Tipperary Education & Training Board ANNUAL REPORT
2013
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1 – INTRODUCTIONS
CEO’s Introduction ………………………………………………………………………………… p.4 Legislative Background …………………………………………………………………………. p.6 Management Structures ………………………………………………………………………. p.7 Corporate Governance …………………………………………………………………………. p.10 Committee Members ……………………………………………………………………………. p.12 Capital Projects Update …………………………………………………………………………. p.15 Finances 2013 ……………………………………………………………………………………….. p.16
SECTION 2 – SCHOOL REPORTS & HIGHLIGHTS
Scoil Ruáin, Killenaule …………………………………………………………………………… p.19 Comeragh College, Carrick on Suir …………………………………………………………. p.24 Central Technical Institute, Clonmel ………………………………………………………. p.29 Coláiste Dun Iascaigh, Cahir …………………………………………………………………… p.35 St. Ailbe’s, Tipperary Town ……………………………………………………………………. P.39 Borrisokane Community College, Borrisokane ……………………………………….. p.45 Coláiste Mhuire Co-Ed, Thurles ………………………………………………………………. p.49 Coláiste Phobal Ros Cré ………………………………………………………………………….. p.54 Newport College ……………………………………………………………………………………… p.58 Nenagh College………………………………………………………………………………………… p.61 St. Joseph’s School, Ferryhouse ……………………………………………………………… p.67
1 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
SECTION 3 – ADULT & FURTHER EDUCATION REPORTS & HIGHLIGHTS Adult Education Officer Report (South Tipperary) …………………………………….. p.69 Adult Education Officer Report (North Tipperary) ……………………………………… p.75 Adult Learning Scheme, Clonmel ……………………………………………………………….. p.80 Adult Literacy, North Tipperary ………………………………………………………………….. p.84 Back to Education Initiative (South Tipperary) ……………………………………………. p.88 Back to Education Initiative (North Tipperary) ……………………………………………. p.93 Community Education (South Tipperary)…………………………………………………….. p.97 Community Education (North Tipperary)…………………………………………………….. p.106 Adult Guidance in Education Service, Clonmel…………………………………………….. p.114 Adult Guidance & Information Service, Nenagh…………………………………………… p.117 Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) Clonmel ……………………….. p.119 Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) Cahir ……………………………. p.124 Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) Tipperary Town…………….. p.125 Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) Carrick on Suir………………. p.126 Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS)/BTEI Thurles …..…………….. p.127 Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS)/BTEI Nenagh………………… p.131 SECTION 4 – FURTHER EDUCATION Youthreach, Cappawhite ……………………………………………………………………………. p.136 Roscrea Education Centre ………………………………………………………………………….. p.139 Céim Eile Templemore ……………………………………………………………………………… p.144 Templemore College of Further Education ………………………………………………… p.148 Youth Services …………………………………………………………………………………………… p.153 Nenagh College Self Financing Report ……………………………………………………….. p.159 Templemore College Self Financing Report………………………………………………… p.161 Coláiste Mhuire Co-Ed Self Financing Report …………………………………………….. p.163 St. Ailbe’s Self Financing Report ………………………………………………………………… p.165 Coláiste Dun Iascaigh Self Financing Report ………………………………………………… p.166 Further Education Support Service (FESS) Report ……………………………………….. p.167 Institiúd Thuamhumhan & Ar Aghaidh Linn Steering Group…………………………… p.170
2 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Section 1
Introductions
3 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Chief Executive’s Introduction It gives me great pleasure to present this report to you on the work of the Committees, both north and south, for the year January to December 2013. It is worth noting that this Annual Report spans the calendar year from January to
December 2013. As you are aware, 2013 was a major year of transition. Both VECs in Tipperary amalgamated on 1st July 2013. Nenagh was established as the Head Office, with a Sub Office based in Clonmel. The amalgamated organisation, known as Tipperary Education and Training Board (ETB), was brought about by the commencement of the Education and Training Boards Act on 1st July, 2013.
This report, as such, captures the work of the separate VECs, as well as the changes and activities of our new ETB for the second half of 2013. Details of the capital works projects which commenced at the VEC/ETB schools/centres in 2013 are provided in this document. The various Adult Education programmes and VEC/ETB Schools detail their statistics and achievements for 2013 in their respective sections of this report. Overall I wish to convey my thanks and appreciation to:
. Each member of the Committee for their active co-operation in promoting the business of the Committee 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;
4 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
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:
. John Condon Coláiste Chluain Meala . Joe Flynn Coláiste Chluain Meala . Mathúin Ó Caoimh Gaelcholáiste Chéitinn . Brid Collins St. Ailbes . Kaye Gallagher St. Ailbes . Pat Callanan St. Ailbes . Helen Fitzgibbon Coláiste Chluain Meala . Joan Kelly Scoil Ruain . William Curran Templemore College of Further Education . Declan Corcoran Templemore College of Further Education . Catherine McLoughlin Borrisokane Community College . Michael O’Shea Coláiste Phobal Ros Cré . John Hassett Nenagh College . Patricia Kirwan Youthreach Roscrea
Chief Executive Officer.
5 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Legislative Background
One of the first major pieces of legislation enacted by the new state, the Vocational Education Act of 1930, enabled VEC’s to set about developing a wide range of education and development services for the people of Tipperary with the establishment of both a North Riding and South Riding VEC. All VEC activities took place in the context of the 1998 Education Act, which legislated for the entire education sector, the 1930 Act and the 2001 Vocational Education (Amendment) Act. Under the Vocational Education (Amendment) Act, 2001 responsibility for the development of policy rests with the Vocational Education Committee and is a reserved function. The implementation of policy is an executive function.
