathleen Taheny says: “our programmes promote independent learning and

embrace a broad range of teaching and learning strategies and methodologies.

GMIT Mayo strives to enrich the experience for our students by incorporating regular educational sessions in our state of the art clinical skills laboratory where every effort has been made to replicate a typical ward in the hospital”.

NURSING AND SOCIAL CARE GMIT Mayo boasts excellent facilities that provide nursing students with an experience closely mirroring that of the clinical areas. This combined with more traditional teaching strategies based on evidence-based learning principles molds graduates into highly skilled professional nurses.

Commitment to teaching and learning is shown by the large number of GMIT Mayo

college nursing students who graduate and secure employment immediately. The Head of Department Kathleen Taheny believes that the reason the students all graduate and succeed is down to the commitment and dedication of the lecturers, clinical staff and the supports provided for the students.

The Bachelor of Science (Honours) in General Nursing and Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychiatric Nursing are designed to prepare students to meet the challenges of a changing healthcare environment, both nationally and internationally.

GMIT Mayo nursing programmes are ultimately aimed at facilitating the development of knowledge, skills, attitudes and professional values essential for safe, competent and caring professional nurses.

NURSING AND SOCIAL CARE IN GMIT MAYO Bachelor of Science (Honours) in General Nursing

Course Codes: GA880 (Standard Applicants) • GA881 (Mature Applicants) Places: 25 • Course Duration: 4 years • NQAI Level: 8

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychiatric Nursing

Course Codes: GA882 (Standard Applicants) • GA883 (Mature Applicants) Places: 15 • Course Duration: 4 years • NQAI Level: 8

Certificate in Care of the Older Person (Special Purpose Award)

Apply direct to Department of Nursing & Health Sciences Places: 30 • Course Duration: 13 weeks, every Tuesday from January 2016.

NQAI Level: 7

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Nursing

(One year add-on part time degree) Apply direct to the Department of Nursing & Health Sciences Places: 30 • Duration: One year • NQAI Level: 8

Recovery in Mental Health – Special Purpose Award

(13 week, 10 credit module) Apply directly to the Department of Nursing & Health Sciences Places 30. Course. Duration 13 weeks.

Every Tuesday from January 2016.

NQAI Level 8.

Bachelor of Arts in Applied Social Care Part time Apply direct to the Department of Nursing & Health Sciences Places: 40 • Duration: 2 years • NQAI Level: 7 This programme will be delivered on a part time basis over 2 academic years on Friday afternoons.

Entry Requirements: The requirement is a higher certificate in Applied Social Care or equivalent with a minimum of 2 years’ experience in social care work. Applicants must be over 23 years old. It is also available through ACCS mode.

Bachelor of Arts (Ordinary) in Applied Social Care Full Time

Course Code: GA879 Places: 30 • Course Duration: 3 years • NQAI Level: 7 Entry Requirements: Entry will be in accordance with the current GMIT admissions policy for entry to Bachelor of Arts (Ordinary) Level 7 programmes.

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Applied Social Care Part Time

Apply direct to the Department of Nursing & Health Sciences Places: 30 • Course Duration: 2 years • NQAI Level: 8 The programme will be delivered on a part-time basis over 2 academic years on one afternoon per week. It is designed to prepare the student for professional practice and to enhance the student’s employability as a basis for a long-term professional career in a broad range of social care settings, youth work, community development and interpersonal services.

Entry Requirements: BA (Ordinary) in Applied Social Care or equivalent. It is also available through ACCS mode.

Further information: Visit our website http://www.gmit.ie/mayo/mayo-campus or telephone: 094 9043192/3249

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Parchment Square Student Accommodation

Cork student accommodation with direct access to CIT PA R C H M E N T S q u a r e S t u d e n t Accommodation is the closest purpose built student accommodation with direct access to CIT. Bookings are now being taken for the Academic year 2015/2016 for CIT and UCC Students.

