Journalists

Student loans and third-level funding off the agenda 

Student loans are off the agenda for the lifetime of this Government, at least, as the hot political potato of who should bear the cost of paying for third-level is put on the long finger.

€5,000 a year 'best kept secret' 

Bríd Ní Dhonnacha describes it as one of Ireland's best kept secrets, but it is one that she loves to share.

Student threatened to 'kick the baby out' of pregnant teacher 

A student who threatened a pregnant teacher and told her he would "kick the baby out" was back in the classroom the next day, a teachers' union conference heard.

Student threatened pregnant teacher and told her he would 'kick the baby out' 

A student who threatened a pregnant teacher and told her he would “kick the baby out” was back in the classroom the next day, a teachers’ union conference heard.

Teachers threaten they will not co-operate with religion class opt-out plan 

Teachers are threatening to pull the plug on a move to allow pupils in almost half of second-level schools to be given an alternative to religion classes.

Pay equality fight now with European Court of Justice 

The row over two-tier pay rates for Irish teachers has made its way to the European Court of Justice.

Teacher pay inequality a 'public scandal' and won't be tolerated, union warns 

THE ASTI warned the Government that pay inequality is now "a public scandal" which cannot and will not be tolerated.

Homeless students 'seriously struggling' in classrooms as teachers call for additional support 

Homeless children are struggling in school, a primary teachers’ leader told Education Minister Richard Bruton today.

All second-level students will get school lessons in sexual consent 

ALL second-level pupils are to get classes in sexual consent in the biggest shake-up of sex education in more than 20 years.

Schools could face shutdown in row over 'two-tier' pay 

Teachers are giving the Government a month to produce a commitment to end two-tier pay rates - or strike ballots that could close schools in the autumn will go ahead.

Lack of teachers 'harms pupils' learning level' 

The quality of education offered to pupils suffers dramatically when there is a shortage of teachers, a union leader pointedly warned.

'I am pressing the pause button on life' - Primary school teacher (29) says pay gap is driving colleagues abroad 

Primary teacher Aoife Mullen says she is a "home bird" and didn't feel the same draw as many of her college friends to a tax-free, all-expenses-paid job abroad.

'Key moves' to remove schools 'baptism barrier' due within weeks 

Two key moves to reduce the Catholic Church’s control of Irish education will be made within weeks, just as bishops prepare for their biggest celebration in almost 40 years.

Unions 'will close schools' if progress is not made on two-tier salary scales for teachers 

THE president of one of the country's largest teachers' unions has warned that teachers 'will shut down schools' if progress on a pay dispute is not made.

Sky's the limit as pupils use drones to help new tech lessons take flight 

Pupils will use drone cameras to record footage of local landscapes to share with geography classes in other schools, in an experimental project supported by the Department of Education.

Bruton's plan to remove schools 'baptism barrier' due within weeks 

Two key moves to reduce the Catholic Church's control of Irish education will be made within weeks, just as bishops prepare for their biggest celebration in almost 40 years.

Unions threaten strike action over two-tier salary scales 

Teachers are arming themselves for a battle with the Government over two-tier pay scales.

Newly qualified teacher: 'I had to drive a three-hour round trip to give one 40-minute class on four hour per week contract' 

In Shane Curran's first year teaching, he spent more time driving to and from school than he did in the classroom.

Students in institutes of technology may face cut in lecture hours over academics' workload row 

Students in institutes of technology may be facing a cut in lecturing hours from September in a row over workload for academics.

‘I got the feeling I wouldn’t be their problem for much longer’ 

A Leaving Cert student who has moved out of home because of ongoing family problems says the State has left her to fend for herself.

Students in protest over 27pc rent hike at Dublin residence 

DCU president Professor Brian MacCraith has called for regulations to deal with the "escalating and uncontrolled pricing" of the student housing sector.

Student teachers spending own cash on classes 

Student teachers on placement in schools are paying out up to €60 a week from their own pockets to cover the cost of classroom materials to aid pupil learning.

Construction work to begin on the new DIT Grangegorman campus this week 

Major construction work starts this week on the new Grangegorman campus for Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT).

Trinity College backs down on plans to introduce €450 fee for repeat exams 

Trinity College Dublin has backed down on plans to introduce a fee of €450 for repeat exams.

Student teachers should be paid to work in schools to help deal with staff shortages, says Fianna Fail 

Student teachers in their final year of post-graduate study should be paid to work in schools to help deal with staff shortages, Fianna Fail education spokesperson Thomas Byrne said today.

'Teacher overload puts quality at risk' - Increase in the number of second-level teachers who are dissatisfied 

The quality of teaching for the country's 350,000 second-level pupils is being put at risk by growing demands on teachers, according to a new report.

Some Junior Cert students face economics exam delay due to shortage of examiners 

Some Junior Cert pupils face a delay in completing their home economics practical this year because of a shortage of examiners.

