Tipperary Education & Training Board ANNUAL REPORT 2015 2 TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Contents

Chapter 1: ORGANISATION AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Chairman’s Statement 6 Chief Executive’s Introduction 7 Legislative Background 8 Code of Practice for the Governance of Education and Training Boards 8 Corporate Governance 9 2014/2015 ETB Members 11 Retirees 11 Tipperary ETB Meetings Held in 2015 12 Capital Projects 2015 13 Financial Information 15

Chapter 2: SECOND LEVEL SCHOOLS AND PROVISION

Borrisokane Community College 19 Coláiste Dún Iascaigh 20 Coláiste Mhuire Co-Ed 21 Coláiste Phobal Ros Cré 22 Comeragh College 23 St. Joseph’s School, Ferryhouse 24 Central Technical Institute 25 Nenagh College 26 Newport College 27 Scoil Ruáin 28 St. Ailbe’s School 29 Tipperary ETB Principals and Schools 30

Chapter 3: FURTHER EDUCATION AND SERVICES

Adult Education Officer’s Annual Report 2015 32 Adult Literacy, North Tipperary 37 Adult Literacy & ESOL, South Tipperary 38 Back to Education Initiative 39 Community Education & BTEI, North Tipperary 40 Community Education, South Tipperary 41 Adult Guidance and Information Service, North Tipperary 42 Adult Guidance, South Tipperary 43 VTOS - Cahir 44 VTOS - Clonmel 45 VTOS - Nenagh 46 VTOS - Thurles 47 VTOS - Carrick-on-Suir 48 Youthreach - Cappawhite 49 Youthreach - Templemore 50 Youthreach - Roscrea 51 PLC - Coláiste Dún Iascaigh, Cahir 52 PLC - Coláiste Mhuire Co-Ed, Thurles 53 PLC - CTI Senior College, Clonmel 54 PLC - Nenagh College of Further Education 55 PLC - Coláiste Phobal, Roscrea 56 PLC - St. Ailbe’s, Tipperary Town 57 PLC - Templemore College 58 PLC 59 Youth Services 60 The Further Education Support Service (FESS) 61

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TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 3 4 TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Chapter 1

ORGANISATION AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 5 Chairman’s Statement

It is with great pleasure that I welcome the 2015 Annual Report on behalf of Tipperary Education and Training Board. This report charts the organisation’s success in achieving its mission to be the leading provider of integrated education services in County Tipperary.

Our aim is to develop our recognised role within the community as a provider of quality, locally based, accessible education and training opportunities for all age groups.

2015 has been a progressive year for both the members and staff of Tipperary ETB. The merger of South Tipperary VEC and North Tipperary VEC is evolving into a strong effective organisation with a good geographical spread of services throughout Tipperary.

In 2015 Tipperary ETB adopted The Code of Governance, Circular Letter 0018/2015. I am pleased to confirm Tipperary ETB’s compliance with the Code of Governance in respect of remuneration to its members and members of its committees and to confirm that Tipperary ETB has complied with its obligations under Tax Law. Tipperary ETB established an Audit Committee and a Finance Committee in 2015. We also commenced the establishment of a Youthwork Committee and a Further Education and Training Committee. I would sincerely like to thank all the members and outside nominees who give freely of their time to serve on these Committees and ensure that our ETB adheres to best Corporate Governance practices. I would like to thank, both former and present staff and members of Boards of Management who have worked diligently to ensure the transition to the broader remit of Education and Training Boards has worked effectively and efficiently for Tipperary.

Negotiations between the Department of Education and Skills and Tipperary ETB resulted in the provision of 11.5 extra staff for the training element of Tipperary ETB. This is an exciting development, and in conjunction with targeted planning and consultation with the public and various statutory and business organisations, Tipperary ETB plans to develop training in Tipperary in a way that will place our learners in a competitive position to gain employment and add to the economic growth of our County and Country as we emerge from the recent recession. The needs of the learner have always been the core’ of the service provided by Tipperary ETB and it is this link that will enable us to provide an enhanced provision to all our learners both in education and training.

I would like to commend all the members of Tipperary Education and Training Board, the Chief Executive, Ms. Fionuala McGeever for her tireless efforts in driving the organisation forward and her executive team for their hard work and dedication. I wish them continued success in the future.

Cllr. John Hogan Cathaoirleach Tipperary Education and Training Board

6 TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Chief Executive’s Introduction

It gives me great pleasure to present the 2015 Annual Report of the Tipperary Education and Training Board (ETB).

This report captures the activities of our ETB from January to December 2015. This includes important information at corporate level, as well as details of individual schools and centres and their highlights for 2015. Details of the capital works projects are outlined in this document, and are a reminder of the enormous progress that has been made in 2015. Overall I wish to convey my thanks and appreciation to:

„„ Each member of the Board for their active co-operation in promoting the business of Tipperary ETB in so many ways serving on Interview Boards, participating in Boards of Management, in Consultative Committees, attending Regional and National Meetings; „„ The Principals and Deputy Principals for the progressive manner in which they lead their schools; „„ The teachers for the quality of their work both inside and outside of the classroom; „„ The Adult and Further Education staff, for their commitment to quality in a time of great change for the sector. „„ The non-teaching staff for their commitment and loyalty; „„ The parents for their unfailing support; „„ The Boards of Managements, the various Sub-Committees etc. who give so generously of their time in promoting the work of the Scheme; „„ The Officials of the Department of Education and Skills for their co-operation in expanding the work of the Scheme;

Finally, I wish to acknowledge the retirements of long serving members of staff and wish them health and happiness. Tipperary ETB is indebted to them for their professional, dedicated service to the scheme.

Chief Executive

TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 7 Legislative Background

The Education and Training Board Act 2013 commenced the establishment of Education and Training Boards throughout the country. Under the ETB Act 2013 responsibility for the development of policy rests with the Education and Training Board and is a Reserved Function. The implementation of policy is an executive function.

Code of Practice for the Governance of Education and Training Boards

„„ Education and Training Board Act 2013 „„ Further Education and Training Board Act 2013 „„ Protected Disclosures Act 2014 „„ Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 „„ Freedom of Information Act 2014 „„ Ethics in Public Office Acts 1995 „„ Official Languages Act 2003 „„ Equality Act 2004 „„ Disability Act 2005 „„ Data Protection Act 1988 „„ Data Protection (Amendment) Act 2003 „„ Education Act 1998 „„ Standards in Public Office Act 2001

8 TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Corporate Governance

Introduction The Code of Practice for the Governance of Education and Training Boards (ETBs) was published on March 16th 2015. The Code of Practice was formally adopted by Tipperary ETB on 14th April 2015.

Corporate governance comprises the systems and procedures by which entities are directed and controlled. State bodies, including Education and Training Boards (ETBs), must serve the interests of the taxpayer, pursue value for money in their endeavours (including managing risk appropriately), and act transparently as public entities. The Board (i.e. the entity comprising elected and appointed members of the ETB) is responsible and accountable for the proper direction and control of Tipperary ETB. In order to deliver good governance in Tipperary ETB, the Board must act in the interest of Tipperary ETB at all times, consistent with the requirements of legislation and government policies, avoiding self-interest and the interests of third parties, including bodies which have elected or nominated them.

The Code of Practice provides a framework for the application of best practice in corporate governance in education and training boards. Boards are required to confirm to the Minister for Education and Skills that they comply with the up to date requirements of the Code in their governance practices and procedures. Board members and staff of Tipperary ETB are guided by the principles set out in the Code of Practice meeting their responsibility to ensure that all of their activities, whether covered specifically or otherwise in the Code of Practice, meet the highest standards of corporate governance.

The Code concerns both the internal practices of Tipperary ETB and it’s external relations with the Government, the Minister for Education and Skills, the Minister for Finance, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and their respective Departments. The Code also makes reference to the ethical and standards in public office obligations that apply to all designated Directors and designated office holders.

The provisions of the Code do not override existing statutory requirements and other obligations imposed by the Companies Acts, ethics legislation, standards in public office legislation, the specific statutory provisions relating to ETBs and any other relevant legislation (e.g. equality legislation, employment legislation).Accordingly, Tipperary ETB must follow the statutory provisions as set out in the Education and Training Boards Act 2013 and other relevant legislation, whether these are identified in the code or otherwise.

The implementation of provisions of the Code of Governance is an on-going process. We have established both the Audit ad Finance Committees, as well as complying with the relevant provisions under the Ethics in Public Office Act, 1995 and the Standards in Public Office Act, 2001. We will commence working on the Risk Management system in 2016 and the Tipperary ETB has asked the Audit Committee to have oversight of this process.

Composition of Education and Training Boards as per the Education & Training Board Act 2013 The Board of Tipperary ETB consists of 21 members comprising twelve members elected by the local authority; two members who are members of staff of the Education and Training Board; two members each of whom are the parent of a child who has not reached eighteen years of age and is registered as a student in a centre for education or recognised school, or is the parent of a learner in a children detention school, prison, education or training facility or other facility maintained by any other public service body where the board provides education or training; and five members with interest or knowledge in education and training from persons nominated by (i) business/industry/employers, (ii) learners and (iii) management/leaders of recognised schools.

The membership of Tipperary Education and Training Board

„„ 12 Local Authority elected members „„ 2 Tipperary ETB elected staff representatives „„ 2 elected Parents Association representatives „„ 3 elected representatives of ‘Learners’ „„ 1 elected representative from business/industry/employers, and „„ 1 elected representative from management/leaders of recognised schools.

TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 9 Audit Sub Committee Tipperary Education and Training Board has established an Audit Committee in accordance with the provisions of Section 45 of the Education and Training Boards Act 2013. The Board is ultimately responsible for ensuring that the Chief Executive has instituted an adequate and appropriate system of internal control, including risk management and corporate governance, in Tipperary ETB. In the performance of its role, the Audit Committee shall have the assistance of executive management, internal audit and external audit (C&AG).

The Audit Committee will, by examining and considering internal audit reports, statutory audit reports and the confirmations of the Chief Executive, report to the Board in accordance with the Audit Committee procedures. The Audit committee will, as early as possible in each year, and before the Finance Committee considers the annual accounts, carry out a review of internal controls for the previous year by undertaking the work outlined in the Audit Committee Terms of Reference and by reviewing the minute books of the Board, the Audit Committee and the Finance Committee and other relevant factors, to ensure there are no inconsistencies in these with the assessment of internal control provided to the audit committee by the internal audit unit or management representations received.

The Code of Practice has provided that the Audit Committee will consist of six members, not more than three of whom are members of the Board. The Board should satisfy itself that at least one member of the Audit Committee has recent and relevant financial experience, preferably in a public service organisation. The Chairperson of the Audit Committee will not be a member of the Board. The Chairperson of Tipperary ETB may not be a member of the Audit Committee. A member of the Finance Committee may be a member of the Audit Committee.

Tipperary ETB Audit Committee Membership

John O’Regan External (Chairperson) Anne O’Keeffe External Richard Dunne External Cllr. Roger Kennedy TETB Member Anna Tuohy-Halligan TETB Member Joe Murphy TETB Member

The Audit Committee met twice in 2015 on the 30th September and 26th November.

