Irish National Teachers’ Organization Cumann Múinteoirí Éireann February 2008 Time to call a Halt

The immediate outlook for education young people are our most precious and teachers is bleak – pay cuts, no resource and no-one has the right to implementation of the Curran undermine their life opportunities. recommendations, no PPA time, increasing levels of workload and Come to Northern Conference in bureaucracy, more initiatives – the Newry on 29th February 08 and join awful new School Improvement the fight back. To those who know Programme, under-funding – the cost of everything and the value particularly of primary schools, of nothing the message is: you diktats - including the removal of ignore teachers at your peril. added years, usually without any meaningful consultation.

This is on top of increasing workload, If a doctor, lawyer, or proposals for radical surgery of dentist had 40 people in his schools with resultant closures, office at one time, all of amalgamations and collaborations, a whom had different needs, drive towards factory sized schools, and some of whom didn’t abolition of the CCMS and Education want to be there and were and Library Boards, [but maybe not causing trouble, and the grammar schools, as employing doctor, lawyer, or dentist, authorities!] a proposed new entity Medal Winners for the –the Education and Skills Authority without assistance, had to students achieving the [ESA] which, despite its name, has treat them all with highest standard not got a single educationalist on its professional excellence for in teaching practice. project board, money for the nine months, then he might architects of rationalisation to cut have some conception of See inside. teachers’ jobs - nothing for the the classroom teacher’s job. teachers. Donald D. Quinn Reviews on SEN and Pre-school Contents Provision, Post- Primary review, Page ‘graded’ school inspections by ETI and ESA, failed proposals from News and Views 4 England and Wales such as ‘Special INTO eNewsletter INCAS – INTO/UTU Survey 5 Measures’, Area-Based Planning Have you registered for the INTO proposals, Sustainable Schools’ eNewsletter? If not, you may be Jolly Phonics 6 proposals, INCAs, MidYIS, YELLIS. missing out on the latest news Change. Change. Change. How much etc. Send your email address to To SIP or not? 7 more can teachers take? Is the baby [email protected] or register directly going out with the bath water? INTO on the INTO website www.into.ie Sen Survey 10 believes it is time to call a halt. Our NITC 10 References 13 Journal of the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation in Northern Ireland, 23 College Gardens, Belfast BT9 6BS Recent Successes 13 Telephone: (028) 9038 1455 Fax: (028) 9066 2803 e-mail: [email protected] Editor: Frank Bunting International School Award 15 Printed by: Northern Whig Limited, 107 Limestone Road, Belfast BT15 3AH Telephone: (028) 9035 2233 Printout is published by INTO. Except where INTO has formally negotiated agreements as part of its services to Our Pupils Deserve Better 17 members, inclusion of an advertisement does not imply any form of recommendation. While every effort is made to ensure the reliability of advertisers, INTO does not accept any liability for the quality of goods and services offered. 2 February 2008 IRISH NATIONAL TEACHERS’ ORGANISATION ‘As I see it”

“Theres a lot of blowhards in the Most people involved in education HLTA’s and under this guise give political process, you know, a lot of welcomed a local assembly that would teachers PPA? hot air artists, people who have got understand the needs of schools, something fancy to say” teachers and pupils in Northern To add insult to injury the Department George W Bush 2007 Ireland. Expectation was high that we of Education then announced an end would be listened to and consulted to PRC. Overnight added years were with on the needs of our pupils and removed without a thought to the the needs of our teachers. disastrous consequences for young teachers jobs , compulsory The Ministers statement that academic redundancies or school amalgamations selection would end in 2008 was or closures. This is a severe attack on welcomed by INTO. However as the teachers but particularly young deadline closes in schools and teachers teachers who will now find it even are as much in the dark about its more difficult to get jobs as teachers replacement as the rest of the public. will not be as willing to retire early. Schools are not places that deal well with uncertainty. The Minister may And finally we were then presented have a vision but a vague notional with the new school improvement vision does not allow schools the time programme Every School a good to prepare pupils or recieve pupils. School. A horrendous document which Concrete proposals must be put is designed to penalise and demotivate forward and the uncertainty removed rather than improve morale in from the education system. education.

After the classroom assistants dispute Education and teachers are in a very Mary Cahillane, Chairperson, the Minister announced a review of dark place at the moment. The future Northern Committee the terms and conditions of all is more change more uncertainty and undoubtedly job losses. Its time that Since May of last year this is exactly workers in schools. The INTO remains the mandarins on the hill took what we have been witnessing from very concerned about this review. It is cognisance that unless a workforce is most of the folks on the hill. Alot of hard to envisage a review taking place motivated and happy results will talk with precious if any positive of teachers terms and conditions suffer. So far the mandarins have results. For teachers and schools the without their trade unions being chosen to demoralise an already results have been mostly negative. informed of it. Is the review an attempt to bring into Northern Ireland demoralised teaching force.

upbringing; Statutory paternity leave cannot start TEACHERS’ • have been continuously employed before the birth of the child. You may PATERNITY LEAVE by your employer for at least 26 begin your period of leave on the date weeks ending with the 15th week the child is born, or on a date falling a Northern Office is receiving an before the expected week of birth; specific number of days after date increasing number of queries about and child is born, or on a specific teachers’ rights to paternity leave. The • give proper notice and evidence to predetermined date after the expected following is the current guidance. your employer. week of the birth. Paternity leave is absence from work How much statutory paternity How do I apply for statutory for the purpose of caring for a leave can I take? paternity leave? newborn child or for supporting the If eligible, you may choose to take You must give your employer notice of child’s mother. either one or two consecutive weeks’ your intention to take paternity leave paternity leave. If you are also entitled by the end of the 15th week before Am I entitled to paternity to receive statutory paternity pay this the expected week of the birth. Your leave? will be payable for either one whole notice must specify the expected week You will be entitled to take statutory week or two whole weeks. of the birth, the length of leave you paternity leave if you: wish to take and the date you wish • are the child’s father or the spouse When can I take statutory your leave to begin. or partner (same or opposite sex) paternity leave? of the child’s mother; You may take paternity leave before 56 How much paternity pay will I • have or expect to have days from the date of the child’s birth. receive? responsibility or the main Paternity pay is currently £112.75 per responsibility for child’s week.

