Back in October, The Irish Times ran a feature outlining the most influential people involved in education in Ireland. Eight months later towards the end of the school year, I thought I’d have a look at the man at the top of the list, Ruairi Quinn. The list itself was rather interesting in that it … Read more
The report from the forum on patronage and pluralism in the primary sector published its findings today. It was interesting to see the media’s take on the findings. The Irish Independent focused mainly on how sacrament preparation would be removed from the school day in all schools, mentioning this in all its articles. They also … Read more
The IPPN conference is the biggest conference for primary school prinicpals in Europe with over 1,100 delegates. The event, which goes on for 3 days draws in some of the biggest names in education and media, all discussing everything relating to primary schools. This year the principals were addressed by the likes of Ben Walden … Read more
The final part of my letter to Ruairi Quinn… Has there been any mention of learning here? Of children? Of humans? Basic human rights to respect and consideration. This is a country we should not be following or looking to. In Ireland, we have a basis of trust, consideration and respect for teachers in Ireland. … Read more
Continuing from my letter from the last day, here is part 2… Instead, in the UK, schools are restricted by regulations, standards, targets and appraisals which are designed to give a uniform approach to learning, no matter the background of the school or child. Their Education Secretary is Michael Gove, as I am sure you … Read more
After attending the BETT conference in the UK, I experienced Michael Gove for the first time. For those of you who don’t know who he is, this is the education secretary in the UK who seems intent in driving everyone out of the teaching profession. Last week he announced that headteachers could now fire teachers … Read more