Revealed: How many teachers teach subjects they are not qualified in 

Almost a quarter of teachers say they teach subjects they are not qualified in, according to a survey.

Five Educate Together primary schools given green light to enrol more pupils 

The Department of Education has cleared the way for five Educate Together primary schools to enrol more pupils.

Lifting some of the barriers to college 

About 2,000 school-leavers now enter college every year via the CAO on lower points than their peers thanks to national schemes designed to help students to overcome a financial, social or educational disadvantage that may hinder their studies or career ambitions.

The Leaving Cert revamp 

Pupils starting in second-level schools next September will have a considerably different journey through junior cycle than all who have gone before them.

Six-year route to qualifying as secondary school teacher is 'too long' 

The six-year route to qualifying as a second-level teacher is too long, too expensive and contributing to classroom shortages, according to a second-level school leader.

Revealed: The most (and the least) popular CAO choices this year 

There is a big leap in demand for teacher training courses this year as school-leavers race to fill well-publicised staff shortages in the nation's classrooms.

Banning smartphones won't protect children from online risks, according to researchers 

Banning smartphones in schools is not the answer to the growing problem of protecting children from online risks, according to an Irish education technology company.

Teachers 'not going away' in pay equality fight 

Teachers have warned they will not give up the battle for an end to two-tier pay scales in the profession until equality is restored.

Teachers protest outside Dáil for pay equality 

Teachers protested outside the Dáil today as part of their ongoing campaign for pay equality.

Teachers to oppose changes to exams 

Parents, students and universities have given broad support to a system of continuous assessment for the Leaving Cert - but teachers are opposed.

Keeping pupils safe from harm 

The week ahead marks a step change in the responsibilities placed on schools and teachers in relation to the protection of children from abuse and harm.

Live New weather warning issued and some schools remain closed due to impassable road conditions 

Most schools around the country reopen today after a two or three-day shutdown caused by the severe weather – however impassable roads will force many to remain closed.

Schools and colleges to reopen on Monday 'where possible', Education Minister says 

Where possible schools, colleges of further education and third level institutions will re-open on Monday, according to the Department of Education

Some schools face having to remain closed into next week 

Schools may not be able to reopen in all areas on Monday because of the ongoing disruption caused by weather.

Storm Emma: All schools may not re-open Monday 

All schools may not be able to re-open on Monday because of the ongoing disruption caused by weather.

Teachers asked to use 'snow days' to do mandatory online course 

Teachers and other school staff are being asked to use the “snow days” do a mandatory online child protection course, to avoid a need to close for another day next week for training.

Schools unlikely to be asked to open extra days to make up for week lost to weather 

Schools are unlikely to be asked to open extra days to make up for time lost because of this week’s closures.

Nursing programmes shine - but other departments fall in global university tables 

Irish universities are home to two of the world's top 40 nursing schools, according to the latest global league tables.

Red alert: All schools in Leinster and Munster to remain closed on Thursday and Friday, government confirms 

ALL schools and colleges in Leinster and Munster are to remain closed on Thursday and Friday, the Department of Education has confirmed.

Snow shutdown: Closed schools 'may have to make up the days' at Easter or another time 

SCHOOLS forced to close by the severe weather conditions may have to make up the days later in the school year.

Live Growing list of schools announce closures on Wednesday as 'Beast from the East' hits Ireland 

ALL schools and colleges in Leinster and Munster are to remain closed on Thursday and Friday, the Department of Education has confirmed.

New schools enjoy bounce in enrolments 

Catholic schools in some areas are losing ground to the multi-denominational sector, which is experiencing the biggest bounce in pupil numbers.

Pupils get to show appliance of science 

Student science fairs and exhibitions have tended to be seen as optional extras, undertaken by particularly keen students, with some schools having strong track records in encouraging participation.

Warning religious class plan is 'unworkable' for schools 

A row has erupted over the rollout of a plan to allow secondary students who drop out of religious studies to attend a different class.

'If their well-being isn't good, it is going to be really difficult for them to learn' 

From a dedicated, quiet-time Zen room to industrious student-led workshops, Dublin's Coláiste Bríde is constantly coming up with new ways to support pupils' ­emotional needs and their academic success, recognising strong links ­between the two.

€8.8bn for schools plan and €2.2bn for higher education 

Decent science labs and PE halls for all second-level schools and energy conservation measures in all schools built before 2008 are among the priorities in primary and post-primary education.

How schools will get a 'direct role' in reshaping Leaving Cert 

Schools are to get a direct hand in reshaping the Leaving Certificate for a new generation.

Stress test: the perils of all-or-nothing exams 

It's back to school on Monday after the watershed for State exam candidates that are the February midterm break. Some dams, in the form of human tears, may now start to burst.