February 2008 3 IRISH NATIONAL TEACHERS’ ORGANISATION NEWS AND VIEWS

Middletown Autism Centre Congratulations It is over one year since former Congratulations to Donal Flanagan, Education Minister, Maria Eagle MP, Chief Executive CCMS – not for his OBE and Mary Hanafin TD finally – but for his appointment as Vice- announced the Chief Executive Chair of Middletown Autism Centre. Designate, James G Cooper (formally Donal is also a member of the Down principal, Knockmore Primary School, and Lisburn Health Trust for which he Lisburn) and the Board of Directors for receives remuneration of £5k per the Centre. “The appointments”, annum plus travel and subsistence declared Eagle “will now allow us to allowances, as well as being an start the delivery of much needed Independent Board Member to the services at the Centre”. PWC were the Department of Agriculture and Rural lucky consultants, paid to make James Development. Cooper’s appointment. Middletown is supposed to provide: True but not funny The Southern Education and Library • A training and advisory service Board Welfare Services Unit organised • A research and information service a seminar on ‘Practical Absence Martin McGuinness MP MLA Former • An educational assessment service Management’. It was attended by 120 Education Minister and SELB Managers. [120 - I kid you not!] • A learning support including Helen McClenaghan, Chief million in St Genevieve’s has now been Executive SELB and the Senior achieved in a way that represents The services of Middletown have been Management Team’. [Source: SELB value for money for the taxpayer…’. announced now by at least five News]. Education Ministers but are any Other ‘Pathfinder’ school projects services available currently? Governing Bodies included Balmoral High School (soon Information welcome. Association (GBA) to be defunct at less than value for The Grammar Schools’ outfit GBA Ethos and the Man money for the taxpayer), Wellington (superbly served by John Miskelly, College, Belfast and Drumglass High Teachers were gob smacked when former Bursar, Belfast Royal Academy School, Dungannon involving overall CCMS Chief Executive, Donal Flanagan (BRA)) has got a new member. None capital investment of some £50 argued that to remove the CCMS from other than the formidable former million. St Genevieve’s was built by educational administration would Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Belfast Education Services Ltd – a diminish educational standards! Donal Service, Sir Gerry Loughran, KCB. Sir special purpose company established said ‘…What we are saying is that our Gerry, Holy Cross Boys’ Primary School, by Building and Property Ltd, London. ethos adds value to children’s St Malachy’s College old boy (and The question for the taxpayer is; what standards. Teachers and ethos are governor) has ‘a no nonsense are the actual costs of the related inextricably linked….’ Sounds painful. approach’ (Guardian). Gerry is a support services, being provided over But this baloney has surfaced again in busybody since leaving public service the 25 year period? the Department’s School Improvement being Group Non-Executive Chairman Programme – without any concrete Phoenix Gas, Chairman Grafton Comments to [email protected] evidence. Recruitment, Chairman Partenaire Ltd, Director Allied Irish Bank (UK), Director Kellen Acquisitions Ltd, Honorary Professor of Innovation Queen’s Have you got University Belfast and Director Louvain Institute for Ireland in Europe. an article for DE Private Finance Initiative Printout? (PFI) Pathfinder Programme Could you write an article for In September 2000 Martin McGuinness Printout? Have you strong views on MP MLA and then Education Minister any aspect of the education world? announced that St Genevieve’s High We particularly welcome articles on School, West Belfast would be a PFI educational subjects. Articles should contract for the provision of the new be around 600 - 800 words and school and related services. Martin ideally should be accompanied by a said ‘….I am delighted that substantial photograph(s). Donal Flanagan private sector investment of over £14

4 February 2008 IRISH NATIONAL TEACHERS’ ORGANISATION INCAS – INTO/UTU SURVEY

INTO’s fears that the INCAS tests were A majority of teachers found that the being introduced with undue haste, tests pinpointed pupils’ areas of that many teachers did not have the weakness but the same teachers made requisite computer hardware and that it clear that they had already been the Organisation was right to insist aware of these. Teachers found that that 2007-08 be a pilot year for the the tests interrupted their normal tests. classroom routine and questioned the value of this as the tests didn’t tell The survey found that the majority of them anything new. They also reported Year 5 teachers did not have wireless that the outcomes of the tests in access in their classrooms and that English were of more use as a many pupils did not have the planning tool than those in opportunity to complete the tests in a Mathematics. quiet, undisturbed environment. Teachers were surprised to find that Just over half of teachers found the the laptops that were provided for the INCAS training that they had received tests did not have the basic accessory was adequate. Brendan Harron of a mouse. Schools had to rush to computer supply shops to purchase Brendan Harron, Senior Official, who represents teachers on the Partnership INTO and UTU recently carried out a mice. These are matters that will have Management Board which is survey of Year 5 teachers to ascertain to be addressed before INTO will give responsible for the implementation of their experiences of the new its blessing to any whole scale the revised curriculum, said, Interactive Computer Assessment introduction of INCAS. system. The Organisation wishes to The majority of teachers carried out “Some of the INTO findings are very extend its thanks to the many the tests in their classrooms or in the disturbing, particularly those relating members who returned completed school computer room. INTO is deeply to inadequacies in computer hardware questionnaires. The information that concerned, however, that a significant and in the training that Year 5 was gathered will be brought to the number of pupils had to complete the teachers received. PMB will have to relevant bodies, such as DE and CCEA, tests in the school office, the address these issues urgently. to inform the future development and staffroom and even in school roll out of the system. The results of corridors. This is simply unacceptable. the survey resoundingly confirmed

In an attempt to clarify Northern International Ireland’s School Links the unions have School Twinning kindly agreed to publish this item. If your school is linked in anyway with In recent another school, (including within N. months, a Ireland) could you please send to me the UNESCO task details as follows to [email protected] force has been established to School Name attempt to Address and Postcode answer the Location of link and with whom many and When twinning organisations are Scheme if appropriate. varying approached for statistics they only have Any other information. questions available to them the links related to related to their own projects and at times these It is recognised that links between N. “International have appeared to be less than complete. Ireland schools, have been an important Don Campbell School aspect of our education system for many Twinning”. The first figures, regarding N. Ireland, years, and therefore it would be portrayed us in a poor light only because necessary that these are also taken into It transpires that this is a very complex the statistics required were not centrally consideration. issue, with a great variety of links, available. We actually believe that through a plethora of organisations and between 25% and 50% of all schools in Thank you individuals. N. Ireland may have a link with a school Don Campbell, Northern Committee overseas.

February 2008 5 IRISH NATIONAL TEACHERS’ ORGANISATION

telling the stories I wasn’t completely sure how the blending would go! JOLLY However some of the children recognized the words I attempted to sound out eg s- u- n, c- a- t, d -o -g, PHONICS c- u- p, t-a-p. With practice we all Anne McKeefry managed to get the hang of it!