The Education and Training Board Act 2013 commenced the establishment of Education and Training Boards throughout the country and the aggregation of VECs into Education and Training Boards. Tipperary Education and Training Board was commenced by the aggregation of both the North Riding and South Riding VEC. 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.
Section One reports on Tipperary ETB’s Management Structure and Corporate Governance.
Tipperary ETB
12 Schools
Adult & Tipperary Youth Further ETB Services Education
Support Services
6 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Management Structures Pre-July 2013
The following management structures were in place until the aggregation of North and South Tipperary VEC’s.
South Tipperary VEC Management Structure
7 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
North Tipperary VEC Management Structure:
North Tipperary VEC
Chief Executive Officer
Research & Assistant Principal Development Adult Education Centre Managers Principals Officer Officer Officer
Community Educational Human Resource Education Support Services Finance Manager Manager Manager Back to Education Adult Guidance Service Adult Literacy Service
8 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Tipperary ETB Management Structure Post July 2013
Tipperary ETB
Chief Executive Officer
Education Officer
Assistant Principal Adult Education Centre Managers Principals Officers Officer
Community Education Educational Back to Education Human Resource Support Services Finance Managers Adult Guidance Service Managers Manager Adult Literacy Service
9 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Introduction
Prior to July 2013, The VEC had adopted a Code of Best Practice for Governance. This is consistent with the code set out by the Department of Education and Skills in Circular F11/05. The purpose of the code is to ensure that the principles of good governance and management are applied by the VEC. This code clarifies the role of the Committee and Sub-Committees - particularly the Audit Sub- Committee and the Finance Sub-Committee. This structure will enable effective internal control of all VEC activities.
Effective management and leadership within Tipperary ETB, remains a key priority. In this context, effective and efficient governance provides the basis on which managers can manage and leadership is cultivated. Tipperary ETB is awaiting the publication of a ‘Code of Governance for ETB’s’ and this will be adopted. In the interim period, the principles of the Code of Best Practice for Governance adopted by both NT and ST VEC’s continues to be the premise on which we operate in accordance with Department of Education and Skills Circular Letters. The establishment of the Audit Sub- Committee and the Finance Sub-Committee will commence on receipt and adoption of the ‘Code of Governance for ETB’s’.
Composition of Committee/ETB
NTVEC had twenty-three members and STVEC had twenty-five VEC members. As per the Education and Training Board Act 2013, every VEC member holding office immediately prior to the establishment day shall, on the establishment day, become a member of the relevant education and training board for a term ending on the date of the next post-election meeting of that board. Tipperary ETB had a membership of forty eight, their term of office running to August 2014.
10 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
North Tipperary VEC Committee Members
. Mr. Thomas Berkery . Ms. Josephine Cahill . Cllr. Michael Cleary . Cllr Michael Connell . Mr. Noel Cronin . Cllr. Gerard Darcy . Cllr. Conor Delaney . Cllr. Virginia O’Dowd . Cllr. Phyll Bugler . Ms. Lorraine Duane . Cllr. John Hogan . Cllr. John Kennedy . Mr. Willie Kennedy . Ms. Margeret Kennedy . Ms. Noreen Kennedy . Cllr. Micheál Lowry . Cllr. John ‘Rocky’ McGrath . Cllr. Hughie McGrath . Cllr. Jonathan Meaney . Cllr. Séamus Morris . Cllr. Lily O’Brien . Mr. Pádraig Ó Súileabháin . Mr. Conor Stakelum.
South Tipperary VEC Committee Members
. Cllr. Tom Acheson . Cllr. Liam Ahearn . Cllr. John Crosse . Cllr. Pat English . Cllr. John Fahey . Cllr. Mary Hanna Hourigan . Cllr. Denis Leahy . Cllr. Richie Molloy . Cllr. Marie Murphy . Cllr. Margaret Croke . Cllr. Pierce O’Loughlin . Cllr. Jacqui Finnan . Cllr. Anna Tuohy-Halligan . Cllr. Siobhán Ambrose . Cllr. Darren Ryan, 3 . Cllr. Eddie Bennett . Cllr. Joseph Moloney . Mr. Michael Berry . Ms. Olive Cornelia
11 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
. Mr. David Tobin . Ms. Maria O’Donnell . Ms. Josephine Chamney . Mr. Brendan Griffin . Ms. Susan Meagher . Mr. Kevin O’Reilly
Meetings of North Tipperary Committee were held on the following dates in 2013:
Month Venue Date
January Nenagh College 14th January 2013
February Coláiste Mhuire Co-Ed, Thurles 11th February 2013
March Templemore College of Further Education, Templemore 11th March 2013
April Newport College, Newport 8th April 2013
May Teach an Léinn, Nenagh 13th May 2013
June Coláiste Eile, Thurles 10th June 2013
June Admin Offices, Nenagh 27th June 2013
Chairperson of North Tipperary VEC was Mr. Willie Kennedy
Meetings of South Tipperary Committee were held on the following dates in 2013:
Month Venue Date
January Coláiste Dun Iascaigh, Cahir 21st January 2013
February Comeragh College, Carrick on Suir 18th February 2013
March St Joseph’s, Clonmel 19th March 2013
April Scoil Ruain, Killenaule 15th April 2013
May St Ailbe’s, Tipperary Town 20th May 2013
June Youthreach, Cappawhite 17th June 2013
Chairperson of South Tipperary VEC was Cllr. John Fahey.
