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Ireland

Outdoor LABS

Ireland

The Labs are primary and secondary schools in Hungary, Spain, Finland and Ireland that agreed to test the OTTER Education Outside the Classroom methodology. Each Lab will keep track of the outcomes and take note of the results. 

School name: Coláiste Nano Nagle
Students age: Secondary School (12-18yrs) (all-girls) 
Location: Limerick

Description: Coláiste Nano Nagle is a Voluntary Catholic Secondary School for girls located in the heart of Limerick city. A primary aim of this school is the pursuit of academic excellence and seek to develop the full potential of each student from diverse backgrounds.

Website: https://colaistenanonagle.ie/home.html

 

 

School name: Scoil Ide
Students age: Primary School (5-12 year olds)
Location: Limerick

Description: Scoil Íde has a student population of almost eight hundred pupils and 44 full time teaching staff including principal, deputy principal, class teachers, special education teachers and special needs assistants. In recent years they have increased the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) emphasis in their teaching and learning. Through parental support they have invested in a Science Room, Outdoor Classroom and technology kits.

Website: https://www.scoilide.ie/

 

School name: St. Flannan’s College
Students age: Secondary School (12-18 year olds)
Location: Ennis

Description: St. Flannan’s College is a school community consisting of students, parents and staff, who are committed to working together to nurture the academic and personal growth of all the students towards mature and responsible adulthood.

Website: https://www.stflannanscollege.ie/

 

 

An introduction to Irish Education

 

Primary Education

Children from 5-12 yrs (typically) enter into primary education for 8 years. The curriculum is presented in seven areas, some of which are further subdivided into subjects. These are:

  1. Language: Gaeilge (Irish) and English
  2. Mathematics
  3. Social, environmental and scientific education (SESE): history, geography and science
  4. Arts education: visual arts, music and drama
  5. Physical education
  6. Social, personal and health education (SPHE)
  7. Religious or ethical education is the responsibility of the different school patron bodies.

 

Post-Primary Education

Children from about 12 to 18 years attend a post-primary school. Post-primary education consists of a 3-year junior cycle, followed by a two or three year senior cycle, depending on whether the optional transition year is taken.

The junior-cycle caters for students in the 12 to 15 year age group. Students participate in core subjects: English, Mathematics, Irish, History, Geography and Physical Education. They then typically choose four other subject from a long list including; Science, Art, Music, Languages, Business, Graphics, Home Economics, Religious Education. The Junior Cycle examination is held at the end of the junior cycle in post-primary schools.

The senior-cycle caters for students in the 15 to 18 year age group. It includes an optional transition year (TY) which follows immediately after the Junior Cycle. TY provides an opportunity for students to experience a wide range of educational inputs, including work experience, over the course of a year that is free from formal examinations.

After TY, students participate in three core subjects (English Mathematics and Irish) and usually four optional subjects (see list of subjects). Subjects are assessed by an examination paper and by additional assessment methods including oral and aural examinations, practical examinations and assessment of practical coursework at the end of the two-year programme of study.