Catering for all budgets Parchment Square offer: • Direct Walkway with full access to CIT. • Free On-site Parking.

• Broadband Access in all Bedrooms.

• 24 Hour CCTV Security System • 24 Hour Professional Office Staff.

• City Centre bus route serving CIT, UCC, the city centre, and train and bus stations.

• Cable Television in each apartment • Secure environment • Close to all amenties CORK CITY Cork City with a population of 127,000, is Ireland's third city (after Dublin and Belfast) and has always been a student city since its' beginnings as a monastic settlement under St Finbarr. With its remarkable charm, shops, restaurants, bars and distinctive continental air the city of Cork will not fail to captivate and welcome all visitor's young and old.

Cork is especially well blessed when it comes to facilities for Education with the UCC and CIT both within easy walking distance of the city centre and Parchment Square. Also in the city centre itself are the Crawford Art College and Cork School of Music (both constituent colleges of the >>> CIT).

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Parchment Square Student Accommodation

Added to this there are a large number of Colleges of Senior Education including Cork College of Commerce, St Johns College, and a large number of private secretarial colleges amongst others.

All of these combine to give Cork an unparrallelled atmosphere of learning and youth, which brings with it all of the associated setts of great sports facilities, entertainment and nightlife.

FIND OUT MORE Parchment Square, Model Farm Road, Cork.

Telephone: 021 45 45 200 E: studentenqs@parchmentsquarecork.com W: www.parchmentsquarecork.com Find us on facebook: Parchment Square Student Accommodation 26 EDUCATION

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Castlecomer Discovery Park, The Estate Yard, Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland.

E: educationofficer@discoverypark.ie W: www.discoverypark.ie t: +353 56 4440707

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School Clothing

Exclusive school jackets students love to wear T

HE Outdoor Concept Company Ltd (xxxxxxx), trading as Solo Schoolwear, are recognised as the top technical school jacket designers and producers, exclusively supplying custom made jackets to uniform shops, colleges and schools countrywide since 2002.

HERE’S WHY:

Service: We supply through your regular uniform shop - or direct.

We include consultations and presentations with Principals, Student and Parent Councils, etc.

We provide samples of your jacket design. We can also arrange fitting sessions and assist in distribution.

Price: 'Cloud' and Solo’s established style ‘College’ have an RRP from €45.00. Ladies slim fit ‘Campus’ is from €59.00 - all incl crest. You now have a designer range at great prices for schools!

Contact Us: Principals and Uniform Shops should contact Solo Schoolwear - to discuss a possible school jacket project.

Performance: Solo jackets are 100% waterproof (2000mm pressure), windproof and breathable (MVP 2000g /M2 24hrs), also machine washable (30°c). The outer rain marking / soil protection treatment is PFOS/PFOA (chemicals) free. (2008 EU Regulation).

Quality: The finest fabrics, styling and manufacturing process ensure a comfortable jacket that students love to wear - for years!

Design: Styles for Girl and Boy students also Unisex. ‘Cloud’ Softshell has been awarded European Community Design Rights in 2014.

Value: High production Solo jackets are priced for value. Prices include embroidered crests and many other special features.

Image: Solo jackets are an added prestige item to complete the school uniform and the image of the school. Whether to and from school - on teams or the touchline and all cultural and other occasions - students look smart.

Identification: Exclusive styles and uniform co-ordination colours - 55+ colourways currently.

Embroidery: Included in our prices (100+pcs), is to the finest artistic detail. Our service includes designing and also improving detail in old crests.

Road Safety: Reflective features (3M) incl MTO, are fitted to all jackets FIND OUT MORE: Solo Schoolwear, 16 The Village Mill Enterprise Park, Rathnew, Co. Wicklow w: www.soloschoolwear.ie e: info@soloschoolwear.ie t: 0404 80038 EDUCATION 29

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National Council for Exercise and Fitness (NCEF)

A professional qualification in fitness education

D

O you have a genuine interest in physical activity and in helping others to lead healthy & active lifestyles? Are you energetic, motivated and eager to learn about health & fitness?