Discovering Jolly Phonics happened The programme is multi sensory and quite by chance. We were about to very appealing to young children. The have a snack with my sister and her pace is fast 4-5 sounds a week. From family who live in Scotland and were the beginning the children loved the here on holiday. I was looking at my Finger Phonics Big Books which niece Molly ‘pretending’ to read the beautifully illustrate a story for each of menu until she asked Lucy, “Mum, the 42 sounds. There is also an action, what’s mer- ing- ue?” To my jingle or song and a sound sheet to re Unfortunately there is a shortage of amazement I discovered she really enforce each sound. Every morning experienced trainers in synthetic could read most of the menu. Lucy they eagerly asked what the next phonics in Ireland. I have decided to told me that the reason Molly could sound would be and I was literally retire early from my position in St read and spell so competently was due keeping one step ahead. Malachy’s PS Castlewellan and help to to the Jolly Phonics Programme she There has been much talk and debate meet the ever increasing demand for had been following in Primary One. recently about the important role of high quality training. I have already Later when she returned to Scotland synthetic phonics in teaching children done presentations for teachers and my sister sent me Molly’s P1 books of how to read and write successfully. My parents both in the North and South. independent writing. I was enthralled experience and the results I have seen Last February Chris Jolly, Managing as I read and re-read her stories. In have convinced me that if pupils Director of Jolly Learning asked me to ten years of teaching primary one I followed a systematic programme like do training and I had the privilege and had never seen comparable work. Jolly Phonics from the beginning of amazing experience of travelling to This is my seventh year teaching Primary One and through Key stage 1 Pakistan where I did presentations and children how to read and write and beyond if necessary we really workshops attended by more than 600 through Jolly Phonics. On reflection it could eliminate under achievement in teachers. was with a certain amount of literacy in a very short time. I very much look forward to sharing trepidation that I taught my first Jolly Since I began teaching more than my knowledge and expertise with Phonics lessons. Although I had read thirty years ago I have tried many others. If you would like more the introduction in Sue Lloyd’s approaches to teach literacy but no information my email is ‘Phonics Handbook’ several times and other method comes close to [email protected] or log onto was happy enough about the achieving the success and enjoyment I www.jollylearning.co.uk pronunciation of the sounds and have seen with Jolly Phonics.

Review? INTO has learned INTO is not committed of the need detailed consultation and that Education for a review, given that the agreement with the teachers’ Minister, recommendations of the last unions, yet on this occasion, the Caitriona Ruane Independent Inquiry into NI Department has developed draft MLA, has teachers’ salaries and conditions terms of reference with no decided to carry (the Curran Inquiry) have not been consultation with the teachers’ out a review of implemented. unions. the salaries and conditions of Northern Secretary, Frank Bunting, Frank Bunting, service of has protested in the strongest of “A teacher affects Northern Secretary teachers in terms to Will Haire, permanent eternity. He can secretary, DE. Northern Ireland. never tell where his The review will also consider the Frank stated, influence stops.” terms and conditions of school The terms of reference for the support staff. Curran Inquiry were the subject of Henry Brooks Adams

6 February 2008 IRISH NATIONAL TEACHERS’ ORGANISATION To SIP or not?

The so-called school improvement teachers for the failure of DF consultation or the lack of it? So many programme (SIP) with its joke strap initiatives. It introduces the English questions, so few answers. line ‘Every School a Good School’ is a process of “Special Measures” with its devastating example of what is so powers to seek principals and DE says ‘…. We are now in a position wrong with education in Northern governors – in spite of the spectacular to test the ideas with a wide range of Ireland. failure of these measures in Britain. interested groups and individuals. How fortunate are we! INTO is not an This SIP is a continuation of teacher Above all there was zero consultation ‘interested group’. INTO is a bashing. It seeks to introduce an ETI with teachers’ unions in any aspect of professional union of thousands of league table of schools graded 1 to 6 this SIP (just like the last six pack SIP). committed teachers. This SIP is an in opposition to the professional views It is increasingly difficult to understand affront to their professionalism. INTO of all NI Teachers’ Unions. It advocates DF gobbledegook but it claims this SIP policy remains - No! to any new the sacking of teachers whose work is ‘has been developed in consultation initiative which has not been the basis found to be unsatisfactory (3.13). It with ‘education partner bodies’ of meaningful consultation with seeks to empower a body – the principals and pupils from across teachers, representative of the Education and Skills Authority – which Northern Ireland. Really! What is an profession.’ has no statutory basis to challenge Education Partner Body these days? schools about their performance and Why is DE so economic with the Enough is Enough standards of attainment. It blames actuality when it comes to

INSPECTORS REPORT ON IMPLEMENTATION OF REVISED CURRICULUM

ETI has practice in schools, it constitutes a Brendan Harron, Senior Official, who published a change in approach for many teachers represents NI teachers on the report and principals. It is essential, therefore, Partnership Management Board, evaluating the that practitioners are properly stated, arrangements supported in managing the process of for the change in their schools. “The report reaffirms what INTO has implementation been expressing concern about over a of the Revised “This report highlights a number of two year period. Schools and teachers Northern Ireland areas for improvement in the are doing their very best to embrace Curriculum implementation process. It indicates the revised curriculum, at a time that some of the training provided, when, as the report confirms, during the Marion Matchett 2006/07 school particularly for school principals, has resources for the implementation of year. not been sufficiently successful in the new arrangements are inadequate, preparing them to lead the quality of the training, particularly The report examines how schools, the implementation within their school. for principals and school leaders is less Department of Education and the than adequate, and the Department Partnership Management Board - a “The report also highlights the need has signally failed in its responsibility group representing key educational for a more strategic approach by the to communicate the new stakeholders, are working together to Department of Education in arrangements to parents and the ensure the implementation of the communicating the arrangements for wider community. It is hoped that DE Revised Curriculum. The report the Revised Curriculum, to groups such and other stakeholders will take note identifies a number of areas where as parents and the wider community. of the report’s recommendations and action needs to be taken to ensure a act on them swiftly. “Despite the areas we have more effective implementation highlighted for improvement, the process. A copy of the report can be found at report indicates that progress is being http://www.etini.gov.uk/revised_ni_c Marion Matchett, Chief Inspector, said: made in a majority of schools towards urriculum-6.pdf “While the Revised Northern Ireland the implementation of the Revised Curriculum builds on existing good Curriculum.

February 2008 7 IRISH NATIONAL TEACHERS’ ORGANISATION

PAY AWARD IN ENGLAND AND WALES 2008 - 2011 MAIN PAY SCALE SALARY POINT 1 Sept 07 1 Sept 08 1 Sept 09 1 Sept 10 PAY M1 20,133 20,627 21,101 21,587 M2 21,726 22,259 22,771 23,295 INTO has submitted a salary claim M3 23,472 24,048 24,601 25,167 to the Northern Ireland Teachers’ M4 25,278 25,898 26,494 27,103 Council (NITC), seeking a 10% M5 27,270 27,939 28,582 29,239 increase for teachers, principals and M6 29,427 30,148 30,841 31,551 vice-principals, Since the Curran UPPER PAY SCALE Independent Inquiry published its UPS1 31,878 32,660 33,411 34,180 recommendations, NITC has UPS2 33,060 33,870 34,649 35,446 accepted that parity with teachers’ UPS3 34,281 35,121 35,929 36,755 salaries in England and Wales shall broadly pertain. The main Teaching Allowances 1 Sept 07 1 Sept 08 1 Sept 09 1 Sept 10 exception to this is Teaching TA 1 1,722 1,764 1,806 1,848 TA 2 3,480 3,564 3,648 3,735 Allowances (TAs) rather than TA 3 5,976 6,126 6,273 6,420 Teaching and Learning TA 4 8,232 8,436 8,634 8,838 Responsibilities (TLRs). Note TA 5 11,109 11,388 11,655 11,931 briefing article on TAs.

