Journalists

'Parents give the opportunity but you won't find a fifth year who doesn't want to be here' 

It's 7.30pm on Sunday and the boarders at Presentation Secondary School, Thurles, Co Tipperary, are filtering back after a weekend at home.

A new world of study opens up for students in Limerick school 

They say travel broadens the mind and so it was when teachers from Villiers School in Limerick attended Model United Nations conferences with their pupils over a number years.

Majority of private schools hike fees as more parents prepared to pay up 

More than two in three private schools have increased their fees this year as growing numbers of parents show a willingness to pay for advantages that money can buy.

DEIS schools narrow the gap but 'significant gulf still exists' 

The education gap between pupils in post-primary schools in disadvantaged communities and others has narrowed, but there is still a significant gulf, according to an evaluation of the DEIS programme.

Now is the time to tick the grant box 

More than 40pc of students have the benefit of a State grant to support them in their studies, so it is well worth checking out the application process and the criteria for eligibility.

Brexit will push up costs, warns Combilift chief 

Combilift managing director Martin McVicar said he is confident about dealing with the Brexit challenge, but warned the UK's departure from the EU will cost Irish business and industry money.

Department appoints mediator for improved employment protection for English language teachers 

Stronger employment protections for English language teachers may be on the way, following the appointment of a mediator to explore terms and conditions in the sector.

Brexit won't affect grants for Irish students in UK 

Brexit will not affect grants for Irish students in the UK next year or for UK students in the Republic, it has been confirmed.

Brexit won't affect grants for Irish students starting in UK colleges next year 

Brexit will not affect the grants for Irish students starting in UK colleges next September or for UK students in the Republic, it was confirmed today.

'Ireland needs to prepare for future and give US firms reasons to stay' 

Ireland's use of low corporate tax rates to retain US multi-nationals is at risk and we need to give them other reasons to stay, according to a leading US financial and academic figure, who looked after the finances on Hilary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign.

Katherine Donnelly: '21st-century children deserve a 21st-century education' 

The question is not whether Leaving Cert reform is urgently needed, but how and when can it be achieved?

Leaving the nest for college? Finding a home from home 

First years who have to leave home to attend college are advised either to stay with a family in a 'digs' arrangement or, if possible, live on campus. All third-level colleges have accommodation offices to help students find somewhere to live. All the universities, and some other colleges, have campus accommodation. Booking arrangements vary but here is a guide:

Going to College: Big demand for Leaving Cert reform from pupils 

Huge demand for reform of the Leaving Cert has emerged in new research commissioned by the organisation representing principals in post-primary schools.

Katherine Donnelly: 'Decisions, decisions.....' 

With only weeks remaining until the main deadline for registration with the CAO for 2019, prospective college students are teasing out their choices. The majority are sixth years, but there are also thousands of others who left school a year or two ago, as well as more mature applicants, aged 23 or over, who prove that it is never too late to embark on new learning.

Primary teachers' union to enter 'constructive dialogue' with Government ahead of ballot over pay 

The Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) is to enter “constructive dialogue” with Government ahead of triggering a ballot.

Anger at teachers' unions over advice on special needs 

Second-level teacher unions have provoked fury after issuing advice to members to refuse to implement individual education plans for pupils with special needs.

Leaving Cert exam timetable to be extended as number of subjects grow 

Two more days are being added to the end of the Leaving Cert written exam timetable from next year, as the number of subjects grows.

John Boyle elected new general secretary of the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation 

The new general secretary of the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) is John Boyle.

More than 300 schools will share over €40 million for upgrade works next summer 

Education Minister Joe McHugh today announced the 234 primary schools and 73 post-primary schools that will receive money under the Summer Works Scheme (SWS) 2019.

Now most children aged eight have their own 'smart' device 

The majority of eight and nine year olds now own at least one smart electronic device, giving them access to the online world and potential contact with strangers.

Three west Dublin primary schools to re-open fully following structural safety concerns 

Three primary schools in west Dublin, where upper floors were closed in early November because of structural safety concerns, have been cleared to re-open fully.

Why Transition Year is becoming more popular 'between the canals' 

In his 2015 book, Transition Year In Action, Professor Gerry Jeffers recalls when TY was being main-streamed in the 1990s, there was a view among teachers that it "will never catch on" because it was "far too idealistic".

Practical science Leaving Cert ruled out over cost and crowded school curriculum 

Education Minister Joe McHugh is abandoning the idea of long-awaited Leaving Cert science practicals because of the logistical and financial challenges involved.

Katherine Donnelly: 'Time to knock heads together - or abandon much-needed reform that's been 36 years in making' 

The scenario painted in the report on Leaving Cert science practicals is not only would they be the straw to break the camel's back, but that the camel knows it and thinks it wiser not to lift it.