If yes, then becoming a fitness instructor will give you the opportunity to work at what you love. Fitness instructors work in a variety of settings such as fitness centres, leisure clubs, gyms, community centres, hotels and cruise ships. Many fitness instructors set up their own businesses while others work part time or on a freelance basis.

The NCEF is an academic affiliate of the University of Limerick (UL) and strives to promote the highest standards possible in the qualifying of Exercise & Health Fitness Professionals. The NCEF network of Certified Providers has been in place for over 20 years and all course fees are fully bonded with course provision guaranteed.

YEAR 1: Certificate in Exercise & Health Fitness (CEHF) course provides education and training in such areas as Anatomy & Physiology, Fitness Assessment and Programming, Circuit Training, Step Training, Resistance Training and Body Conditioning. Qualified fitness instructors can design individual fitness programmes and teach a variety of classes.

YEAR 2: Higher Certificate in Exercise & Health Fitness (HCEHF) provides education and training in areas such as the CEHF above and in addition, Personal Training, Strength and Conditioning, Pilates & Corrective Exercise, Active Aging for the Older Adult, Children’s Activity, Studio Cycling, Facility Operations and Fit for Life.

Year 2 is predominantly based at the University of Limerick; however, there are many E-Learning options available.

The CEHF & HCEHF offers professional university accredited qualifications. They are the only University statutory award - Fitness

Instructor qualifications in Ireland. The CEHF is placed at Level 6 minor and the HCEHF at Level 6 Major on the National Qualifications Framework (NFQ/QQI) and Level 5 on the European Qualifications Framework (EQF). The NCEF has completed the mapping of the CEHF & HCEHF Level 6 QQI/NFQ, to the European industry standards, Exercise for Health Specialist - EQF Level 5.

CEHF Course Options: October 2015 - The CEHF can be undertaken part-time or full-time midweek and part-time at weekends. Locations include, Limerick, Waterford, Dublin and Galway HCEHF Course Options: October 2015 - The two year full-time HCEHF can only be undertaken at the University of Limerick (Mon to Fri). Applicants are eligible to apply for SUSI Funding.

Graduates of the CEHF & HCEHF can progress on a flexible learning pathway to, Diploma in Exercise & Health Fitness (DEHF), NFQ Level 7 and finally the B.Sc. in Exercise & Health Fitness (NFQ Level 8).

All courses are REPS Approved.

FIND OUT MORE Further information at www.ncef.ie email ncef@ul.ie phone 061-202829

Become a fitness instructor - qualify with the Best

Certificate & Higher Certificate in Exercise & Health Fitness Statutory Award of the University of Limerick

Full and Part-Time Course Options Applications for grants must be made directly with SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) For details on the courses in Limerick, Cork and Waterford Contact: www.ncef.ie or phone 061202829

For details on the courses in Dublin

Find us on FACEBOOK

Contact: www.motions.ie or phone 087 2445205

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Spotlight on UPC’s Corporate Social Responsibility programme C ONNECTING people to the digital world offers a wide-range of economic and social benefits. Our priority at UPC is to promote a digital society to ensure everyone can enjoy the benefits that digital brings.

We enable this to happen by giving people access to products and services that can enrich their lives, as well as help them to do business.

The digital world offers significant growth opportunities for society, by stimulating business, innovation and employment.

We support this by investing in super-fast broadband networks in Ireland. However, we recognise that not everyone can access the digital world.

To create an inclusive society, we work alongside expert partner organisations to raise awareness, boost digital skills and help children and young people to stay safe

online so that everyone enjoys the benefits of the digital world.

BROADBAND FOR SCHOOLS

We have repeatedly highlighted the provision of superfast broadband in schools as an essential step to ensure that Ireland’s students are equipped with the technological resources they need to flourish in today’s society.