12 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Tipperary Education and Training Board was formed in July 2013 and held its meetings as follows;
Month Venue Date
July Coláiste Éile, Thurles 8th July 2013
September Comeragh College, Carrick on Suir 10th September 2013
October Borrisokane Community College 8th October 2013
November Scoil Ruain, Killenaule 12th November 2013
December Nenagh College 10th December 2013
Chairperson of TETB for the first 5 meetings was Mr. Willie Kennedy.
Role of Committee/Board
“Reserved Functions” are supported by legislation and include policy, planning, monitoring and the adoption of the annual accounts/report. The Committee/Board is supported by an “Executive” which is responsible for implementation of plans, day-to-day management and all functions other than those that are ‘Reserved Functions’ for the Committee/Board. An organisational structure with clearly defined authority levels and reporting structures is in place.
Committee/Board members and designated staff are required to provide annual Disclosures of Interests in respect of issues that could materially influence the performance of functions. In addition, the VEC Committee had adopted a Code of Ethics and this has been provided to all members and staff. Tipperary ETB are awaiting the issuing of the ‘Code of Governance’ and will adopt this upon receipt.
The VEC Committee’s held monthly meetings from January to June 2013. Tipperary ETB held five meetings in 2013. A register of attendance is maintained. Members receive agenda, minutes and supporting documentation in sufficient time before meetings. Any further information applicable to the role of the Committee is readily available. Minutes are maintained and adopted in support of Committee /Board meetings.
Members have direct access to the Chief Executive. Procedures are in place for members, in furtherance of their duties, to take independent professional advice.
13 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Sub Committees VEC Committee’s had established a number of Sub-Committees including Finance and Audit Sub- Committees and these committees remained in place for the interim period up to August 2014. Both these Sub-Committees are composed of Committee members. The Committee nominates the Chairperson of these Sub-Committees and detailed terms of references are provided.
Audit Sub Committee: The Audit Committee is composed of seven members, all of whom are independent of management. It is responsible for monitoring the Executive in the carrying out of its functions and provides assurances to the Committee as to the adequacy and effectiveness of the internal control processes. It met four times during the year. It received reports from management, external and internal audit. Internal audit reports go to the Audit Committee and it is required to meet annually with the external auditor (Comptroller and Auditor General).
Finance Sub Committee: The Finance Sub-Committee is composed of seven members. It has responsibility for reviewing the income/expenditure of the VEC/TETB, major contracts and the financial aspects of the education and service plans. Minutes of the Finance Sub-Committee are received by the VEC/TETB for consideration and to assist in providing assurance that the education and service plans are being achieved.
Following the amalgamation on 01st July 2013, the structure changed and the two Audit Sub- Committee’s came together, voted and formed an Audit Committee for Tipperary ETB consisting of seven members only. The same applied to the two Finance Sub-Committee’s, they came together, voted and formed a Finance Committee for Tipperary ETB again consisting of seven members only.
Tipperary ETB Audit Committee:
. Mr. Kevin O’Reilly (Chairperson) . Cllr. Siobhán Ambrose . Cllr. Michael Cleary . Cllr. Gerard Darcy . Cllr. Jacqui Finnan . Cllr. John Kennedy . Cllr. Marie Murphy
Dates of Tipperary ETB Audit Committee Meeting(s) held: 12th December 2013.
Tipperary ETB Finance Committee:
. Cllr. Michael Connell (Chairperson) . Cllr. Liam Ahearn . Cllr. John Hogan . Cllr. Mary Hanna-Hourigan . Ms. Susan Meagher . Cllr. Jonathan Meaney . Cllr. Lily O’Brien
Dates of Tipperary ETB Finance Committee Meeting(s) held: 19th July 2013 and 12th December 2013
14 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Internal Control
The VEC/TETB has overall responsibility for ensuring that an effective system of internal financial control is maintained and operated. The system can only provide reasonable and not absolute assurance against material miss-statement or loss. The Executive has day-to-day responsibility for implementing the system of internal control. The Committee carries out an annual review of internal controls, at which it receives and has regard to a report from its Audit Committee. The VEC/TETB has taken steps to ensure an appropriate controlled environment by:
- Clearly defining management and staff responsibilities - Establishing procedures for reporting significant control failures and ensuring corrective action - Establishing procedures for identifying and evaluating all risks which could prevent the VEC/TETB from achieving its objectives. Identifying and evaluating risk is a regular part of day-to-day management. A more formal review system will be introduced by the Board.
The system of internal financial control operated is based on detailed Administrative Procedures, Segregation of Duties, Specific Authorisations and Monthly review by management of reports outlining actual and budgeted results of programmes. The VEC/TETB’s monitoring and review of the effectiveness of the system of internal control is informed by the:
- Work of the Audit Committee. - Chief Executive who has responsibility for the financial control framework. - Recommendations by the Comptroller and Auditor General.
15 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
CAPITAL PROJECTS UPDATE 2013
Borrisokane Community College, Building Refurbishment
Work on the complete refurbishment of the school was substantially completed during the year. In addition to the general upgrade and refurbishment of the school building, this project also included the installation of new furniture and equipment, including new ICT services, and the provision of a new ASD Unit.
Approval was received from the Department of Education for the provision of further classroom accommodation for Borrisokane and it is hoped to progress with this work in 2014.
Nenagh Vocational School, Building Refurbishment
Work on a complete refurbishment of the building was completed during the year and the official opening of the new school facilities was held in October.
St. Ailbes, Tipperary
The construction of Phase I of the new PE Hall for St Ailbes was substantially completed during the year. The school took formal handover of the building from the contractor in November.
Further Education Centre, Cahir
The windows in the building were replaced and upgraded during the year. As this building is located within a conservation area, the new windows had to match the original in terms of both design and material content.