'Not enough teachers or money' to roll out science practicals in our schools 

Irish schools cannot cope with the introduction of long-awaited Leaving Cert science practicals without massive investment and a shake-up in the entire exam process, according to a new report.

Parents urged to have their say on who will run 12 new education centres 

Parents in 12 locations are being invited to have their say on who should run new primary schools opening next September.

'Not enough teachers or money' to roll out key exam reforms - new report 

Schools cannot cope with the introduction of long-awaited Leaving Cert science practicals without massive investment and a shake-up of the entire exam process, according to a new report.

Number of computing students drops 8pc in five years 

There has been a dramatic 8pc fall in the number of students entering third-level to study computing.

Dramatic fall in number of students entering third-level to study computing 

There has been dramatic 8pc fall in the number of students entering third-level to study computing courses.

Paving the way to third level for students with disabilities to PLCs 

Welcome advances in the provision of supports for pupils with special educational needs in mainstream schooling, and further and higher education, does not paint the full picture about how well the system is catering for all such children and young adults.

Learning City bid to focus on closing education gap for poor 

Dublin City Council has set a target for the capital to become a Unesco Learning City.

Out-of-hours study in school is paying off for Leaving Cert students 

When Tom Lowry, principal at Moate Community School, Co Westmeath, offered to open the doors for late evening and Saturday study, he tapped into a big appetite for learning among Leaving Cert candidates.

Katherine Donnelly: 'With colleges at saturation point, apprenticeships attractive again' 

With almost 47,000 CAO acceptances this year, most of them from the Leaving Cert class of 2018, school-leaver college entry rates are pretty much at saturation level.

College entry at historic high as State-funded schools raise bar 

State-funded schools are closing the gap on fee-paying schools when it comes to sending students to third-level education.

Trinity opens up awards to greater diversity of students 

A change in the way Trinity College Dublin selects high-achieving Leaving Cert candidates for special recognition has spread the joy to a greater diversity of schools and students.

Union will demand a 3.4pc rise for workers 

The country's largest union is set to seek a 3.4pc private sector pay hike next year due to increases in the cost of living.

ASTI teachers' union rejects pay equality deal for new entrants 

The secondary teachers’ union, ASTI, has rejected the pay equality deal for new entrants.

Education Minister aims for early decision on whether history should be compulsory for junior cycle students 

Education Minister Joe McHugh is aiming for an early decision on whether history should be compulsory for junior cycle students.

Choices, choices, choices... laying the groundwork for a new Leaving Certificate 

Would a new-look Leaving Certificate serve the needs of students or society better if the number of subjects taken in the exams was reduced from the typical seven to five?

Historic Trinity College campus under scrutiny as plans for future development afoot 

Every inch of space on the historic Trinity College campus is under scrutiny as the university sets out plans for its future development.

Cost is a major obstacle to creation of new apprenticeship positions, Ibec says 

Cost of is a major obstacle to the creation of new apprenticeship positions, according to the employers’ organisation, Ibec.

Teachers on a career break to help fill gaps as rules relaxed again 

Rules around career breaks for teachers are being relaxed again this year in a bid to tackle shortages.

Young pupils get a taste of third-level science with fast-track tech study 

Post-primary pupils will study modules from third-level technology degree programmes under a ground- breaking careers initiative being piloted in three Dublin schools.

Remediation work to begin on two primary schools following structural safety concerns 

Remediation work begins this weekend on two of three primary schools in Dublin which have been limited to their ground floors because of concerns about structural safety.

Apprenticeship uptake lags year behind target 

Uptake on new apprenticeship programmes is a year behind its target.

Christian Brothers to pay final €8.8m owed to abuse survivors' fund 

The Christian Brothers have committed to paying the final €8.8m instalment to a €110m fund for survivors of institutional abuse.

Shortage of secondary teachers 'to get worse' 

Teacher shortages in post-primary schools are set to worsen as student numbers rise, a principals' leader has warned.

Making college a rite of passage for everyone 

Among the findings of the latest 'Growing up in Ireland' study, published last week, is the continuing rise in the number of mothers who expect their child to go to college.

Changes made to Irish oral exam for teachers to help curb 'exam anxiety' 

The process for entry as a post-graduate student to one of the State’s primary teacher training programmes is being streamlined with the introduction of a single oral Irish exam.

'Pioneering move' - First women-only professorships in place by September 

The first 15 of 45 women-only professorships to be created in Irish higher education are expected to be in place by September, as part of the radical initiative to tackle gender discrimination in academia.