UPC offers its superfast 100 Mbps fibre broadband to schools throughout Ireland under the National Schools Broadband Scheme. The Government's Broadband for Schools Programme is managed by HEAnet and the 100 Mbps High Speed Schools Network is co-sponsored by the Department of Communications, Energy & Natural Resources and the Department of Education and Skills.

Adamstown Community College is a great example of a vibrant and modern new school that is directly benefitting from

such programmes and is delivering the highest standards of learning and education.

Information technology facilities at the school are state-of-the-art including tablet computers, broadband wireless internet access throughout, an advanced design and communication graphics classroom, a student information data base which has parental access and radio frequency I.D. cards (RFID) for student access (including e-commerce transaction capability).

Des Newton, School Principal said: “The school uses all of the latest advanced educational systems and methodologies to ensure the best possible learning experience for students. The library also has a major literacy enhancement initiative in place using specialist education technology.

“With a capacity for 1,000 students, Adamstown provides educational programmes for the junior certificate, transition

■ Marking Safer Internet Day in Ireland were (l-r) Dr. Brian O’Neill (DIT), Anna Maria Barry (UPC), Damien English TD (Minister for Skills, Research and Innovation), Sean Gallagher (PDST) & Simon Grehan (Webwise.ie, coordinator of Safer Internet Day in Ireland)

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■ Magnus Ternsjö, CEO at UPC Ireland, Des Newton, School Principal at Adamstown Community College, Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald TD and students from Adamstown Community College.

year and leaving certificate cycles. It was built through a €14m investment by the Department of Education and Skills under the patronage of Dublin & Dun Laoghaire Education Training Board (DDLETB).”

PROMOTING DIGITAL SKILLS In order to promote a digital society, UPC supports a number of programmes that facilitate digital inclusion and help people develop their skills and the confidence they need to get online. One prime example of this is our partnership with CoderDojo, an open source volunteer led movement which organises free coding clubs for young people aged between 5 – 17 years of age.

For the second year running, UPC is supporting Coolest Projects, an awards ceremony to promote and showcase the creativity across the CoderDojo network.

Other great events that are coming up in this space include TechWeek and EU Code Week.

UPC is also helping to support young people and the challenges they face in the early years of their careers. While much work is being done, there still remains a significant gap in the online career networks provided for them. Research indicates that young people avoid LinkedIn, the largest career networking site, with only 17% of under 25s in the US having a profile, citing that a lack of employment history would look weak on their profile, and that

the site isn't designed for them.

To solve this, UPC has joined up with YouRock, a new employability platform for young people across Europe. YouRock aims to help young people to become more employable, and motivate them to see technology not only as intrinsic to their employability, but also as a potential career opportunity – more information on www. yourock.jobs

to promote safer and more responsible use of online technology and mobile devices amongst children and young people.

This year, UPC in collaboration with Webwise and Google released an extended teacher-designed educational resource to support the development of critical thinking and digital empowerment in young people through an updated version of “The Web We Want” online.

CREATING A SAFE ONLINE ENVIRONMENT

INITIATIVES

The proliferation of digital devices coupled with near ubiquitous broadband has changed the world tremendously and has brought about considerable value but has also introduced new challenges for our society. As more young people enter the digital work a central tenet of UPC’s Corporate Responsibility Programme is to keep them safe from potential harm online.

In this regard, on November 10th last year further to the signing of a MOU with An Garda Siochana, UPC was the first major ISP to block access to online child sexual abuse material. This means that any UPC subscriber that seeks to access any of the urls identified by the Gardai will be prevented from doing so and will instead be directed to a Garda advisory message explaining the reasons for the block.

UPC also gets involved with the annual Safer Internet Day initiative. Its objective is

Other initiatives include various tools educational toolkits that UPC has created with Webwise that support parents and teachers to educate and empower young people to safe guard themselves online: Play and Learn: Being Online: For children aged 4-8 years and available in 16 languages. 10.000 copies distributed in partnership with Webwise. An online copy of the booklet is available on: http://tinyurl. com/qf382dj.

