Education Magazine 35-1

Page 1

Education Since 1987 | Volume 35 Issue 1 | w: educationmagazine.ie | t: 01-8329246 | e: education@clubi.ie

Going Places The ESB Networks Apprenticeship Programme Can DEIS really combat inequality? | Careers DCU's Pilot Academy | Apprenticeships Naval Service careers | Green News News | Reviews

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Education Volume 35 Issue 1 Editor Niall Gormley Production Michael Farrell Publishers Ard Education Ltd. Tel: 01-8329246 Email: education@clubi.ie www.educationmagazine.ie Design Real Issues 086-8986827 Printers W&G Baird Ltd. ©2022. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. ISSN 0791-6161

4 News: Proposed Leaving Cert changes more reform than revolution 5 News: Non-progression rates among first year students continue to trend downward; €20 million school library book grant for primary and post-primary schools 7 News: School patron groups unhappy at pilot transfer plan for catholic schools; Integrated Education Bill passed in Northern assembly; New initiative to provide a new postgraduate upskilling programme for post-primary SPHE/ RSE teachers 8 News: Labour launch bill to end single-gender school admissions within 10-15 years; People attached to their pets more likely to be lonely during lockdown, study finds 9 News: Leading the new Atlantic Technological University (ATU); 2022 Mary Raftery journalism prize winner announced; Ulster University leads on healthy ageing testbed in NI 10 FRONT COVER: Going Places - The ESB Networks Apprenticeship Programme 12 A career in caring and nurturing at Giraffe Childcare 14 Looking for adventure? Looking for a challenge? The Irish Naval Service is recruiting now 19 Dublin City University and National Flight Centre Pilot Academy 20 News: Women from the Travelling Community Graduate from 'life-changing' UCC course; Online peacebuilding course from WIT designer wins UNESCO award 21 Griffith College and the Institute of Advertising Practitioners in Ireland award a Creative Bursary to five schools 22 Career options in healthcare with the School of Nursing and Midwifery UCC 24 St Nicholas Montessori: Bachelor of Education in Montessori Education (Early Years), Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Psychology

Read the Education Magazine replica edition online

26 FEATURE: Can DEIS really combat our entrenched inequality? 28 SOLAS - More options for students with links to Further Education Training and Apprenticeship information on the CAO 29 FIT StepIn2Tech - Your Pathway to a Digital Future 32 Jones Engineering - Graduate and Apprenticeship Programmes 34 Liberties College - The pathway to your future 36 Sallynoggin College shaping your future 39 Pearse College: Preparing students for employment and progression 40 INFOGRAPHIC: Education & Training Boards - Key sectoral statistics 42 High demand for places at Dunboyne College 44 Sligo College of Further Education - the perfect choice for you 47 Green News: European Commission to create a digital earth - Destination Earth; Wind supplied one third of power in March - WEI; Rapid change needed to meet net zero targets for livestock; Immediate and transformative action needed to stay below 1.5°C - An Taisce

www.educationmagazine.ie 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.

48 News: Met Eireann and NUIG team up on North Atlantic climate research; Regional Education and Language Teams for Ukrainian families established 49 News: ASSA ABLOY Door Group calls to raise the standard of fire safety in schools; Cross-Border education partnership to support student teachers for equality-based schools 50 Reviews - recently published books

Education 3


NEWS ................................................................................................................................

Proposed Leaving Cert changes College more reform thanMarino revolution of Further Education Continuous assessment component main bone of contention

The TUI and ASTI both welcomed the IN March Education Minister Norma Foley film and theatre studies; and climate action announced plans to change the Leaving and sustainable development which will be tenor of the proposals while repeating their trenchant opposition to teachers marking Certificate system that will set the agenda trailed in pilot projects. Some of the main points of the plan are: their own students. for reform over the next decade. “It is long-standing ASTI policy that The changes aim to reduce final exams • Introduction of new curricula for certification in the state exams is entirely subjects to 60 per cent of overall marks and to externally assessed. This must be retained spread the exams over the two years cycle. • Introduction of new subjects in all aspects of the development of the The plans aim to address long-standing • Changing the final assessment to Leaving Cert" said ASTI President Eamon reduce reliance on final exams and criticism of the Leaving Cert of inducing Dennehy. introduce teacher-based assessment stress in students and promoting rote learnTUI General Secretary Michael Gillespie • The 60:40 exam/assessment split ing to pass exams. said:"TUI members are fundamentally While the plans to spread the marking • The NCCA and SEC will jointly research opposed to assessing their own students and define how the assessment would load received widespread agreement, the for State certificate purposes and therefore have external oversight means of doing so did not. The 40 per cent external assessment and State certification continuous assessment is to be based on • Initial tranche of new and revised – which retain significant public trust – are subjects will be available in September teacher's marking, something to which the essential for all written examinations and 2024 secondary schools teacher's unions are all additional components of assessment." • Students entering Senior Cycle in completely opposed. Repeat Cert students would still September 2023 will sit Paper 1have in Another element Killester to the reforms is the Colleges & Marino of Further Education combined toLeaving offer an be able to do exams at one sitting. English and Irish at the end of fifth year introduction ofexciting two newrange subjects: drama, of Further Education courses (PLCs). Our courses include the following.

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Non-progression €20 million school library book grant rates among first for primary and post-primary schools year students continue to trend downward NON-PROGRESSION rates among firstyear students in Higher Education into the following academic year are continuing to trend slowly downwards from 16% almost ten years ago to just 9% among new entrants in 2019/20. New data, released by the Higher Education Authority, shows that in the last year alone, the non-progression rate had dropped from 12% to 9%. The latest figures relate to the first cohort of students impacted by Covid-19 in the academic year 2019/20. As such, more years of data is required to fully understand the impact over time and the overall trajectory of non-progression rates in Irish higher education institutions. The purpose of this statistical data is to identify the overall rate of non-progression to enable identification of cohorts of students with a high risk of non-progression.

THE Government has announced that €20 million will be provided to recognised primary and post-primary schools for the purchase of books, audio books and other media for the purposes of improving their existing literacy resource banks. This €20 million fund will be paid to schools in the coming weeks and is additional to that already given for the school books rental scheme. The grant is to be paid to schools based on pupil numbers at the same rate for all schools, primary and post-primary. The department will also send a guidance note

to all schools, with support from the libraries service, on how schools can best use the funding received. Public libraries already provide a range of supports for school under the Public Library Supports for Schools jointly agreed by the Department of Education and the Department of Rural and Community Development. Public libraries will support the roll-out of the School Library Book Grant through the provision of additional measures and resources. Webinars in May will focus on selecting a book collection for each school.

The data reveals that: • In 2018/19, the non-progression rate was 12%. In 2019/20, this has dropped to 9%, representing a 3-percentage point improvement in non-progression; • Services has the highest non-progression rate, at 16%. This is followed by ICT, at 15%, and Engineering, Manufacturing & Construction at 13%. Education has the lowest non-progression rate, at 3%. • Between 2018/19 and 2019/20, Services has seen the largest improvement in their non-progression rate, from 22% in 2018/19, down to 16% in 2019/20. • Internationally domiciled students saw an increase in their non-progression rate, from 11% in 2018/19 to 13% in 2019/20. M e a n w h i l e , n o n - p ro g re s s i o n r a t e s improved for Irish-domiciled students (12% in 2018/19; 9% in 2019/20). • Non-progression rates are highest amongst disadvantaged students (12%), and lowest amongst affluent students (7%). When comparing like-for-like students, it is evident that differences in Leaving Certificate attainment between disadvantaged and affluent students largely explain these differences. • In 2019/20, females had a non-progression rate of 7%, while males had a non-progression rate of 11%. When comp a r i n g l i k e - f o r- l i k e s t u d e n t s , t h e non-progression gap reduces. Education 5


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School patron groups Integrated Education Bill unhappy at pilot transfer passed in Northern assembly plan for catholic schools AN Foras Pátrúnachta and Educate Together have raised concerns that they will be excluded from a pilot programme to transfer some catholic schools to a multidenominational models. The two groups fear that the Community National School model is the only option that will be provided to parents. These schools are run by local Education and Training Boards. While welcoming the initiative An Foras Pátrúnachta stated: "In the past 15 years, when given the choice, every community who chose their new school to be a gaelscoil, chose An Foras Pátrúnachta as their multi-denominational patron. "The facilitation of parental choice should not be over-

A LAW to encourage the grated schools although in looked in this process. Limiting Northern Ireland authorities to many areas the traditional information to school commupromote integrated education c a t h o l i c a n d p r o t e s t a n t nities in relation to patronage for protestant and catholic schools do accommodate options risks the process school pupils has been passed other traditions. When considering new becoming a missed opportunity in the Northern assembly. for providing real choice." The law was proposed by schools surveys of parents In a statement Educate the Alliance Party and sup- should be carried out and the Together said: "Whilst awaiting ported by the non-unionist targeted catchment areas full details on how this plan will parties. The Ulster Unionist should be mixed. The bill also requires that operate, Educate Together is Party opposed the bill but concerned that there doesn’t refused to back the 'petition those planning education seem to be a clear mechanism of concern' mechanism which provision take into account for parents and families to have would have allowed unionists the growing numbers of students not falling into the their voices heard on the type to veto the law. of school resulting from transThe measure asks that catholic/protestant categories. There should be funding for fers. minimum targets be set for schools and "From the limitedTheinformathe is contnew Galway Roscommon ETB Traiintegrated ning Centre is the largestschools Training Centrewithin in the region. GRETB inually develintegrated oping tion made available to date, it next 10 years and that the also funding for the process of new courses to meet the needs ofDepartment learners, employers /stakehol and offers a wide rangewill of courses moving in the fol owing areas:present schools into seems that school communities ofdersEducation will only be given information assess demand for integrated the integrated sector. InfoNational rmatTraiionniTechnol IT Support gn withisAdobe shop Finally, about the Community GRETB ng Centreogyis –theCCNA, largesteducation. Training Speci Centrealiinstthe, CompTI West AofNetIrelwaork+, nd. TheVisTraiualnDesi ing Centre continPhot uallyodevel o&piInl gustnewrator, the bill requires a review School model, which, in the At the moment, only 7 per ICDL, Recept ericalofSkiourl s clients and the needs of employers. We offer a wide range of courses in the following areas:of current education courses to meetionthe& Clneeds interests of transparency, choice cent of students go to inte- legislation. Finance – Payroll, Manual & Computerised Payroll & Bookkeeping and fairness, is concerning."