Preparing students for a changing world with foreign language skills 

Preparing young children and teenagers for an uncertain world requires covering a spectrum from developing their emotional resilience to giving them the knowledge and skills for an ever-changing workplace.

School arts scheme will unleash students' creativity, says minister 

Arts and creativity are at the heart of a new initiative for schools being launched today.

Parents to get their say on whether local school should stay Catholic 

Parents of pre-school children around the country will be asked to vote in the coming weeks on whether they want a greater choice of primary schools in their area.

Pupil power: taking control of online safety 

A recent survey of Irish second-level students showing that one in three Sixth Year pupils have sent a sexually explicit image is a wake-up call for those not already alert to the full extent of the perils of the online world.

Maths is adding up, but Irish has paid the price in primary schools, say inspectors 

A significant improvement in the quality of maths teaching and learning in second-level schools, but a deterioration in standards in Irish among primary pupils, are the high and low points of a new snapshot of the nation's classrooms.

How 'thousands of children' chat to strangers online - and almost half lie about their age 

The number of Irish children having online conversations with strangers could run into the thousands.

Standards in Irish among primary school children have deteriorated, new report shows 

Standards in Irish among primary school children have deteriorated in recent years, according to a new report from the Department of Education.

Schools to share €30m for digital teaching equipment 

Schools are to share €30m to help them integrate state-of-the-art digital teaching and learning into the classroom.

Church stands its ground on place of religion in schools 

Bishops and other Catholic Church education interests have expressed their opposition to any move to dilute the status of religion in the primary school curriculum.

Bruton backs moves to limit career breaks amid teacher shortage 

Education Minister Richard Bruton is backing moves to limit career breaks for teachers in a bid to tackle staffing shortages.

Dutch company involved in building six Irish schools where work has stopped claim delay was 'inevitable' 

The Dutch partner in the consortium involved in building six Irish schools where work has stopped said a delay in finishing the projects was “inevitable”.

Levelling the field for entry to college 

It's CAO application time. Typically, about 60pc of 17 to 19-year-olds go to college, whether immediately after doing the Leaving Certificate or within a year or two of leaving school.

Regional 'brain drain' as half of graduate jobs now based in Dublin 

Almost half of all graduate jobs are now in Dublin, as the national employment market becomes increasingly lopsided.

Teacher vows not to drink with pupils again 

The teacher at the centre of a case that saw a 19-year-old student being found on a motorway late at night has escaped sanctions by the Teaching Council.

Teacher undertakes not to drink alone with students under his care as inquiry concludes 

A teacher at the centre of a professional misconduct inquiry has given an undertaking not to drink alone with students under his care in the future.

Breaking the mould for entry to teaching 

There are two concerns about the Irish teaching profession. One relates to shortages for certain subjects at second level, as well as a low supply of substitutes to cover for temporary absences at primary level.

Collapse of UK firm raises fears for school builds here 

An Irish school caught up in the collapse of UK building giant Carillion is now worried about the project ending up in a legal quagmire, further delaying the long-awaited opening of its new premises.

Uncertainty surrounds €100m new school building projects caught up in Carillion liquidation 

Uncertainty surrounds six new school building projects, worth a total of €100m, caught up in the liquidation of the UK company, Carillion.

Colleges misusing funds face financial penalties 

A system of financial penalties that will punish third-level colleges for misuse of public funds is being introduced later this year.

Student found distressed on motorway after school teacher let him drink wine in his on-campus residence, inquiry hears 

A 19-year-old student was found by Gardai on a motorway in a distressed state after a late night incident with his school housemaster, a Teaching Council inquiry heard today.

It's elementary: primary pupils explore the science of life 

Does the weight of a hurley impact the length of the strike?

Harney handed top university role 

Former tanáiste Mary Harney has been appointed Chancellor of the University of Limerick (UL) and chairperson of it governing authority.

Former Tanáiste Mary Harney appointed Chancellor of the University of Limerick 

Former Tanáiste Mary Harney has been appointed Chancellor of the University of Limerick (UL) and chairperson of it governing authority.

PLC courses producing 'too many hairdressers, health workers and childminders' 

Post-Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses are producing too many hairdressers, childcare, health and community service workers - and not enough people with qualifications that employers need.

Forty schools to offer computer science as Leaving Cert subject 

Pupils in 40 schools will start studying computer science for the Leaving Cert from next September.

'Newgrange of the south' - unique 5,000 year old burial site that illuminates at both sunrise and sunset on Winter Solstice 

It may not be as big, or as well known, as Newgrange, but Knockroe Passage Tomb, on the Kilkenny-Tipperary border, is just as important.

One in six female students has suffered a sex assault while drunk or passed out 

One in six female students either knows or suspects that someone had sexual contact with them without their consent when they were passed out, drugged, drunk, incapacitated or asleep, according to a new study.