Family eSafety Kit: For children aged 6-12 years and available in 18 languages.

100.000 copies distributed in partnership with Webwise. An online copy is available at: www.esafetykit.net/index2.html.

The Web We Want: For young people aged 13-16 years. In the past year, 10.000 copies distributed in schools. An online copy is available at: www.webwewant.eu.

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An Óige – the Irish Youth Hostel Association – Group Discounts

Take the stress and cost out of your group trip Make the history, geography and culture of Ireland come to life for your students as you stay at one of An Óige’s 24 quality youth hostels in beautiful locations all across Ireland.

You’ll have your own Groups Reservations Co-ordinator to help you book everything from your accommodation, to meals, transport and activities. That means you’ll have just one contact + just one invoice = a stress-free booking for Group Leaders!

An Óige have recently introduced a new intensive Irish Oral Preparation package in their luxury Errigal Hostel in Donegal which includes: • 2 x nights at our 5 star Errigal hostel • Full board – All meals are included • 6 hours of Irish oral classes covering: ~ Vocabulary, phraseology, pronunciation and grammar ~ Mock Scrúdú Béil covers basic and advanced topics in Fáiltiú, Sraith Picitúr, Aithris Filíochta agus Comhrá. ~ Feedback to help students with their individual needs • Evening Group activities – Games Night & 80s Disco Gaelach AND 1 leader stays for free for every 10 students! (minimum 20 students) This package will book up fast so be sure to email: errigalhostel@gmail.com or ring (074) 9531180 to book into this package and increase your students’ confidence (and grades) in time for their Irish Oral exams!

Fancy something a bit more active? There’s also an activity package in Errigal or get swinging from the trees with our high ropes and archery activities in the Killarney International Hostel. This hostel is a former 18th Century mansion making it “The Grandest Hostel in Kerry”! Want to get out on the biking trails? How about Ballyhoura Luxury Hostel with its own sauna on site…?

If you prefer some more culture – how about a trip to Galway, Cork or Dublin?

Visit Cork City Historic Gaol, Dublinia, Kilmainham Gaol or even the Zoo! With prices from €12 for a dorm bed and breakfast in Dublin, you can’t go wrong…

As well as this, get 10% off your accommodation for all new group bookings until the end of 2015. (T&Cs apply). Just email groups@anoige.ie or call us on 01 8304555 and ask for Groups and quote the code EDUGROUP15 to get your discount.

Looking for a stress-free great value break for your students? ✔ 24 quality youth hostels in beautiful locations all over Ireland ✔ Your own Groups Reservations Co-ordinator to help you ✔ We’ll help you book accommodation, meals, transport and activities ✔ Just one contact + one invoice = a stressfree booking for Group Leaders!

Get active on with our high ropes and archery in Killarney or improve your Irish language skills with an intensive Irish Oral Preparation package in our luxury Errigal Hostel in Donegal, where 1 leader stays for free for every 10 students!

Book NOW to get 10% OFF your accommodation with the code EDUGROUP15 Email today - groups@anoige.ie or call us on 01 8304555 and ask for Groups! (T&Cs apply)

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DUNBOYNE

Why not go to College in Meath, in nearby Dunboyne?

COLLEGE

OF FURTHER ECUCATION

Post Leaving Cert Courses at FETAC Level 5/6 2015-16 Health Care and Community Care Applied Social Studies Nursing Studies Childcare/ Special Needs Assistant Applied Health Care

Sport Sports Science Sports Management and Coaching

Pre-University Courses Pre-University Arts General Pre-University Arts Language Pre-University Law Pre-University Science/Agricultural

Multimedia and Computers Computer Applications Multi Media Sound Engineering

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Food Professional Cookery ●

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Science Journalism

The Arts Art Music and Music Performance

Business Pre-University Business Tourism with Business e Business

Advanced Certificates (FETAC Level 6) Childcare, Community Development (social studies), Art, Sport, Cookery or Multimedia

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All courses are one year and are FETAC Level 5 or Level 6 accredited.

