Curriculum

Project Maths: the story so far

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

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Softly softly approach to maths recommended

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

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New DVD brings Brussels to the classroom

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

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Is ‘Project Maths’ the best way forward?

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.

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Almost half of second level maths teachers are ‘out of field’

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.

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Alternatives for new Junior Cert exam

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.

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End of road for 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.

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Change needed in teaching of Irish, says report

“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.”

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Reduction in language services “immoral”

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

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Education central to our exit from economic crisis

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

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Climate change should be part of the school curriculum

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

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‘SchoolBots’ competition teaches mathematical and IT skills

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

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Fears that cash strapped schools may drop Transition Year

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

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NCCA criticises revised marking scheme for Irish

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

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The Small Business Game

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

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Bonus points for maths not favoured by universities

The Universities have dismissed proposals to re-introduce bonus points for Leaving Cert maths, claiming the move would not achieve the desired effect.

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“Dumbing down” at third and second levels

Search giant Google has said it cannot find suitably qualified staff in Ireland because of “dumbing down” in the education system.

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Minister’s constituency office picketed

For the past four weeks, parents, students and teachers from Dublin’s northside have been picketing the office of Minister Sean Haughey.

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“Ineffective second level system needs overhaul”

A survey reveals that 82 per cent of Fine Gael representatives believe radical revision of our second level system is necessary for effective operation.

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Irish youth is enthusiastic but not engaged by science

An EU-wide survey shows that young Irish people believe in technology and think the Government should spend more money on scientific research.

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