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The Galway Roscommon ETB Training Centre is the largest Training Centre in the region. GRETB is continually developi new courses to meet the needs of learners, employers /stakeholders and offers a wide range of courses in the following

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We offer a wide range of/stakeholders courses in theand following Registered Number (RCN): 20083427 on on Apprenticeships Apprenticeships, visit: Security – Door Security Guarding the GRETB Centre. An apprenticeship is a programme of education Finance – Payroll, Manual & Computerised PayrollTraining & Bookkeeping Pharmacy Sales Assistant Beauty Therapist Traineeship For further information information For further Information Technology –the CCNA, IT Support Specialist, CompTIA Network+, Visual Design withisAdobe Photoshop & Illustrator, GRETB Training Centre is largest Training Centre in the West of Ireland. 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Financeand – Payroll, Manual & recognised Computerised Payroll Bookkeeping Pharmacy Sales Assistant Beauty Therapist Traineeship apprenticeship.ie or –email: or e-mail GRETB Services to Business Transport – Bus Driving/Mini Bus Driving, HGV Artic/Rigid, Driving Instructor visit www.apprenticeship.ie or Tel: 091 706200 – Pharmacy Sales Assistant Traineeship, Beauty Therapist Traineeship, Support Specialist Engineering – and Intermediate MMA, MIG and TIG Welding, CAD/CNC Milling & Turning trades such asBeginner Plumbing and Electrical, new apprenticeships IT, Engineering, CAD/CNC Milling &IT Turning, Transport, Manufacturing/Cleanroom, apprenticeship@gretb.ie apprenticeship@gretb.ie or TelTraineeships 091 706200 Manufacturing –are Cleanroom Packaging & Environmental Awareness recognised examining and professional bodies. of courses, our courses certified, accredited by national and internationally or e-mail GRETB Services to Business Team and Security – Door Security & Guarding Skills706200. To apply for any706200 of All our visit www.gretbtrainingcentre.ie or contact us 091 arePharmacy available in areas such asonTraineeship, Auctioneering, Arboriculture, Sales Assistant Beauty Therapist Traineeship or Tel: 091 GRETB courses areTraineeships accreditedor by national and internationally recognised examining and professional ToSpecialist see the full list –Tel Pharmacy Sales Assistant Traineeship, Beauty Therapist ITbodies. Support GRETB Registered Charity Number (RCN): 20083427 gretbtrainingcentre.ie apprenticeship@gretb.ie 091recruit@gretbtrainingcentre.ie 706200 Transport – Bus Driving/Mini Bus Driving, Artic/Rigid, Driving Instructor For furthervisit information you can email: or message us091 on HGV facebook Manufacturing, Finance, Laboratory Technician, of courses www.gretbtrainingcentre.ie. To apply for a GRETB course, visit www.gretbtrainingcentre.ie or contact To apply for any of our courses, visit www.gretbtrainingcentre.ie or contact us on 706200. GRETB courses accredited by national and internationally examining and professional bodies. Tointernationally see the full list recognised examining and Manufacturing –are Cleanroom Packaging & Environmental Awareness GRETB Registered Charity Number (RCN):are 20083427 gretbtrainingcentre.ie All of our coursesrecognised certified, and accredited byfacebook national and professional bodies. or followon us091 on706200. twitter. For further information you can email: recruit@gretbtrainingcentre.ie or message on GRETB For further information email:Accounting recruit@gretbtrainingcentre.ie or onusEuropean facebook or follow Insurance Practitioner Union of courses visit www.gretbtrainingcentre.ie. To apply for aTechnician, GRETB course, visit www.gretbtrainingcentre.ie contact Traineeships – Pharmacy Sales Assistant Traineeship, or Beauty Therapist Traineeship, IT Support Specialist or follow on706200. twitter. For further information GRETB onus091 email: recruit@gretbtrainingcentre.ie or onInvestingfacebook or follow GRETB training centre on twitter. in your future and many more. To apply for anyare of our courses, visitthe www.gretbtrainingcentre.ie contact us on 091 706200. Apprenticeship programmes Galway & Roscommon arecourses administered through Training Centre.recognisedorexamining GRETB trainingfor centre on twitter. GRETB accredited by national and internationally and professional bodies. To see the full list

sexuality education (SPHE/ RSE) according to the Department of Education. This programme will provide a pathway for progression for post-primary teachers interested in developing their skills in teaching SPHE/RSE and in so doing build capacity and leadership within the teaching profession in relation to the teaching of SPHE/RSE. This programme will upskill registered post-primary teachers in SPHE/RSE. In the course of the programme, it is intended that each participant will be pro-

European Union Investing in your future European Social Fund

learning works

European Union Investing in your future European Social Fund

European Union Investing in your future European Social Fund

and inclusive SPHE/RSE that is inclusive of all genders, sexualities, ethnicities, ForFor further further iinrelinformati formatioonn gious beliefs, social classes For further information you the canthrough email: recruit@gretbtrainingcentre.ie or message us on facebook Apprenticeship for Galwayare & Roscommon are administered the Training Centre. Apprenticeship programmes for Galway Roscommon administered through GRETB Training An apprenticeship is a programme education andor training which combines learning in the onon Appr nticciseshieshiainpprogramme pprogrammes s visislearning ioft&:a programme An e apprenticeship of education whichcombines combines learning in in the follow ustraining on twitter. Apprenti s,with Centre. An apprenticeship of education and and training which learning workplace with learning a training centre or educational college. As well as the traditional workplace in a training centre or educational college. As well as the traditional and abilities/disabilities. the workplace learning in and a as training centre ornow educational college. As well the Apprenticeship programmes foras Galway &areas Roscommon are administered through the Training Centre. trades such plumbing and electrical, we now offer new apprenticeships trades suchwith as plumbing electrical, we offer new apprenticeships in in areas traditional trades suchsuch and Electrical, new apprenticeships are An apprenticeship is afinance, programme of education and training which combines learning in the as auctioneering, arboriculture, manufacturing, laboratory such as auctioneering, manufacturing, finance, laboratory apprent iceshi paccounting .iasesuchorPlumbing emaiasarboriculture, l: technician, All modules will take cogavailable in areas Auctioneering, Arboriculture, Manufacturing, workplace with learning in a training centre or educational college. As well as the traditional technician, accounting technician, insurance practitioner insurance practitioner trades such as plumbing and electrical, we now offer new apprenticeships in areas more. Laboratory Accounting Technician, visFinance, ittechnician, www.Insurance apprenti cPractitioner eshimore. p.iandTechnician, e many and many learning works such as auctioneering, arboriculture, manufacturing, finance, laboratory nisance of the relationship apprent iceship@gretb.ie and many more. technician, accounting technician, insurance practitioner For further information and many more. or em ai l GRETB Ser v i c es t o Busi n ess Team between For these three core on Apprenticeships visit: further information information For further apprenticeship.ie or email: Telr: s091ceshio706200 Apprenticeships on c Apprenticeships, further information c o m p e t e on n i e s : porapprenticeship@gretb.ie eorvisit: a lie or Tel 091 706200For apprenti pn@gretb. on Apprenticeships visit: apprenticeship.ieor email: Tel: 091 706200 visit www.apprenticeship.ie apprenticeship.ie or email: apprenticeship@gretb.ie development, and or e-mail GRETBskills Services to Business Team apprenticeship@gretb.ie or Tel: 091 706200GRETB RegiorsterTel apprenticeship@gretb.ie 706200 ed Char091 ity Number (RCN): 20083427 or Tel: 091 706200 gretbtrainingcentre.ie knowledge. gretbtrainingcentre.ie learning works

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of courses visit www.gretbtrainingcentre.ie. To apply for a GRETB course, visit www.gretbtrainingcentre.ie or contact Apprenticeship programmes for Galway & Roscommon are administered through the GRETB Training GRETB on 091 706200. For further information email: recruit@gretbtrainingcentre.ie or on facebook or follow Centre. An apprenticeship is a programme of education and training which combines learning in GRETB training centre on twitter. the workplace with learning in a training centre or educational college. As well as the traditional trades such as Plumbing and Electrical,programmes new apprenticeships are& Roscommon are administered through the GRETB Training Apprenticeship for Galway available in areas such as Auctioneering, Arboriculture, Manufacturing, Centre. An apprenticeship is a programme of education and training which combines learning in Finance, Laboratory Technician, the Accounting Technician, workplace with learning in a training centre or educational college. As well as the Insurance Practitioner and manytraditional more. trades such as Plumbing and Electrical, new apprenticeships are available in areas such as Auctioneering, Arboriculture, Manufacturing, Finance, Laboratory Technician, Accounting Technician, For further information Insurance Practitioner and many more. on Apprenticeships, European Union Investing in your future European Social Fund

European Union Investing in your future

visit www.apprenticeship.ie For further information or e-mail GRETB Services to Business Team on Apprenticeships, apprenticeship@gretb.ie or Tel 091 706200

GRETB Registered Charity Number (RCN): 20083427

GRETB Registered Charity Number (RCN): 20083427

European Social Fund

learning works

GRETB Registered Charity Number (RCN): 20083427

European Union Investing in your future European Social Fund

learning works

visit www.apprenticeship.ie or e-mail GRETB Services to Business Team apprenticeship@gretb.ie or Tel 091 706200

gretbtrainingcentre.ie learning works

gretbtrainingcentre.ie

Education 7

gretbtrainingce


NEWS ................................................................................................................................

Labour launch bill to end single-gender school admissions within 10-15 years LABOUR education spokesperson Aodhán Ó Ríordáin has published a bill to end single-gender school admission policies. Deputy Ó Ríordáin said the time has come to bring Ireland’s education system more in line with international norms. “The fact that so many of our schools are still separated by gender sends the wrong message to children at a young age about gender equality. At a local level, parents are questioning the status quo with most having a preference for mixed gender schools where possible," he said. “Schools are supposed to reflect the society that they serve. The Department of Education has not given sanction to any new single gender school since 1998 – making mixed gender schools already effectively the policy of the Department. This Bill is about addressing the legacy of single gender schools and move to fully gender integrated schools within 10 years at primary level and 15 years at secondary level. “Ireland stands almost alone with our gender segregation system and we are out

8 Education

of kilter with the rest European world. While the conversation is rightly happening about the nature of gender equality in our society, education must be a feature of this. The proposal has sparked a debate for the medium term as there is little chance of it becoming law. A possible left-wing coalition after the next election may give the idea some impetus. M a n y p r i n c i p a l s f ro m t h e s e c t o r defended the status quo and said that parental choice and separates spaces for women and girls are current talking points. At the moment 38 per cent of girls and 30 per cent of boys attend a single sex secondary school. The Irish Times, in an editorial, backed the new campaign to end single sex schools saying: "Our schools should be inclusive and reflect the wider community by offering all young people the same opportunities. Rather than promoting gender segregation, State-funded schools should strive to teach a diverse body of students to work together and respect each other."

People attached to their pets more likely to be lonely during lockdown, study finds PEOPLE who are strongly attached to their pets were more likely to suffer mental health problems during the Covid-19 lockdown than those who are less attached, new research from Queen’s University Belfast has revealed. Researchers from the School of Psychology at Queen’s surveyed 143 pet owners and 103 people who did not own pets, to explore whether animals helped to reduce depression, stress and feelings of isolation during lockdown. Of the pet owners, 62 per cent owned dogs and 28 per cent owned cats. They completed the 23 item Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale, which is commonly used to measure the bond between humans and animals. The experts found that pets did not improve the mental health of owners in lockdown, although dog owners were more attached to their pets than cat owners.


......................................................... NEWS

Leading the new Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Dr Orla Flynn is the President of ATU, and was appointed in April 2022. She was president of the former GMIT since March 2020. The new university was officially opened on April 4th .Atlantic TU sees the dissolution of Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Institute of Technology Sligo and Letterkenny Institute of Technology.

2022 Mary Raftery journalism prize winner announced JOURNALIST Peter Maguire has won the Mary Raftery Prize for his feature on noteworthy. ie entitled 'Speak or Survive: Sexual Violence Victims Still Fighting Roadblocks to Justice'. The Mary Raftery Prize is awarded annually to an individual or small team responsible for social affairs journalism produced on the island of Ireland in the calendar year preceding the award which, in the view of the judges, combined the rigorous analysis and commitment to social justice

that characterised Mary Raftery’s journalism. In assessing the winning entry, the judges described “Speak or Survive” as a very balanced, nuanced, blend of personal experience and policy analysis that spoke to the heart of an important matter of public importance. Administered by the School of Communications, DCU, the Prize is funded from the Mary Raftery Journalism Fund and sponsored by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland.

Ulster University leads on healthy ageing testbed in NI THE new healthy ageing testbed is trialling innovative approaches to tackling isolation and loneliness in older people. Northern Ireland has the most rapidly ageing population in the UK. The Northern Ireland consortium, led by Ulster University, has been awarded £50,000 as part of Connected Places Catapult, ‘Homes for Healthy Ageing Programme’. The funding from Connected Places Catapult allows the NI consortium to support local testbeds that involve real world urban and rural settings.