They have direct links to universities and institutes of technology.

Registration is open now on www.dunboynecfe.ie and interviews are the 20th April.

www.dunboynecfe.ie

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Dún Laoghaire Furtrher Education Institute

Take the DFEi route to college Y OU may not immediately notice the DFEi building on Cumberland Street in Dún Laoghaire because it is situated in the quiet end of the town. There is a completely different buzz though when you pass through the automatic doors. It’s the buzz you feel between classes or at break time when the stairs and corridors are filled with learners of all ages and from diverse backgrounds, who all seem to be on a personal mission.

They might be heading for the library to type up an assignment, heading to the sound studio to do a recording, the radio studio to do an interview or to the TV and film studio for a casting call. Why not tune into 107.8fm and listen to DFEi’s very own radio station, The Wave? You will find an archive of accomplished documentaries. Having visited the Criminal Courts of Justice and listened to the evidence in a murder trial, or sat in on a Dáil debate, the journalism learners have plenty to write about.

TOOLS OF THE TRADE Other learners of a more scientific bent might be bracing themselves for a dissection in the lab, or for testing their newly acquired veterinary assistance or grooming skills on real animals. The more corporate minded business learners will be grappling with computerised payroll, bookkeeping, spreadsheets and databases, while Office Administration learners will be acquiring the languages of medicine and the law.

In DFEi, you are as likely to see learners car-

rying T-squares and tool kits as guitars and cameras. That’s because courses like Furniture Making and Restoration and Musical Instrument Making and Repair demand the tools of the trade.

Some Sound Engineering learners will have composed their own material and will audition for the annual college album release. The skills of the Security learners will always be sought for live events. Newspapers, scripts, and press releases will be written. Ireland’s archaeological heritage will be studied, web sites will be designed, architectural models will be built and fine pieces of furniture will be made. It’s all in a day’s work at DFEi. TEACHERS AND LEARNERS While activities beyond the classroom doors are engaging young (and not so young) minds there is something more important that the discerning person might notice. That is teachers and learners in conversation. It might appear like more casual one-to-one classes are taking place on the stairs, the corridors or on the sofa outside the admin office. This will usually be reassurance, explanation or clarification, news about work experience or progression with an assignment.

The big appointments book outside the Guidance Counsellor’s office will become fuller as the academic year unfolds with learners anxious to discuss their Higher Links options – links to NUI, DIT, IADT, NCI, IT Tallaght, IT Blanchardstown, as well as other Institutes of

Technology and universities all over Ireland, and beyond.

If, for whatever reason, you do not get enough points for your chosen third level course, consider spending a year in DFEi. It’s another tried and tested way to get a place in college through our many defined progression routes. The formula is simple - eight FETAC Level 5 modules with as many distinctions as you can get.

But it takes some work on your part. You need to come to class, complete assignments on time and prepare for exams. Whether it’s Instrumentation and Robotics in Computing and Technology, Maternity Support in Nursing Studies or Criminology in Security Studies, the teachers are there for you every step of the way if you are there for them.

FUNDAMENTAL SKILLS Because that’s what DFEi is good at – teaching learners in small classes the fundamental skills and survival techniques that will put them on the ladder to a third level qualification in their chosen area.

You will be taught how to present work in written and oral format. You will be taught basic research skills, referencing systems, and general academic conventions across all courses.

Experience at DFEi has taught us that every student does not learn in the same way or at the same pace. If you have particular learning support requirements, they will be met at DFEi.

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Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark

Education and fieldwork opportunities at the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark

A

GEOPARK is an area with really special rocks and landscapes.

These may be special because they are good for education, or because they are of great scientific value.

They may also be special because the rocks and landscapes are very rare, or simply because they are exceptionally beautiful.

Geoparks aren’t just about rocks and landscapes though, they also include places that have important history and archaeology, fascinating plants and wildlife, and often intriguing folklore. After all, many of these are intimately linked with the ground beneath our feet.