Finance Sub Committee The functions of the Finance Committee are as follows; To report to the Board, not less than four times in each year, whether the Chief Executive is implementing the Service Plan, as adopted by the Board, and within the expenditure limits set by the Minister. This is done by considering the monthly accounts and ad hoc reports provided to the Board by the Chief Executive To advise the main committee whether to accept the accounts as presented by the Chief Executive and to recommend whether they should be signed by the Chairperson. To review and report to the Board on the draft Service Plan

The Code of Practice has provided that the Finance Committee shall consist of at least three and not more than five members. The Chief Executive or another person with an executive function shall not be a member of a Finance Committee; The Finance Committee should include at least one member from outside the ETB who has relevant finance experience. The Chairperson of the Finance Committee will be appointed by the Board. The Finance Committee may take independent professional advice where it considers this is necessary. In such cases the Chairperson of the Committee should request approval from the Department; Where the Finance Committee members do not have sufficient knowledge or experience in a particular matter the Finance Committee may invite persons, other than the Chief Executive or another person with an executive function, with relevant experience to attend meetings.

Tipperary ETB Finance Committee Membership

Anne O’Keeffe External (Chairperson) Liam Ahearne TETB Committee Cllr. Siobhan Ambrose TETB Committee Cllr. Kieran Bourke TETB Committee Cllr. Mary Hanna Hourigan TETB Committee

The Finance Committee met twice in 2015 on the 30th September and 1st December.

10 TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 2014/2015 ETB Members

Mr. Liam Ahearn Cllr. Siobhán Ambrose Cllr. Fiona Bonfield Cllr. Joe Bourke Cllr. Kieran Bourke Ms. Josephine Cahill Cllr. Catherine Carey Cllr. David Dunne Cllr. John Fahey Cllr. Imelda Goldsboro Cllr. Mary Hanna Hourigan Cllr. John Hogan - Chairperson Cllr. Roger Kennedy Mr. Seamus Lahart Cllr. Micheál Lowry Ms. Tina Mulhearne Mr. Joe Murphy Ms. Margaret Mary O’Dwyer Ms. Mary O’Keeffe resigned on 10.08.15 and was replaced by Mr. Eddie Morrissey on 20.10.15 Mr. Michael Power Ms. Anna Tuohy-Halligan

Retirees

Back Row: (Left to Right) Mr. Tom McGrath, Ms. Mary McGrath, Ms. Mary Finnegan-Burke, Mr. Patrick Coonan, Ms. Vera Smyth, Ms. Margaret O’Connor, Mr. Thomas Byrne. Front Row: (Left to Right) Ms. Marian Healy, Mr. John Hogan, Chairperson TETB., Ms. Fionuala McGeever, Chief Executive, Mr. John Joe Haugh.

TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 11 Tipperary ETB Meetings Held in 2015

Tipperary Education and Training Board held its meetings as follows:

Month Venue Date Number in Attendance

February Clonmel 10.02.15 18 April Nenagh 14.04.15 16 June Clonmel 09.06.15 15 September Nenagh 08.09.15 17 October Clonmel 20.10.15 15 December Nenagh 01.12.15 14

12 TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Capital Projects 2015

Borrisokane Community College, Building Refurbishment Tendering for the contractor to complete the conversion works approved for the existing 3 storey Poor Law Union Workhouse listed building was substantially completed during 2015. Final tenders were received in December ’15 and the ETB was in the process of finalising the appointment at the end of the year.

Once the details of the appointment are finalised the building works will commence on site in 2016. Installation of the successful concept scheme under the % For Art Scheme was completed in 2015. The successful concept entitled ‘Circle / Move / Map’ was received from Artist Joy Gerrard.

Comeragh College, Carrick-on-Suir, New School Substantial progress was made on work on the building of the new school at Tinvane, Carrick-on-Suir during 2015. The project is on track to meet the expected completion and hand-over date in March 2016. The contractor is BAM Engineering and the project is funded under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) agreement.

Nenagh Vocational School, Building Refurbishment Installation of the successful concept scheme under the % For Art Scheme was completed in 2015. The successful concept scheme entitled “Mapestry” was received from Artist Dee Harte.

St. Ailbes, Tipperary, ASD Unit The Architect has been appointed to this project, the design has been agreed and Planning Permission was obtained in late 2015. It is expected that the project will proceed to contractor tender and construction in 2016.

Former Kickham Barracks, Clonmel The master plan for the proposed development of the Kickham Barracks site has been prepared and, separately, the ETB prepared its own costed plan for the development of a Further Education and Training campus on the site. This plan has been submitted to the Department of Education and Skills to seek the funding to proceed with the development. It is currently being reviewed by the Department.

In the meantime, a portion of the barracks site continues to be held under licence from Tipperary County Council and is used for the delivery of a number of the Further Education (FE) programmes. Some of the administrative functions of FE have also been relocated to the barracks site. This arrangement has been very successful to date.

Coláiste Dun Iascaigh, Cahir, ASD Unit Construction of the new one classroom ASD Unit and the additional school classroom was completed in early 2015 and the unit has been in use since the commencement of the 2015-16 school year.

Templemore College of Further Education, Entrance Upgrade A new front entrance to the College was built in 2015 and the works were substantially complete at the end of the year.

Scoil Ruain, Killenaule, Special Needs Unit (SNU) and Music Room Funding approval was received from the Department of Education and Skills in 2015 for the provision of a new 2-classroom SNU and Music Room at Scoil Ruain. Tendering for a design team was completed and the appointments confirmed. By the end of 2015, the team was working on the design of the new extension with a view to submitting a Stage 1 report to the Department. It is expected that the project will proceed to Planning and to contractor tender in 2016.

Coláiste Phobal, Roscrea Following an application for a major refurbishment and the provision of additional accommodation at Coláiste Phobal, the project has been added to the Department of Education and Skills Major Capital Projects list with work to commence in 2019-2021.

TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 13 Summer Works/Emergency Works A number of relatively small projects were completed under these programmes in 2015: „„ Nenagh College – installation of new main entrance door; „„ Coláiste Phobal, Roscrea – partial window replacement and roof works; „„ Coláiste Mhuire, Thurles – roof works; „„ Scoil Ruain, Killenaule – replacement of internal and external doors; „„ Further Education Centre, Cahir – replacement of external doors & roof lights;

Summer Works 2016-17 All eligible schools have submitted funding applications under the Summer Works Scheme for 2016-17. Details of the successful applicants are expected to be announced in early 2016.

Other A number of other projects have received funding approval and were in the planning/design phase at the end of 2015. All of these are expected to progress to completion in 2016. These include: „„ Administration Office, Nenagh – improved access to parking; „„ Coláiste Mhuire, Thurles – emergency electrical works (lighting replacement); „„ Sports Capital Grant – provision of new all-weather pitch in Clonmel;

14 TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Financial Information

The Annual Statements of the ETB for 2015 are currently being drafted and will be subject to audit by the C&AG. Once the audit is completed and the accounts approved and signed, the Statements will be available to the public. To give context to the budget scale of Tipperary ETB in 2015, the main approved budget figures for the year are set out below.

In addition to the programmes outlined, TETB also manages other funding from the Department of Education and Skills, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and the Department of Social Protection among others. In 2015, the total budgeted expenditure of TETB, including capital projects, was approximately €45m.

Budget Heading Approval Body 2015 Budget €

General & Post Primary – Pay Department of Education and Skills € 25,629,932 General & Post Primary – Non-Pay Department of Education and Skills € 1,664,396 Further Education and Training SOLAS € 14,600,000

TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 15 16 TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Chapter 2

SECOND LEVEL SCHOOLS AND PROVISION

TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 17 18 TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SCHOOL REPORT 2015 - Borrisokane Community College

BORRISOKANE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Borrisokane, Co. Tipperary Tel: 067-27268 Fax: 067-27144 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.borrisokanecc.ie School Roll No: 72370P

Mission Statement We seek to promote a caring and committed school community which will facilitate the education of our students and where each individual is valued as a unique human being. — “Is ar scáth a chéile a mhairimid” Principal Mr. Matthew Carr Deputy Principal Ms. Suzanne McMahon Chairperson Board of Management Mr. Joe Murphy Chairperson Parents’ Association Mr. Paul McMahon Enrolment as at 01/10/2015 572 (298 Boys, 274 Girls) School Staff 52 (45 Teachers, 5 SNA, 1 Administration Staff, 1 Maintenance Staff) Programmes Available Junior Certificate, Leaving Certificate Established, Transition Year, Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA), Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP), School Meals Subjects Available Irish, English, Maths, Science, Art, History, Geography, French, German, Home Economics, Material Technology (Wood), Material Technology (Metal), Technical Graphics, Business Studies, Music, Chemistry, Physics, Agricultural Science, Biology, Enterprise, Civic Social Political Education (CSPE), Religion, Physical Education, Social, Personal & Health Education (SPHE), Computers Extra Curricular Activities Hurling, Camóige, Gaelic Football, Soccer, Basketball, Badminton, Athletics, Debating, Public Speaking, Table Quizzes, Charity Events, Choir, Art Competitions, Computers, Young Scientist, Christmas Concert Highlights for 2015

Camogie team who won the Intermediate ‘A’ Munster Raising the Amber Flag for Positive Mental Health and Camogie Final and the Senior ‘B’ Tipperary School’s the first Green School Flag for Waste Management in Blitz. May 2015.

Art Installation at Borrisokane Community College Eamon O’Shea presents Academic Awards to Leaving by Artist Joy Gerrard. The artwork was launched at a Certificate Students. ceremony in May 2015.

TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 19 SCHOOL REPORT 2015 - Coláiste Dún Iascaigh

COLÁISTE DÚN IASCAIGH

Cashel Rd., Cahir, Co. Tipperary Tel: 052-7442828 Fax: 052-7442233 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.colaisteduniascagh.ie School Roll No: 76063D

Enrolment as at 17/10/2015 653 (357 Boys, 296 Girls) School Staff 68 (52 Teachers, 8 SNA, 2 Administration Staff, 6 Maintenance Staff) Subjects Available JC: Irish, English, Maths, History, Geography, Science, French, Spanish, German, Technical Graphics, Business Studies, Music, Material Technology (Wood), Material Technology (Metal), Technology, Art, Craft & Design, Home Economics, Physical Education, Civic Social Political Education (CSPE), Social, Personal & Health Education (SPHE), Religion, Information Technology. LC: Irish, English, Maths, History, Geography, Science, French, Spanish, German, DCG, Business, Accounting, Music, Art, Social & Scientific, (Home Economics), Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Agricultural Science Technology, Construction, Engineering, Guidance, PE, LINKS, Religion, Information Technology. Extra Curricular Activities Gaelic Football, Hurling, Camóige, Soccer, Basketball, Badminton, Golf, Rugby, Hunter Trials, Cycling, Athletics, Outdoor Pursuits, Debating, Public Speaking, Table Quizzes, Charity Events, Choir, Young Entrepreneur, Speech & Drama, Art Competitions, Computers, Young Scientist, Photography. Highlights for 2015

Colaiste Students Highly Commended at Young Scientist Award Three students from Colaiste Dun Iascaigh took part in the 51st BT Young Scientist and Technologist of the Year Exhibition in RDS, Dublin on the 7th -10th of January 2015. Shauna Burke, Brian O’ Connor and Gerard Walshe presented a project called “Seed to Feed in 7 days” which aimed to find a cheaper, more nutritious alternative to conventional feed for farm animals. As young people interested in agriculture, they wanted to find ways to make farming a more viable career in the future. They were widely praised by the judges and public for their project and were awarded a “Highly Commended” rosette for their work. Mentor and Science teacher Stephanie Hassett explained how many hard hours were spent not only going through the experiments and processes but also preparing reports, charts and display material. Principal Mary Finnegan-Burke said that the Colaiste was very proud of the students, their teacher and their remarkable achievement. This is the second year in a row that the Colaiste has reached the Young Scientist finals.