SEN 1 1,866 1,912 1,956 2,001 Some English teachers’ unions have SEN 2 3,687 3,778 3,865 3,954 trumpeted their close working Recruitment & Retention 1 1,116 relationship with Government, but Recruitment & Retention 2 2,193 the reality is that inflation for several years now has actually cut the real value of teachers’ pay. The 2? year annual 2.5% pay deal ends PAY SPINE FOR THE LEADERSHIP GROUP in August 2008. Government LEADERSHIP GROUP SALARY POINT 1 SEPT 1 SEPT 1 SEPT 1SEPT intends to replace this with a 3-year 2007 2008 2009 2010 pay deal paying 2% or even less per 1 34,938 35,794 36,617 37,459 2 35,814 36,692 37,536 38,399 year. This at a time when retail 3 36,708 37,608 38,473 39,358 price index inflation is currently 4 37,623 38,545 39,432 40,338 4.3% and Labour MPs are awarding 5 38,559 39,504 40,413 41,342 themselves a 3% annual rise. 6 39,525 40,494 41,425 42,378 7 40,590 41,585 42,541 43,520 8 41,526 42,544 43,523 44,524 No school funding has as yet been 9 42,564 43,607 44,610 45,636 awarded for Northern Ireland 10 43,656 44,726 45,755 46,807 Schools arising from the Executive’s 11 44,790 45,888 46,943 48,023 12 45,822 46,945 48,025 49,129 Programme for Government. In 13 46,968 48,119 49,226 50,385 Britain, Government has announced 14 48,138 49,318 50,452 51,613 a tight school funding round of 15 49,338 50,547 51,710 52,899 16 50,649 51,890 53,083 54,304 2.1%, which is not enough to pay 17 51,813 53,083 54,304 55,553 for increased heating costs – let 18 53,115 54,417 55,669 56,949 alone teachers’ pay. 19 54,432 55,766 57,049 58,361 20 55,782 57,149 58,463 59,808 Teachers’ pay continues to compare 21 57,162 58,563 59,910 61,288 22 58,581 60,017 61,397 62,810 poorly against comparable 23 60,033 61,504 62,919 64,366 professions. The latest IDS survey 24 61,521 63,029 64,479 65,962 of managerial pay showed that the 25 63,051 64,596 66,082 67,602 26 64,611 66,194 67,716 69,274 average mid-point salary for middle 27 66,210 67,833 69,393 70,989 / junior managers in the period 28 67,854 69,517 71,116 72,752 February / April 2007 was £51284. 29 69,534 71,238 72,876 74,553 30 71,265 73,011 74,690 76,408 Such a salary level is only available 31 73,026 74,816 76,537 78,297 in the teachers’ pay structure at 32 74,841 76,675 78,439 80,243 points 18 and above of the 33 76,701 78,581 80,388 82,237 34 78,597 80,523 82,375 84,270 Leadership Group pay spine. 35 80,550 82,524 84,422 86,364 36 82,545 84,568 86,513 88,503 Northern Committee is considering 37 84,597 86,670 88,663 90,703 an industrial action ballot should 38 86,691 88,815 90,858 92,947 the miserable parity of pay cuts for 39 88,803 90,979 93,072 95,212 40 91,020 93,250 95,395 97,589 teachers be inflicted on NI teachers 41 93,294 95,580 97,778 100,027 for the next 3 years, from 42 95,631 97,974 100.227 102,533 September 2008. 43 98,022 100,424 102,734 105,097

8 February 2008 IRISH NATIONAL TEACHERS’ ORGANISATION

REMOVAL OF ADDED YEARS – NO CONSULTATION

9th December was a black winter’s day What does this mean for made redundant. The spectre of the when DE, without consultation with teachers? compulsory redundancy of teachers is the teachers’ unions removed added DE intends that any teacher who is now with us. This effectively means years from redundant teachers’ made redundant on 31st August 2008, teachers being deprived of their Premature Retired Compensation [PRC] and being over 50, opts for premature livelihoods and having to scavenge for and from the principals and vice- retirement compensation, will receive scraps of work. The prospect for principals Efficient Discharge [ED] a pension based on his/her actual years newly qualified teachers (NQTs) getting Scheme. The letter is published on the and days of service. There will be no jobs and the age profile of the website www.into.ie. DE state they added years unless the Education and teaching workforce are dire. This is were acting under the direction of the Library Board / Board Governors pays not what INTO members voted for and Education Minister, Caitriona Ruane, the costs. The likelihood of this is they are rightly upset. MLA. A working group consisting of infinitesimal. employing authorities and teacher What’s to be done? unions from the NITC was to have However, worse is to come from next INTO has met with DE representatives considered the costs of added years in school year, post April 2009, a teacher who have promised a new working PRC and agreed changes it was never being made redundant in the group on all aspects of PRC, on which convened by DE. circumstances described above, will there will be NITC representation. not receive added years and, in INTO has called on Minister Ruane to Did the Education Minister or DE addition, will have their actual years reconsider the decision to axe PRC pause to consider the implications of and days of service actuarially reduced added years and, at the very least, to this decision? By December in the by up to 40 per cent. Teachers are phase in the change in a planned way. school year Governors had already being singled out for some heavy The panels of teachers – which were identified teachers in schools wishing treatment. The same applies to stood down due to the success of the to consider voluntary redundancy on Principals and Vice Principals in the employing authorities with the basis of added years being Efficient Discharge scheme. Is this redeployment, using added years – available to them. Such what the Education Minister intended? must be re-established. Teachers, like determinations are life changing. other public servants, need to be Suddenly, the dark, December day Worse to follow! compensated with severance payments changes the goal posts. It is little The implications do not end with the of up to two years full pay. Above all wonder that a wave of anger and blighting of individual teachers’/ DE must follow through with its despair swept through Northern principals’ lives. Teachers in their 50s agreements on meaningful Ireland schools. Take it as read that will be unlikely to flush their consultation with teachers’ unions. teacher morale, well-being and welfare pensionable service down the pan with were not to the forefront of the minds ARB. With fewer teachers opting for Should we be doing more? Let voluntary redundancy, employing that ended added years, allegedly from us know your views. Email your authorities will have less opportunity 1st April 2008, but actually with comments to [email protected] almost immediate impact. to redeploy teachers who are being

Actuarially Reduced Pension Benefits (ARB)