Repairs to the chimney, flue pipe and heating system were also carried out to prevent carbon monoxide leakage.
Comeragh College, Carrick-on-Suir, New School
Further progress was made towards the building of the new school in Carrick-on-Suir. The planning application was submitted to the County Council and tenders for the works were issued as part of the Schools Bundle 4 under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) process. It is hoped to have a contractor appointed and works commenced on site by the end of 2014.
Former Military Barracks, Clonmel
A portion of the old army barracks was leased from the Department of Defence and a number of the buildings on the site refitted to accommodate some elements of the Further Education (FE) programmes. Some of the administrative functions of FE have also been relocated to the barracks site. It is the intention of the ETB to establish a longer-term presence on the site and we are working with Tipperary County Council on this plan.
16 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Coláiste Dun Iascaigh, Cahir, ASD Unit
Funding was approved by the Department of Education for the provision of a one classroom ASD Unit in Cahir. Due to constraints in relation to the proposed location of this unit within the school site, a request for further funding has been submitted to the Department. It is expected that these works will proceed in 2014.
Other
A number of other projects have received funding approval and were in the planning/design phase at the end of 2013. All of these are expected to progress to completion in 2014. These include:
. Templemore College of Further Education – classroom extension; . Coláiste Cluain Meala, Clonmel – emergency electrical works; . Scoil Ruain, Killenaule – replacement fire alarm & emergency electrical works;
FINANCES 2013
The finances for 2013 present unusual circumstances with respect to presenting accurate figures for this Annual report.
These circumstances were:
(1) The year covers the period of the merger so it is a mixture of VEC and ETB information.
(2) The C&AG have not yet signed off on the accounts for the first 6 months of the year and the second 6 months is unaudited.
(3) The exact format and time period of the first published accounts of the ETB have not formally been agreed.
The accounts for 2013 will be audited and the correct figures will be reflected in the 2014 Annual Report.
17 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Section 2
School Reports & Highlights
18 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
SCHOOL REPORT – SCOIL RUÁIN, KILLENAULE
SCOIL RUÁIN
Killenaule, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
Tel: 052-9156332 Fax: 052-9156241
E-mail: [email protected]
Mission Statement: Scoil Ruáin will provide a quality education in a caring, respectful and trusting environment. We will encourage the development of the complete person in keeping with our school motto: “Ad Totam Personam”.
Principal: ...... Mr. Gerry McGill Deputy Principal: ...... Ms. Siobhán Landers Chairperson Board of Management: ...... Cllr. Susan Meagher Chairperson Parents’ Association: ...... Mr. James O’Gorman
Enrolment as at 01/01/2011 ...... 406 Boys: ...... 224 Girls: ...... 182
School Staff: ...... 41 Teachers ...... 33 Special Needs Assistants ...... 2 (1 full time, 1 part time) Administration Staff ...... 2 (1 full time, 1 part time) Maintenance Staff ...... 4 (3 full time, 1 part time)
Programmes Available: Junior Certificate, Junior Certificate Schools’ Programme, Leaving Certificate Established, Transition Year, Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA), Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP), School Completion Programme, School Meals, Post Leaving Certificate Courses (PLC)
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), Religion, Choir, Physical Education, Social, Personal & Health Education (SPHE), Public Speaking, Computers
Extra Curricular Activities: Hurling, Camóige, Gaelic Football, Soccer, Basketball, Badminton, Hunter Trials, Cross-Country, Athletics, Swimming, Hill Walking, Outdoor Pursuits, Debating, Public Speaking, Table Quizzes, Charity Events, Choir, Young Entrepreneur, Speech & Drama, Art Competitions, Computers, Young Scientist, Photography.
19 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
SCOIL RUÁIN, KILLENAULE SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS 2013
Official Opening of Sports Hall
After a wait of almost 20 years, Scoil Ruain Killenaule is finally enjoying its magnificent PE hall. Mr. Michael Ring, T.D, Minister of State for Tourism and Sport performed the official opening on 6 March, 2013. Principal, Mr Gerry McGill, and other speakers on the day praised the support of all present in securing the funding to build the hall and the co-operation of staff, students and parents, during the building phase. The total cost of the project was €1.4m and this was provided by the Department of Education and Skills. The Hall is a significant addition to the school facilities and is also a welcome addition to the local community. The motto of Scoil Ruain is the Latin phrase “Ad Totum Personum” which translates to “Education of the whole person”; with the completion of the P.E. Hall this school motto should be an inspiration to all current and future students of the school.
20 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
‘We look like Giants’ reach final of ‘All Ireland Schools’ Talent Search’
Scoil Ruáin’s student band, ‘We Looked like Giants’ represented Munster in the national final of the all ‘All-Ireland School’s Talent Search’ on Saturday, March 9th 2013. Having progressed through several heats of the competition en route to the final, the band performed at The Helix and the event was later televised on RTÉ over St. Patrick’s week-end. Needless to say, excitement in the school was fever pitch as staff and students alike prepared to make the trip to Dublin to cheer on the group. Although the group was not successful on the night the band members thoroughly enjoyed the experience and were thrilled to make it to the final ten out of over three thousand acts that entered the competition nationwide.
21 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
School Library
Scoil Ruáin extended a warm welcome to acclaimed actor Séan McGinley when he visited the school on Friday April 19th to perform the official opening of the school library. The library boasts an extensive collection of reference material and is available for use by students for studying, research and project work as well as recreational activities at lunch time.
