
Assessment finds Building Issues at Ardgillan Community College
Information from Dublin & Dun Laoghaire Education & Training Board (DDLETB) Ardgillan Community College, Balbriggan, is a 1000 pupil capacity school under the patronage of DDLETB with a current enrolment of 910 pupils. Phase 1 of the school building was built in 2009, as a design and build contract completed on behalf of the Department…

3,000 international students in UL
University of Limerick will welcome almost 3,000 international students from 100 countries to the campus this year. The international cohort includes students attending the university to take bachelors, masters and research degree courses as well as students visiting for one year, a semester or the summer under the Erasmus exchange and Study Abroad programmes. The…

Over 90% of teachers agree unidentified dyslexia damages children’s self-esteem
The Dyslexia Association have launched research findings to mark Dyslexia Awareness Month in October. The study found that teachers and parents agree that unidentified dyslexia damages children’s self-esteem and mental health. Teachers also lack adequate training in both identifying and supporting children and young people with dyslexia in school. Teachers would also like to see…

Mixed results for Irish universities in international league table
There was mixed results in the Times Higher Education world university rankings for 2019 for Irish universities. The top Irish university, Trinity College Dublin, slipped back marginally from 117th position to 120th. TCD’s marks had actually improved but increased competition had put other institutions ahead. Two Irish universities actually gained places: UCC moved up into…

Burning the candle at both ends: Why we can’t overlook the importance of sleep
In September Apple released the latest upgrade to its iPhone and iPad software – IOS 12. As usual, they made a hullabaloo over its new features and updated apps aimed at changing your life. This time, they also emphasised their attempts at keeping the smartphone out of your life. At part of their Bedtime app,…

Is your institution prepared for the ePrivacy Regulation?
Many schools and colleges are finally starting to draw breath after a hectic year preparing for the arrival of GDPR. Large businesses and multinationals have been able to divert significant resources towards ensuring data protection compliance. However, this is not the case for most educational institutions, particularly at primary and secondary level, who are trying…

Irish Research Council and Minister Halligan announce €22m investment in early-career research
An investment of over €22 million in early-career researchers was announced today (19.09.18) by the Irish Research Council and Minister of State for Training, Skills and Innovation, John Halligan TD. 288 postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers will benefit from the investment, under the Irish Research Council’s Government of Ireland programmes. Water quality in Irish rivers, the…

Irish heather honey buzzing with health benefits comparable with Manuka honey
A research team from Dublin City University and Trinity College Dublin has found that Irish heather honey is quite literally buzzing with health benefits. The findings showed that there was a similar overall presence of powerful antioxidants called phenolic compounds in Irish heather honey as in Manuka honey. These antioxidant compounds help to prevent damage…

KEEP YOUR CHILD OUT OF HOSPITAL THIS SEPTEMBER
~ By following simple steps, you cold lower your child’s chances of being admitted to hospital this September ~ ~ 177,127 children heading back to school at risk of asthma attack ~ The weather is changing, colds and flus are on the rise – add a new school or routine into the mix and it’s…

2018 Another Milestone School Year as Six New Educate Together Schools Open Their Doors
This week sees the opening of four brand new Educate Together second-level schools in Dublin and Limerick and two brand new national schools in Cork and Dublin. There are now 84 Educate Together primary and 13 second-level schools in Ireland, providing an equality-based school experience to over 25,000 pupils. 2018 is another milestone year for Educate…

Educate Together To Apply For Four Second-Level Schools To Open in 2019
Educate Together welcomes Minister Richard Bruton’s invitation to patrons to apply for four new second-level schools to open in 2019 and announces its intention to apply for all four schools. The schools will be based in Donaghmede/Howth/Dublin 13 (Belmayne/Clongriffin area); Galway City & Oranmore (Regional Solution); Laytown & Drogheda (Regional Solution); and Wicklow Once the…

Minister Bruton publishes circular directing schools to consult with Parents and Students on use of smart phones and tablet devices
Use of smart phones in schools will be included as item requiring consultation in Parent and Student Charter The Minister for Education and Skills Richard Bruton T.D. today (Monday the 21st of May) published a circular requiring all schools to consult parents, teachers and students on the use of smart phones and tablet devices in…

Generation Apprenticeship Competition – Winners and Runners up
Sponsored by ESB & CIF, the Generation Apprenticeship competition challenged apprentices to construct a three dimensional letter A using craft & other materials. The winners of the 2018 competition are Mark & Conor from Designer Group. See below the winning A The runners up with another magnificent A were Kerry ETB Training Centre. See there…

Westport College of Further Education
Westport College of Further Education has been approved for an Erasmus + grant for 2018-2020 of €183,471. This grant will allow Westport College of Further Education to send a total of 115 staff and students on Erasmus+ placements over the next 2 years. The grant will cover students travel expenses and pay them up to…

82% of young people reveal concerns about their epilepsy
National Epilepsy Week (May 14th – 20th) To mark National Epilepsy Week (May 14th – 20th), Epilepsy Ireland has announced results of a survey conducted among young people aged 16-21 on their experience of living with the condition. The results showed that: · 65% of respondents have concerns about lifestyle issues such as drinking alcohol, socialising, sport…

Minister Bruton delivers historic reform of school admissions
Amendment to Education (Admission to Schools) Bill 2016 on the role of religion in school admissions approved by government Oversubscribed primary schools will not be allowed discriminate on the basis of religion, minority religions protected The Minister for Education and Skills Richard Bruton T.D. has today (Wednesday, 9th of May 2018) published three Report Stage…

TU4Dublin submits application to become Ireland’s first Technological University
Pictured above: Representatives of the Governing Bodies of DIT, ITT and ITB with (front left) Chair, Professor Tom Collins, following the submission of the TU4Dublin application for designation as a Technological University. The Technological University for Dublin Alliance has submitted a formal application to the Minister for Education and Skills to seek designation as the first technological…

The facts on eatings disorders
What Are Eating Disorders? The term ‘eating disorder’ refers to a complex, potentially life-threatening condition, characterised by severe disturbances in eating behaviours. Eating disorders can be seen as a way of coping with emotional distress, or as a symptom of underlying issues. • Eating disorders are not primarily about food • People can and do…

Generation Apprenticeship Competition Exhibits on Display in National College of Ireland 6th – 30th April
Ireland is forging ahead on expansion of its apprenticeship system to meet 21st century skills needs and to support dynamic growth of our economy and society. There are currently 36 apprenticeship programmes available in Ireland, with a further 16 programmes currently in active development and are due to available this year. Apprenticeships have long been…