The testbeds will cover three key issues: • How to create tailored approaches that allow older adults to develop meaningful connections • How to rebuild the confidence and positive habits of older adults who have lost their social activities or hobbies due to COVID-19 • How to remove the barriers of getting online for older adults who would benefit from being digitally connected

Loans are subject to approval. Terms & Conditions apply. Blanchardstown and District Credit Union Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

Education 9


Do you want to be part of the team connecting our communities to a clean electric future? AT ESB Networks, we build and maintain Ireland’s electricity network, connecting over 2.3 million homes, farms and businesses to a clean electric future. We’ve been connecting customers to Ireland’s electricity network since the foundation of ESB in 1927. We’ve also been making new connections, building a network that’s stronger than ever so we can all be kinder to the planet. We are connecting over 2.3 million homes, farms and businesses to a clean electric future and ESB Networks’ apprentices play an important role in delivering this. We have recruited over 300 apprentices in the last four years. Our recruitment campaign runs each year in February/March. Recruitment for our 2023 Apprenticeship Programme will be open for applications in Feb/Mar 2023. There are a number of interesting Apprentice Videos on our website that will give you an idea of the type of work our Apprentice Electricians/Network Technicians are involved in on a day-to-day basis. As an Apprentice Electrician, you will receive on-thejob training and work as part of front-line teams. As well 10 Education

as classroom-based learning, our Apprentices benefit from varied work experience, working both indoors and outdoors, and learning about technology, customer service, and delivering results under pressure. Our Apprentices learn a variety of electrical and practical skills and, upon completion of the programme obtain a QQI Advanced Level 6 Electrical Trade Certificate which is recognised around the world. Seven Phases The ESB Networks Electrical Apprenticeship is SOLAS standards-based, consisting of 208 weeks (four years). During this time, there are seven SOLAS Phases which include on-the-job training during phases 1, 3, 5 and 7 where apprentices work closely with a qualified Network Technician constructing and maintaining the electricity network on varied sites across their assigned area of the country. SOLAS Phase 2 is in one of the many SOLAS Training Centres while their Phase 4 and 6 are in the IT College around the country. Finally, there are 24 weeks of ESB Networks off-the-job training which takes place in the

"As well as classroombased learning, our Apprentices benefit from varied work experience, working both indoors and outdoors, and learning about technology, customer service, and delivering results under pressure"


If so, ESB Networks Electrical Apprenticeship Programme might be for you. "Although the job requires an element of physicality there is much more to the programme than climbing poles, this apprenticeship combines both physical effort and logical thinking"

ESB Networks Training Centre, Portlaoise. Having completed the four-year programme, Apprentices will have gained experience working with a leading utility company.

mercial to the electricity network, replacing and maintaining electrical assets and installing new elements to the electricity network both overhead and underground technologies.

The Role Our Customers are at the heart of ESB Networks, through their on-the-job experience, ESB Networks’ apprentices will be at the forefront in delivering and providing a world class service to our 2.3 million customers. Although the job requires an element of physicality there is much more to the programme than climbing poles, this apprenticeship combines both physical effort and logical thinking. No two days are the same in the programme, apprentices will be assisting and dealing with a wide range of our customers’ needs. In their day-to-day work activities they may be responding to electrical faults and fault finding to maintain a reliable supply of electricity for our customer, connecting new customers, both residential and com-

Peer Support A critical part of the ESB Networks Apprenticeship Programme is the training and peer support given to the apprentices. Throughout the programme apprentices work alongside and closely with experienced Network Technicians. While the job may be challenging, the apprentice is always part of a team who will be there to assist and support throughout the programme. ESB Networks greatly fosters and encourages the idea of creating a team and peer support network.

For more information and to learn how to apply visit www.esbnetworks.ie/apprenticeships Education 11


A career in carin

"We have always invested in our team’s career developm leadership team members started their caree WE are frequently reminded that a career in childcare is rewarding and for those working in an early years setting, we know that this is so true. Early Childhood Educators play such an important role in supporting young children and are responsible for laying the foundations for their first experience of a more formal learning environment outside the family home. The first five years of a child’s life form and inspire children's futures and shape their development to support them in becoming well rounded individuals. As a Childcare Practitioner, you get to observe children growing and developing the skills that will shape their lives forever. As a Childcare Educator, you have the wonderful opportunity to watch the children make their first friends, take their first steps, grow, develop, and learn skills that will form the basis of a lifetime of learning. Take off on your childcare career with Giraffe Childcare When choosing a career, it is important to be conscious that there are opportunities to grow and

develop your skills to build a fulfilling and rewarding purpose in life. As Ireland’s largest and leading Early Childhood Education provider, we are proud to be able to offer an exciting range of opportunities that will take off your career on the right path. In Giraffe, we understand our people are our most important asset and we believe in supporting and investing in everyone who works with us. We are proud to support our team members on their professional childcare learning journeys and believe that matching great people to the right roles, ultimately, creates the best outcome. We offer support and training to our practitioners and empower them to take a lead in the curriculum and welcome their ideas, to create a fun learning program for the children. As we are proud partners with Busy Bees, our scale means Giraffe can offer team members professional development and international opportunities that smaller organizations may not be able to offer. Many of our students who attend our centers for work placement will join our team and develop a long

"We believe passionately in equal opportunities at Giraffe and whilst we are currently looking for new Early Year's Practitioners and Educators, we also offer career opportunities and opportunities for our team members that support our centers"

Ellen Smyth – My Childcare Journey THIS is the story of Ellen Smyth, who started her Work Placement in childcare with Giraffe and in four short years, is now a Deputy Manager of our Elm Park Center. “I started my career with Giraffe in March 2016 in the IFSC Center through the Giraffe Work Experience Program, whilst I was studying in Sallynoggin College of Further Education. "After completing my FETAC Level 5 in 2017, I started full time in the Baby Room 12 Education

in the Elm Park Center, where I cared, loved and welcomed the new babies joining the Giraffe family. "Everyone was so welcoming and helpful from day one. I had the opportunity to move with the children that I cared for and transitioned with them as they progressed to the next age group. "It was fantastic as I was able to create fun activities for them and watch each child develop and help them along the way.

career with Giraffe. We have always invested in our team’s career development, and we are proud that many of our managers and leadership team members started their career with Giraffe as newly qualified practitioners or through our work placement program. Who is Giraffe Childcare? Giraffe Childcare first opened its doors in its IFSC crèche in 2001 and today has 21 childcare centres, with two new and beautiful centres opening soon, in Shackleton and Rathgar. Our centres are based across Dublin, Meath and Kildare and employ over 600 childcare team members, serving many families every year. We offer childcare places from the age of six months to five years, as well as after school care for children up to the age of 12 in some centres. Giraffe Childcare was acquired by Busy Bees in 2019. Busy Bees are the U.K.’s leading provider of childcare and have centres in Singapore, Malaysia, Canada, and Australia. With a career in Giraffe Childcare, you gain access to our Busy Bees Global Community.

Skills recognised "In 2018, I was promoted to Center Supervisor, it was wonderful that my skills and special bond with the children was recognised. In 2020, I was again promoted to Center Deputy Manager of the Elm Park Center. I have been able to grow with the children and families of Elm Park throughout the last four years and I am having the best experience, watching the children grow and blossom into their own self. "I have recently started a part-time Degree in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) at Maynooth University. I am


ng and nurturing

ment, and we are proud that many of our managers and er with Giraffe as newly qualified practitioners" So, if you have ever thought about the possibility of exploring a new country, immersing yourself in to a new culture and meeting people from all over the world, Giraffe Childcare can assist you in bringing your career international through our Busy Bees family. We believe in empowering future childcare students, so, if you have just started a QQI course and are looking for work placement get in contact today to discuss how you can take off on your career with Giraffe. As a testament for the love of what we do, we have been consistently voted Best Crèche, five years in a row by our parents and staff. We believe passionately in equal opportunities at Giraffe and whilst we are currently looking for new Early Year's Practitioners and Educators, we also offer career opportunities and opportunities for our team members that support our centers. If you wish to inquire about a career with Giraffe Childcare, please contact our team at careers@giraffe. ie today, we would love to hear from you. very excited to see what else I can offer the children, as working in childcare is such a rewarding job and I am lucky to be part of such a great team. Progressing further "I have now been with Giraffe for over four years, and I am looking forward to progressing further with the help of the Giraffe team. It is a great work environment, with so many opportunities to progress. I would highly recommend everyone to consider joining Giraffe Childcare. It has opened my professional world." Education 13


www.military.ie 14 Education


Looking for adventure? Looking for a challenge? The Irish Naval Service is recruiting now THE Naval Service is the State’s principal seagoing agency with a general responsibility to meet contingent and maritime defence requirements. It is tasked with a variety of defence roles include defending territorial seas, deterring intrusive or aggressive acts, conducting maritime surveillance, maintaining an armed naval presence, ensuring right of passage, protecting marine assets and contributing to a blockade if required. Who do we want? The Naval Service is currently recruiting across a range of disciplines and are looking for motivated, physically fit and team orientated individuals who are a minimum of 18 years of age and under 27 years of age on the date deemed as closing date for applications for General Service Recruits or under the age

limit as per the terms and conditions for the technical careers within the organisation that are currently being recruited for. What does a career in the Naval Service offer? A life less ordinary, where no two days are ever the same. A challenging and unique working environment, where you learn skills that are transferable across the spectrum. The Naval Service offer a wide range of courses for continual professional development with pathways to third level education and other roles. Life at sea is at all times varied. Naval Service personnel regardless of rank and branch are much valued members of the ships crew. If you are interested in a career at sea, as part of a dynamic, professional and highly motivated team, then the

Naval Service is for you. Our personnel are our most important asset and the Naval Service is committed to providing you with an interesting, rewarding and challenging career. The Naval Service is currently recruiting in the following areas: Naval Service General Service Recruit: Recruits are trained in basic military training, foot drill, arms drill, weapons and tactical training. Naval Service Recruits go on to form the backbone of the Irish Naval Service. Recruit training is 22 weeks in duration and is designed to develop a physically fit, disciplined and motivated individual using basic military and naval skills in order to prepare them for their future in the Service. Continued >>>

Education 15


On successful completion of Recruit training, the Recruit advances to Able Rate where they proceed into one of the Naval Service four Branches which consist of Seaman's, Communications, Mechanicians and Supplies. Branch Training gives them the specialised skills required to fulfil their role at sea and ashore. After this initial specialisation training, the Able Rate proceeds to sea and takes up an appointment on board one of our ships. There are no formal education qualifications required to join the Defence Forces as a recruit. Naval Service Direct Entry Technicians: Candidates for the below vacancies must be a minimum of 18 years of age and less than 29 years of age on the date of their application. Candidates for the below vacancies 16 Education

must meet the minimum education qualifications as laid down in the terms and conditions for each of the respective vacancies. Successful candidates for the below vacancies will receive full military and on the job training prior to taking up the respective vacancy on board a ship. • Direct Entry Radio Radar Technician As a Radio Radar Technician (RRT) within the Irish Naval Service you will be responsible for the Installation, Operation, Maintenance and Repair of all Navigation and Communications equipment on board. • Direct Entry Carpenter/Hull Artificer As a Hull Artificer within the Irish Naval Service you will become an essential part of the ships mainte-

nance team onboard. "Life at sea is at all times varied. If you are interested in a career at sea, as part of a dynamic, professional and highly motivated team, then the Naval Service is for you. "

• Direct Entry Engine Room Artificer As an Engine Room Artificer Technicians (Marine/Mechanical), you will become an integral part of the maintenance team providing technical support on board the Naval service Fleet. • Direct Entry Electrical Articifer As an Electrical Artificer within the Irish Naval Service, you will be responsible for the installation, operation, maintenance and repair of all electrical/electronic equipment on board. • Direct Entry Chef As a Chef within the Naval Service you will become an essential part of the Logistic Team providing nourishment and supporting the ships


company through various roles on board, Naval Service Officers Candidates for the below vacancies must be a minimum of 18 years of age and be less than 32 years of age on 31 December in the year of application. Candidates for the below vacancies must meet the minimum education qualifications as laid down in the terms and conditions for each of the respective vacancies. • Direct Entry Operations Branch Officers Operations Branch Officers of the Naval Service are responsible for the efficient running of the ship. The Operations Branch Officers responsibilities include Bridge Watchkeeping, where they are responsible for the safe navigation

"A life less ordinary, where no two days are ever the same. A challenging and unique working environment, where you learn skills that are transferable across the spectrum"

of the ship and safety of the ships company along with the weapons and communications systems onboard. Operations Branch Officers also lead boarding teams in fishery protection and anti drug running boarding operations and are therefore prime leaders and motivators of the ship’s company.