Mr McGinley, who has starred in countless stage, television and film productions worldwide, spoke of his pleasure at being invited to visit the school before making a presentation of two books by playwright Tom Murphy to add to the library’s collection. In advance of the opening of the library, each student and staff member had been given the opportunity to place their favourite quote on a ‘Quote Tree’ and following the presentation of books Mr McGinley added his own favourite quote, by Brian Friel, “Confusion is not an ignoble condition” to the tree.
Following the cutting of the ribbon, Mr McGinley was most generous with his time in chatting with staff and students and posing for the many photo opportunities that followed. It was certainly a day that will be fondly remembered in Scoil Ruáin in the days and months ahead.
22 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
5K Fun Run
In the autumn of 2013, management at Scoil Ruáin decided to embark on a fund raising initiative for the school with a view to sharing the spoils with a worthy charity. To this end, the school’s first 5 K Fun Run was organised ant the Irish Cancer Society was chosen as the benefiting charity.
The Fun Run took place on Sunday November 11th and saw students and staff as well as a large number of running and walking enthusiasts don their runners to support the school and the charity.
‘Joseph and his Dreamcoat’
The Scoil Ruáin production of ‘Joseph and his Dreamcoat’ was performed in the school at the end of October. Auditions for the cast were open to all non-exam class and took place before the summer holidays with rehearsals beginning in early September. The commitment, hardwork and enthusiasm of all those involved was evident throughout the performances with the many hours of preparation and rehearsals paying off.
23 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
SCHOOL REPORTS – COMERAGH COLLEGE, CARRICK-ON-SUIR
COMERAGH COLLEGE
Greenside, Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary.
Tel: 051-640131 Fax: 051-640720 E-mail: [email protected]
Mission Statement: Comeragh College provides the staff, facilities, and environment through which parents provide for the religious and moral, intellectual, physical and social education of their children.
Principal: ...... Mr. Kevin Langton Deputy Principal: ...... Ms. Kathleen O’Donovan Ryan Chairperson Board of Management: ...... Mr. David Tobin Chairperson Parents’ Association: ...... Ms. Claire Quinlan
Enrolment as at 01/10/2013 ...... 292 Boys: ...... 178 Girls: ...... 114
School Staff: ...... 32 Teachers ...... 26 Special Needs Assistants ...... 0 Administration Staff ...... 2 (1 full time, 1 part time) Maintenance Staff ...... 4
Curriculum & Programmes Available: Junior Certificate, Junior Certificate Schools’ Programme, Leaving Certificate Established, V.T.O.S., School Completion Programme, the Access Program, Substance Abuse Education
Junior & Leaving Certificate Subjects: Irish, English, Maths, Science, Art, German, French, Geography, History, Music, Materials Technology (Metal), Materials Technology (Wood), Technical Graphics, Business Studies, Home Economics, C.S.P.E., Religion, Career Guidance, Computers, Health Education, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Agricultural Science, Business, Construction Studies, Engineering, Design & Communication Graphics
Extra Curricular Activities: Hurling, Gaelic Football (boys and girls), Camóige, Soccer, Athletics, Swimming, Self Defence, Badminton, Golf, Tennis, Basketball,
Comeragh College is a recognised DEIS (Delivering Equality in Schools) centre.
24 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
COMERAGH COLLEGE SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS 2013
Katies Wish to Walk
On Friday,8th of February, Comeragh College Student Council held a cake sale in aid of” Katies Wish To Walk”. At eighteen months, Katie was officially diagnosed as having cerebral spastic quadriplegia and her parents were advised that Katie would never walk. However, Katie has been accepted for surgery in the United States which may enable Katie to walk.300 Euro was raised and a great morning was had by all. Katie called into Comeragh College on Wednesday, 6th of March accompanied by her Mum and met students, had photos taken with them and was in fantastic form.
25 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Comeragh College Cycle
On Sunday, 24th of March 2013, Comeragh College held its first 1st 60km Fun Cycle. This was the brainchild of the new Principal of the College ,Mr. Kevin Langton and teacher Mr James Williams. Over 50 cyclists participated in the event which started at the Swan Hall, Carrick-On-Suir at 10.a.m. The Route encompassed the three neighbouring counties of Tipperary ,Kilkenny and Waterford and cyclists enjoyed good weather conditions on the day. Refreshments were served en route in Kilsheelin and afterwards in the Swan Hall. Many Thanks to all who helped out in planning and preparation and on the day itself - Students, Staff, Board of Management, Parents Association ,Civil Defence , Marshalls and Sponsors. A great day was had by all and looking forward to next years event.
26 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Comeragh College Marks Holocaust Memorial Day With Week-Long Programme Of Events
Holocaust Memorial Day is marked each year by the Holocaust Educational Trust of Ireland on the 27th of January with the crocus as its emblem. History students in Comeragh College marked the date by organising a week of events to commemorate the Holocaust and its victims aiming to raise awareness throughout the school community.
The students of First, Second and Fifth Year were responsible for organising displays, activities and presentations around the school, highlighting the horrors of the Holocaust and the massive impact it had on the Jewish community and the people of Europe. Students drew attention to the significance of Holocaust Memorial Day itself by leading an assembly on the theme of 2013- Building Bridges Across Communities and reflected on how this could be adopted into school life. Students presented a carefully chosen passage by the English Department which further served to highlight the horrors of the concentration camps during the Second World War.
The week closed with a special ceremony at the end of the week when First Year students planted a memorial garden with Crocus bulbs symbolic of victims and survivors of the Holocaust. Every student participated in the planting and the Science Department will monitor the progress of germination.