Age NI (% Pension Received) Teachers from age 55 can now receive Actuarially Reduced 50 61.7 Benefits (ARB). They reduce pensions drastically. The 51 64.3 percentage in the table is what a teacher receives on the 52 67.2 basis of their reckonable service. 53 70.3 E.g. A teacher of 55 years of age with 35 years teaching 54 73.7 service would only receive 77.3% of their 35 years’ 55 77.3 pensionable service. If the teacher was earning £40,000 56 81.3 the difference ARB makes to their pension is: 57 85.5 58 90.0 PENSION LUMP SUM 59 94.8 With normal pension service £17,500.00 £52,500.00 With ARB £13,527.50 £40,528.50

February 2008 9 IRISH NATIONAL TEACHERS’ ORGANISATION SEN SURVEY INTO and UTU Education takes note of this finding and NITC recently carried works to produce more compatible out a survey of systems. Currently, in one school, data The Northern Ireland Teachers’ special forms in different formats have to be Council (NITC) is constitutionally the Educational Needs completed and this requires the teachers’ side of the Teachers’ permission in repetitive input of information. Negotiating Committee (TNC). The schools. There was TNC determines the salaries and a fanastic The most concerning outcome of the conditions of service of Northern survey is that, in spite of the response from Ireland teachers. members. Mary government ‘directive’ to reduce paper Dorman, Northern Mary Dorman, SEN work, 75% of respondents felt that the The NASUWT General Secretary issue of paperwork relating to SEN was Committee here Advisor, Northern recently withdrew the union from becoming even more increasingly reveals some of Committee the NITC – effectively removing its the findings. INTO unmanageable. The paperwork ability to negotiate on behalf of its will take the results to the SEN Review associated with drawing up, members on salaries and conditions team and the Minister. This evidence maintaining and reviewing the SEN will help support INTO discussions and register, together with IEPs, has added of service matters. As this is the contributions to consultations. greatly to the burden on teachers. main reason why a teacher would join a teachers’ union, the General Current procedures for the referral of The most positive outcome from the Secretary’s action is strange and pupils to the educational psychology survey was that the majority of Northern Ireland members, if they respondents felt that their role was support service or the multi-agency were told the truth would be supported by the Senior Management support team (MAST) are time puzzled and troubled. NITC team (71%). This is important that consuming and confusing. The impact teachers are supported by our of the amount of paperwork is that the Secretary has written to NASUWT colleagues. most valuable resource in education i.e. seeking clarification on its position the teacher, spends an inordinate but it seems likely that – whatever Educating children increasingly requires amount of time shuffling paper and the disadvantages for its members a collegiate team approach for the best consequently, less time supporting the and the unity of the teachers’ outcomes. Many queries we receive in pupils. This, combined with the unions – it is determined to spend the office, concerning Health and concerns raised about resources and 40 days in the wilderness. Safety, have arisen directly as a result of the role of ICT, would indicate that this SENDO legislation However 70% of issue should be addressed urgently. Negotiations continue and there has respondents felt that this area had been been much progress. New dealt with appropriately. Almost two The issue of paperwork was raised with thirds of respondents felt that the and acknowledged by the SEN Review procedures have been finalised and following areas had been positively team. INTO trusts that the Education these include: managed: Minister and DE takes note of these findings and works to produce a system • Revised Disciplinary Procedure • SEN related training, (65%) that supports educational learning. If • Revised Grievance Procedure • Policy of inclusion (66%) and more teacher friendly are not supported • New Managing Attendance • liaison with outside support agencies adequately they will be unable to Procedure (64%) support pupils, whatever their needs • New Collective Agreement for are, in the most beneficial way. These are strengths that can be built school rationalisation upon. The move towards increased • New Threshold and Upper Pay accountability and measuring of Scale arrangements A less positive response was received outcomes needs to be completed with • Revised PRSD Scheme about the resourcing of the role of caution. Often the most effective SENCo and the impact of ICT. While outcome in SEN is not measurable in a Incidentally, the Northern Ireland 41% felt that their role was adequately reading test. It may be that the child PRSD Scheme is vastly more resourced 39% felt that their role was has developed a more positive attitude teacher-friendly than the equivalent not adequately resourced. This disparity to reading or that the child will now Performance Management Scheme of provision needs to be addressed. use one reading cue to help read in England and Wales implemented familiar texts. Pupils are not Only 30% of respondents felt that ICT there by NASUWT / ATL through commodities who can be measured. was making the role of SENCo more their much trumpeted ‘National They are individuals who should be manageable. It is clear that the full Agreement’. So the benefit of the valued. potential of ICT to support the work of TNC in Northern Ireland and INTO teachers is not being utilised. ICT Once again, a big thank you to all urges NASUWT to put its members should be used to replace traditional members who returned the before hopeless postures. paperwork, not add to it. It is questionnaires. important that the Department of

10 February 2008

IRISH NATIONAL TEACHERS’ ORGANISATION ‘Elephant, Bee or Other: Including Everyone in Our Schools’

Emma McAllister, Adam McQuoya, Aleena Selestine, pupils from St James PS (Belfast) at the launch of ‘Elephant, Bee or Other’ at W5 on 7 December

Denis Rooney, Chief Executive of IFI said, “The two year Integrating Education project, which the International Fund for Ireland was delighted to support, has done Roisin Marshall (IntegratING Education Project Manager), Michael Wardlow (NICIE tremendous work with schools across CEO) and Denis Rooney (Chief Executive of IFI) at the launch of ‘Elephant, Bee or Northern Ireland. It is one of a Other’ at W5 on 7 December 07 number of interventions that the Fund is currently making within education, The IntegratING Education Team, such as religion and cultural diversity. which we see as a very powerful managed by the Northern Ireland The ‘elephant’ refers to the elephant in vehicle by which to engage positively Council for Integrated Education the room scenario - issues everyone with the community, in a way that (NICIE) and funded by the knows about but avoids. The ‘bee’ benefits everyone and threatens no- International Fund for Ireland, has refers to issues people buzz about, one.” launched an exciting new educational and therefore remains high on agenda, resource ‘Elephant, Bee or Other, and the ‘other’ refers to all other Michael Wardlow, Chief Executive of Including Everyone in Our Schools‘. issues’’. NICIE said, ‘This is an excellent The launch took place in W5, Odyssey resource which offers a range of well on 7 December and brought together In the context of recent proposed tested methods and ideas of how to over 120 key education stakeholders education reforms and Government deal with diversity in schools. It will who were provided with the policies such as ‘A Shared Future’ and, provide a much needed resource to opportunity to gain some insight into as the Northern Ireland population teachers who want to help young a number of the practices highlighted becomes increasingly diverse, schools people understand what it is to be an in the book. are being asked to take on a greater active citizen in an increasingly multi- role in advancing social cohesion. It is cultural society”. Roisin Marshall, IntegratING Education expected this publication, ‘Elephant, Project Manager said, ‘’The publication Bee or Other’, will act as a valuable is the result of a two year project signpost for those interested in which involved schools across developing a more inclusive approach Northern Ireland in identifying, to educational diversity and equality. developing and sharing principles, policies, practices and resources to In the short term, until there are promote good relations and inclusion. changes in government policy - It has been designed to share sound matched with appropriate funding - practices currently used in schools there is a need to demonstrate to which promote and demonstrate education stakeholders, the positive inclusion with all members of the effects of curricular activities, policies The IntegratING Education team: Judith ‘education community. We chose this and aspects of governance which Searle, Grainne Teggart, Cliodhna Scott title because it visually describes promote and embrace diversity. Wills, Kelly McKeaveney, Terry McMackin and Roisin Marshall people’s responses to sensitive issues

