50 teachers have been trained to give software development lessons to second level students by The Irish Computer Society, with support from Lero.

A confidential briefing document on reform of the Junior Cert has been prepared by the NCCA at the request of Minister for Education Ruairí Quinn.

Beyond supporting healthy living, which is a signally important outcome, physical education plays a fundamental intrinsic role in the processes of education and pedagogy.

Minister Coughlan has announced major reforms in teacher training, teacher development and curriculum review aimed at improving maths and English.

Mathematics is a “dynamic, sentient and exciting subject” that is not only important for the smart economy but “is crucially a part of human culture, life and society”.

Project Maths is an NCCA led project which signifies the most fundamental change to maths teaching and learning at second level since the 1960s.

Minister for Education Mary Coughlan has written to College Heads asking them to modify the entry requirement of a pass in higher level maths.

A new educational DVD gives post primary students a whistle stop tour of the European institutions and how they work from an Irish perspective.

Educator John Brennan makes a case for postponing the roll-out of ‘Project Maths’ to all fifth year classes in second level schools in September.

A survey by the National Centre for Excellence on Maths & Science Learning shows 48pc of post-primary maths teachers are not qualified in the subject.

Next month, Education Minister Batt O’Keeffe will receive a paper from his advisory body, the NCCA, outlining options for a new Junior Cert exam.

The Junior Certificate exam is likely to continue for a further three years – allowing current first-years to complete the cycle – and then be scrapped.

“Change is needed, firstly in the attitude of the Department of Education, and then in all aspects of the teaching of Irish in English-medium schools.”

“The vast majority of the children involved are Irish citizens, whose services appear to have been selected for reduction on ethnic grounds.”

Teachers are in “a volatile and uncertain state” about the future of the education system and their own jobs, according to ASTI boss.

“Inclusion of climate change and energy security in the school programme is a critical step towards inculcating responsible citizenship in young people.”

Students from across Ireland have been competing in the regional finals of SchoolBots 2009, a computer programming competition for post primary.

With the ending of the €100 annual grant for Transition Year students, there are fears that some schools may decide to scrap the programme.

In a confidential report, the NCCA has warned that new Junior and Leaving Certificate exams place too much emphasis on oral Irish.

Minister Batt O’Keeffe has launched a new online game, aimed at teaching students business skills such as marketing, finance and stock management.