Pictured- First Year History Students and Fifth Years (Orla Commerford, Toni O’Brien, Eric Diffily, Tommy McGrath)
27 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Junior Munster Hurling Champions
On Friday the 6th of December in the Carrick hotel the junior hurlers of Comeragh College were presented with Munster hurling medals for winning the junior Munster hurling championship. Three time all star and Waterford hurler Michael brick Walsh presented the hurlers with their medals. This group has been very close to winning championships since they started school in Comeragh College and their hard work finally paid off last year after beating the Cork champions, Davis College, Mallow in the Munster final. The team are now in preparation for the under seventeen competition this year. We also wish best of luck to two squad members Gavin O Halloran and Dean Walsh who currently on the Tipperary Minor squad.
Well done to Michael O’Loughlin, 5th year student in Comeragh College, who won the final stage of the Youth of Scotland in Perth (Scotland) over the Easter Holidays. Michael finished 3rd overall after four stages and captained Ireland to win the team competition. Michael O Loughlin pictured with his mother Elma O Loughlin (Science Teacher at Comeragh College)
28 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
SCHOOL REPORT – CENTRAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, CLONMEL
COLÁISTE CHLUAIN MEALA Raheen Road, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.
Tel: 052-6121450 Fax: 052-6121405
E-mail: [email protected]
GAELCHOLÁISTE CHÉITINN
The Mall, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary. Tel: 052-6126269 Fax: 052-6121030
E-mail: [email protected]
Enrolment as at 01/01/2013 ...... 458 (including PLCs) Males ...... 267 Females ...... 191
School Staff: ...... 52 Teachers ...... 44 Special Needs Assistants ...... 5 Administration Staff ...... 3 ( 2 full time, 1part time) Maintenance Staff ...... 5 ( 2 full time, 3 part time)
Programmes Available: Junior Certificate, Transition Year; Leaving Certificate Established, Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA), School Completion Programme, Learning Support Programme, Post Leaving Certificate Courses (PLC), VTOS
Subjects Available: Art, Materials Technology (Wood), Home Economics, Materials Technology (Metal), Irish, English, Maths, C.S.P.E., Technical Graphics, Geography, History, Science, French, Business Studies, Religion, Information Technology, Social, Personal & Health Education (SPHE), Physical Education (PE) Technology
Extra-Curricular Activities: Indoor Soccer, Hill Walking, Table Tennis, Volleyball, Badminton, Hurling, Gaelic Football, Basketball Board Games (e.g. chess), Self-Defence, Dance, Art (e.g. murals, model making, art competitions etc.),Creative writing competitions, “ Poetry Aloud” competition. Educational tours and outings, Visits to theatres, Athletics, Public Speaking, Speech & Drama, Quizzes, Cookery Competitions, Charity Fundraising, Formula 1 Competition, Soccer, Girls’ Football.
School Background: The C.T.I. consists of 3 education models located on 2 campuses: . Coláiste Chluain Meala, (Vocational School) located at Raheen Road. . Gaelcholáiste Chéitinn (All Irish 2nd level unit) located at The Mall. . The Senior College (Post Leaving Certificate, VTOS, further education programmes)
29 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
located at The Mall.
Mission Statement: The role of the Central Technical Institute is to facilitate the students of Clonmel and its environs in the acquisition of general and specialised education.
The CTI seeks to do the following:
. To encourage the development of the full person through imparting knowledge and skills and through inculcating values. . To bring students to an awareness of their identity in a multi-denominational, multi- cultural context. . To enable the transition to further education. . To encourage the participation of parents in the education of their children. . To respond to the educational needs of the local community.
Principal: ...... Mr. Charlie McGeever Deputy Principal: ...... Ms. Martina Kennedy Chairperson Board of Management: ...... Ms. Josephine Chamney Chairperson Parents’ Association: ...... Mr. Peter Barry (Coláiste Chluain Meala) ...... Mr. Sean Ó Meachair (Gaelcholáiste Chéitinn)
30 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
CENTRAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS 2013
School Awards
At the end of each school year, students are presented with awards to mark their achievements in terms of academic and sporting achievement.
Back L to R; Máiréad Ní Bhuídhe, Ross Breathnach, Seán Ó hAitheasa, Seanán Caomhánach, Hazel Chaomhánach
Front L to R; Muireann Ní Bhuídhe, Cathal Mac Iomhair (Príomhóide), Mathúin Ó Caoimh (Múinteoir i bhFeighil), Saoirse Nic Iomhair.
31 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Junior Basketball – Regional Champions 2013.
Back L to R; Réamonn de Róiste (cóitseálaí), Seanán Caomhánach, Niall Ó Condúin, Tadhg MacGearailt, Ben Ó Cuana, Jeff Van Dam, Colm Ó Conghaola (cóitseálaí).
Front L to R; Éimhín Ó Fathaigh, Lee Ó Duinn, Dónal Ó hAoláin, Cianán Ó Cuinneagáin, Conchúr Mac Iomhair, Ciarán Ó Coileáin
Senior Basketball – Regional Champions 2013
Back L to R; Aindriú de Nóréis, Dónal Mac Giolla Phádraig, Séamus Cróc, Ciarán Ó Foirtcheirn, Ben Ó Cuana, Éimhín Ó Loinsigh.
Front L to R; Aindriú de Paor, Sé Van Dam, Tadhg Mac Gearailt, Alan Breathnach
32 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
CTI Clonmel - Junior Ladies Football – Munster Champions 2013
Back L to R; Katelyn Buck, Molly Ní Dhuinn, Deirdre Ní Chaisleáin, Saoirse Nic Iomhair, Zoe Ní Fheagail, Hailey Ní Chonchúbhar, Cáit de Noréis , Clár de Paor, Danah Walsh, Sophie Ni Riain, Shauna Burke, Nicole Greene, Shannon French.