JOIN OUR TEAM! www.military.ie/careers

• Direct Entry Marine Engineering Officer A Marine Engineering Officer in the Naval Service is responsible for the hull and structure of the ship, its main engines and all auxiliary machinery. They are responsible for the main electrical generators, the electrical distribution system, air conditioning, ventilation, heating systems as well as all fuel and water systems. They also manage, lead and train personnel on-board ship. Education 17


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All courses lead directly to employment or progression to degree courses in Universities and Higher Education Institutes All courses recognised for SUSI grant Funding available for Social Welfare recipients and exemptions for Medical Card holders

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Dublin City University and National Flight Centre Pilot Academy A New Flight Training Partnership in Dublin A NEW partnership between DCU Business School and the National Flight Centre Pilot Academy (NFC) was recently launched at Weston Airport, Dublin, by Simon Harris, T.D., Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. This collaboration will enable students to complete the B.Sc. in Aviation Management with Pilot Studies including all their flight training for a professional Commercial Pilot's Licence within a 4-year period. Gold standard Successful graduates of the course are awarded the EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) Commercial Pilot Licence, which is a worldwide 'gold standard' in pilot qualifications. Minister Harris said: "This partnership is a shining example of universities and training centres working together to deliver for students and employers. Ireland's pilots and aviation experts of the future will now have the chance to get a degree and complete flight training in a more integrated course of studies. They will have the opportunity for academic-based learning as well as hands on experience .... this type of project is key to Ireland's competitiveness and ability to attract investment in the future."

The collaboration between DCU and NFC reflects the growing international recognition that degree-level studies, combined with professional pilot education and training, can contribute significantly to the quality of candidates entering the airline industry. University experience and qualifications develop analytical skills and encourage a broader personal outlook. These enhance longer-term career prospects for pilots as they transition into management and wider leadership roles, while enriching the contribution of skill and competence they can bring to employers National Flight Centre Pilot Academy (NFC), based at Weston Airport, Dublin, has had a longstanding collaboration with DCU and is one of Europe's longest established flight training academies. NFC is approved by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and is regulated by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA). Further information is available at www.nfc.ie DCU aviation degrees In the area of aviation, the DCU Business School offers two degree programmes. The undergraduate B.Sc. in Aviation Management currently has a student population of 200, some of whom will train to be

"National Flight Centre Pilot Academy (NFC), based at Weston Airport, Dublin, has had a longstanding collaboration with DCU and is one of Europe's longest established flight training academies"

pilots during their 3rd and 4th years under this new collaboration. The B.Sc. in Aviation Management was launched a decade ago, in conjunction with the aviation industry in Ireland. It offers a combination of specialised aviation modules alongside standard business courses. The degree is highly regarded and its graduates have a very strong record of employment in the industry. DCU Business School also offers a postgraduate Master's degree in Management (Aviation Leadership). I n a re c e n t i n d u s t r y a n a l y s i s , OliverWyman aviation consultants have identified, a global gap of 34,000 pilots by 2025 between airline requirements and actual supply of trai ned pi l ots . This augur s extremely well for career opportunities in Ireland and internationally. To enquire about training for the combined degree/ATPL licence programme, or our 18 month full time ATPL programme, email info@nfc.ie. Education 19


NEWS ................................................................................................................................

Online peacebuilding course from WIT designer wins UNESCO award

Women from the Travelling Community Graduate from 'life-changing' UCC course A GROUP of women from the Travelling Community yesterday graduated at a conferring ceremony at UCC having completed a ‘life-changing’ course designed to empower leadership in their community. The Level 6 Leadership in the Community p ro gr a mm e w a s c o - c re a te d b y th e Southern Traveller Health Network; Adult and Continuing Education and supported by Access UCC. It serves as a model of innovative practice in creating an inclusive

learning environment that enables Traveller participation in higher education. Anne Burke of the Southern Traveller Health Network said the course will be life changing for those who took part. “The course covers issues such as education, accommodation, and health - topics that are statistically poor for the community. We need people within the community to show leadership, and this empowers them to do that.

A PEACEBUILDING in High Risk Communities course from the Centre for Technology Enhanced Learning instructional designer has been awarded the UNESCO OER Implementation Award for Excellence Neill Wylie, Instructional Designer with WIT’s Centre for Technology Enhance Learning and a Guest Lecturer at the institute is one of a number of people worldwide to receive the UNESCO OER Implementation Award. Neill Wylie said: “I’m delighted to have won this award for my work in being a developer of a massive open online course in tandem with Open Education for a Better World and Nelson Mandela University on Peacebuilding in High Risk Communities. The course will empower budding peacebuilders to carry out their important work in high risk communities in South Africa”.

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Griffith College and the Institute of Advertising Practitioners in Ireland award a Creative Bursary to five schools THE Faculty of Journalism and Media Communications at Griffith College once again collaborated with IAPI on the Creative Bursary for DEIS postprimary schools. The aim of this initiative is to encourage students to consider careers in creative commercial sectors. This year applicants were asked to submit a communications campaign explaining how their school practices sustainability, creating handmade artefacts and digital content for social media. Keith O'Connor (IAPI) and Sarah Edmondson (Griffith College) presenting a Creative Bursary Award to the TY Griffith College provided the Students at Presentation Secondary School, Warrenmount in Dublin. total bursary funding of €10,000 and IAPI member agencies will provide the students with an experiential opportunity.

Griffith College and Donore Credit Union Award Brendan Lynch Scholarship

The winning schools were: • Presentation Secondary School, Warrenmount, Dublin 8 • Old Bawn Community Schools, Tallaght, Dublin 24 • Limerick Educate Together Secondary School, Limerick • Meánscoil San Nioclas, Dungarvan, Waterford • Boherbue Comprehensive School, Cork “The creative communications campaign was a great experience. "I enjoyed the brainstorming part of the project, coming up with ideas and working together to decide which one works best. "As well as new art supplies, some of the funds will go towards a class trip, which we are really looking forward to.” Connie, TY Student, Presentation Secondary School.

GRIFFITH College and Donore Credit Union have awarded Morgan Haydon, a second-year BA (Hons) Fashion student, the annual Brendan Lynch Scholarship worth €3,000. The scholarship, in honour of the former Lord Mayor of Dublin and Honorary Director of Donore Credit Union Lynch, has been running for four years. On accepting the award Morgan said, “Being awarded the Brendan Lynch Scholarship was a complete shock to me and I feel honoured that I was chosen among the many applicants. The

scholarship will help fund my collections during the coming years at Griffith and I am excited to see what I can produce with this financial aid.” The President of Griffith College, Professor Diarmuid Hegarty and the CEO of Donore Credit Union, Dave McAuley met with Morgan in February 2022 to congratulate him and wish him the best with his studies and future career. A p p l i c a t i o n s f o r t h e B r e n d a n Ly n c h Scholarship will open again in autumn. Details will be posted on griffith.ie and donorecu.ie.

Dave McAuley (CEO Donore CU), Morgan Haydon (Scholarship Winner), and Prof Diarmuid Hegarty (President of Griffith College) at Griffith College’s South Circular Road campus, Dublin 8.

Education 21


Career options in healthca School of Nursing and Mid THE School of Nursing and Midwifery in University College Cork offers a wide range of programmes for enthusiastic and caring people interested in a career in the health services. Now, more than ever before, we all understand why a well-educated, professional health care workforce is so critical to the health and wellbeing of all our society. We have a range of undergraduate honours degree programmes including: ■ Childrens and General Nursing www.ucc.ie/en/ck712/ CAO Points Range 2021: 565-613 ■ Midwifery www.ucc.ie/en/ck740/ CAO Points Range 2021: 509*-579 ■ General Nursing www.ucc.ie/en/ck710/ CAO Points Range 2021: 498-578 ■ Mental Health Nursing www.ucc.ie/en/ck720/ CAO Points Range 2021: 455-544 ■ Intellectual Disability Nursing www.ucc.ie/en/ck730/ CAO Points Range 2021: 431-496 22 Education

"Qualified nurses and midwives work in all settings from the acute hospital to a variety of settings in the community and primary care, as well as roles in management, education, industry, and research"

All our courses are at BSc (Hons) level 8 and include registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI). Students undertake clinical placements in hospitals, clinics, and community settings throughout the 4/5 years of the programmes. In the final year students undergo an extended placement as an ‘intern’ where they become part of the paid healthcare workforce. Interests and specialisations As a qualified nurse or midwife, you may choose to continue your interests and specialisations by choosing a Postgraduate Programme. The career options available are endless. Qualified nurses and midwives work in all settings from the acute hospital to a variety of settings in the community and primary care, as well as roles in management, education, industry, and research. As a School we are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We are working hard to encourage greater diversity among applicants to our programmes. For example, we are actively encouraging more men to consider entering our undergraduate programmes We are very proud of our modern School and what it has to offer. One such example is the state-of-the-art


are with the dwifery UCC Clinical Skills Simulation Resource Centre. In this centre our students can practice skills on hifidelity mannequins in a safe but very realistic ‘clinical’ environment. Have a look at the video online to see more at www.youtu.be/KpTnHzV7vQI More information You should find all the information you need to help you make decisions about rewarding careers in Nursing and in Midwifery, and all the information about our various courses and course options on our website at www.ucc.ie/en/nursingmidwifery/study/undergrad/ but if there are any questions you have, that are not addressed, please feel free to drop us an email to nursing.studies@ucc.ie. On the website you will also find information about entry requirements for our programmes, videos showing you our facilities and testimonies from our students and past graduates. "We are very proud of our modern School and what it has to offer. One such example is the state-of-the-art Clinical Skills Simulation Resource Centre"

Facts about the School of Nursing and Midwifery UCC ■ Ranked 41st in the 2022 Global QS rankings for 'Nursing' as a subject. Ranked as the top School of Nursing in Ireland, and the top ranked subject in UCC. ■ Over 1,300 students are registered on 26 programmes with opportunities for nurses and midwives to study for undergraduate, postgraduate, masters and doctoral level qualifications. ■ For the past four years, 95-100% of our nursing and midwifery graduates are in employment and/or engaging in further study. ■ A strong and increasing track record in attaining research funding. ■ Seven internationally connected active research clusters producing a consistent scholarly output of over 100 publications per annum. ■ Students and staff who regularly win national awards for their work. ■ An ERASMUS programme of placements within the European Union for undergraduate students. ■ International students from the wider EU and beyond for example US, Brunei, Malaysia, Nigeria, India, China, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Korea, Philippines, and Lebanon. ■ The support of a dynamic and enthusiastic team who facilitate the education and support of students and engage in future-orientated person-centred research. ■ Students experience exceptional teaching resources including a world-class Clinical Skills Simulation Resource Centre located in our Brookfield Health Sciences Complex. Education 23


BACHELOR OF EDUCATION IN MONTESSORI EDUCATION (EARLY YEARS)

B.Ed. Montessori Education (NFQ L7, 3 years) CAO: NM701 B.Ed. (Hons) Montessori Education (Route A) or B.Ed. (Hons) Montessori Education (Early Years) (Route B) (NFQ L8, 4 years) CAO: NM801

Applications School leavers – via CAO Min entry requirements: Level 7: O6 or H7 in 5 subjects including maths and English Level 8: H5 in 2 higher level subjects AND a minimum of 4 O6s at ordinary level including maths and English

info@smsi.ie

Fees € 5,990 per year (F/T) SUSI grant available Instalment plans available Revenue Tax rebate (20%) eligible SNMCI 12-13 Cumberland St. Dun Laoghaire Co. Dublin

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BACHELOR OF ARTS (HONS) IN PSYCHOLOGY Full-time 3 Years (NFQ Level 8) CAO: NM802

Applications School leavers – via CAO

Entry Requirements: H5 or above in 2 higher level subjects AND a minimum of 4 O6s at ordinary level which must include maths and English

https://smsi.ie

Fees € 5,990 per year (F/T) SUSI grant available Instalment plans available Tax rebate (20%) eligible

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Education 25


Can DEIS reall entrenched The recent announcement of an expansion to the DEIS scheme has raised questions about the ability of the education system to help disadvantaged student to over come the hurdles they face.