A Night at the Musicals This year’s show represents a change for Colaiste Dun Iascaigh’s Music department. Instead of a traditional show with story and acting, they have focused instead on getting to the heart of the matter and staying with the songs. This year they presented songs from three different musicals: Les Miserables, My Fair Lady and Evita. Each Musical is very different. The songs in each touch different events. They also have much in common. During three nights of a packed auditorium they brought us from the dark streets of revolutionary France where a proud people have their public and private revolution. Where men and women question who they are and what they truly stand for. Les Miserables’ songs were sung with great passion. Patrick O’ Donovan was in full voice as a proud Jean Valjean, the man running from his own past. Niamh Murphy played the fragile Fantine with a beautiful subtlety and a powerful voice. The show always throws up a few surprises but this year there were lots of them. Niamh Costello, Adam McNamara, Rory Brown and Saoirse Murphy were shockingly brilliant. The sleazy Threnadiers played by Saoirse and Rory were rambunctious in their rowdiness and brought laughter to a very emotional show. Niamh as the young Cosette sang with a fragile tenderness. Adam brought a fierceness to his character with great style. Last year’s summer show gave us a hint of things to come with some stand out performances from Nicole Butler, Alissa Keating, Cathal Boyle and Tiffani Forristal. They all delivered again with outstanding singing and terrific acting. My Fair Lady had some great acting also. Lorcan O’ Donovan as Henry Higgins, Nicola Blake as his Mother, Donal O’ Donnell as Pickering and Daniel Cunningham as Freddy all gave wonderful performances. Sarah Coleman sang exquisitely as Eliza Doolittle. Evita began with the glorious Requiem sung in perfect harmony by the whole cast. Cathal Boyle was his assured self as Che Guevara but Mary Condon O’Connor left everybody in the auditorium full of tears as she delivered Don’t Cry For Me Argentina from the balcony. It was a great way to finish a truly great show. 20 TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SCHOOL REPORT 2015 - Coláiste Mhuire Co-Ed

COLAISTE MHUIRE CO-ED

Castlemeadows, Thurles, Co. Tipperary Tel. (0504) 21734 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.cmco.ie School Roll Nr: 72490C

Enrolment as at 01/10/2015 384 (222 Mainstream, 162 PLC) School Staff 41 Subjects Available Irish, English, French, Science, Art, Technical Graphics, Music, Metalwork, Woodwork, Business, Home Economics, Construction, Design & Communications Graphics, Engineering, Biology, Agricultural Science, History, Geography, Environment and Social Studies, Mathematics, Physical Education, CSPE, SPHE, Religion, Computers, Study Skills., Chinese for Transition years. Extra Curricular Activities Hurling, Football, Volleyball, Basketball, Athletics, Rugby, Camogie, Active School Flag, Green Energy Flag, Green Schools, School Musical, Formula 1, Robotics Challenge, Equestrian, Young Scientist, Highlights for 2015

Official Opening of School Library Fionnan Sheahan, editor of the Irish Independent and past pupil of Coláiste Mhuire Co-Ed returned to his alma mater in September for the Official Opening of the School Library. Fionnan delivered a most enthralling speech that was heartfelt and full of humour as he paid a nostalgic trip down memory lane to his times as a student in the 90’s at Coláiste Mhuire Co-Ed. Mr. Harry Freeman, of the Education Department at Trinity College was a guest speaker who also delivered an excellent after dinner speech on Positive Behaviour Management in education. Also in attendance were Tipperary ETB CE Ms. Fionnuala McGeever and representatives from primary schools in Thurles and the surrounding hinterland.

Make a Book Project National schools have requested sets of booklet to enhance their maths initiatives.

One of the First Schools to pioneer Coding course in Ireland

TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 21 SCHOOL REPORT 2015 - Coláiste Phobal Ros Cré

COLÁISTE PHOBAL ROS CRÉ

Corville Road, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary Tel. (0505) 23939 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.cpr.ie School Roll No. 76069P

Enrolment as at 01/10/2015 660 School Staff 54 Teaching Staff/Principal/Deputy, 4.5 SNA’s, 1 Caretaker, 1.8 Admin Subjects Available Irish, English, Maths, History, Geography, French, German, Spanish, Science, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Agricultural Science, Home Economics, Art, Music, Business Studies, Business, Accounting, Technical Graphics, D.C.G., Metalwork, Engineering, Woodwork, Construction Studies, Tourism, RE, PE, CSPE, SPHE Extra Curricular Activities Drama, Music, Hurling, Camogie, Soccer, Rugby, Badminton, Athletics, School Tours, Green Schools, Gaisce Highlights for 2015

Inclusion of the school in the Schools Building Programme 2019-2021 New Board of Management, Principal and Deputy Principal appointed

22 TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SCHOOL REPORT 2015 - Comeragh College

COMERAGH COLLEGE

Greenside, Carrick On Suir, Co. Tipperary Tel. (051) 640 131 Email: [email protected] Website: comeraghcollege.ie School Roll No: 74200V

Enrolment as at 01/10/2015 265 School Staff 27 Subjects Available Junior Certificate: Irish, English, Maths, Science, German, French, Geography, History, Business, Tech Graphics, Metalwork, Woodwork, Homework, Art, Music, Information Technology, CSPE, Religion, Physical Education Leaving Certificate: Irish, English, Project Maths, German, French, Biology, Phys/Chem, History, Geography, Design/Comm/Graphics, Cngineering, Construction Studies, Art, Music, Business, Home Economics, Physcial Education, SPHE Health Education, Religion, Physical Education, Career Guidance, Career Guidance Information Technology Extra Curricular Activities Hurling, Football, Basketball, Tennis, Speech/Drama, Badminton, Debating Highlights for 2015

Sod Turning for new school Friday, June 19th, 2015 was an historic day in the history of our school. A sod-turning ceremony took place to acknowledge the progress of the construction of our state of the art new school. Minister Alan Kelly was in attendance on the day to officially “turn the sod”. For sporting enthusiasts, the new school is going to be a dream come true; 5 ball courts, a full size GAA pitch, a full size sports hall, a completely equipped gym, to name but a few of the sporting facilities available in the new school. This 16 acre school campus will have a capacity for 500 students, each of whom will access the very best facilities currently available. There will be many specialist rooms in the school such as a music room, three technology rooms, three science laboratories, demonstration room, guidance suite, as well as multi-media teaching spaces. The completion of the school will enable ambitious students and excellent teachers work together in a fantastic educational environment!

Green Revolution Competition Callie Power and Heather O Dwyer, Transition Year Students from Comeragh College were awarded 1st prize in the Green Revolution held in Fethard. This competition was to encourage students to think about all the possibilities on recycling. Their design was made of insulation, paper, tin foil, plastic bottles, and old clothes. Well done to both girls on this stunning creation.

Comeragh College Academic Achievement Awards, October 2015 Friday 23rd October was a day of great celebration in Comeragh College, as the school community came together to honour the achievements of our current 5th Year and TY students who achieved academic excellence in the Junior Certificate Examinations across abroad range of subjects, the results of which came to schools in mid September. Silver and Bronze Gaisce Awards were also given to Transition Year Students. Staff and parents of the award winners were present at the ceremony, which was opened by the school choir singing the song “Believe”. Cllr Kieran Bourke, Chairperson of the Board of Management then welcomed everybody to the Awards Ceremony followed by Cllr John Hogan, Chairman of Tipperary ETB, who gave warm words of encouragement to the students of Comeragh College. Ms Fionuala McGeever, CE of Tipperary ETB congratulated all the students at Comeragh College and looked forward to visiting them in the new premises in March. The guest speaker for the event was Dr. Padraig Kirk, Director, CPD for Junior Cycle for the Department of Education and Science, a former metalwork teacher, who is also CE of Louth/Meath ETB, currently on secondment.

TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 23 SCHOOL REPORT 2015 - St. Joseph’s School, Ferryhouse

ST. JOSEPH’S SCHOOL

Ferryhouse, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary Tel: 052-6183000 Fax: 052-6121399 E-mail: [email protected]

About the School St. Joseph’s School is an open residential centre, owned and managed by the H.S.E., for boys between the ages of ten and seventeen. In June 2007, the responsibility for the provision of education at St. Joseph’s School was transferred from the Department of Education to South Tipperary VEC. The centre, through comprehensive policies of care, education and control, aims to provide a safe environment for young boys whose diverse needs have not been met for a variety of reasons.

Within this framework St. Joseph’s School has developed programmes and procedures which are designed to facilitate the achievement of these objectives. The centre actively involves the children and their families as well as a dedicated and professional multi skilled staff team in the achievement of these goals. Our ethos is to nurture all through a spirit of inclusion, tolerance and promotion of individual self-growth. We value and respect each individual. Principal Mr. Anthony Kearins Deputy Principal Mr. Brian Looney Chairperson Board of Management Ms. Josephine Chamney Enrolment as at 01/10/2015 The total number of students that can be enrolled at any one time is capped at 35. The School is for boys only. Programmes Available Junior Certificate; FETAC Programmes Subjects Available Examination Subjects: English, Maths, History, Geography, Science, C.S.P.E., Music, Information Technology, Art, Pottery, Materials Technology (Wood), Materials Technology (Metal), Social, Personal & Health Education (SPHE), Religion, Physical Education.

24 TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SCHOOL REPORT 2015 - Central Technical Institute

CENTRAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE COLÁISTE CHLUAIN MEALA GAELCHOLÁISTE CHÉITINN CTI SENIOR COLLEGE

The Mall, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary Tel. (052) 6121450

Enrolment as at 01/10/2015 484 (All 3 Schools) - 286 Boys, 198 Girls School Staff 57 (44 Teachers, 5 SNA’s, 3 Admin Staff, 5 Maintenance Staff) Subjects Available English , Irish, Maths, Art, Woodwork, Metalwork, Home Economics, History, Geography, Religion, Science, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, O.S.S.P. , Construction, P.E., Engineering, Tech. Graphics, C.S.P.E., D.C.G.,Technology, S.P.H.E., Music, Business, French. Extra Curricular Activities Football, Snooker, Music, basketball, Poetry Aloud, Debating, Badminton, F1. Highlights for 2015

Colaiste Chluain Meala student Hailey O’Connor was awarded the prize of a place on the Michael Sweetman Educational Trust 2015 EUROSCOLA tour of Strasburg including a visit to the European Parliament and participation in a EUROSCOLA debate with students from all over the European Union. Hailey is a 6th year Leaving Cert Applied Student and LCA co-ordinator Ms Bergin entered her tasks in the competition. Following rigorous interviews she was the only student chosen from Tipperary to represent Ireland in the Parliamentary debate. Hailey was a worthy winner and learned a lot from her experience in Strasburg. Hailey had first-hand experience of how membership of the European Union impacts us as Irish citizens, She commented that “the experience was invaluable, and it was a once in a lifetime opportunity to see how things are run in Europe”. Congratulations Hailey.