ABOUT THE MARBLE ARCH CAVES GLOBAL GEOPARK United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) endorsed Geopark status was first awarded to the Marble Arch Caves and adjoining Cuilcagh Mountain Park in 2001 and since this time the Geopark has expanded rapidly from these two original sites.

In 2007 and 2008, the Geopark underwent two phases of expansion first into public access lands in west Fermanagh and secondly into west Cavan making the

Geopark not only one of the largest in the world but, also the first cross-border Geopark in the world. The Geopark now stretches from the northern shores of Lower Lough Erne in County Fermanagh to Lough Oughter in County Cavan. The Geopark is jointly managed by Fermanagh District Council and Cavan County Council.

EDUCATION AND FIELDWORK OPPORTUNITIES 1. Primary & Post-Primary The Geopark offers many environmental educational packages including site specific packages for both primary and post-primary school pupils. A number of workbooks and guided education programmes are on offer for primary and post-primary school pupils.

These are delivered at the Marble Arch Caves Visitor Centre, Cuilcagh Mountain Park or at the Cavan Burren Park. Key curriculum components covered focus on the topics of geology, biodiversity, archaeology and history.

Indeed, specific programmes can be tailored to suit individual needs upon request.

An Earth Science Education field Guide is available for Leaving Certificate and AS/A2 level Geography teachers. This is a self-led

study guide with information on sites to visit and the features of interest within them.

For primary school pupils Earth science workshops are organised as part of Science Week every March and November. Training courses are also offered for both primary and post-primary teachers in how to teach Earth science more effectively and these are typically delivered twice a year at the Marble Arch Caves Visitor’s Centre.

Education Activities and learning areas • Cave Tours • Woodland and Habitat studies • Vegetation Studies • Sustainable Tourism • Glacial Processes • Rock cycle and Resources • Sustainable living 2. Tertiary Education & Lifelong Learning The Geopark has produced a small booklet with information on areas of study within the Geopark. The Geopark employs a Geologist and Education Officer whom are both on hand to provide information prior to or during a visit. Where possible, programmes can be tailored to suit individual requests. A number of university accredited courses are offered within the Geopark.

Other Services Geopark staff members can carry out visits to schools and also organise special education events at various times throughout the year.

■ Educational activities on lower slopes of Cuilcagh Mountain

FIND OUT MORE Further information please contact: Martina O'Neill Geopark Development Officer Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark 43 Marlbank Road, Legnabrocky, Florencecourt, Co.Fermanagh BT92 1EW. Tel: 028 6634 8855 (NI) Tel: 048 6634 8855 (RoI) E-mail:mac@fermanagh.gov.uk www.marblearchcavesgeopark.com

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Marble Arch Caves Marble Arch Caves are one of Europe’s finest showcaves allowing visitors to explore a fascinating, natural underworld of rivers, winding passages and lofty chambers.

Lively and informative guides conduct tours past a bewildering variety of cave formations. Stalactites glisten above streamways and chambers, while fragile mineral veils and cascades of creamy calcite coat walls and create shimmering terraces.

Spectacular walkways allow easy access while powerful lighting reveals the stunning beauty and grandeur of the caves.

Electrically powered boats glide through huge caverns carrying visitors along a subterranean river. Tours last for 75 minutes and are suitable for people of any age and of average fitness.

Comfortable walking shoes and a warm sweater are recommended.

The Caves are open daily at 10.00am from mid/late March to September. The last tour of the day is at 4.30pm (5.00pm in July/August). It is advisable to telephone prior to your visit to ensure that you can be accommodated and to check the availability of guided tours as the caves can be effected by heavy rain.

Marble Arch Caves are located in a National Nature Reserve in the shadows of Cuilcagh Mountain and have coach and car parking, toilets and baby changing facilities, souvenir shop, restaurant, exhibition area, free audio-visual presentation and free WiFi. Education packages are available for school children and for those interested in lifelong learning. An events programme is delivered throughout the year.