THE best predictor of where you will end up economically is from where you start out economically. And a good indicator of where you are economically is where you are geographically. A quick glance at the table below showing a comparison of the earnings of graduates and non-graduates will confirm that educational outcomes effects life-long earning. So it is obvious that support for schools in areas with very low incomes can have a huge effect on the children from those areas. One of the most dramatic statistics

demonstrating the iniquitous relationship in the geography - exclusion - outcome triangle was from former "Educational outcomes have Mountjoy Prison Governor John improved and Lonergan. He revealed that 75 per cent of the inmates in Mountjoy gaps have came from just six districts, six small narrowed but areas within six separate postal disit is obvious tricts of Dublin city. that a large There are many other negative gap remains consequences arising out of poverty, for students from health outcomes to home ownbased on the ership, so that engagement with income of young people from disadvantaged households" areas is a vital opportunity to tackle long-term inequality. Local schools in these areas reflect the demographic catchment they are in.

Weekly Earnings Source: HEA - Higher Education Outcomes 2010-2014

26 Education

Addressing the gap In 2005 the Government brought forward the Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (DEIS) scheme in order to streamline the various programmes available at the time to schools based on real-world data on disadvantage. The schools involved received various aids and resources, as well as reduced class size criteria. The programme has been widely praised in the educational and political worlds, and many more

schools in marginally disadvantaged areas aspire to join DEIS. Recently, Education Minister Norma Foley announced that an additional 273 primary and 37 post-primary schools would be included in DEIS from September 2022. This will bring the participation rate of one-in-four students in Ireland will be in DEIS schools. Does DEIS work? How would we know if DEIS is working? The Education Research Centre (ERC) has produced two reports in particular using data collected for PISA (the OECD's Programme for International Student Assessment) comparing DEIS and Non-DEIS schools to see what the impact has been. From the tables on the right it can be seen that DEIS has indeed had a positive impact in the areas of reading, maths and scientific literacy, both in absolute terms and also set against the data for students in nonDEIS schools. So educational outcomes have improved and gaps have narrowed but it is obvious that a large gap remains for students based on the income of households. The gains for


ly combat our inequality? Does DEIS make a difference? Can it make up for the reality of inequality in Irish society? The data shows that targeting resources in the system can bring change. Niall Gormley reports.

DEIS students came early on and have plateaued since. There was a marked improvement for particularly low achievers in reading. Notably, Irish reading scores are higher than the OECD average so that even with the gap here, DEIS students are doing relatively well. Resources, resources, resources So the nuanced answer to the question 'does DEIS work?' is 'yes, because resources work'. The targeting of resources to disadvantaged schools has indeed helped. Of course, the Department would point out that many more resources have been targeted at individual students in the broader system as not every disadvantaged student lives in a disadvantaged area. Many students face difficulties due to physical, cognitive and mental health issues and there are measures to target those problems in all schools. The bigger picture In the second of their reports into DEIS schools, the ERC addressed what is at the heart of the inequality: the situation for students outside the school setting. To take one finding from the

report: 'The mean score for parental occupational status was significantly lower in DEIS schools compared to non-DEIS schools. The difference corresponded to about half a national standard deviation.' So we are talking about class. Middle class kids do better than working class kids. More non-DEIS students have a parent who have a university degree (over half compared to one third). Mind the gap It is clear that ultimately that unequal educational outcomes are based on our unequal society. In many urban areas housing is segregated by class and parents hand down their educational advantages and disadvantages to their children. The education system can't fix this but it can go a long way to compensating our children for the lack of resources they might face due to the circumstances they grow up in or the income or housing status of their parents. In fact, the DEIS initiative might be the most important social democratic policy in the state. If we can reduce inequalities by education perhaps society will follow.

DEIS data compared with other schools in Ireland from the Education Research Centre

Reading

Maths

Scientific Literacy Gilleece, L., Nelis, S.M., Fitzgerald, C., & Cosgrove, J. (2020). Reading, mathematics and science achievement in DEIS schools: Evidence from PISA 2018. Dublin: Educational Research Centre.

Education 27


Guiding pathways to success More options for students with links to Further Education Training and Apprenticeship information on the CAO FOR students, choosing their next route after leaving school may seem daunting, but there’s never been a better time to explore a wide variety of options out there to suit every learning style, all while developing skills for the next generation. For the first time ever, the 2022 CAO website has added new and important information for both Guidance Counsellors and students to take note of, accessible with just a click of a mouse. Thanks to the CAO, students can now explore a variety of Further Education and Training (FET) and Apprenticeship options via the CAO website at www.cao.ie/options. Now it’s never been easier to explore more options for students to suit a range of interests and aptitudes while supporting even greater learning and career prospects for school leavers. For Guidance Counsellors, this important step towards demonstrating harmony and parity between educational routes of further and higher ed for school leavers is an important one. It’s vital that students have the information made available to them to help them make smart, informed choices about their future in relation to employment, education and training. Already, SOLAS has calculated that over 35,000 people linked to either Apprenticeship or FET information as a result of visiting the CAO website – an encouraging sign that more and more students see FET and Apprenticeship options as the right choice to suit their needs. FET can also act as a stepping-stone into higher education, helping students progress their educational journey, while also giving them the chance to sample subjects of interest. Making Smart Career Choices FET and Apprenticeship cater towards a broad range of learner interests to help students reach their potential. With courses available across every county in Ireland, they offer exciting new opportunities to 28 Education

meet the demands of a fast-paced and ever-changing world, designed to build the critical skills needed to support Ireland’s future. Both FET and Apprenticeship courses serve roughly 200,000 unique learners annually. School leavers form a key part of this number with 30,000 students taking up Post Leaving Certificate courses and over 20,000 students availing of Apprenticeships in 2020 alone. There is a wide variety of educational pathways to enter Ireland’s workforce, with courses available across sales, marketing, creative industries, engineering, construction, healthcare, hospitality and so much more. FET and Apprenticeships help students to make smart career choices, developing a skilled workforce able to meet future challenges across everything from climate change to supporting our ageing population, to meeting the demands of a digital world. For many learners the “earn as you learn” option is growing in demand, with many school leavers wishing to fast-track their career and qualifications by taking up apprenticeships. Apprenticeships can take graduates as far as they want to go, from Leaving Certificate all the way to NFQ Levels 9 and 10. There has also been a huge increase in women

taking up apprenticeships. In 2015, just 26 females were in apprenticeship. Since then there has been significant progress, rising to 1500 females by 2022. Discover a wide spectrum of courses on the Generation Apprenticeship website at www.apprenticeship.ie or freephone 1800 794 487 for more information on apprenticeships. For the FET learner, applied learning courses enable students to apply classroom theory to real-life situations to prepare students for the world of work. There is a broad "Thanks to range of subject choices available the CAO, across fascinating areas such as engistudents can neering, hairdressing, digital media now explore and psychology. FET is diverse, excita variety of i ng, and FET i s for ever yone. Further Discover more opportunities in FET, Education by visiting www.thisisfet.ie. and Training Interest in apprenticeships is also (FET) and Apprenticeship growing, with exciting learning opportunities that suit a diverse options via range of interests. The demand for the CAO" taking up FET and Apprenticeships is out there. Keep an eye out for future communication campaigns from SOLAS highlighting FET options via the CAO online after the CAO round opens. Learn more about FET and Apprenticeship options here: www.cao.ie/options


Education 29


30 Education


Education 31


Graduate Programmes

- Mechanical Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Quantity Surveying - Accounting - Planning

What We Offer

Who You Are

- Competitive salaries - Opportunities to work abroad - Study and exam leave paid - Team building events - Course fees paid - In-house training - Site rotation - Professional bodies fees paid - Great social network - Internal courses - Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

A proven self-starter with drive and determination, the ability to work as part of a team and excellent communication skills. You have the ambition to pursue a challenging career with opportunities to develop your skills and experience.

joneseng.com 32 Education


Apprenticeship Programmes

- Electrical - Electrical & Instrumentation - Plumbing - Pipefitting

What We Offer

Who You Are

- Earn while you learn - QQI Level 6 qualification (internationally recognised) - Both theory & practical “hands on” experience - Career for life - Opportunities to work overseas - Opportunities to progress your career

Minimum of four passes at leaving certificate level (must include mathematics)

Successfully pass the Ishihara Colour Vision Test

Valid manual handling & safepass certificates

Jones Engineering are the largest trainer of construction apprentices in Ireland with 250+ apprentices in our employment annually. We are proud to say we have had two gold medal winners in the World Skills competition and one bronze medal winner in the Ireland Skills competition. Such competitions require skill and determination and we encourage and mentor our apprentices to become the best in their field.

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Liberties College

The Pathway to YOUR Future THE Liberal Arts and Trinity Access Programme (TAP) paves the way for many graduates to proceed to a range of universities in Ireland. On successful completion of the TAP course students may apply directly for entry to degree courses in Trinity College Dublin in the Faculties of Arts and Social Sciences and to other universities through the CAO.

Liberal Arts – Access To University The Liberal Arts course is a oneyear course to prepare students who wish to progress to degree level courses in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. In particular, the course aims to equip students with the academic skills necessary to succeed in their first year at university. There are no

Jade Curren - Liberties College and Trinity College graduate MY name is Jade Curran, and I attended the Trinity Access Programme at Liberties College in 2015/16. The transition from second-level education was extremely daunting for me. This course prepared me for Trinity College in ways I could have never imagined. The lecturers were excellent and provided an immense amount of support throughout the year. I have and always will speak very highly of TAP as I feel like, without it, I would have found Trinity very difficult to settle into as a student coming from a DEIS school. It is also a fantastic course if you are unsure of what strand you would like to go into in third-level education as there are various modules including Psychology (which I loved!), Sociology, European Studies, Statistics and English Literature. I can honestly say that attending Liberties during this year was one of the best decisions I have ever made - it allowed me to attend Trinity College to study History and Geography for four years (something I never believed would happen to me) and I am now in my final few weeks of the Professional Master of Education studying to be a secondary school teacher! I will always be very grateful to the staff at Liberties College. 34 Education

"Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning within the managed environment

socioeconomic entry criteria for this university access course. The principal areas of study are: Research & Study Skills; English Literature; Social Studies; Political Studies; Psychology; European Studies; History; Communication Skills; Personal & Professional Development; Word Processing. Students study eight modules and aim to achieve a minimum of five Distinctions and three Passes to compete for reserved course places in Higher Education. The course includes one-to-one career guidance and mentoring and students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning within the managed environment of the programme The college offes an optional educational trip abroad each January. TAP – Access course for Higher Education Liberties College is one of three colleges of further education working in partnership with the Trinity College Dublin Access Programmes to provide access courses to Higher Education. On successful completion of this course students may apply directly for entry to degree courses in Trinity College Dublin in the Faculties of Arts and Social Sciences and to other universities through the CAO. The principal areas of study are: English Literature; Personal & Professional Development; History; Research Methods; Social Studies; Political Studies; Communications/ Study Skills; Statistics; IT Skills; Educational Guidance; European Studies; Psychology.