Gaelcholáiste Chéitinn’s “F1 in Schools” Team Qualifies for National Finals A group of six Idirbhliain students, known as “Surge Racing”, from Gaelcholáste Chéitinn, Clonmel qualified last week in UL for the National Finals in Dublin Castle on the 29th of April. They have been working on the F1 in Schools competition since September 2014. This is the second time in three years that Gaelcholáiste Chéitinn has had a team in the final.F1 in schools is an international competition for students (aged 9 to 19), in which a team of 3-6 students have to design and manufacture a miniature F1 car using CAD/CAM design tools. To compete successfully, the Surge Racing team also had to produce a 20 page design portfolio as well as a pit display. The design portfolio contained comprehensive information about the team, technicalities of the car design and manufacturing process, marketing techniques, project management, team work and team identity. The team gave a presentation to a panel of judges explaining their journey through the F1 in Schools competition. The team competed against teams across Munster. Surge Racing’s car raced down the F1 track with the fastest time of the day, 20 metres in 1.082 seconds. The Surge Racing team consists of six members, each with a specific role: Seanán Caomhánach (Team Manager), Clár de Paoir (Marketing and Communications Manager), Sophie Ní Riain (Graphic Designer), Martha Ní Ghibne (Resource Manager), Seathrúin van Dam and Cáit de Noiréis (Design Engineers). To achieve a place on the Gaelcholáiste team students had to demonstrate resourcefulness, creativity, communication, self-motivation and determination. They had to be prepared to commit to the project for six months.

Scholarship Success Three members of the class of 2015 were awarded scholarships to various third level institutions based on the results of their Leaving Certificate examinations. Róisín Bhreathnach gained 570 points from her results enabling her to study International Business in U.C.D. and obtain an entrance scholarship from the University.

TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 25 SCHOOL REPORT 2015 - Nenagh College

NENAGH COLLEGE

Dromin Road, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary Tel. (067) 31525 E-mail: [email protected] Website: nenaghcollege.com School Roll No. 72440K

Enrolment as at 01/10/2015 366 + 95 (PLC) = 461 School Staff 43 (Including Ancillary & Admin.) Subjects Available English / Irish / Maths/ History / Geography/ Art/ Music/ Woodwork / Construction Studies / PE/ Engineering / Metalwork / DCG / French / Physics/ Biology / Chemistry / Ag. Science / Science / CSPE/ SPHE / RE / Accountancy / Home Ec. / Tech. Graph./ Business Studies / Business / Career Guidance Extra Curricular Activities Green Flag / Amber Flag / Glee Club / Film Club/ Coding / Hurling / Basketball / Rugby / Debating/ Outdoor Pursuits / Soccer / Badminton / Camoige/ Trad. Music group Highlights for 2015

Introduction of Agricultural Science to Senior Cycle options Chosen as one of only 20 schools nationwide to pilot Computer Science and Coding

26 TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SCHOOL REPORT 2015 - Newport College

NEWPORT COLLEGE

Black Road, Newport, Co. Tipperary Tel. (0 61) 378262 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.newportcollege.ie School Roll No. 72450N

Enrolment as at 01/10/2015 174 (78 Boys, 96 Girls) School Staff 22 (19 Teachers, 1 SNA, 1 Administration Staff, 1 Maintenance Staff) Programmes Available Junior Certificate, Junior Certificate School Programme, Leaving Certificate Established, Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA), Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP), School Completion Programme, School Meals, Post Leaving Certificate Courses (PLC), Back to Education Initiative Subjects Available Irish, English, Maths, Science, Art, History, Geography, French, Home Economics, Material Technology (Wood), Material Technology (Metal), Technical Graphics, Business Studies, Civic Social Political Education (CSPE), Music, Religion, Physical Education, Social, Personal & Health Education (SPHE), Computers Extra Curricular Activities Hurling, Camóige, Gaelic Football, Soccer, Basketball, Handball, Volleyball, Athletics, Lunchtime Activities, Board games, Library Club, Debating, Public Speaking, Table Quizzes, Charity Events, Young Entrepreneur, Art Competitions, Computers, Young Scientist, Well Read Highlights for 2015

Growth in 1st year numbers – 2015 saw 40 students start their second level education in Newport. This Congratulations to Finn is a great boost to the school, but places huge strain on our physical resources Bradley receiving his Award for Academic Excellence in achieving 6 A grades in his Junior Certificate

First school tour held in 20 years – European school to Paris was an overwhelming success A very successful primary school soccer Congratulations to our Green School Committee blitz was held in May, hosted by our and their success achieving our 4th Green Flag. A Student Council and again in December flag raising ceremony was held in March and was we organised a table quiz for 5th class attended by Minister Alan Kelly. students in our feeder primary schools. Well done to all.

TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 27 SCHOOL REPORT 2015 - Scoil Ruáin

SCOIL RUÁIN

Killenaule, Thurles, Co. Tipperary Tel. (052)-9156332 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.scoilruain.com School Roll No. 72430H

Enrolment as at 01/10/2015 423 School Staff 37 Teaching Staff, 3 SNA’s 5 Ancillary Staff Subjects Available Irish, English, Mathematics, Science, French, Woodwork, Metalwork, Home Economics, ART, Business Studies, Music, Technical Graphics, CSPE, SPHE, Religion, ICT, Construction Studies, Engineering, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Ag Science, Link Modules, PE.

Childcare Level 5 & 6 PLC Business Studies Level 5 & 6 PLC Extra Curricular Activities Hurling, Football, Ladies Football, Basketball, Camogie, Athletics, Cross Country, Soccer, Badminton, Equestrian. Highlights for 2015

Munster Championship in Cadet Basketball Approval sanctioned for ASD Unit

28 TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SCHOOL REPORT 2015 - St. Ailbe’s School

ST. AILBE’S SCHOOL

Rosanna Road, Tipperary Town, Co. Tipperary Tel. (0 62) 51905 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.ailbes.com School Roll No. 72480W

Enrolment as at 01/10/2015 293 School Staff 31 teaching staff, 1 caretaker and 1 secretary Subjects Available Junior Cycle: English, Irish, Maths, History, Geography, Home Economics, Science, Woodwork, Metalwork, Technical Graphics, Religion, French, Business Studies, SPHE, CSPE, PE, Music, Art Leaving Certificate Subjects: English, Irish, Maths, French, Geography, Biology, Phys/Chem, Music, Engineering, Business, History, PE, Art, Home Economics, Construction Studies, Technical Drawing, Religion, Agricultural Science, LCVP Extra Curricular Activities Gaelic football, hurling, soccer, music, board games, pitch and putt, rugby, basketball, Highlights for 2015

School Musical “Poppins” Our TY students reached the National finals of the Build a bank competition in the RDS.

TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 29 Tipperary ETB Principals and Schools For the first half of the year, these were the staff in place. However, following retirements, the second list reflects the staff in place at the end of 2015

School Name School Address Principal Deputy Principal

Nenagh College Dromin Road, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary Mr. Damien Kennedy Ann Melley Borrisokane Community Ballyhaden, Borrisokane, Co. Tipperary. Mr. Matthew Carr Suzanne McMahon College Colaiste Mhuire Co-ed, Castlemeadows, Thurles, Co. Tipperary Mr. Denis Quinn Clare Wallace Thurles Colaiste Phobal Roscrea Corville Road, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary Mr. Gerard O'Brien John Haugh Templemore College of Richmond, Templempre, Co. Tipperary Dr. Noel Colleran Michael Lenihan Further Education Newport College Black Road, Newport, Co. Tipperary Ms. Clodagh Kelly Mr. James Williams Comeragh College Greenside, Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Mr. Kevin Langton Ms. Kathleen Tipperary O'Donovan Ryan Colaiste Chluain Meala Raheen Road, Clonmel, Co. Tipperart Mr. Charlie McGeever Ms. Tina Kennedy Gaelcoláiste Cheitínn, The Mall, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary Mr. Charlie McGeever Ms. Tina Kennedy Clonmel Colaiste Dun Iascaigh, Cahir Cashel Road, Cahir, Co. Tipperary Ms. Mary Finnegan Mr. Darius Burke Delahunty Scoil Ruain Killenaule, Co. Tipperary Mr. Gerry McGill Ms. Siobhan Landers St. Ailbe's School Rosanna Road, Tipperary Town, Co. Mr. Peter Creedon Mr. Kieran O'Dwyer Tipperary.

School Name School Address Principal Deputy Principal

Nenagh College Dromin Road, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary Mr Damien Kennedy Ms Ann Melley Borrisokane Community Ballyhaden, Borrisokane, Co. Tipperary. Mr Matthew Carr Ms Suzanne College McMahon Colaiste Mhuire Co-ed, Castlemeadows, Thurles, Co. Tipperary Mr Denis Quinn Ms Clare Wallace Thurles Colaiste Phobal Roscrea Corville Road, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary Mr Michael O'Connor Mr Jack Flynn Templemore College of Richmond, Templempre, Co. Tipperary Dr Noel Colleran Mr Michael Further Education Lenihan Newport College Black Road, Newport, Co. Tipperary Ms Clodagh Kelly Mr James Williams Comeragh College Greenside, Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Mr Kevin Langton Ms Kathleen Tipperary O'Donovan Ryan Colaiste Chluain Meala Raheen Road, Clonmel, Co. Tipperart Mr Charlie McGeever Ms. Tina Kennedy Gaelcoláiste Cheitínn, The Mall, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary Mr Charlie McGeever Ms Tina Kennedy Clonmel Colaiste Dun Iascaigh, Cahir Cashel Road, Cahir, Co. Tipperary Mr Peter Creedon Mr Darius Delahunty Scoil Ruain Killenaule, Co. Tipperary Mr Gerry McGill Ms Siobhan Landers St. Ailbe's School Rosanna Road, Tipperary Town, Co. Mr Ruaidhri Devitt Mr Kieran O'Dwyer Tipperary. 30 TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Chapter 3

FURTHER EDUCATION AND SERVICES

TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 31 Staff with responsibility for further education are Eileen Condon, Acting Education Officer (EO) and Antoinette Coffey, Adult Education Officer (AEO), Nenagh.

Main Locations for the provision of Further Education and Training (FET) in Tipperary

32 TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Total Numbers Participating per Programme in 2015

The Operational Guidelines determine participant profile.

Planning At a national level, Eileen Condon, Education Officer, is a member of the SOLAS/ETB Planning Group. This Group examined and discussed the overarching funding parameters for FET provision in 2015. Eileen Condon, EO, is a member of the ETBI Further Education and Training Strategy Group. This group provided updates from its ETB on the five goals in the SOLAS FET Strategy 2014-2019. To assist Further Education Managers in course planning, SOLAS held Regional Seminars. Tipperary ETB hosted one of the regional seminars that took place on Thursday, 22nd January in Coláiste Eile, Thurles. There were four ETBs in attendance with ten staff from each ETB: Kilkenny/Carlow; Waterford/Wexford; Laois/ Offaly and Tipperary.