Cuilcagh Mountain Park CUILCAGH Mountain and the Marlbank area provides some of the most spectacular scenery in Fermanagh.

At 665m, Cuilcagh is the highest point in Fermanagh, and the only true mountain. Its distinctive table-top profile is easily identified across the region and forms the focus of an area rich in geology, archaeology, folklore, flora and fauna. The mountain itself is topped by gritstone, exposed in places as dramatic cliffs sweeping down to the lower sandstone and shale slopes.

The middle slopes of Cuilcagh Mountain are covered with a thick layer of peat and form one of the best examples of a blanket bog ecosystem in the north of Ireland. The lower slopes of Cuilcagh Mountain are formed of limestone with its associated (karst) landforms and complex cave systems.

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For further information about the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, please contact Helen at 36 Gwendolen Avenue, Putney, London, SW15 6EJ or phone 078 2626 3202 Email: fmmimesvoc@yahoo.co.uk or you can log into www.fmm.org or www.fmmvocations.org 40 EDUCATION

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Recently Published...............................................................................................................

An Education By John Walshe AFTER over forty years in national journalism, John Walshe thought he had seen and heard it all. That was until he got a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work in government and see how decisions are really made...

Having spent most of his career as an education correspondent, Walshe did not have to think twice about accepting incoming education minister Ruairi Quinn's invitation to become his special adviser. So in a matter of weeks he found himself in the seat of power in Government Buildings and up close and personal with some of the country most powerful decisionmakers. It was heady stuff.

An Education is John Walshe's revealing, surprising and entertaining inside account of what it's like be part of a government trying to get to grips with a country and an economy in free-fall.

It is an anatomy of how choices are made, particularly when the choices are between swingeing cuts and drastic sav-

ings. And it is a gripping description of the ferocious day-to-day territorial battles and face-offs between the coalition parties and their backroom staff.

Ruairi Quinn knew this would be his last cabinet post and he was determined to leave a legacy. Walshe documents the triumphs and disasters of Quinn's mission to reshape Irish education. In doing so he gets to the heart of the mix of idealism, egotism and pragmatism that ultimately drives those who govern.

John Walshe's fortymonth education on the corridors of power him left him much wiser about those who set out to do the state some service.

His conclusions are sometimes encouraging and sometimes dismaying.

But they are always enlightening. An Education is both lively and essential reading for anyone who wants to understand Irish politics in the raw.

Penguin • Around €10

Complex Inequality and 'Working Mothers'

By Clare O'Hagan

THIS book explores the ways that women combine motherhood with paid work in contemporary Ireland and the consequences for individual women, families, childminders and Irish society.

This book demonstrates the difficulties women encounter when trying to satisfy working and mothering lives. Drawing on focus groups and interviews with thirty women who combine motherhood with paid work in Ireland, this book reveals the difficulties, complexities and dilemmas women experience.

These inequalities occur at individual, discursive, social and structural levels and their combination makes it difficult for women to satisfy working and mothering lives.

Contemporary society uses maternity to divide and conquer women, both in public and private spheres, and women's inequalities are maintained because the issue is privatised, women are silenced and ignored.

This book looks at the gender system which creates this complex inequality and reveals that by privileging some women sometimes, enduring inequalities are created for all women.

Cork University Press • Around €39 Hardback

FINGAL COUNSELLING SERVICE

Training Couse in Humanistic Counselling 3½ Years Part-time Course - Wednesday Mornings Commencing September 2015- This course is IACP recognized For Application Form and Course details contact: Fingal Counselling Service, BASE Resource Centre, Brackenstown, Swords, Co. Dublin Phone: 8902596 Or Email fcsdenise@yahoo.ie Meet with the course team at our OPEN DAY Saturday 18th April between 10 am and 1 pm - All welcome Fingal Counselling Service is a division of BASE 42 EDUCATION

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