E H T O E T K TA STEPS E R T U S T R I U F F W R O U N IE . YO E G IN LEG L L O L C RO E R T I E S

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Con tinuing Edu cation

Education 35


SCFE shaping SCFE Supporting Women in the Sport and Fitness Industry The past couple of years in Ireland have seen a shift in the media’s traditional focus on male dominated sporting events toward highlighting the phenomenal achievements of our female athletes and sports personalities. For a long time the fitness industry in Ireland has been dominated by men and was often overlooked as a career option for women. At SCFE we aim to buck the trend by encouraging young female school leavers and mature students to turn their passion for sport and fitness into a viable career. Women graduates from the P e r s o n a l Tr a i n i n g a n d S p o r t s Rehabilitation Couse and the Personal Training and Strength and Conditioning course have progressed to careers as Personal Trainers, teachers and have set up their own business as corporate fitness providers, therapists and instructors. To encourage all of our students with their learning journey and career plans SCFE Graduate Áine O’Gorman, former Republic of Ireland Team Captain and advocate for women in sport, delivers workshops to our Fitness Instruction and Exercise Science students and to our Personal Training students to support their fitness development and understanding of the professional role. Wider range of options To facilitate a wider range of options for learners wishing to peruse a career in Sports and Fitness SCFE have introduced two new courses for September 2022. QQI 36 Education

SCFE students practice their teaching skills

Level 5 Physical Education (PE) & Sports Coaching offers qualifications in coaching as well a clear pathway toward a career in fitness and sports related fields, while QQI Level 5 Physical Education (PE) & Inclusive Education combines SCFE’s proven expertise in the area of inclusion toward providing students with the skills required to work in the sport and fitness field within a diverse range of settings. Students from all of these courses can progress to a range of third level options or to SCFE’s QQI Level 6/ ITEC Personal Training and Strength & Conditioning and QQI Level 6/ ITEC Personal Training and Sports Rehabilitation (including Physiotherapy Assistant and Sports Massage). Graduates form these Level 6 courses have progressed to a range of careers including teaching, gym management, gym owner and corporate fitness providers.

SCFE Yoga and Pilates Students Open Air workshop In April, SCFE Pilates Teacher "Women Training students and Yoga Teacher graduates have Training students showcased their progressed to skills in an open-air workshop at the careers as Lexicon library in Dun Laoghaire. Personal Demand for Yoga and Pilates Trainers, classes has increased in recent years teachers and and graduates from the Yoga have set up Teaching including Wellbeing and their own Holistic studies and the Pilates business as Teacher Training courses have now corporate progressed to delivering their own fitness classes with some former students providers, now thriving in business that they therapists and started since qualifying as teachers. instructors" At SCFE you can train to become a qualified Yoga Teacher or Pilates Teacher while also adding to your skills set by qualifying in areas such as Massage, Indian Head Massage, and Reflexology. Students from all of these courses can move directly into employment, set up their own businesses or progress to a range of third level degree courses.

SCFE Performing Arts Students


your future "SCFE continues to ensure that our courses are up to date, relevant and future proofed to give our students the edge in their chosen field"

Yoga & Pilates Teacher Training students workshop at the Lexicon Library Dun Laoghaire

SCFE Performing Arts Students Return to the Stage After facing almost two years of being locked out of performance spaces the Arts are starting to make their way back to our theatres and galleries. In March the SCFE the Performing Arts/Acting and Performance for Theatre, TV and Film students took to the stage to wow the audience with their production of “Bite Size Theatre”. The students curated a selection of short scenes spanning everything from classical theatre, popular TV shows, literature and film. The broad selection of scenes challenged the performance range and technical skill of the students as they took on the role of many different characters. They led the audience through a rollercoaster journey of emotion and left them longing for more.

These budding actors are now ready to take on the challenges of getting Ireland's theatres and performances spaces up and running again. SCFE Musical Theatre and Dance For those whose talent lies in song and dance SCFE has a long history in Dance and Performance and is now enrolling and auditioning talented people from all backgrounds for the Musical theatre and Dance course. This unique course allows students to develop their talent in a broad range of areas such as dance, singing, movement and acting. Students from this course have progressed to theatrical and dance courses both in Ireland and internationally. For more information check out www.scfe.ie

SCFE the Option of Choice for a Broader Range Career Opportunity SCFE provides courses to school leavers and mature students in a broad variety of areas from Childcare to Social Studies, Fashion, Art and Floristry, Hairdressing & Beauty, Travel and Tourism. SCFE continues to ensure that our courses are up to date, relevant and future proofed to give our students the edge in their chosen field. To find out more check out our website www.scfe.ie. Course coordinators are available to answer specific questions about individual courses and their contact details are listed on each course page. Applications are now open. Apply online at scfe.ie or contact reception@scfe.ie Tel: 01 285 2997

SCFE Musical Theatre bringing performances back to Irish stage

FIND OUT MORE: Check us out at www.scfe.ie for a full list of courses. Contact us: reception@scfe.ie | Tel: 01 285 2997 Follow on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter @SCFEOfficial Education 37


38 Education


Preparing students for employment and progression "All the credit goes to the fundamentals I learned in the University Access Course and the tools were sharpened in the rooms of Pearse College" PEARSE College is based in Crumlin in Dublin city. Their courses prepare students for employment and third level education in an adult-friendly environment. The College provides a range of courses including Sports, Psych ology, A rc hit e c tu re , Business, Pre-Apprenticeships, Adult Leaving Certificate (two years), Repeat Leaving Cert, and University Access Courses in the Sciences, Engineering, Marketing and Arts. Exciting new courses starting in September 2022 include Speech & Language Therapy Assistant & Physiotherapy Assistant, both with excellent progression routes to Third Level. In fact, for those interested in progressing to Third Level, Pearse College has excellent progression links to Ireland’s leading Universities including Trinity College Dublin and all l e a d i n g I T ’s i n c l u d i n g T U Dublin. “My Journey to Third Level started with a small step – enrolling in a University Access Course- a step that was scary but worth it, and now I making giant strides forward studying for a BSc in Economics, and all the credit goes to the fundamentals I learned in UAC and the tools were sharpened in the rooms of Pearse College”- Zaur, former UAC student now studying Economics in UCD Often in the spotlight is their Photography Department, whose practical modules focus students’ learning on the development of the relevant technical skills – such as manag-

ing a professional studio and event planning major exhibition – to work in the field of photography or mixed media. Other graduates progress to degree courses in Ireland, the UK and Europe. Further adding to the learning experience are the supports the college offers including a guidance team, a counsellor, a student support officer and regular literacy, numeracy, and assignment support workshops. There is also an onsite Creche, a Sports Complex and a student café.

“Without the guidance and encouragement from all the tutors and staff at Pearse, I probably wouldn’t be studying in UCD today..” Conor, former European Studies and Languages student now studying Linguistics & Culture in UCD

To learn more about what Pearse College has to offer you, take a Virtual Campus Tour at pearsecollege.ie. Or follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

“Now in TCD, we’re constantly reminded of the requirement to be able to write clearly and concisely all of which was covered in Pearse College. In addition, peer support is extremely important and the friendships and support that started in Pearse has extended to College life.” Anne Fitzharris, now studying History in TCD

"Attending Pearse College definitely gave me the confidence and the tools for my degree course. Aside from the academic subjects, the Course equips students with very practical but essential training in research, referencing and essay writing. You also cannot put a price on peer-to-peer learning and discussing issues with your peers…” Connie Morahan, studying History & Political Science in TCD “The year I spent at Pearse College has been an integral part of my time at Trinity College. I learned the skills necessary to succeed at third level. It was a really intense year, but it definitely prepared me for my undergraduate degree.” Rachel Merriman, graduate of Sociology & Social Policy in TCD

Join us on Friday, 27 May, for our Enrolment Day. Apply online NOW. start: education • career • life

COME AND JOIN US - WE HAVE A WIDE RANGE OF COURSES, MANY WITH LINKS TO THIRD LEVEL: Pre-University Business & Marketing, Computer Science, eCommerce, , Archaeology, European Studies & Languages, University Access, Furniture Making, Complementary Medicine, Food & Bio Science, PreUniversity Science, Soccer Coaching & Psychology, Horticulture, Architectural Technology, Caring for the Older and Younger Person, Advanced Woodwork & Furniture Making, Pre-University Engineering, Understanding Special Needs in Education & Training, Sports and Fitness, Photography, Speech & Language Therapy Assisting, Physiotherapy Assisting, Pre-apprenticeships and Skills to Advance. Go online for more information or apply for a course today at www.pearsecollege.ie

Pearse College Clogher Road, Crumlin, Dublin 12 Phone: 01-453-6661 / 01-454-1544

information@pearse.cdetb.ie

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The Infographic ■●▲ Education & Training Boards Key sectoral statistics Source: Education & Training Boards Ireland | www.etbi.ie

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Education 41


High demand for places at Dunboyne College THERE is quite a buzz about the campus at Dunboyne College and the future is looking very bright as applications for Sept 2022 opened. With a new €42 million campus planned, over 60 qualifications including new courses in the PreUniversity areas of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Science, Law and Politics, and Politics, Economics and Social Science, along with a course in Auctioneering and Estate Agency are all planned for 2022. There is an increasing demand for places on all courses according to College Principal Denis Leonard. Advice and support from Career Guidance Counsellors “The last few years have been very stressful for the Leaving Certificate of 2022 and we recognise that many have lost out on the opportunity to really investigate the options that are available to them,” says Mr Leonard. The college has seen a growing number of applications from Leaving Certificate students for entry in Sept 2022 but they have also been dealing with calls from many students who are still unsure. “The uncertainty surrounding the 42 Education

Leaving Certificate has now been resolved but there are still many students not sure what their options are so the Career Guidance team will always be on hand to answer their questions. They will outline how students can use their qualifications from Dunboyne College to gain entry to University degree courses or progress straight into employment if they so wish.” No need to panic re the points race Reflecting on the debate on CAO points Mr Leonard, a qualified Career Guidance Counsellor, says there is no need to panic over the points race as there are many ways of getting onto the university course of your choice. Progression from Dunboyne College to Maynooth University, TU Dublin, DCU, Trinity College, UCD and many other 3rd level colleges has grown dramatically in recent years. “In 2021 three hundred and seventy-four (374) Dunboyne College students received a Level 8 honours degree offer and two hundred and forty-eight (248) received and for a Level 7, ordinary degree course via

the CAO. "What many parents and indeed students are not aware is that there are reserved places at Universities for "Dunboyne students who complete a QQI Level College is a 5 course. They can use their results college with a from Dunboyne College instead of their Leaving Certificate to access family some of the very high point courses atmosphere including Law, Teaching and Science. which gives In fact, most courses on the CAO students a accept QQI qualifications for entry.” wealth of T h e p ro g re s s i o n r a t e s f ro m learning, Dunboyne College to university are enabling, the highest in the country, exceeding communicating, many of the top performing secondcollaborating, ary schools but they don’t tell the full and inspiring story. “These figures do not include the each day" many mature students who received early offers and those who took up offers in the UK for Nursing, Law or Sports degrees. In addition, many students who studied on the vocational skills courses including Hairdressing, Beauty Therapy, Childcare, Airline Studies, Cookery and Animal Care obtained jobs straight from their course. "Many of these were with employers who used the work placement option on the courses as a recruitment platform.”


Full return to on-site classes as new college campus is planned Over 8,000 students have studied at Dunboyne College with enrolment exceeding over 1,000 students since 2020. Denis Leonard says they were delighted to welcome students back on-site in recent weeks following the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions. “It has been a long hard road for students. The move to fully on-site classes has been achieved through the diligence of our staff and students and the hard work of our Covid team. We have implemented very strict Covid protocols over the past 2 years to keep everyone safe but it is just great to have all our students back on campus. "Online learning has its place, but for practical classes, assessments and the normal day to day college activities there is no substitute for face to face learning.” New plans for the future Staff and students have also been celebrating the announcement of plans for a new €42 million euro purpose-built college campus In December Minister Simon Harris announced the first purpose-built FET College of the Future for Dunboyne. The investment is a testament to the hard work of staff, students and its focus on delivering a quality service, says Denis Leonard. “Dunboyne College is a college with a family atmosphere which gives students a wealth of learning, enabling, communicating, collaborating, and inspiring each day. It is a comfortable and supportive place to learn. We are proud of our staff, our students and their achievements and we look forward to welcoming the Leaving Certificate class of 2022.”