In 2015, considerable time was spent on examining and completing the new funding processes known as FAR (Funding Application Request) and FARR (Funding Application Request Reporting. Application for 2015 funding to SOLAS was comprised of the completion of the following:

FAR 1 – Funding Allocations Request checklist FAR 2 – Business Case/Supplemental Data Template FAR 3 – Qualitative Data Template FAR 4 – Financial

In addition to the above, all FET provision for Tipperary was entered into the FAR Database: FAR is a web-based application that also Inputs, Outputs and Outcomes. The months of February and November/December saw programmes focused on populating the FARR Database for 2015 and 2016. A number of Data Inputters were trained to support programmes. A Mid-Year Review was conducted to examine current activity and future needs of Tipperary ETB by SOLAS: A meeting took place with Ciaran Conlon, SOLAS on the 24th June 2015 with regard to the Mid-Year Review. Planning for 2016 is underway since October 2015

Programme Learner Support System (PLSS) The PLSS was introduced in 2015 to capture provision in Tipperary for the purpose of assisting with referrals between the ETB and the Department of Social Protection (DSP). Time spent on populating the PLSS in 2015 contributed to ensuring the plans for the Programme and Learner Support System (PLSS) to provide an integrated and coordinated mechanism for the achievement of Strategic Goal 4 of the FET Strategy 2014-2019, which is to implement a new planning and funding model for FET. It is envisaged that the Programme and Learner Support System (PLSS) will support SOLAS, ETB and DSP business processes and facilitate the systematic and timely access to the data within Further Education and Training (FET) provision. The PLSS development is funded from the SOLAS IT budget; the secure web-based system will have a branded common look and feel throughout the three sections of the system.

The three components of PLSS are the:

„„ National Programme Database (NPD) „„ Course Calendar Scheduling System (CCSS) „„ Learner Database

TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 33 Training provided on PLSS in 2015

„„ The PLSS National Co-Ordinator provided a briefing to all FE Staff on the 9th September „„ PLSS Briefing by SOLAS took place on the 6th October „„ Course Database Training took place on the 12th October „„ Course Scheduling Training took place on the 13th October

Staff representing TETB on national PLSS groups „„ Antoinette Coffey, AEO „„ Jenny Whelan, FESS

A large amount of Statistical Returns to SOLAS and the Department of Education and Skills (DES) were collated and submitted in 2015. These were:

„„ Total number of long-term unemployed learners „„ DES End of Year Returns for BTEI, Adult Literacy, Community Education, VTOS and Youthreach „„ FAR Database – Uploaded „„ SOLAS Reporting - January to end of May 2015 „„ SOLAS Reporting - June to end of September 2015

Long Term Unemployed Programme Summary 2015

Staff Meetings of Further Education Managers These meetings serve the purpose of integrating Further Education provision, informing staff, and sharing good practice. In 2015 these meetings were held on:

„„ 20th January – Nenagh „„ 9th March – Clonmel „„ 21st April – Horse & Jockey „„ 26th June – Clonmel „„ 9th September – Nenagh „„ 7th October – Clonmel „„ 4th November – Nenagh „„ 9th December – Nenagh

Workshops A series of workshops/presentations took place at the Further Education Managers Meetings throughout 2015:

„„ The FARR Funding Allocations Requests and Reporting 2015 (January) „„ The FARR Funding Allocations Requests and Reporting 2016 (November/December) „„ ETB Lead Actions for the SOLAS FET Implementation Plan (March/April)

34 TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Presentations „„ Presentation about Youth Work in ETBs was made by Lorraine Duane and Lisa Kavanagh, Youth Officers, TETB on the 21st April. „„ Presentation on ‘Freedom of Information and Data Protection’ was made by Bernie Harty on the 21st April. „„ The National PLSS Co-ordinator made a presentation on the PLSS on the 9th September. „„ Paul Malone, SOLAS, made a Presentation on the National Skills Survey on the 7th October. The Skills Profile will provide a baseline picture of staff in the sector in relation to their skills, qualifications and experience.

Meeting Attended National Meetings Attended

„„ Phase 3 Training Transfer meetings „„ Training planning in Mid-west and South-east regions „„ PLSS National Advisory Group – Mid-west Region „„ ETBI FET Strategy Group „„ ETBI QQI Forum „„ CEEOA meetings „„ SOLAS Skills Advisory Group „„ ETBI Board of Management Training „„ AEO is the TETB Contact for the ETBDJEI Protocol

Regional Meetings attended during 2015

„„ Regional Skills Forums in the mid-west and south-east „„ Action Planning for Jobs in the mid-west and south-east

Local Meetings attended during 2015

„„ Principals Meetings „„ QA Working Group „„ Result Approval Process Meetings „„ DSP/ETB/Training Staff Meetings in Clonmel „„ Staff from Waterford/Limerick Training Centres „„ Meeting with Teagasc „„ Meetings with Youth Officers „„ EO is the TETB representative on the LCDC „„ EO sits on the Interagency Group for Unemployment Interventions, chaired by Tipperary Co Co. „„ AEO is the Chairperson of the Nenagh Childcare Centre „„ AEO is on the Advocate Steering Committee.

Award Ceremonies in 2015 „„ LCA, Youthreach Roscrea – 29th May „„ Annual Awards Thurles – 1st July „„ Annual Awards Nenagh – 21st July „„ Annual Adult Education Awards- October 15th, Clonmel

Highlights for 2015

„„ Approval of 11.5 additional training staff in December 2015 „„ Preparation for transfer of training function to Tipperary ETB „„ Improved integration of FET processes and provision „„ Participation in Regional forums linking provision to needs of industry „„ Improved TETB DSP Referral processes „„ Targeted CPD „„ Attendance at Annual Award Ceremonies in Roscrea, Thurles, Nenagh and Clonmel. Learners received awards from Levels 1-5 (May and July 2015) „„ The EO and AEO attended launches of the Action Plan for Jobs (Mid-West and South-East Regions) in October 2015.

TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 35 „„ Tipperary Youthreach Centres organised a Conference on the 2nd /3rd December in Horse and Jockey with Fr Peter Mc Verry as guest speaker. „„ Tipperary Enterprise Week was held from the 18th – 22nd May. „„ A comprehensive CPD for FE Staff was rolled out during 2015. This included Managing Challenging Behaviour, IT time-saving processes, Freedom of Information and Data protection training „„ Information Officers attended DSP events during DSP Jobs week – 28th September – 2nd October „„ FE Staff attended an ETBI FET Conference on the 26th November 2015 in Naas „„ The EO participated in Tipperary ETB training for ETB Boards of Management on September 7th, 2015 in the Horse and Jockey. „„ The EO went on an educational tour to Bristol on June14th-16th, which was organised by ETBI to view award winning FET colleges. „„ The EO participated in a Summer Writing Institute in Maynooth in July. „„ The EO attending a series of workshops on Using Coaching in Managing Staff with TETB Senior Management. „„ The EO attended the Staff retirement function in the Anner Hotel on the 4th of November, and Students Awards night on the 6th November in the Horse and Jockey Hotel

Key Goals 2016

„„ Work closely with CE to develop and expand the” FET Service” „„ Improve FET Centres in Nenagh, Clonmel , Carrick-on-Suir, and Thurles „„ Develop a PLSS within the FET Service „„ Establish a FET Sub- Committee of Tipperary ETB „„ Increase range of innovative and relevant FET options for learners „„ Develop QA Processes.

36 TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Adult Literacy, North Tipperary

ADULT LITERACY SCHEME ESOL (ENGLISH FOR SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES) ITABE(INTENSIVE TUITION IN BASIC ADULT EDUCATION)

Lifelong Learning, Martyr’s Rd, Nenagh Co Tipperary

Programmes Offered In: Roscrea, Thurles, Borrisokane, Cloughjordan , Ballina, Nenagh Lorrah, Newport, Borrisoleigh and Littleton Total number of learners 2014 798 Students Adult Literacy ITABE and ESOL Skills for work numbers Courses offered Literacy, Numeracy, Family Literacy, Basic Computers, Nutrition Wellbeing, Personal Development, ESOL and Skills for Work Accreditation achieved (if applicable), e.g. 257 Minor awards at QQI Level 2 number of major/minor awards, ECDL, 106 Minor awards at QQI Level 3 etc. Number of staff and roles 2.6 Literacy Resource Persons 20 Part time Tutors 20 Volunteer Tutors Highlights for 2015

Awards day and the enjoyment that so many people got out of receiving their Awards Training 15 Voluntary Tutors and their enthusiasm for their volunteering role

TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 37 Adult Literacy & ESOL, South Tipperary

ADULT LITERACY AND ESOL

Clonmel (Headquarters) Also, Carrick-on-Suir, Cahir, Cashel, Tipperary Town and Killenaule

Description of Programme Adult Literacy Adult Literacy classes are offered to job-seekers as well as to adults in employment who want to improve their communication skills, i.e. reading, writing and numeracy and information technology. Programmes are typically delivered up to to six hours per week during the academic year and include courses such as Family Learning and stand alone Maths/Numeracy. Courses can be non-accredited or accredited between levels 1 and 3. 1 to 1 tuition is offered in some instances but the majority of students attend in groups of up to 8 people. English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) New community members in Ireland come from a wide range of cultural, linguistic, educational and social backgrounds. ESOL classes are provided to meet the needs of unemployed learners who may be educated with professional and skilled backgrounds who are attending classes to learn English or improve their English. However, there are also a significant number of learners who are learning English who may have missed out on or had very little formal education in their country of origin and who lack the basic literacy skills as well. Skills for Work Skills for Work is a national programme aimed at providing opportunities to help employees deal with basic skill demands of the workplace. The programme contributes towards the creation of a well-educated workforce and also promotes the concept of lifelong learning in the workplace. Sometimes our SFW programmes are run in company premises but mostly they are run in one of our ETB Adult Education Centres. Programmes are 28-35 hours duration and designed in a flexible way to meet the needs of employer and employees. Accreditation is offered within SFW programmes at level 3. Accreditation received 194 learners 274 components levels 1 to 3 Number of staff and roles Louise McGrath, Administrative Assistant Lavinia English, Resource Worker Lillian Hahessy, Resource Worker Peter Cleary, Resource Worker Diarmuid Heafey, Caretaker Mary Roche Cleary, Adult Literacy Organiser Highlights for 2015 Tutor training organised: Development of a Facebook page for the service: Using technology for recording assessment - January TETB representative for the Refugee Resettlement Training for tutors on the use of Adverts.ie website - March Programme in Thurles. Blended learning training – March Five members of part-time staff (Tutors) graduated from Initial tutor training for Volunteers - June WIT with qualifications ranging from level 6 to level 8. Introducing Cambridge ESOL and IELTS exam preparation classes - August ALO represented ALOs and TETB, meeting President QQI developments for all ALS part-time staff - September Higgins for NALAW. Using real data at levels 2 and 3 and Dyslexia– October High Tea and Talk event to highlight the mental 19 Skills for Work programmes delivered wellbeing among students and staff. Farmers, Dunnes Stores, ABP Cahir (Cahir Meats), St. Teresa’s Nursing ALO wrote the draft policy for Integrating Literacy and Home, Co. Council, Glenpatrick, and groups of retail employees and Numeracy into all FET. owner managers ALO developed a Volunteer Protocol for TETB. Implementation of new ESOL programmes preparing students for Cambridge English exams

38 TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Back to Education Initiative

BACK TO EDUCATION INITIATIVE

North Block, Army Barracks Campus, Dillon Street, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary

Programme Description The Back to Education Initiative (BTEI) aims to increase the participation of young people and adults with less than upper second level education in a range of flexible learning opportunities. We provide tuition that prepares participants for re-entry into the workplace with updated skills and knowledge and a recognised qualification. The overall aim is to give people an opportunity to combine a return to learning with family, work and other responsibilities.