Katherine Donnelly: 'Experts decided that institutions had to change, rather than women' 

When Máire Geoghegan-Quinn and her expert group were drawing the conclusions to their report on gender equality in higher education, they were emphatic that the answer was not the usual "fix the women".

Female-only university posts set to be challenged in courts 

The Government is braced for legal challenges to its plan to fund women-only posts in universities.

'Inspiring' former principal hailed for his 'special' commitment to education 

John Curran left his mark wherever he went.

Teachers are 'bullied by own pupils online' 

One in 10 post-primary teachers say they are victims of online bullying, and it is mainly at the hands of pupils.

'A wonderful sense of humour and an infectious laugh' - tributes pour in after Irish man murdered in South Africa 

Friends and colleagues of an Irish father-of-four found dead in South Africa have described a "profound sense of shock, sadness and disbelief" at the news of his death.

Remaining pupils waiting to return to school following structural safety concerns get green light 

The last of the pupils waiting to return to school after the discovery of structural safety concerns in their buildings will be back at their desks tomorrow.

Police in South Africa investigate suspected murder of Irish father-of-four 

POLICE in South Africa have begun a murder investigation after an Irishman was found dead at his apartment.

'It's mostly the kids' - one in 10 post-primary teachers victims of online bullying 

ONE IN 10 post-primary teachers say they are victims of online bullying - and it is mainly at the hands of pupils.

Parents plan pickets amid fury at school safety issues 

One of two Dublin schools closed amid concerns over structural defects is bringing all pupils back today, but there is only a limited return at the other.

Growing up in Ireland: Children have social media profiles aged nine 

The toll that technology is taking on children’s health was laid bare in separate reports linking screen time to 12 common types of cancer and short-sightedness.

Pupils to return to west Dublin primary schools closed over concerns around structural safety 

Pupils will return tomorrow to two west Dublin primary schools that have been closed over concerns around structural safety.

Independent review following school safety controversy to be conducted by construction expert 

The independent review into the Design and Build programme at the centre of the school safety controversy will be conducted by someone with expertise in the construction industry, not a lawyer.

External review to be carried out into school build scheme 

An independent review will be carried out into the Design and Build programme at the centre of school safety controversy.

Independent review due into build programme at centre of school safety controversy 

An independent review will be carried out into the controversial Design and Build programme at the centre of school safety controversy.

Leaving Cert bonus points proposed in sweeping reforms 

Sweeping changes to the Leaving Cert, including bonus points for more subjects and a system of continuous assessment of students, are proposed in a report from the Oireachtas Education Committee.

Two schools hit with defects to reopen later this week 

Two primary schools still closed as a result of structural safety issues identified two weeks ago expect to be open again by Thursday.

Work continues on 22 schools over weekend to ensure safe reopening 

Work is continuing over the weekend to ensure that 22 schools with structural issues are safe for the return of pupils on Monday.

Safety work needed at half of checked schools 

More than half of the 42 schools undergoing structural safety checks need some form of precautionary measures or remediation works.

Student's appeal triggers exams timetable reboot 

The release of Leaving Cert results, CAO offers and the outcomes of appeals are being brought forward next year.

Over half of 42 schools undergoing safety checks require precautionary measures or remediation works 

More than half of the 42 schools undergoing structural safety checks need some form of precautionary measures and/or remediation works.

Leaving Cert results, CAO offers and appeal outcomes to be released earlier following UCD student's landmark High Court case 

The release of Leaving Cert results, CAO offers and the outcomes of appeals are being brought forward next year.

Robotics could help stroke patients' rehab 

A research team at University College Dublin is working on new forms of robotics designed to help with the rehabilitation of people with injuries or serious medical conditions.

'Our body clocks can determine how we experience illnesses' 

Irish research has shown a connection between the immune system and the body's natural body clock.

Pupils still 'fall through gaps' despite top inequality ranking 

Ireland ranks second of 41 wealthy nations in reducing education inequality between children, according to Unicef's latest Report Card.

App to bring Science Apprentice books to life as series returns 

The popular Science Apprentice books return with the Irish Independent this Saturday - and the new series comes with some real-life science.

Parents, teachers expecting update today on school buildings 

Structural problems have been identified at another of the 42 educational facilities undergoing safety checks.

'Getting hands dirty best way to learn' 

A leading educational scientist has warned that children need to spend less time being told about science and more time getting their hands dirty, playing with Lego and stepping away from their tablet computers.

Structural problems identified at another of the 42 educational facilities 

Structural problems have been identified at another of the 42 educational facilities undergoing safety checks.

Structural issues at Dublin primary school mean it will only partially re-open after mid-term 

Structural problems at a primary school mean that it will not be able to re-open fully after the mid-term break.