For enquiries or one-to-one consultations regarding our courses contact our Guidance Counsellors: Derek Ball - dball.dbc@lmetb.ie / Meabh Nimmo mnimmo.dbc@lmetb.ie Tel.: 01 802 6577

Healthcare Department           

Social Studies/Social Care Youth and Community Work Applied Psychology Criminology and Psychology Childcare/Special Needs Assistant * Pre-University Nursing with Midwifery Option Health Care Assistant Pre-Paramedic Fire and Ambulance Physiotherapy Studies Occupational Therapy Studies Pharmacy Assistant

Science Department        

Pre-University Science Pre-University Biomedical & Pharmaceutical Science * NEW Pre-University Agricultural Science Pre-University Forensic Science Pre-University Environmental Science Pre-University Sports Science Pre-University Animal Science Pre-University Food Science-Nutrition, Health and Well being

Arts / Law / Teaching Department       

Pre-University Arts Pre-University Liberal Arts Pre-University Teaching Pre-University Law Pre-University Law with Politics * NEW Pre-University Politics, Economics & Social Studies * NEW Pre-University Business Law

Computers and Design Department           

Software Development & Games Design Creative Digital Media Online Marketing/eBusiness Computer Systems and Networks Graphic Design Architectural Technology and Design Media and Film Production Music Performance Sound Production Art (Fine Art or Design/2D) Animation

Services and Leisure Department      

Airline Studies Beauty Therapy * Hairdressing * Professional Cookery Sports Management and Coaching Sports Injury Prevention and Massage Therapy Animal Care & Grooming *

Business Department       

Pre-University Business Pre-University Business and Accounting Legal and Medical Secretary/Office Administration Office Accounts Admin & Information Processing Journalism, Digital Media and Public Relations Auctioneering, Valuation & Estate Agency * NEW

Tourism and Business *

Dunboyne College applications are open at www.dunboynecollege.ie Education 43


The perfect choice for you CHOOSING the right college for you is about so much more than just picking a course and hoping for the best. Your college years are a combination of education, self-development and life experience, so you’ll want to spend them in a place that you’ll love for the duration of your course. It’s about finding a home away from home, making new friends and doing a course that you’ll really enjoy. That’s why SligoCFE ticks all the boxes. It offers everything from level 5 and 6 QQI Awards to ITEC, City & Guilds and Trades at a single campus on the edge of Sligo town. These qualifications ensure that students have the relevant expertise, skills and experience to gain employment in their chosen field with the option of progressing to higher Education if they wish. At Sligo College of Further Education, our aim is to provide further education courses of the highest quality to school leavers, as well as adults returning to education. Our tradition and success in this area makes us the pre-eminent provider of Post-Leaving Certificate education in the North West. Here’s why

"These qualifications ensure that students have the relevant expertise, skills and experience to gain employment in their chosen field with the option of progressing to higher Education if they wish"

SligoCFE is the perfect college for you.

• Science, Engineering and Services • Hairdressing & Beauty

Top class courses and tutors College may be about more than just learning, but SligoCFE gives you the chance to learn from the best in their field. Its passionate, engaging tutors combine academic theory with industry experience in their lessons. SligoCFE has a truly diverse range of courses on offer, many of which really suit learners who excel in creative and practical areas such as Art & Design, Furniture Design, Nursing, Early Learning & Care, Hairdressing & Beauty, Sport, Recreation & Exercise. Most programmes offer added value like professional accreditation, work experience abroad or progression pathways into college. With a very high employability rate, students leave SligoCFE ready for the world of work or to further their education experience in college. Our dedicated and experienced staff are on hand to guide students through over 30 courses across the schools of: • Business & Computing • Heath Care & Social Studies • Design

Great Facilities SligoCFE invests heavily in stateof-the-art facilities like industry-spec computer labs, science and engineering labs as well as quality teaching spaces. The latest addition is a newly designated Create Digital Media suite with Apple Macs and a Nursing / Childcare Hub which will open this September. There’s also an on-site canteen to cater for the modern student needs. A real sense of community SligoCFE is the sort of college where you’ll get to know your teachers almost as well as your classmates. It’s a far cry from some of the bigger colleges, where you can sometimes feel like you’re just another face in the crowd. The Guidance department will keep you up to date with career progression opportunities and our support services cater to the need of all academic abilities. We are also situated right next door to the newly formed Atlantic Technological University (ATU). SligoCFE has formed close ties to this University over the years, with many courses offering advanced entry routes for SligoCFE QQI Level 6 students. A Lively Town atmosphere Another attraction of coming here is the chance to live and study in Sligo, a town that has everything you’ll need but with a more relaxed

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lifestyle than its city counterparts. It’s a safe, friendly, lively town where the students and the locals mix freely. As you’d expect from somewhere in Yeats County, Sligo has a thriving cultural scene, but you’ll also find great eateries, cafes and bars in town. It’s home to artists, writers, digital creators and filmmakers as well as exciting new enterprises in technology and food tourism. Erasmus+ Opportunities The Erasmus+ Programme offers SligoCFE students the opportunity to apply to work abroad (usually for a three-week period). Placements will be arranged with employers in the host country with support from SligoCFE. You can experience living in another culture, enjoy travelling, improve language skills, gain a Europass Qualification, add this experience to your CV and get that valuable job. Students will have the opportunity to complete placements in their vocational area in Kempten and Hameln (Germany), Fougères (France), Playa de Las Américas and Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Tenerife), B a rc e l o n a , M a l a g a a n d C a d i z (Spain). Placements normally take place during the academic year September-May. If your application to work aboard is successful, you will qualify for a grant towards the cost of the mobility programme including travel, accommodation and living expenses. In addition, you will receive language and cultural preparation prior to departure.

A natural wonderland on your doorstep One of the advantages of studying along the Wild Atlantic Way is "As you’d the wealth of natural amenities and expect from somewhere in scenic destinations on offer. From surfing at Mullaghmore or Strandhill Yeats County, to camping at Lough Gill or hiking Sligo has a Benbulben, the surrounding counthriving cultural scene. tryside is an adventure playground that’s just waiting to be explored. It’s home to Its dramatic coastal scenery makes artists, writers, digital creators it an ideal spot for road trips with friends or outdoor pursuits when you and need a well-deserved break from the filmmakers books. The S1 and S2 bus routes run as well as directly opposite the college and exciting new enterprises in make it easy to reach popular hotspots like Strandhill or Rosses Point. technology and food Lots of accommodation tourism" options open The student accommodation villages are super convenient but there

are other options available. The town also has plenty of digs accommodation on offer or you can privately rent out a room in a shared house or with friends. In Sligo, you’ll be a world away from the soaring rents and the accommodation crises you’ll find in bigger cities. A lower cost of living One of the biggest college expenses is rent but student accommodation is a lot more affordable in Sligo than in other student towns or cities. The cost of simple things like groceries, gyms, taxis, eating out or even a pint is also lower in Sligo than it is in major cities. So your Euro will go much further, which is good news for students. Travelling home is easy You may be having too much fun to think about home, but you’ll need to get that laundry done eventually! As the largest urban centre in the North West, Sligo is well-connected with a road and rail infrastructure. Find OUT MORE: Check us out at www.sligocfe.ie for a full list of courses. Applications now open for September 2022 enrolment. Contact us: admin@sligocfe.ie Tel: 07191 45480 Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @SligoCFE Education 45


your next step

Inchicore College of Further Education Enrolling Now

Progress to University Train for Employment Over 50 PLC Courses at Levels 5 and 6 Art / Theatre / Creative Writing / Childcare / Nursing Studies / Healthcare / Pre-Paramedic / Business & HR / Social Studies Digital Marketing / Computers / Tourism / Pre-Universtiy Law / Sports & Fitness / Sports Science / Social Care / Psychology

Apply online at inchicorecollege.ie

Inchicore College of Further Education, Luby Road, Dublin 8. Ph: 01 4535358

Just one donation can save up to 3 lives We need over 3,000 units of blood every week

The ISPCC Shield Programme Download the "Blood Donor Schools Education Pack" at giveblood.ie or call us on 01 432 2800 for more information.

Every new donor, every new donation saves many lives. #EveryOneCounts Follow us for more updates and news

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The ISPCC Shield Programme provides a range of resources, giving children and young people the necessary coping skills to deal with and protect themselves from bullying.

Discover more at www.ispcc.ie/shield-anti-bullying-programme/


.....................................................................................................................GREEN NEWS

European Commission to create a digital earth - Destination Earth The European Commission (EC) has announced the Destination Earth initiative to creat a digital model of the Earth to combat the effects of climate change. Destination Earth (DestinE) and its development of digital earth twins are key to predicting the effects and building resilience to climate-change according to the EC. DestinE aims to develop – on a global scale - a highly accurate digital model of the Earth to monitor and predict the interaction between natural phenomena and human activities. As part of the EC’s Green Deal and Digital Strategy, DestinE will contribute to achieving the objectives of the twin transition, green and digital. Access and interact Users of DestinE, including nonscientific experts, will be able to access and interact with vast amounts of Earth system and socioeconomic data in order to: Perform highly accurate, interactive and dynamic simulations of the Earth system, informed by rich observational datasets: for example allowing to focus on thematic domains of societal relevance such as the regional impacts of climate change, natural hazards, marine ecosystems or urban spaces.

Improve prediction capabilities to maximize impact: for example to protect biodiversity, manage water, renewable energy and food resources, and mitigate disaster risks in a changing world. Support EU policy-making and implementation: for example, to assess the impact of existing environmental policies and legislative measures and support future evidence-based policy-making. Exploit the potential of distributed and high performance computing (HPC) and data handling at extreme scale: for example through an interactive platform that will host complex digital twins and comprehensive toolkits to develop and operate analytics-based models, with full access to vast amounts of diverse data.

Wind supplied one third of power in March - WEI WIND Energy Ireland has released its March Wind Energy report, which showed that wind energy provided 33 per cent of Ireland’s electricity in March 2022. However, Ireland’s dependence on imported fossil fuels for much of electricity generation drove wholesale prices to the highest monthly average since the Integrated Single Electricity Market was set up in 2018 according to the organisation. Noel Cunniffe, CEO of Wind Energy Ireland, said: “Wind energy

cuts our carbon emissions and is helping to reduce the impact of skyhigh gas prices on the bills of Irish consumers. “The faster we build new wind and solar farms, the sooner we can end our reliance on imported fossil fuels. We can become energy independent. “The findings of latest IPCC report and the growing calls from Europe for quicker development of renewable energy must be heard in Government buildings."

Rapid change needed to meet net zero targets for livestock A REPORT published by the consortium CIEL (Centre for Innovation Excellence in Livestock) has identified that greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced if wide scale and highly effective mitigations are adopted on farms. The greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced from the main livestock types by 23 per cent and ammonia emissions by 15 per cent. The report is believed to be the first of its kind to model and collate data at this scale. It covers a range of mitigating scenarios in real life case studies across dairy, beef, sheep, pig and poultry farms. CIEL commissioned an independent consortium of expert scientists including from Queen’s University Belfast to deliver the report. Speaking at the report launch, Dr Mark Young, Head of Innovation at CIEL, said: “The need for improvement in herd or flock production efficiency should be the focus for most farmers in the drive to reduce their carbon footprint, and this report highlights that need. Increasing productivity per animal while reducing input costs, and maintaining overall productivity at the same level, is something we can do right now.”