Happy Christmas to all, including the birds 

Traditional nativity plays, a nativity with a hoedown flavour, brightly painted bird feeders to help our feathered friends through the lean weeks ahead and a rendition of Toy Story's 'You've Got a Friend in Me' are among the many and varied ways that Irish primary pupils have reflected the seasonal message in their end-of-term activities.

10-year-olds spend less time on science - but performance is up 

The amount of time Irish 10-year-olds spend learning science has halved in four years, but their reading skills seem to give them an advantage in tackling the subject.

Putting out a fáilte for migrant teachers 

At last count, Census 2016, almost 12pc of the population were from migrant communities. That amounts to one in eight of the population - they or their families have come here from almost 200 countries.

Schools 'don't have facilities' to offer PE for Leaving Cert 

Many schools don't have the gym facilities or equipment to offer the new Leaving Certificate subject in physical education (PE), principals have warned.

Watchdog flags bus 'hardship' for pupils 

The school transport scheme has caused "unnecessary hardship" to children with special needs and their families, according to Children's Ombudsman Dr Niall Muldoon.

Number of international students here growing 

The number of international students in third-level colleges in Ireland is growing.

Now Leaving Cert students can get CAO points in sport, dance 

Second-level pupils entering fifth year in September will be the first to get marks in the Leaving Certificate - and CAO points - for performance in sport, dance or other physical activity.

'Heed changing conditions' - some schools will remain closed as weather warning issued and temperatures to fall to -8C 

Some schools in areas worst hit by the adverse weather conditions will remained closed today as temperatures are set to plummet to -8C.

Ireland top of the class in reading 

Irish 10-year-olds are holding their heads high after emerging as the best in Europe, and among the top in the world, in reading.

Irish 10-year-olds top the European league at reading 

Irish 10-year-olds are the best in Europe at reading, according to the biggest international test on pupil achievement.

Irish 10-year-olds are the best in Europe at reading - international study 

Irish 10-year-olds are the best in Europe at reading, according to the biggest international assessment of pupil achievement.

Surge in third-level entry from State-funded schools 

College entry rates from State-funded schools are continuing to close the gap with the fee-paying sector.

Big challenges lie ahead if we're to make Irish pupils multilingual 

A week ago today Richard Bruton launched a strategy to make Ireland a leader in STEM education.

Languages take centre stage in new schools plan 

Mandarin Chinese, Polish, Lithuanian and Portuguese will be on the curriculum for Leaving Certificate students who enter fifth year in September 2020.

Breaking the cycle of disadvantage 

School completion rates in Ireland have risen to a new high of 91pc, an impressive jump from 82pc 15 years ago. Ireland is second in the EU28 countries for the percentage of people aged 20-24 with at least upper-secondary education. The numbers staying in school until Junior Cert, at least, have also gone up, to above 97pc.

Drive to encourage more girls to study Stem subjects to meet skills needs 

A major drive is under way to increase the number of girls studying science, technology, engineering and maths (Stem) subjects for the Leaving Cert.

School works in limbo amid Government grant silence 

Primary schools cannot arrange essential works, such as roof repairs and improved insulation, because they don't know if, and when, the State funding to cover it will arrive.

Tackling gender matters at school 

The gender pay gap. Women not getting top jobs, even in the highest echelons of learning, the universities. Sex pests, and worse, whether heterosexual or homosexual, abusing positions of power. All part of a dismaying tsunami of sex and gender-related controversies at home and abroad in recent days weeks and months.

Former Fine Gael general secretary appointed to role of director general of the Irish Universities Association 

A former Fine Gael general secretary, Jim Miley has been appointed to the newly created role of director general of the Irish Universities Association (IUA).

Special needs children 'must get more help to make friends' 

Children with emotional and behavioural difficulties, such as ADHD, need more support in school to help them make friends, according to a new report from the Economic and Social Research Institute.

Coding on way for pupils after maths revamp 

Primary pupils from infant classes up will soon be learning the foundations of computer coding as part of a new maths curriculum.

It's all in the genes for winning students 

The use of barnacle genes as the basis for a surgical glue and the deletion of human genes that increase the risk of Huntington's Disease - these were the two winning ideas at the annual €5,000 Irish Independent/Higher Education Authority (HEA) Making an Impact student research competition.

€1.8m creative experiment to help disadvantaged pupils 

More than 35 schools around the country are the first to share in a new fund to experiment with creative ways to tackle educational disadvantage.

Syllabus for maths does not add up for teachers 

Maths teachers say they don't get enough time to deliver the Junior Cycle syllabus to pupils, according a new report.

Report on controversies 'shows university failed in how it treated its staff' 

The recently appointed president of the University of Limerick (UL) has expressed concern about the way the university "treated some of its people in the past".