Courses are available morning time, afternoon and also at night time. Learners can enter a range of programme at their current level of skill and we offer Levels 3 to 5 on the QQI Framework. Locations Cahir: Adult Education Centre, Church Street, Cahir Carrick-on-Suir: 45 New Street, Carrick-on-Suir and Comeragh College Cashel: Adult Education Centre, Hogan Square, Cashel Clonmel: North Block, Army Barracks Campus, Dillon Street, Clonmel & Prior Park, Clonmel Killenaule: Adult Education Centre, Main Street, Killenaule Tipperary Town: Knockanrawley Resource Centre & Community Centre, St. Michael Street Total Number of Learners 878 Courses Offered Using Information and Communication Technologies in Everyday Life 3M0877; Learning for Everyday Living 3M0874; Early Childhood Education and Care Support 4M2014; Office Skills 4M2070; Retails Skills 4M1998; Information and Communication Technologies 4M0855; Horticulture 4M1994; Engineering Skills 4M2895; Culinary Skills 4M2063; Healthcare Support 5M4339; Animal Care 5M2768; Sports, Recreation and Exercise 5M5146; Business Administration 5M2468; Early Childhood Care & Education 5M2009; Accreditation Achieved 1188 total number of Certified Awards in 2015. Staff Kaye Mullaney BTEI Coordinator Bridget Ryan BTEI Admin Geri Cullen Resource Worker Brigid Ann Whelan Resource Worker Highlights for 2015

The success of engaging Early School Leavers and those who have been out of education for a long time into BTEI was a highlight for staff and tutors. 590 learners indicated that they were either ESL’s or had a Leaving Certificate older than 15 years and we were able to provide a supportive return to education in a developmentally focused environment.

The range of programmes available in BTEI continued to grow in 2015 and we provided more subjects in areas such as Engineering and Culinary Skills.

TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 39 Community Education & BTEI, North Tipperary

COMMUNITY EDUCATION & BTEI

TETB LLL Service Martyrs Rd Nenagh

Description of Programme Provision of outreach adult education opportunities, certified and uncertified in Tipperary North. Increasing awareness of opportunities in community and voluntary groups. Total Number of Learners Community Education 916 (FARR outputs) BTEI (Comm Ed North) 344 (FARR outputs) Courses Offered 80 Community Education courses were offered. As the course content is too wide to list individually, I have instead included the community education providers: North Tipperary Community Service / North Tipperary Leader Partnership / Killaloe & Ballina Family Resource Centre / Carrig Active Retired / Holycross Craft Circle / More Family Project / Hospital of Assumption / Aras Foillain Peer Mental Health Support / Littleton Craft Group / Glenroyd Day Care Centre / Thurles Men’s Shed / Irish Wheelchair Association / Templemore HSCL Parents Group / More Family Project / Nenagh Day Care / Kilcommon Active Retired / Golden Years Day Care / Silvermines Com Ed Group / Nenagh Men’s Shed / Borrisokane Men’s Shed / Gleann Glas Residents Association / Thurles Failte Group / St Marys Day Care Centre / TYRS Adult Volunteers / Thurles Resettlement Group / Moycarkey Borris Community Group / Roscrea Men’s Shed / Currenny Development Association / Borrisokane Women’s Group etc.

21 BTEI Courses were offered to our partners in education and included the following community and voluntary groups as well as several TETB led community education groups: Killaloe & Ballina Family Resource Centre / North Tipperary Leader Partnership

Administration for 101 courses including FARR data entry and maintenance of all soft & hard files, account administration and processing of part time tutor payroll.

CPD for tutors was also organised in this centre. Accreditation Achieved 47 QQI component certs 30 ECDL Certs Staff 1 full time CEF 1 part time admin to CE programme – 1 part time admin to Head Office 2 staff part time = .4 person Highlights for 2015

„„ Set up of Community Education network – this process started in 2014 and continued into this year. „„ Included new subject area – community music and groups expressed interest in this. „„ Working with CEF Veronica Crowe on various developmental issues eg. CPD for tutors & development of other guidelines for staff. Good to work and meet wider FET Team both North and South through FET structure.

40 TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Community Education, South Tipperary

COMMUNITY EDUCATION

The Mall Clonmel

Description of Programme Community Education main focus is on promoting learning and social development work with individuals & groups in their communities. These are mainly non-accredited short programmes. Total Number of Learners 2,023 Courses Offered Yoga, Mindfulness, Tai Chi, Creative Writing, Cookery Beauty, Good Safety Horticulture, Woodwork, Anger Management, Life Skills, Art, Crafts, Glass Painting, Computers, Committee Skills, Get Started, Welding and Drama. Staff CEF Full Time ADMIN Part-time Highlights for 2015

„„ AONTAS Adult Learner Festival events in February: Healthy Cookery Workshop Fethard; Modern Dance Workshop in Clonmel; Judging Panel for STAR Awards. „„ Production and making of DVD to promote Community Education in Co. Tipperary. „„ Rolled out “First Steps Programme” in Clonmel, Carrick and Tipperary.

TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 41 Adult Guidance and Information Service, North Tipperary

ADULT GUIDANCE AND INFORMATION SERVICE

Lifelong Learning Service Martyrs Road Nenagh Co Tipperary

Programme Description The Adult Educational Guidance Initiative (AEGI) is a Department of Education and Skills funded initiative which provides a quality educational guidance service for adults. Every adult can access the Guidance Service for the purposes of up to date impartial adult educational information. Total Number of Learners 268 Staff 1 member of staff – Information Officer Highlights for 2015

Liaising with ETB and DSP management and staff alongside colleagues in the South of the County to produce an amended Interim Protocol Document to be used throughout the county. This form is now used to make paper referrals to various ETB courses, referrals being made initially through the Adult Guidance Information Services.

Information officer received in house training on setting up of twitter account. The twitter account for Lifelong Learning Service is https://twitter.com/adultednenagh.

Information Officer gave an information presentation on the availability of educational opportunities to Department of Social Protection recipients in the towns of Roscrea and Nenagh during DSP Jobs Week which was held on 28th September 2015 to 2nd October 2015. Information Officer liaised with colleagues in the Adult Guidance Information Service based in Clonmel to provide a joint information presentation on the availability of educational opportunities to DSP staff throughout Tipperary.

42 TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Adult Guidance, South Tipperary

ADULT GUIDANCE

CTI The Mall Clonmel Co. Tipperary

Programme Description 1 to 1 & Group - Guidance & Information. Total Number of Learners 1,326 Staff Guidance Coordinator / Counsellor: Tom Ryan Information Officer: Amy Scanlon Highlights for 2015

„„ Contributed feedback to National Centre for Guidance in Education re development of new Guidance FET strategy. „„ Invested in new software for administering guidance assessment instruments with clients – “ICARES”. „„ Worked continuously to develop a professional and friendly relationship with our colleagues in the local DSP office.

TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 43 VTOS - Cahir

VOCATIONAL TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES SCHEME

Adult Education Centre Church St. Cahir Co. Tipperary

Total Number of Learners 10 Courses Offered FETAC/QQI General Learning Award Level 4 Accreditation Achieved 1 major award @ level 4 7 minor award @ level 4 1 minor award @ level 5 Staff 3, One coordinator/teacher and two teachers all part-time Highlights for 2015

„„ Community Art Event for St. Patrick’s Day and completion of pantomime sets which were highly praised by the public. „„ Completion of stage sets for Cahir Panto Society for “Mother Goose” „„ “Plotted and planned” a mural of derelict building in collaboration with Cahir Tidy Towns

44 TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 VTOS - Clonmel

VOCATIONAL TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES SCHEME

CTI Senior College Clonmel

Total Number of Learners VTOS Core: 30 VTOS Dispersed: 21 Courses Offered Core Two-Year Leaving Certificate Course with QQI Components after Year 1

Dispersed A choice of 10 Post Leaving Certificate Programmes at levels 5 and 6 Accreditation Achieved QQI Leaving Certificate Staff One Full-Time Co-ordinator/ Teacher All other teaching staff teach part-time on VTOS but teach in other areas also, such as Colaiste Cluain Meala, and CTI Senior College Highlights for 2015

VTOS Field Trips Field trips are an integral part of the Clonmel VTOS Programme and a group enjoyed a day in Cobh with a visit to Spike Island in May. Learners enjoyed a day out to Co Wexford and Co Wicklow in October, including a visit to the Dunbrody Famine Ship in New Ross and to the birthplace of Charles Stewart Parnell in Avondale.

VTOS Fundraising Clonmel VTOS and the CTI Senior College supports a Cambodian Orphanage, The Safe House Centre, Siem Reap, Cambodia. A fundraising initiatives was held for this charity in December, 2015. A total of €200 was raised in December at the fundraising coffee morning. These events were planned and organised by VTOS learners.

TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 45 VTOS - Nenagh

VOCATIONAL TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES SCHEME

Teach an Léinn Kenyon Street Nenagh

Programme Description The Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme is an educational opportunities scheme for unemployed persons which is funded by SOLAS. The Scheme provides a special range of courses designed to meet the education and training needs of unemployed people. The aims of the scheme are: „„ to give unemployed people education and training opportunities which will develop their employability; „„ to prepare people to go into paid employment or on to further opportunities leading to paid employment

The Education and Training Boards (ETB’s) operate special VTOS courses which are particularly suitable for persons who have been out of school for some time. The courses are full-time and last for up to 2 years. Certification is available at a range of levels, including Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate, and the Level 3, Level 4 and Level 5 QQI/FETAC Awards on the National Framework of Qualifications. Courses are provided free of charge. You will be provided with books and materials required. Total Number of Learners 45 Core 29 Dispersed Courses Offered Leaving Certificate (Irish, English, Mathematics) QQI Certificate in General Learning Level 4 QQI Certificate in Information & Communication Technology Skills Level 4 QQI Certificate in Employment Skills Level 4 Junior Certificate (Irish, English, Mathematics) QQI Certificate in General Learning Level 3 ECDL QQI Award in Occupational First Aid Level 5 Manual handling Accreditation Achieved Junior Certificate (1-3 Subjects) 12 Leaving Certificate (1-3 Subjects) 16 Staff Olivia Kennedy Murphy PWT 1 Co-Ordinator Joe Cunningham PWT 1 Teacher Maths and IT Edwina Knight QT 0.36 Teacher Art Breege Corrigan QT 0.63 Teacher Irish, Communications & ESOL Michael Roycroft QT 0.54 Teacher English Mary Hackett CID 0.68. Teacher Work Experience, Communications, Personal Effectiveness and Entrepreneurial Skills Administration Nuala Kennedy 0.3; Catherine Dooley 0.5 Highlights for 2015

„„ Awards Ceremony „„ “Phoenix” Mini-Company Fundraiser for The Rape Crisis Centre „„ Trip to Bunratty Castle

46 TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 VTOS - Thurles

VOCATIONAL TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES SCHEME

Coláiste Éile Railway Road Thurles Co. Tipperary

Total Number of Learners VTOS: 88 (Including 17 Disperse Mode Students) (Note: VTOS allocation of 50 places) Courses Offered VTOS: (Major Awards) „„ General Learning (3M0874) „„ Information & Communication Technologies(3M0877) „„ General Learning (4M2010) „„ Employment Skills (4M0857)

VTOS: (Minor Awards) „„ Occupational First Aid „„ ECDL „„ Advanced ECDL Word & Excel Accreditation Achieved Major Awards Level 3: 14 Level 4: 9 Minor Awards Level 3: 10 Level 4: 19 Level 5: 19 ECDL: 25 Adv. Word: 8 Adv. Excel 4 Staff Co-ordinator: Dr Laurenz Egan VTOS: Fiona Barry, Caroline Egan, Patrick Gormley and Mary Ryan. Part-time administrative support: Bernie Gleeson (Grade 3). Part-time cleaner: Stephen Holloway (5 hours per week). Highlights for 2015

Coláiste Éile is proud of the many successes achieved throughout 2015. Many students have realised dreams and progressed onto further studies and employment even in these challenging economic times. The mix of academic and personal development achievements was evident again during the year, bringing many more adults into a more participatory role in many aspects of our local community. Highlights for the year included our annual awards day and our annual Christmas dinner, both events were very well attended.

TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 47 VTOS - Carrick-on-Suir

VOCATIONAL TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES SCHEME

Carrick-on-Suir

Total Number of Learners 12 Courses Offered ECDL - Computer Applications Accreditation Achieved ICS ECDL Full Award Staff 1 Tutor/Administrator/Everything Else Highlights for 2015

We were flooded at Christmas but have since moved location with brand new computers working off windows 10 with office 2013 suite. We have new high speed broadband and everything is working perfectly for the first time in nearly a year.

48 TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Youthreach - Cappawhite

YOUTHREACH

Cappawhite Co. Tipperary

Programme Description Youthreach is provided for young people who have left mainstream education prior to achieving their Leaving Certificate. The programme offers second chance opportunities to learners aged 15 – 20. Our centre at Cappawhite is one of over 100 centres throughout the country. Under the remit of the Department of Education & Science, Youthreach Cappawhite is managed by Tipperary ETB. Financial support and funding for the programme comes from the Department of Education & Skills, the National Development Plan (NDP) and European Union Social & Structural Funds. Our ethos is to offer second chance learning opportunities for early school leavers and enhance their employment opportunities.

Links with community: „„ Tus placement on site. „„ HSE drugs worker once per month. „„ Leargas „„ Tidy towns Cappawhite „„ Cashel Arts Festival art exhibition „„ Tipperary 100 years World War 2 display in Excel. „„ Day care centre Cappawhite treatments offered to elderly. „„ Daffodil day coffee morning. „„ FIT (Fasttrack to I.T.) presentations in the centre. „„ Eirtricity- funding for outdoor education materials and other further funding application opportunity. Total Number of Learners 35 Courses Offered LCA 1 LCA 2 and FETAC 2/3 Staff 1 Coordinator, 4 Resource Persons who act as assistant coordinators who manage and deliver programmes to students in the centre. 7 part time teachers designing and developing programmes to deliver under FETAC or LCA. Highlights for 2015

Completing training in Europe under Leargas umbrella.

Development of the premises to include a further office, horticulture site for delivery of horticulture, tennis court, donations of 12 bicycles from Cappawhite public for sport. Enhanced cooperation with partners such as the HSE in terms of offering further supports to at risk students.

TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 49 Youthreach - Templemore

CÉIM EILE YOUTHREACH PROGRESSION

Templemore College Co. Tipperary

Total Number of Learners 25 Courses Offered Leaving Certificate Applied Year 1 & 2. QQI Level 3/4 Accreditation Achieved Leaving Certificate Applied awarded by DES – 3 Distinctions, 5 Merits and 1 Pass. Staff 1 Coordinator 1 Resource Person 1 Advocate 1 Councillor 1 Career Guidance Personnel 11 Tutors Highlights for 2015

„„ Fundraising for the Irish Cancer Society through an Easter Raffle. There were over twenty prizes given out and more than €400 donated. „„ Two students honoured at ETB Awards ceremony in Horse and Jockey; Eimear Kelly (best LCA) and Sarah Flannery (Personal Achievement).

Left: A selection of some work in the Woodwork department. Above: Some of the students involved in the Easter Raffle in aid of the Irish Cancer Society.

50 TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Youthreach - Roscrea

YOUTHREACH

Roscrea Education Centre Co. Tipperary

Total Number of Learners Averaging 33 Courses Offered QQI level 2 General Learning; QQI level 3 General Learning; QQI level 4 & 5 modules; Junior Certificate; Leaving Certificate Accredication Achieved 6 Junior Certificates; 4 Leaving Certificate Applied; 10 QQI level 2 modules; 12 QQI level 3 modules; 11 Outdoor Pursuit Awards, 8 First Aid awards; 21 Drug & Alcohol Awareness Certificates Staff Centre coordinator: Ester Mackey Resource Persons: Mary Haugh (PT); Caroline Power; Stephen Doyle Teaching team: Ann Collins (PT); Jackie Flanagan (PT); Jackie Lynch (PT); Bridie Malone (PT); Geraldine Noonan (PT); Stephen Gleeson Ancillary team: (part-time) Frank Lynch (Care taking); Emma Gleeson/ Aoibheann Carroll (Admin); Peadar Walsh/Catriona Dwan (Advocate); Patrick O’Connor (Counsellor – we were able to keep his hours extended to assist in meeting the complex needs of our students) Highlights for 2015

„„ We had our first Tipperary ETB Youthreach conference. This built networks and was a valuable continuous professional development opportunity for staff. „„ We piloted a Youthreach “Step Up” programme to attract students and to meet the needs of the community. The goal of the programme is to assist students in gaining entrepreneurial skills and to become independent learners as well as realistic progression into employment and further education.

TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 51 PLC - Coláiste Dún Iascaigh, Cahir

POST-LEAVING CERTIFICATE PROGRAMME

Coláiste Dún Iascaigh, Cashel Rd., Cahir, Co. Tipperary Tel: 052-7442828 Fax: 052-7442233 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.colaisteduniascagh.ie

Total Number of Learners 17 Courses Offered „„ Nursing Studies „„ Healthcare Support/Health Care Assistant

QQ1 Level 5 is an interesting, challenging and rewarding Post Leaving Certificate course. It is designed to provide the learner with the knowledge and skills to relate to and work with “older persons” in need of care in the community and the Nursing Studies course is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to enter the growing Healthcare Industry. Accreditation Achieved QQ1 – Certification in Healthcare Support (Level 5) QQ1 – Certification in Nursing Studies (Level 5) Staff 8 staff (Co-ordinator, Educators , Career Guidance)

52 TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 PLC - Coláiste Mhuire Co-Ed, Thurles

POST-LEAVING CERTIFICATE PROGRAMME

Coláiste Mhuire Co-Ed Castlemeadows Thurles Co. Tipperary

Total Number of Learners 162 Courses Offered Sport & Recreation level 5 & 6, Art Level 5, Nursing, Healthcare Support, Childcare Level 5 & 6, Business Administration Level 5 , e-Business Accreditation Achieved 92 Major Awards 37 Minor Awards Staff 17 Tutors 1 Guidance Counsellor 1 PLC Co-ordinator

Highlights for 2015

„„ Commenced new Animal Care Fetac Level 5 Course. Proved very popular. „„ Forging of links with Bucks University further enhancing our very successful Nursing Course.

TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 53 PLC - CTI Senior College, Clonmel

POST-LEAVING CERTIFICATE PROGRAMME

CTI Senior College The Mall Clonmel Co.Tipperary

Total Number of Learners 211 Courses Offered Advanced Certificate in Childcare (Level 6); Art Portfolio Preparation; Business Studies Secretarial ; Childcare and Additional Needs; Civil, Mechanical & Electronics Engineering; Computer Systems & Programming (IT); Creative Craft & Design; Fine Art (Level 6); Horticultural Studies; Health Care Support; Information Systems & Computer Applications ; Computer and Life Skills ; Networks and Software Systems; Nursing Studies; Silversmithing and Jewellery Design (Level 6); Sport, Recreation & Exercise,; Tourism with Culinary Skills Accreditation Achieved Major Award in FETAC Level 5 and 6 Staff 57 (44 Teaching Staff, 5 SNA’s, 3 Admin Staff (1 full time & 2 part time, 5 Maintenance Staff (2 full time & 3 part time)) Highlights for 2015

New Links with WIT Benefit CTI Graduates A “Progression Agreement” has been established with Waterford Institute of Technology since September 2014. This agreement now facilitates learners from CTI Senior College being offered places on designated WIT courses through the CAO in advance of round 1 or through the WIT Advanced Entry Process, as appropriate. A number of places on Level 6, 7 and 8 programmes will be reserved for CTI graduates who satisfy the required criteria. This links scheme provides the opportunity for CTI Senior College learners to progress to reserved third level courses. Negotiations to expand this scheme to other IT colleges are ongoing.

Nursing Studies News Nursing graduates have been successfully gaining employment and college places for the last eight years. This year Kay O’Brien and Gary Minogue were both offered places on the WIT General Nursing Degree and Isobelle English was offered a place on their Intellectual Disability Degree course. Tara Fahey also secured a place in The University of Limerick on its Intellectual Disability Nursing Degree course. These courses are most difficult to access so we were delighted to hear that four of our graduates were successful.

Silversmithing & Jewellery Design Level 6 The work achieved to date on this course is outstanding. The quality of the workmanship and the attention to detail is incredible. The photographs do not do justice to the work, however the pieces are on display in the lobby of the College, in The Mall, and all are welcome, to come to the Open Day on the 4th of December to have a closer look.

Computer Systems & Programming It will be possible at the open day for prospective students to view and play games which have been developed by students of the Computer Systems & Programming PLC course, and to see how such programs are made.