12 February 2008 IRISH NATIONAL TEACHERS’ ORGANISATION

Generally, references are sought from • the old and new job are very similar in current and former employers and content References sometime personal referees as well. • questions are based on job analysis • facts, rather than opinions and INTO receives Case law has resulted in a cautious evaluations, are requested requests on the approach from people giving references. • where personality traits have to be issue of references Data given in a reference should be measured, they are defined and for appointment based on fact or capable of independent specific examples requested and promotion in verification. As a guide, references • relevant information about the job schools. In these should be fair, accurate and not give a vacancy was provided for the referee cases the member misleading overall impression of the • the opportunities the referee has had believes that the employee. to directly observe the employee are reference has been identified. Referees should be cautious about giving used to unduly any subjective opinion about an influence an The following legislation is relevant. individual’s performance, conduct or appointment suitability, which they cannot • The Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977 panel in relation to the selection of an substantiate with factual evidence. may apply to attempts to disclaim individual for a certain position. liability for a reference. . Employers should remember that The purpose of references is to obtain • The Data Protection Act 1998 may because a job applicant is being asked to information about a candidate’s apply to the processing of information give the names of referees, they are employment history, qualifications, in the provision of a reference. highly unlikely to choose anyone who experience and/or an assessment of the will give them a bad reference and It is clear that discriminatory and certain candidate’s suitability for the post in therefore potential inaccuracies may detrimental acts committed by any question. Prospective employers may arise. Bad references are rare! employer after termination of an seek information on matters including employee’s contract are within the remit length of employment, job title, brief References tend towards ‘leniency errors’ of the discrimination legislation and the details of responsibilities, abilities, overall and, like interviews, offer a great deal of detriment provisions of the Employment performance, time-keeping and reason scope for both direct and indirect bias. Rights Act 1996. As such the full remit of for leaving. It is estimated that one in Employers can improve validity and anti discrimination legislation may be eight people exaggerate or falsify their reliability by using a highly-structured available to a potential applicant who is qualifications! INTO recommends that rating form. References tend to be more unsuccessful in an appointment. references should not collect subjective reliable if: information as to the applicant’s suitability for the job on offer.

other benefits; and RECENT SUCCESSES • dismissal of an employee or causing REVISED PROCEDURES INTO has been successful in challenging him/her any other detriment. INTO has worked to secure agreement on a unlawful and discriminatory acts through variety of new, revised procedures. This article industrial tribunal claims. Three cases were It is unlawful for an employer to harass an outlines the changes to the procedures. Full based on disability discrimination and the employee or a job applicant for a reason details of the revised procedures are available failure of the school to operate reasonable which relates to a disabled person’s on the INTO website www.into.ie disability. The DDA places a duty on adjustments in respect of the teacher’s Grievance Procedure disability. employers to make reasonable adjustments if employment arrangements, or the The main changes are: workplace itself, place a disabled person at • Removal of the conciliation stage and the In one case a teacher who is bipolar was incorporation of an independent mediation a substantial disadvantage compared to a awarded £32,000 against her employer stage at the commencement of the because of ongoing treatment which took non-disabled person. Reasonable Grievance Procedure; no account of her mental disability. In adjustments have to be considered at every • Incorporation of a Statutory Grievance another case, a teacher in a secondary stage of employment. The duty is ‘reactive’ process for complaints which fall outside school was awarded £8,000 because of her and requires the employer to have the current procedure or when the teacher treatment and the failure of the school to knowledge of the person’s disability and is no longer employed by the school; provide reasonable adjustments on account the fact that they will be placed at a • Changes to time limits between stages. of her physical condition. The third case substantial disadvantage compared to involved a primary teacher. She was others who do not have the particular Managing Attendance at Work awarded £12,000 because of alleged disability. Procedure: victimisation and removal of reasonable The main changes are: • Incorporation of guidance on disability adjustments because of her disability. Examples of reasonable adjustments include: • Incorporation of guidance on the issue of medical reports Schools need to consider disability and the • Reference to welfare services provision of reasonable adjustments. The • altering the person´s hours of work or training; Disability Discrimination Act applies to all Teachers’ Occupational Maternity employers, regardless of size. It is unlawful • allowing for absences for rehabilitation/treatment; Scheme for an employer to discriminate in: The main changes are: • assigning him or her to a different place • Extension of paid maternity leave to 39 • recruitment and selection, including of work or training; weeks arrangements for deciding who should • re-allocating minor duties; • Introduction of 10 ‘keeping in touch’ (KIT) be offered employment; • modifying equipment; days • the terms and conditions of • giving or arranging training or • Availability of teachers’ sick pay scheme to employment; mentoring; or teachers who plan to return early, but • the opportunities afforded for • providing supervision or other support. become ill with a non pregnancy related promotion, transfer, training or any illness.

February 2008 13

IRISH NATIONAL TEACHERS’ ORGANISATION International School Award

Nine schools have recently received the teenagers at a European pupil course are the pupils – they get a British Council’s International School “summit”, created animated films chance to practise that are central to Award. The award, accredited by the about the experience of being disabled the Revised Curriculum, particularly Department for Children, Schools & for an international film festival, sung writing and ICT skills. I also found that Families gives recognition to the and given musical performances in pupil values and attitudes are international dimension in the Boston, Paris and Cologne, and positively affected – self esteem, curriculum. The nine schools honoured attended and competed in the tolerance and motivation all increased. were: Paralympics at both Atlanta and Teachers too benefit – there are great Sydney. opportunities for professional Fleming Fulton, Grosvenor Grammar, development, younger teachers get to Stranmillis Primary, Taughmonagh Indeed the good practice at the school develop their CVs, and motivation and Primary, Ballymena Primary, Limegrove, has not gone un-noticed. Jeremy teamwork noticeably improve. There Loreto Convent Primary, Omagh High, Taylor, Deputy Head and Co-ordinator wasn’t a single school which didn’t and St Mary’s Girls Primary. for the school’s international express delight that it had become programme, was recently seconded to involved with international links. In There was delight at Fleming Fulton, the Education & Training Inspectorate today’s world, schools have to look to the Belfast based special school with the brief of identifying the the future and recognise that they are serving disabled pupils from all over benefits of international links for helping develop global citizens. Northern Ireland, as this was its schools. “What I discovered when on second International School Award, secondment to the inspectorate Anyone interested should take a look following on from its first success in echoed our own experiences at at the British Council’s websites – 2003. Fleming Fulton. Every school I visited www.britishcouncil.org/nireland or testified to the enormous benefits www.globalgateway.org – or contact Fleming Fulton has a long and from international links both for pupils the British Council on 028 9024 8220. successful history of international and for staff. Importantly, the benefits Jeremy Taylor can be contacted at work. Among many past activities are seen throughout the whole school Fleming Fulton School – 028 9061 pupils have conducted research into community – pupils, teachers, and 3877. wheelchair access in major cities across school leaders. The biggest winners of Europe, have hosted other disabled

