573660-EPP-1-2016-1-EG-EPPKA2-CBHE-JP (2016-2516/001-001)

1. 573660-EPP-1-2016-1-EG-EPPKA2-CBHE-JP (2016-2516/001-001) School and University Partnership for Peer Communities of Learners Disclaimer: "This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication [communication] reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein

2. An overview of the Irish education system Ann MacPhail Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences University of Limerick, Ireland

3. Context • (Republic) of Ireland • 5 million people • Irish and English spoken languages • PISA 2015 average scores: Science (503); Reading (521); Mathematics (504)

4. Educational stakeholders in Ireland • Department of Education and Skills (DES) - Department of the Government of Ireland responsible for education in Ireland. Led by the Minister for Education and Skills • National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) - The curriculum for Ireland's primary and post-primary schools is determined by the Minister for Education and Skills who is advised by the NCCA. NCCA lead developments in curriculum and assessment and to support the implementation of changes resulting from this work. • The Teaching Council - The professional standards body for teaching in Ireland • Teaching Unions - Represent teachers and lecturers in Ireland engaged in primary or post-primary / higher and further education

5. Qualifying as a teacher (regulated by the Teaching Council) Primary Post-primary Four-year teacher education programme or Two-year Professional Masters in Education • Four-year BEd or • Two-year Postgraduate Masters in Education Induction and probation required for full registration

6. School demographics

7. Early childhood / Pre-school education • All forms of pre-primary education are optional • Early childhood education delivered outside the education system (creches, nurseries, playgroups) – (Aistear resource) • Free pre-school year scheme • Compulsory school age is 6 years of age • Children from the age of four can be enrolled in infant classes in primary schools (40% attend primary school)

8. Special Education provision Social Inclusion Unit Educational disadvantaged Traveller education Detention Centres Migrants • In special schools • In special classes attached to ordinary schools • In integrated settings in mainstream classes

9. Primary education Junior infants to sixth class (4 to 11/12 years of age)

10. Primary education • State-funded schools, special schools and private primary schools • Inspected by the Department of Education and Skills Inspectorate • Eight-year cycle – junior infants, senior infants, and first to sixth classes • Transfer to post-primary at the age of 12

11. Primary education General aims: Key areas: Language – Irish and English Mathematics Social, Environment and Scientific Education Arts Education, including Visual Arts, Music and Drama Physical Education Social, Personal and Health Education • To enable the child to live a full life as a child and to realise his or her potential as a unique individual • To enable the child to develop as a social being through living and co-operating with others and so contribute to the good of society • To prepare the child for a continuum of learning

12. Post-primary education Years 1 to 6 (11/12 to 17/18 years of age)

13. Post-primary education • Secondary, vocational, community and comprehensive schools • Three-year Junior Cycle (lower secondary) and two or three year Senior Cycle (upper secondary) – Transition Year optional

14. The Framework for Junior Cycle

15. Transition year • It is designed to act as a bridge between the Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate programmes. • It is available to all second-level schools and currently some 550 schools offer the programme. • Transition Year may be optional or mandatory for students depending on the school’s policy. • Each school designs its own Transition Year programme, within set guidelines, to suit the needs and interests of its students. • In establishing its own distinctive programme content, the school takes into account the possibilities offered by local community interests. • Can include volunteering, life-skills, physical activity, business training, attend events / competitions external to the school.

16. Senior cycle – years 5 and 6 (ages 14/15 to 17/18 years) • Leaving Certificate – terminal examination in more than 30 subjects available. Students required to take a minimum of five subject (one of which must be Irish) • Leaving Certificate Vocational – similar to above with a concentration on technical subjects and a vocational focus • Leaving Certificate Applied – cross-curricular approach rather than a subject based structure

17. Further education & training • Occurs after post-primary but not part of third level / higher education • Education and Training Boards responsibility • Post Leaving Certificate courses • Vocational training opportunities scheme • Youthreach • Back to Education Initiative • Adult Literacy • Community Education

18. Higher Education Authority Key Facts and Figures http://hea.ie/assets/uploads/2017/06/HEA-Key-Facts-and-Figures-201516.pdf

19. Third-level / Higher education demographics (2015/16)

20. Third-level / Higher education demographics (2015/16)

21. Third-level / Higher education demographics (2015/16)

22. Third-level / Higher education • Seven universities, 14 Institutes of Technology and Colleges of Education • Entry through Central Applications Office • Higher Education Authority statutory body • National Strategy for Higher Education to 2030

23. National Framework of Qualifications

24. Happy to engage with you further; Ann.MacPhail@ul.ie Twitter: @AnnMacPhail1 ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ann_Macphail