Front L to R; Martha Ní Ghibne, Shannon Bayliss, Máiréad Ní Bhuídhe, Leah Nic Umfraidh, Muireann Ní Bhuidhe, Mary B Stiobhart, Meadhbh de Barra, Rachel Keating, Chloe Ní Loinsigh, Cáit Ní Chuana.
33 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Gaelcholáiste Chéitinn F1 Success
Pictured: Tadgh Mac Gearailt, Ben Ó Cuana, Conal Ó Conraí, Dillon Sheppard, Shay van Dam and Conchubair de Paor who recently qualified for the National finals of the F1 in schools competition.
DRS racing were chosen as one of the top 3 teams from the Munster region. The competition requires the team to design a scale model of a F1 car. The car is raced in competition with the top models qualifying for the national finals. This is the schools third time in five years qualifying for the national finals. The National finals will be held in Griffith College, Dublin on April 25th.
34 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
SCHOOL REPORT – COLÁISTE DÚN IASCAIGH COLÁISTE DÚN IASCAIGH
Cashel Rd., Cahir, Co. Tipperary.
Tel: 052-7442828 Fax: 052-7442233 E-mail: [email protected]
Mission Statement: Coláiste Dún Iascaigh is a Christian community committed to the pursuit of excellence, to fostering a sense of self-worth, to providing the opportunities for each individual to reach his/her full potential and to forging strong visible links between the Coláiste and the local community. These aspirations are nurtured in a caring, safe and orderly environment, where equality, openness and a spirit of co-operation and mutual respect are promoted.
Principal: ...... Mrs. Mary Finnegan Burke Deputy Principal: ...... Mr. Darius Delahunty Chairperson Board of Management: ...... Cllr. Liam Ahearn Chairperson Parents’ Association: ...... Mrs Ronnie Quinlan
Enrolment as at 01/01/2012 ...... 626 Boys: ...... 327 Girls: ...... 299
School Staff: ...... 69 Teachers ...... 52(not all full time) Special Needs Assistants ...... 8 Administration Staff ...... 3 (1 full time, 2 part time) Maintenance Staff ...... 6 (1 full time, 5 part time)
Programmes Available: Junior Certificate, Transition Year, Leaving Certificate Established, Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP), Post Leaving Certificate Courses (PLC)
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.
35 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
COLÁISTE DUN IASCAIGH SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS 2013
Top Marks in Colaiste Dun Iascaigh, Cahir.
Colaiste Dun Iascaigh student Kenneth Conlon swept the board with a full set of A’s in the recent Junior Certificate examination. Kenneth, who is captain of the school debating team and a prominent member of the student council in the Colaiste, opened his results to see that every one of his subjects had an A next to it.
Principal, Mary Finnegan Burke said paid tribute to Kenneth, his hardworking teachers and his supportive parents. Kenneth said that he was thrilled that his hard-work paid off and is enjoying his Transition Year at the moment. He thanked his teachers and his family as well as his competitive fellow classmates for their support during the exams.
36 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Business Graduates – Coláiste Dun Iascaigh, Cahir
Six students from Coláiste Dún Iascaigh have received an award from Waterford Institute of Technology for achieving an ‘A’ grade in Higher Level Business Studies in the Junior Certificate 2013. This was a great honour for the students who were praised for their efforts by the head of the School of Business Mr. Thomas O’Toole. Teachers Martina Harrahill and Pat Cunningham expressed delight at the fine standards reached by their charges in the exam, almost doubling the National average for A grades in the exam.
School Principal, Ms. Mary Finnegan Burke applauded the students and their parents who supported them throughout their studies in Coláiste Dún Iascaigh. She also expressed her confidence that the students would repeat these high standards when it comes to the Leaving Certificate.
The Colaiste was represented by Caoimhe Condon, Mary Condon O’Connor, Kenneth Conlon, Aoife Corcoran, Éanna Heffernan, and Daragh Howard. Refreshments were provided on the night and students were given the opportunity to view the WIT School of Business.
37 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
VEC Awards Night 2013 – Coláiste Dún Iascaigh, Cahir
Back Row (L-R): Mr. Darius Delahunty (Deputy Principal); QingQing Chen, Gerry Cronin, Laura Ryan, Ms. Mary Finnegan-Burke (Principal).
Front Row (L-R): Cllr. Jimmy O’Brien (Chairman, South Tipperary County Council); Cllr. Anna Tuohy Halligan (Mayor of Tipperary Town); Ms. Fionuala McGeever (Chief Executive Officer, Tipperary ETB); Cllr. William Kennedy (Chairman, Tipperary ETB).
38 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
SCHOOL REPORT – ST AILBES, TIPPERARY TOWN ST AILBE’S
Rosanna Road, Tipperary Town, Co. Tipperary. Tel: 062-51905 Fax: 062-51378 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.ailbes.com School Roll No: 72480W
Mission Statement: To provide quality education that meets the actual needs of the young people in the best quality learning environment. To create an atmosphere of trust and confidence between students, parents, community and staff this enhances self-esteem and self-worth. To help pupils reach their full potential in all areas of life, both social and moral. To help pupils grow in confidence with a positive outlook on life and with due consideration for others and their property.