Relief as some schools shut for safety checks to reopen - but blame game is only beginning 

The mid-term break starts on a more positive note for parents, children and staff at three schools forced to shut this week because of concerns about structural safety.

Two schools forced to close due to structural concerns to re-open 

Two primary schools forced to close this week because of concerns about structural safety will be able to re-open their ground floors after the mid-term break, the Department of Education said today.

Study of 4,300 primary pupils to gain insights about improving curriculum 

A new study will follow 4,300 children through their primary school years in order to gain detailed insights about their experiences and see how the curriculum can be improved.

TUI narrowly votes to accept new entrant pay deal in first ballot result from teachers 

Members of the Teachers' Union of Ireland (TUI) have voted by a narrow 53pc to 47pc to accept the deal on new entrant salary scales.

Row over who has responsibility for school safety fiasco 

The Department of Education and the company at the centre of the school building safety controversy are at odds over who was responsible for signing off on three projects where serious structural problems have come to light.

Teachers' union votes to accept pay deal for new entrants 

Members of the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) have voted 53pc to 47pc to accept the deal on new entrant salary scales.

More schools are set to close amid safety concerns, minister warns 

More schools are expected to close as a result of structural checks which are currently being carried out, Education Minister Joe McHugh has warned.

School building concerns: full list of 42 affected schools to be examined for structural safety 

The list of 42 schools built by Western Building Systems that are being examined for structural safety has been released.

Up to 40 schools are in danger of closure 

Up to 40 schools built in the last decade are at risk of closure as the Department of Education widens its investigation into the structural safety of work done by a single contractor.

Creating leaders of the future, both on and off the pitch 

When the country's national sporting organisation and the Department of Education's largest professional development service for teachers comes together on a Transition Year programme, you would expect a good result.

Two more schools to close immediately amid concerns about structural issues 

Two more schools are closing immediately because of concerns about structural issues.

Department orders urgent structural checks on 30 schools built in past decade 

The Department of Education is to carry out urgent structural examinations of 30 schools built by the same firm over the past 10 years.

Urgent structural examinations of 30 schools built by the same firm to be carried out 

The Department of Education is to carry out urgent structural examinations of 30 schools built by the same firm over the past 10 years.

Education Minister to slow pace of Bruton's reforms in schools 

Newly appointed Education Minister Joe McHugh has promised to slow down the pace of change expected in schools, after warnings of "initiative overload".

DCU president adds voice to calls on Justice Minister for review of deportation case of student 

DCU president Professor Brian MacCraith has added his voice to the calls on Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan for a review of the case of a Zimbabwean student under deportation order.

New education minister 'wants to explore use of Skype interviews' to bring teachers back from abroad 

Newly-appointed education minister Joe McHugh wants to explore the use of Skype interviews to help bring teachers back from abroad to fill staff shortages in Irish schools.

DCU says €330k Facebook sponsorship deal does not compromise independence of its research 

Dublin City University (DCU) says a €330,000 sponsorship deal with Facebook for an online safety training programme for parents and teachers does not compromise the independence of its research work.

DCU students may face disciplinary action after frat-style games involving 'nude acts' 

DCU has initiated a process under its ‘Student Code of Conduct and Discipline’ with a view to potential disciplinary action in relation to reports of “grossly inappropriate behaviour at a meeting of the Accounting and Finance student society”.

Policymakers must pay more than lip service to what children are saying 

The children have spoken, some of them through their expanding waistbands.

Teens are in denial about scale of their own obesity levels 

A worrying lack of awareness among obese 13-year-olds about being seriously overweight has emerged in the latest study on the lives of young people in Ireland.

Universities send out an SOS to public for funding 

Ireland's seven universities are turning to the public to put pressure on politicians to provide more State funding.

Principals at biggest Irish schools can earn €112k 

Ireland's head teachers are among the best paid in Europe, with top-level secondary school leaders taking home six-figure salaries.

Storm Callum hits hard: Flight cancellations, thousands without power and schools urged to 'err on the side of caution' 

Over two dozen flights to and from Dublin Airport were cancelled as destructive winds of up to 130kmh swept across the country last night, with fears that similar conditions are on the way for the weekend.

Storm Callum: Weather warning 'likely to be extended' as schools urged to 'err on side of caution' when deciding to open or not 

THE Department of Education has told schools, universities, institute of technology and all other education centres in areas affected by a status orange alert to remain vigilant and to “err on the side of caution”.

New guidelines for schools on sex-ed speakers 

Schools must adhere to strict new guidelines for visiting speakers and external programmes for classes in sex education.

Parents to 'opt in' for religion at 300 schools 

Parents of pupils attending State-run post-primary schools will now be "opting in" if they want religious instruction for their children rather than "opting out".