Frank Bunting, Northern Secretary, congratulates Nora O’Neill, Jim Magee, Newry Branch, congratulates Sheila Fullerton, St Mary’s University College, on receiving the annual St Mary’s University College, on receiving the annual John Cull Vere Foster Medal for the student achieving the highest Memorial Medal for the overall best mature student standard in teaching practice

February 2008 15 IRISH NATIONAL TEACHERS’ ORGANISATION

NORTHERN CONFERENCE 2008 Northern Conference 2008 will take place in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry on Friday 29 February 08 and Saturday 1 March 08. The theme of this year’s conference is “INTO The Future”

Some of the key issues for debate are: • Pensions and Added Years – the INTO campaign for jobs for young teachers and against complulsary teacher redundancies • Salaries – Parity with teachers in Britain • Funding – The inequity of LMS and Primary School funding • Review of Teachers’ Conditions of Service – Implementing the Curran Report? • School Improvement Programme ‘Every School a Good School’ – No consultation No SIP • Chairperson’s Address – Mary Cahillane

(e) the proposed method of carrying (c) mitigating the consequences of REDUNDANCIES out the dismissals, with due regard the dismissals. Northern Office is receiving a steady to any agreed procedure, including This consultation must be undertaken flow of redundancy notices from the period over which the by the Board of Governors with a view schools that are proposing to reduce dismissals are to take effect; and to reaching agreement with the INTO staffing at the end of August 2008. (f) the proposed method of representatives. Members in the schools affected will calculating the amount of any have received copies of the notices. redundancy payments which the A number of schools this year have The notices must contain the following employer proposes to make (other attempted to introduce selection information: than those required by statute). criteria that are unacceptable to INTO. The schools concerned have been (a) the reasons for the proposals; This information must be given to notified accordingly. (b) the numbers and descriptions of INTO. In addition the /Board of employees whom it is proposed to Governors must allow time for INTO advises members and dismiss as redundant; meaningful consultation to take place. representatives to scrutinise letters of (c) the total number of employees of Such consultation must include redundancy carefully and to advise any such description employed at consultation about ways of: their Northern Committee or CEC the establishment in question; representative or the Northern Office (a) avoiding the dismissals; (d) the proposed method of selecting of any concerns relating to the criteria (b) reducing the numbers of the employees who may be to be applied or the process being employees to be dismissed; and dismissed; used.

Brendan Harron, Senior Official (R) presents a new INTO-sponsored cup to Robert Donnell (L), Chairman of Coleraine and District Under 16 Schools’ Soccer League. Also in picture is Jobby Crossan, former Manchester City, Sunderland, Standard Liege, Sparta Rotterdam and Northern Ireland player, then the proprietor of Crossan Sports, Derry

16 February 2008 IRISH NATIONAL TEACHERS’ ORGANISATION Our Pupils Deserve Better

education in the Assembly on 4th The Minister has made it clear that the December 07, she has been current transfer tests will not take continuously harangued and place after November 2008 and that, castigated by members of the from 2010 onwards, pupils will Education Committee for an alleged transfer to post primary schools on the lack of clarity in her plans. basis of geographical, family and community criteria. She has yet to Whilst the members of the Education indicate how these criteria will be Committee are quite entitled to their applied or what her Department will views, one must question the message do about the 25 Grammar schools that that they are sending out to parents, are threatening to introduce their own pupils and teachers, as they all await entrance tests. the day when Caitriona Ruane will put flesh oh the bones of her ‘vision’. In repsonse to a question from Parents, teachers and pupils are Brendan Harron, INTO Senior Official, nervous and uncertain about what will on how she intends to get her plans happen to the current Year 5 pupils in through the Assembly, the Minister September 2010 and it does nothing could only state that she intends to to alleviate their concerns when they build a ‘consensus’. If the shenanigans see in the newspapers and on the that the people of Northern Ireland are television news, the Education Minister witnessing almost daily are anything INTO is deeply concerned at the and members of the Education to go by, it is difficult to see how any continuous back biting and political Committee sniping at each other in a consensus can be built. very rude and disconcerting manner. It point scoring that the Education The time is long past for Caitriona Minister and members of the NI appears as though they are playing a political game, as opposed to dealing Ruane and the other folks on the hill Assembly Education Committee are to give the pupils, parents and engaged in. with the future of Northern Ireland’s most important resource – its children. teachers here a sense of certainty Since the Minister, Caitriona Ruane, The children, parents and teachers of about the future. MLA, announced her vision for the Northern Ireland deserve much better. future of transfer to post primary

NIPSA Classroom Assistants' Dispute INTO YOUTH CONFERENCE Heritage Hotel Portlaoise Fri 18th/Sat 19th April 2008

As part of the ongoing project to increase and enhance participation in INTO affairs, a conference for younger members has been organised in the Heritage Hotel, Portlaoise on Friday 18th and Saturday 19th April 2008. The conference will begin at 5.30pm on the Friday and conclude at 2.00pm on the Saturday.

INTO is strongly encouraging all Branches to ensure that they are represented Mary Cahillane, Chair Northern at the conference. Branch Secretaries have been provided with nomination Committee, joins the picket line at forms, which must be returned to Head Office by Friday 29th February 08. Fleming Fulton School during the recent NIPSA classroom assistants' Youth Coordinators for INTO in Northern Ireland are: strike. Also pictured are INTO member, District 1 Andrea Higgins contact: [email protected] Jim Savage and NIPSA Deputy General District 2 Mark Murtagh contact: St Patrick’s Boys’ PS, Newry Secretary, Alison Millar Tel: 028 3026 3466

February 2008 17 IRISH NATIONAL TEACHERS’ ORGANISATION

considered for a job sharing months. Do You Want To Move To Part-Time Working?