Immediate and transformative action needed to stay below 1.5°C - An Taisce THE IPCC released the third part of their Sixth Assessment report on April 6, focused on climate change mitigation and an assessment of methods for reducing and removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. The report urges immediate and far reaching change in order to achieve the critical 1.5°C threshold on global heating. This will require rapid changes to current emissions levels from all nations across all greenhouse gases, particularly methane, according to the report. Against the backdrop of the invasion of Ukraine, the report also calls for an urgent transition to renewable energy and away from fossil fuels. Kevin O’Farrell, Climate Committee Chair at An Taisce said: “The report is focused on efforts to remove greenhouse gases as well as reduce GHG emissions, and includes a discussion on Negative Emission Technologies (NET), Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) and carbon dioxide storage. Such technologies are unproven in their effectiveness. "We can not depend on largely unknown and unproven technologies when the present and future threats to many people and our climate system are so great. It would simply be immoral to gamble the lives of future generations on them. “The scientific evidence offered by the IPCC emphasises no further delays. For wealthy, high emitting countries like Ireland that means urgent action in cutting fossil fuel subsidies, speeding the transition to renewables and stopping practices that are killing biodiversity and harming nature”.

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NEWS ................................................................................................................................

Met Eireann and NUIG team up on North Atlantic climate research TO improve understanding of the impact of the North Atlantic climate system on Ireland, Met Éireann is teaming up with climate researchers from NUI Galway – Irish Centre for High-End Computing (ICHEC) to collaborate on a four-year project to improve its modelling using EC-Earth’s state-of-the-art Earth system model. EC-Earth is developed by a Europe-wide consortium of which Met Éireann is a core partner. Two additional Irish partners include ICHEC and UCD. Global climate simulations using EC-Earth contributed to the IPCC AR6 WG I report published in 2021. The consortium has recently begun development of the next version of the model, EC-Earth4, which will be used to inform the next IPCC assessment report, AR7. This research project will contribute to this development, in particular improving the model’s representation of the North Atlantic Ocean-Atmosphere system. The project will also produce high-resolution simulations of Ireland’s future climate

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using EC-Earth4 combined with a range of regional climate models. This will enable researchers to study the impact of improved modelling of the North Atlantic on Ireland’s future climate projections at a local level. These simulations will also inform updates to the TRANSLATE project, a 2-year Met Éireann project currently underway to standardise future climate information for Ireland.

Regional Education and Language Teams for Ukrainian families established INTO President Joe McKeown has met with the Department of Education to discuss how primary and special schools could be best supported as Ukrainian families fleeing the war access education in Ireland. Minister for Education Norma Foley TD has announced the establishment of Regional Education and Language Teams (REALT) to support the needs of Ukrainian children arriving in Ireland. These teams will be hosted in each of the sixteen regional Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and will act as a single point of contact for arriving families and for schools. The INTO said that there was a need for arriving families to be given clear and simple information and that the teams should seek to ensure effective communication between local schools and these families.


................................................................................................................................ NEWS ADVERTORIAL

ASSA ABLOY Door Group calls to raise the standard of fire safety in schools DOOR Group, a unit of ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland, is stressing the need for greater awareness of fire safety in education buildings, with a large percentage of fire doors in schools found to be non-compliant while undergoing inspections. Fire doors are one of the most important safety features in a building and regular product specifications or dedicated fire door inspections are essential to fully ensure health and safety measures are met. Brian Sofley, Managing Director of ASSA ABLOY Door Group, explains: “Whilst statutory inspections are being completed for the entire building, the necessary attention to fire door compliance is being overlooked. “Our team of BRE qualified engineers have found a large percentage of fire doors to be non-compliant when completing a dedicated fire door inspection in schools over the past 3-4 years. For example, in one school, 163 of the 164 fire doors we inspected were not fire compliant.” Brian adds: “An education building should be a safe and secure place for students and staff, to work and learn. Door Group is committed to making schools, colleges and universities across the UK fire protected. “With regular and thorough inspections, we can ensure the compliance and performance of fire doorsets in an effort to improve overall fire safety in the educational environment, while minimising the risk that learning could be negatively impacted by a fire.” For more information on ASSA ABLOY Door Group, please visit https://bit.ly/3hVybbC.

Cross-Border education partnership to support student teachers for equality-based schools IN conjunction with the Standing Conference on Teacher Education North and South, the Shared-Island Unit in the Department of the Taoiseach announced funding for a research project exploring provision enabling pre-service teachers to teach in diverse settings. Five partners are involved in the Educating About Difference Uniting Classrooms and Teacher Education (EDUCATE) action research project: Education & Training Boards Ireland, Mary Immaculate College (MIC), Ulster University (UU), Educate Together and the Council for Integrated Education.

The project will be conducted by two Initial Teacher Education providers and three representative/support/management/patron bodies for Equality-based, Multi-denominational and Integrated Schools. There is a growing awareness of the challenges for teachers to explore identity, address difference and teach issues to foster mutual respect. The EDUCATE project will bring together teachers in Community National, Educate Together and Integrated Schools and pre-service teachers from MIC and UU to share good practice in this area.

Europe’s Most Exciting Karting Arena • 3 Multi-Level Indoor Tracks • Fun and Exciting Student Events @ Discounted Rates • A Firm Favourite on the TY Calendar • Comprehensive Safety Briefing and PPE provided • Fully Trained Race Team • F1 Style Race Experience & Podium Presentation • Race Commentary & Digital Race Scoreboards

Kylemore Karting, Unit 1A, Kylemore Industrial Estate, Killeen Road, Kylemore, Dublin 10 tel 01 626 1444 / email info@kylemorekarting.ie / www.kylemorekarting.ie

KK_A5_240222.indd 1

24/02/2022 16:19

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RECENTLY PUBLISHED ...........................................................................................................

Old Ireland in Colour 2 By John Breslin & Sarah-Anne Buckley

The First National Museum: Dublin’s Natural History Museum in the mid-nineteenth century

IN Old Ireland in Colour 2, the much-anticipated sequel to their beloved bestseller, John Breslin and Sarah-Anne Buckley have delved even deeper into Ireland’s historical archives to uncover captivating photographic gems to bring to life using their unique blend of cutting-edge technology, historical research and expert colourisation. Old Ireland in Colour 2 celebrates more of the rich history of Ireland and the Irish from all walks of life, and sees all thirty-two counties represented. With over 150 superb images, once again accompanied by insightful captions, the book is the perfect encapsulation of life in Ireland throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Irish Academic Press • Around €25

By Sherra Murphy

Ireland - A Directory 2022

Belonging

DUBLIN’S Natural History Museum is a uniquely preserved sliver of the past, an intact example of a nineteenth-century natural science collection. While its polished cases and stuffed animals show us what the museum looked like in its heyday, this book is the first detailed exploration of its early history, showing how and why it came into being, and what it meant in nineteenth-century Irish culture. Far from the aura of genteel nostalgia that continues to attract visitors today, the Natural History Museum of the nineteenth century was an active scientific institution with strong connections to the wider sphere of European science, and shows how participation in natural science was a form cultural activity for the people who engaged with the museum. Cork University Press • Around €39

By the Institute of Public Administration

By Catherine Corless

Do you need to know who’s who in government and business life in Ireland? Do you want to have at your fingertips the name of the human resources director of Diageo? Or the CFO of Smurfit Kappa? Or any leading business person in this country? The IPA’s Ireland – A Directory provides all of that and more in mobile App and hard copy formats. The IPA’s Ireland – A Directory is the most respected database in use in Irish business circles. Now in its 56th year, this incredible resource lists the details of over 9,000 organisations and 11,000 contacts across both the private and public sectors. IPA • Around €70

CATHERINE Corless could not have known where her interest in local history would lead her, as she began researching the Tuam Mother and Baby Home in Galway in 2010. Uncovering no less than 796 missing burial records of children born there, the stark truth of their place of rest became clear: a disused sewage tank on the old home site, where two boys had once stumbled upon bones. But who were these lost children, and what had happened to them in the care of the Bons Secours order of nuns? Determined to know more, Catherine’s painstaking research led to a quest for justice that continues still as, often against fierce resistance, she brought to light a terrible truth. Hachette • Around €16

Clóliosta: Printing in the Irish language, 1571– 1871, an attempt at narrative bibliography By Richard Sharpe and Mícheál Hoyne

Selected Poems

Clóliosta is a catalogue of more than three centuries of printing in Irish, from the earliest instances of the language in print down to the eve of the modern revival. Entire books printed in Irish as well as pamphlets and other ephemera are described in detail. Information is provided on the irish types used, on the background, content and reception of the works catalogued, and how they relate to the manuscript tradition. Every printing of every book was a publishing event. Looked at in sequence in Clóliosta, these events add up to larger stories about authors, publishers, printers, and readers. The history of printing in Irish is national and international, local and European. Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies • Around €50 50 Education

By John McAuliffe OVER twenty years John McAuliffe’s five books have given his readers a great abundance. In their ‘parallel universes’ his poems chart the domestic weather and undercurrents of modern life, return to the river of his home town, report on the streets of the city he works in and the wider world. His poems compress feeling and occasion into something like song, in lyrics, narratives, translations and ballads, treating travel, friendship, the lives of writers and political figures, ancient history and the recent past, parenthood and childhood, all with the freshly-made texture of worlds suddenly coming to life as we read them. Selected Poems shows for the first time the range of ‘one of the most gifted and versatile poets of his generation’ (Poetry Book Society). The Gallery Press • Around €14


COURSES FOR 2022/ 2023

Journalism, Photography & New Media (Journalism 5M2464)

Alternative Health & Wellbeing Therapies

Advanced Animal Science (6M5153)

Applied Social Studies (5M2181)

Sound Engineering and Music Technology (Sound Production 5M2149)

Business Studies (5M2102)

Pharmacy Assistant (Community Health Services 5M4468)

Advanced Certificate in Social Care (Social & Vocational Integration 6M2218)

Advanced Certificate in Business (6M4985)

Laboratory Techniques (5M3807) NEW COURSE

Pre Third Level Arts (General Studies 5M3114)

Office Administration for Business, Medical and Legal Practices (5M1997)

Applied Psychology (Community Health Services 5M4468)

Tourism and Travel Industry Studies (Tourism with Business 5M5011)

Applied Ecology (5M5028) NEW COURSE

Sports Studies, Coaching & Performance (5M5146)

Accounting Technician Apprenticeship (Advanced Certificate in Accounting)

Healthcare Support /Health Service Skills (5M4339/5M3782)

Sports Studies, Physiology and Massage (Sports & Recreation 5M5146)

Advanced Beauty Therapy & Make-Up Artistry Year 2

Construction Technology (5M5010)

Nursing Studies (5M4349)

Computer Systems and Networks (5M0536)

Retail Practice with Beauty Consultant (Major Award 5M2105) NEW COURSE

Multimedia Production (5M2146)

Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care NEW COURSE

Hairdressing Year 1

Security Systems Technology (5M2109)

Hairdressing Year 2

Canine Grooming (Animal Care 5M2768)

Hairdressing Apprenticeship NEW COURSE

Animal Care (5M2768)

Advanced Certificate in Audio/Visual Media (Advanced Certificate in Media Production 6M5130) Art & Design Portfolio (Art Craft & Design- 5M1984) Photography and Digital Media (Photography 5M2094) Beauty Therapy Year 1

Legal Studies and Criminal Law (Legal Studies 5M3789) NEW COURSE

Sports Therapy and Injury Management (Level 6 Sports & Recreation 6M5147)

Special Needs Assistant (Intellectual Disability Practice 5M1761) Advanced Special Needs Assistant (Inclusive Education & Training 6M2263) Advanced Certificate In Early Childhood Care and Education (6M2007)

Fitness and Health (Sports & Recreation 5M5146) Pre Further Education Course (Component Certificate 5M3114) Pre Apprenticeship Programme Level 4 NEW PROGRAMME VTOS - Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme • Office Administration • General Studies in Health Sciences • General Studies in Childcare & Youthwork • Employment & Academic Skills

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