54 TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 PLC - Nenagh College of Further Education

POST-LEAVING CERTIFICATE PROGRAMME

Nenagh College of Further Education Dromin Road Nenagh Co. Tipperary

Total Number of Learners 97 Courses Offered QQI LEVEL 5 Applied Social Studies Early Childhood Care & Education Office Administration Sports, Recreation & Fitness Engineering and Renewable Energy Accreditation Achieved QQI Level 5 Certificate Staff 1 PLC Co-ordinator 5 Programme Co-ordinators 9 Tutors (part-time) Highlights for 2015

„„ A very successful Intercultural Day hosted by our Applied Social Studies Class – October 2015 „„ PLC Careers Day - An interactive and informative presentation facilitated by Ross Munnelly (DCU Careers Department) in Nenagh Arts Centre, September 2015 „„ Successful introduction of new PLC course (QQI Level 5 Engineering and Renewable Energy)

TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 55 PLC - Coláiste Phobal, Roscrea

POST-LEAVING CERTIFICATE PROGRAMME

Coláiste Phobal, Ros Cré Corville Road Roscrea Co Tipperary

Total Number of Learners 81 Courses Offered „„ Business Admin. with Technology (Level 5) „„ Advanced Administration with HR (Level 6) „„ Nursing Studies (Level 5) „„ Healthcare Support (Level 5) „„ Early Childhood Care and Education (Level 5) „„ Community Development with Youthwork (Level 5) Accreditation Achieved 50 – Major Award (QQI) 13 – Minor Award (QQI) Staff 8 (1 PLC Co-ordinator, Class tutor and teacher; 3 Class tutors and teachers; 4 Class teachers only) Highlights for 2015

„„ 4 students progressed using QQI qualification to Nursing Studies – 3 (UL), 1 (UK) „„ Minister Alan Kelly launching our new course in Community Development with Youthwork in May 2015 „„ Links forged with WIT „„ Over 90% of our students gained employment from our Healthcare Support Programme

56 TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 PLC - St. Ailbe’s, Tipperary Town

POST-LEAVING CERTIFICATE PROGRAMME

St. Ailbe’s Tipperary Town

Total Number of Learners PLC & VTOS – 30 learners Night classes – 12 learners Courses Offered „„ Payroll with Administration Skills „„ Healthcare Support „„ Nursing Studies „„ Computers with Communications Skills „„ Early Childhood Education & Care Level 6 (Night Classes) Accreditation Achieved Major Awards at Level 4 and 5 4 Level 6 Minors (Night Classes) Staff 2 full time tutors with 2 additional tutors delivering an additional 2 modules each 1 part-time tutor (Night Classes) Highlights for 2015

„„ This year we introduced a Level 4 Award in Computers and we established links with MooreHaven Centre as the Level 4 Award gave some of their Learners an opportunity to experience education out in the wider community. „„ Our Healthcare Support Learners were very successful in obtaining employment as this is an area of growing need with more elderly people reaming in their own homes with assisted living. „„ A number of our Nursing Studies Learners were successful in their application for a Level 8 Degree in Nursing in Ireland and in England. „„ A number of our Payroll with Administration Learners were successful in obtaining employment based on their work experience placement during the year.

TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 57 PLC - Templemore College

POST-LEAVING CERTIFICATE PROGRAMME

Templemore College Templemore Co. Tipperary

Location Templemore College is the only exclusively Post Leaving Certificate College in Tipperary Education and Training Board. The College changed its name from St. Sheelan’s College four years ago to emphasise not only the location but also the nature of education provided in the College. Total Number of Learners 294 This is 7 over our PLC cap. The College has been consistently providing educational opportunities for more than the PLC cap for a number of years Courses Offered The College is constantly reviewing and extending the range of programmes provided for students. For 2015 we added QQI Make-up Artistry, Language and European Studies, and Horsemanship at Level 5. For 2016 we are planning to add CISCO Cybersecurity Level 6, and QQI Informatics Level 5. This year the College provided nineteen programmes in the areas of Business, Networks and Software Development, Early Childhood Care, Beauty Therapy, Complementary Therapies, Hairdressing, Sport and Recreation, Horticulture, Media and creative Media, Cartoon Animation, Make-up Artistry, Security Studies, and Applied Social Studies. Accreditation Achieved The College has a PLC cap of two hundred and eighty seven students. Two hundred and ninety four students enrolled in the College in September 2015. Of that number we anticipate that two hundred a fifty-four will complete, which represents an 87% of students. Staff There are thirty teachers in the College including a Principal, Deputy Principal, four Assistant Principals, and four Special Duties teachers. The variety of roles among teachers is determined on an annual basis by the programmes offered. However, a number of key roles identified this year were European Funding, Branding and Publicity, and Assessment Processes. Highlights for 2015

„„ In June 2015 we began the development of a new entrance to the College. This development has added to the streetscape in the town as well as a professional reception area for all who enter the College – first impressions are key to the professional profile for our College. „„ Our College Plan for the 2015 – 2018 will provide the basis for continued maintenance and enhancement of the excellent education service we provide to our students.

58 TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 PLC

TIPPERARY EDUCATION AND TRAINING BOARD (ETB) ONE YEAR FULL TIME PLC (POST LEAVING CERTIFICATE) COURSES

SCOIL RUAIN, KILLENAULE AWARD TITLE QQI LEVEL Business Administration Level 5 Business Administration Level 6 Early Childhood Care and Education Level 5 Early Childhood Care and Education Level 6 Healthcare Support Level 5 NEWPORT COLLEGE, NEWPORT AWARD TITLE QQI LEVEL Applied Social Studies Level 5 Business Administration Level 5 Design Level 5 Early Childhood Care and Education Level 5 Healthcare Support Level 5

TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 59 Youth Services

Description of Services Tipperary ETB Youth Work Services develops, co-ordinates, supports and monitors youth work provision and activities in County Tipperary. Tipperary ETB Youth Officers operate as the external support and assessment of the National Quality Standards Framework for Youth Work. Staff 1.75 Youth Officer posts The Youth Officers aim to encourage partnership in the youth work sector and to promote the common goal and purpose of youth work for the benefit of all young people, aged ten to twenty-four years, in Tipperary.

Funding Administered by Tipperary ETB Youth Work Services in 2015

No. of Young People Total Clubs Participating Allocation

Foróige € 150 4,380.00 Girls Friendly Society 3 65 2,375.00 Scouting Ireland 13 1155 14,240.00 Tipperary Regional Youth Service 10 484 10,030.00 Waterford and South Tipperary Community Youth Service 2 69 1,800.00 Other Groups* 10 380 8,290.00

Total 43 2303 €41,115.00

*Includes Irish Girl Guides, Boys Brigade, Order of Malta, Catholic Guides of Ireland, Coderdojo and Independent Clubs

Special Projects for Disadvantaged Youth 2015

Roscrea Youth Project North Tipperary Leader Partnership €80,654.00 Nenagh Youth Development Project Foróige €80,654.00

DCYA Capital Funding Scheme 2015

Thurles Youth Project Tipperary Regional Youth Service €43,473.00

60 TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 The Further Education Support Service (FESS)

Description of Services FESS is a full-time, year-round consultancy service operating through 4 participating Education and Training Boards (ETBs), namely City of Dublin ETB, Cavan and Monaghan ETB, Kildare and Wicklow ETB and Tipperary ETB. FESS currently supports Department of Education and Skills funded providers who offer certification from QQI. Number of people/ projects assisted in The Tipperary office of FESS dealt with 1509 queries in 2015. In addition 2015 to this the FE Support Officer delivered in-service to 136 teachers/ co-ordinators/principals/other management personnel. Support was also provided locally to ETBs through attendance at 73 meetings and consultations. Staff In total there are four FE Support Officers and one part-time manager of FESS and they are based regionally around the country. There is also administrative support in each of the participating ETBs Highlights for 2015

The first highlight would be the opportunity for FESS to offer CPD events in new areas of interest. In 2015, the demand for support in programme development and evaluation greatly lessened so FESS could diversify into new areas of CPD such as Active Teaching and Learning, Learner Well-Being in the FET environment and providing support for the teachers/trainers delivering the programmes leading to the new IT awards. FESS also worked with eCollege to provide an opportunity for all FE staff to access courses, free of charge, via eCollege.

The second highlight would be the opportunity to work with Failte Ireland to support them in the review of all the existing QQI awards in Guiding at level 6. KETB and GRETB are also part of this working group. The initial review of the awards progressed to the re-writing of specifications for both special purpose awards and components. In 2016 the awards will hopefully be adopted by QQI and the ETB sector can then develop programmes leading to the awards. FESS will also be involved in this development work.

TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 61 62 TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Appendix

TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 63 64 TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Travel 2015

Tipperary ETB Total Amount Statutory Attendance at Interviews Other Paid Meetings Conferences/ Seminars

Tom Acheson €40.52 €40.52 * Liam Ahern €2,486.35 €732.03 €1,199.57 €554.75 Siobhan Ambrose €974.63 €563.02 250.63 €160.98 Eddie Bennett €172.05 €172.05 * Fiona Bonfield €2,590.48 €130.54 €2,459.94 Kieran Bourke €1,284.47 €460.74 €654.97 €168.76 Joe Bourke €356.52 €356.52 Josephine Cahill €835.87 €466.36 €369.51 Catherine Carey €933.82 €460.35 €417.94 €55.53 Josephine Chamney €760.89 €760.89 * Michael Connell €216.48 €216.48 * Margaret Croke €199.40 €199.40 * Conor Delaney €130.05 €130.05 * Phil Bugler €51.87 €51.87 * David Dunne €241.33 €241.33 Pat English €81.04 81.04 * John Fahey €1,863.64 €398.17 €291.31 €1,174.16 Jacqui Finn €40.52 40.52 * Imelda Goldsboro €1,542.34 €420.58 €174.06 €847.12 €100.58 Anna Tuohy Halligan €3,478.95 €723.53 €782.41 €1,766.16 €206.85 John Hogan €5,480.77 €530.89 €2,467.89 €1,750.93 €731.06 Mary Hanna Hourigan €1,490.71 €508.99 €732.94 €248.78 Roger Kennedy €1,347.16 €729.14 €392.52 €225.50 Martin Lannigan €174.96 €174.96 * Seamus Lahart €854.00 €422.63 €411.89 €19.48 Michael Lowry €94.49 €94.49 * Bridget McCormack Ryan €106.18 €106.18 * Susan Meagher €173.76 €173.76 * John (Rocky) McGrath €45.79 €45.79 * Patrick Meade €81.04 €81.04 * Jonathan Meaney €53.09 €53.09 * Eddie Morrissey €64.05 €64.05 Joe Murphy €2,778.06 €813.15 €917.37 €1,047.54 Marie Murphy €102.54 €102.54 * Marie Murphy €102.54 €102.54 *

TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 65 Tipperary ETB Total Amount Statutory Attendance at Interviews Other Paid Meetings Conferences/ Seminars

Lily O'Brien €193.84 €193.84 * Margaret Mary O'Dwyer €691.14 €647.31 43.83 Pierce O'Loughlin €121.56 121.56 * Kevin O'Reilly €423.13 423.13 * Monica O'Sullivan €209.67 209.67 * Michael Power €1,665.49 €639.25 €597.12 €169.05 €260.07 David Tobin €40.52 €40.52 *

Total Amount Paid €34,473.17 €9,403.07 €9,409.50 €8,586.75 €7,073.85

* Represents Members on Previous VEC Board. Tipperary ETB Board formed September 2015

Salary of Chief Executive

The CE is on a Category ll Pay Scale: This scale has seven points that span € 96, 042- € 115,756 (maximum).

66 TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 TIPPERARY ETB - ANNUAL REPORT 2015 67