Northern Office continues to receive a arrangement or two teachers can high number of queries from members apply together for a job sharing Flexible Working who would like to move to part-time arrangement. Job sharing is different If you have a child under the age of or flexible working. A teacher does not from part-time work in that, although six, or a disabled child under the age have a legal right to move from a full- the hours worked by each teacher are of 18, you have a statutory right to ask time to a part-time contract. part-time, together the teachers take for flexible working arrangements and joint responsibility for the full-time to have your request seriously What are your options? post and are regarded as a full-time considered. You could apply to work mornings/afternoons only, to work Part-Time working unit. In assessing each application the Board of Governors will consider:- fixed/variable hours or to work only on A teacher can apply to the Board of certain days. If your employer rejects Governors and request a move to part- i. The needs of the school; your request, they must demonstrate a time working. It is a good idea to ii. The welfare and education needs clear business case for so doing. discuss the matter with your principal of the pupils. in the first instance, as the Board of Career Break Governors will be influenced by the Temporary Variation of A permanent teacher, who has principal’s views. You should make Contract completed at least three year’s service, clear the reasons for your request. The A teacher can request a temporary can apply for a Career Break, which is decision is entirely a matter for the variation of contract for a specific a period of special leave of absence, Board of Governors. period e.g. 12 months. Such without salary, for not less than one arrangements are becoming year and not more than three years. A Job Sharing increasingly common and usually Career Break will not normally be Job sharing is a method of working operate for a 12 month period, with permitted for the purpose of taking where two teachers share one full-time an option to extend it for a further 12 alternative salaried employment. post. A teacher can apply to be

NORTHERN COMMITTEE CONTACT DETAILS INTO School “Highest Paid Representatives Classroom AREA NAME HOME No. SCHOOL No. CEC 1 Mary Cahillane 9022 0349 –

Training Course Teacher” CEC 2 Tony Lappin 3833 6334 9261 1732 There is no longer any BFC Patrick McAllister 9445 2728 3884 0825 Monday 14th and justification for the use of UPS1 NEELB Primary Don Campbell 2763 8472 2763 8318 (2001 pay settlement) as the Tuesday 15th April 2008 NEELB Post-Primary Barney Magill 9077 7742 9084 8433 basis for determining leadership SEELB Primary Kevin Smyth 9020 1571 9030 1714 City Hotel, Derry group pay. The INTO view is that UPS3 should be the SEELB Post-Primary John McAnulty 9060 1555 4483 0311 baseline. This change is needed BELB Primary (1) Gerry Murphy 3753 9591 9023 8773 There are still places available to promote equity. The current BELB Primary (2) Eddie Keenan 9059 2401 9035 1023 on the above 2-day training position is unacceptable where BELB Post-Primary Des McDonagh 9084 9797 9080 8050 course. The training is some schools do – and others delivered by Brendan Harron, do not – take account when SELB Primary (1) Mary Dorman 8774 1229 8676 3151 Senior Official and Mark determining the leadership pay SELB Primary (2) Mary Hughes 3755 1136 3753 1284

McTaggart, Secretary of group that many classroom SELB Post-Primary Jim Magee 3026 8178 4175 3366

District 1 and life-long teachers are paid at UPS3. WELB Primary (1) Charlie Glenn 7134 1578 7135 1830 INTO activist. INTO is seeking NITC support to WELB Primary (2) Rita Fox 8076 1647 8224 5628 have this anomaly changed. WELB Post-Primary Damien Walls 7126 9728 7128 5000

18 February 2008 IRISH NATIONAL TEACHERS’ ORGANISATION A Third Level Lifeline

One of the largest circumstances. Awards of varying the Trust. Nominating Bodies will scholarship trusts amounts are also made to students have close contact with candidates for third level studying in the creative and and will be in a position to provide education on the performing arts. The scheme also a personal reference confirming island of Ireland provides for a range of supports as the their eligibility. has announced it student makes his or her transition to will be awarding college life. additional scholarships in Who is eligible to apply? 2008. The Trust welcomes applications from individuals who have the Entering its ninth ability and motivation to participate year, the Bank of successfully at third-level, but who Ireland Millennium Scholars Trust will, because of economic circumstance in 2008, increase the number of or other barriers such as disability, students it supports for third level are prevented from doing so. study, offering a lifeline to more students than ever before. A student still experiencing the benefits of her scholarship is Roisin Reacting to the announcement, Kavanagh, who graduated with a first What kind of courses are Assistant Principal of Loreto College in class honours degree in Combined eligible for scholarships? Dublin, Dorothy Lavery, who has Science from the University of Ulster in witnessed five of her own students 2004. A motivated individual, Roisin Third-level educational opportunities progress with Scholarship backing said remained undaunted by her Multiple from Level 7 in the National the increase was “such a welcome Sclerosis, and confinement to a Framework of Qualifications, and development”. The Trust, she added, wheelchair to pursue her academic from Level 6 which give access was often “simply the difference desires as far as was possible alone. to/progress to a Level 7 or Level 8 between going and not going to qualification. Courses recognised by college. It’s a wonderful thing. It Moving past both Certificate and then Universities, DIT, the Institutes of changes lives.” Diploma levels in her field, it was the Technology, the Higher Education cost of attending college full-time and Training Awards Council Established in 2000, with an allocation towards a Degree that seemed a (HETAC) and the Institutes of Further € of 12.5 million, the Bank of Ireland bridge too far when travel, fees and and Higher Education in Northern Millennium Scholars Trust remains one books were taken into account. Ireland. Other courses may be of the largest millennium initiatives considered. Advanced studies in the Word of mouth led her to the Bank of from either State or private industry creative/performing arts are also Ireland Millennium Scholars Trust. offering a progression path to eligible for funding. students. “It has made so much possible,” says How to register as a Administered by the National College Roisin, who has just started a PhD in Trinity College Dublin in September. Nominating Body of Ireland (NCI) from its base in Registrations may be made at any Dublin’s docklands, the Trust annually “I love college,” Roisin asserts. time and will be considered by the receives nominations from some 900 Trust at timed intervals throughout bodies dealing with second and third What she loves more is the example the year. Registration forms are level students, mature candidates and she has been able to become through available from the Trust Office. other progression route candidates her studies, not least to her daughter, who, due to economic, social and who is now considering her own Further details and application forms other barriers, might not otherwise get college options. can be gained from the Trust Office at the opportunity to bring their talents National College of Ireland (00353 449 and skills on to third level. In addition, “It may sound daunting,” she tells 8500) or can be downloaded from the students currently at third level who others considering her path, “but you Bank of Ireland and NCI websites: might not be able to continue their have nothing to lose by applying. And www.bankofireland.com – see In the studies without such support may also everything to gain.” Community and www.ncirl.ie – see be eligible. About NCI. How to apply for a scholarship Scholarship awards from €3,200 to Candidates must be proposed by a €6,300 per annum are available, Nominating Body –an organisation, depending on the individual’s group or institution registered with

February 2008 19