Principal: ...... Mr. Peter Creedon Deputy Principal: ...... Mr. John Blackburn Chairperson Board of Management: ...... Cllr. Anna Tuohy Halligan Chairperson Parents’ Association: ...... Mrs. Honor Flynn Enrolment as at 01/10/2013 ...... 291 Boys: ...... 147 Girls: ...... 114 PLC………………………………………………………….. 30
School Staff: ...... 32 Teachers ...... 27 Special Needs Assistants ...... 2 (1 full time, 2 part time) Administration Staff ...... 1 Maintenance Staff ...... 2
Programmes Available: Junior Certificate, Junior Certificate Schools’ Programme, Leaving Certificate Established, Transition Year, Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA), Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP), School Completion Programme, School Meals, Post Leaving Certificate Courses (PLC)
Subjects Available: Art, Arts Education, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Construction Studies, C.S.P.E., Design and Communication Graphics, Engineering, English, Enterprise, French, Geography, German, Graphics & Construction, History, Home Economics Social & Scientific, Information Technology, Irish, Material Technology (Metal), Material Technology (Wood), Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Physics, Religion, Science, Social Education, Social, Personal & Health Education (SPHE), Vocational Education, Vocational Preparation.
Extra Curricular Activities: Athletics, Basketball, Debating, Equestrian, Formula 1 in Schools Technology Challenge, Gaelic Football (Girls & Boys), Hurling, Rugby, Soccer (Girls & Boys).
39 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
ST AILBES SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS 2013
New Gym Hall
On Monday October 21st History was made in St. Ailbe’s School as our Boys U16 Basketball team had the privilege of playing in our new Gym hall for the very first time. There was a great sense of pride in the school as our students took to the court. The sports hall is now a major addition to the school. This facility is going to bring many years of satisfaction and joy to our students. It is a monument to the hard work of all the people that drove on the initiative.
The sports hall was used during 2013 to host exams, games, musicals and coaching conferences. Phase 1 is now complete and work can now begin on raising finance to complete stage 2 of the project.
40 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Kenmare Trip
On Wednesday the 11th of September after the students received their Junior Cert results they headed off on a trip to “Star Outdoor Pursuit Centre” in Kenmare Co. Kerry. The trip was organised by Mr. Kennedy, Ms. Long and the S.C.P. team as a celebration of exam results and as a team building and team bonding experience to kick start our transition year program.
The Group departed the school at 9:30am and arrived at Torc Waterfall in Killarney three and a half hours later. They then embarked on an 18 km trek through the mountains to Kenmare. It was a long and exhausting hike but the scenery was brilliant.
On Thursday morning students went kayaking in the bay which included other activities like going on a water-trampoline, a banana boat and raft building. It was great fun and one of the highlights of the trip. Later that evening students participated in night-orienteering in a nearby forest. It was very spooky and a few people got lost.
On Friday morning all students took part in the following activities, Paint-balling, Archery and an Obstacle Course. All students had an excellent time and really enjoyed all activities.
41 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Green Flag
On September 9th 2013 proved to be a very important day in our school year. Our guest speaker Mr. Adrian Hayes (Mount Everest, North Pole and South Pole conqueror) raised our first Green Flag.
The award is organised by Repak, in association with An Taisce’s Green-Schools programme. It is designed to reward a school that has gone to extra length to reduce, reuse and recycle.
Mr. Kennedy along with all the members of our Committee worked very hard to achieve this flag.
Adrian Hayes who raised the flag is a world explorer. He is the record holder for travelling to the three poles in the shortest time. The North Pole, South Pole and Mount Everest. His father grew up in Tipperary Town and later moved to Southampton, England. Adrian, who now lives in Dubai and his next challenge in his sights, is to summit K2.
Our next target is to get our second Green Flag which targets Energy Conservation.
42 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
St. Ailbe’s Students Create Magic with a Brilliant Production of the “Wonderful Wizz of OZ”
A brilliant effort was put in by the cast and crew of St. Ailbe's recent school production of 'The Wonderful Wizz of Oz" that ran from Wednesday March 20th to Friday March 22nd 2013.
Audiences were entertained and parents left full of pride at the performances of their children who obviously worked very hard to put on such a good show. Teacher Ms. Ailish Hayes directed the musical and was really pleased with the show. "Absolutely brilliant - a fantastic show! I thought the students brought across the theme of the show very well, going from a place not knowing where you are to a place like home. "I thought the dancers were superb and moved very well to the music that was absolutely wonderful. I think the different variety of songs kept everyone entertained and the lead ac- tors were excellent," said Ms Hayes. The musical was a huge commitment from the staff who were involved in putting the show together including the construction of the stage, sets, the lighting, sound and costumes.
43 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Fourth Year – School Tour to Barcelona April 2013
On Tuesday April 2nd 2013 our Fourth Years set off on their School Tour. Barcelona was selected as the destination as the students needed a well earned rest after a tremdously successful School Musical “The Wonderful Wizz of Oz”. The sun cream the T-Shirts and shorts were packed and a few days in glorious sunshine was anticipated.
Their hostel was located 10 minutes walk from the Ramblas, the centre of Barcelona. Each day had a different activity planned and on Wednesday all students visited PortAventura in Salou which proved to be the highlight of their tour.
Other highlights of the trip included visits to Park Guell, which was designed by Gaudi, a Historical Bike Tour, Cathedral de Barcelona. All had a great time and a great experience.
44 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
SCHOOL REPORT – BORRISOKANE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Borrisokane Community College
Borrisokane, Co. Tipperary.
Tel: 067-27268 Fax: 067-27144
E-mail: [email protected]
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. Sinead Farragher Chairperson Board of Management: ...... Mr. Tony McKenna Chairperson Parents’ Association: ...... Mr. Joe Murphy
Enrolment as at 01/01/2013 ...... 524 Boys: ...... 261 Girls: ...... 263
School Staff: ...... 44 Teachers ...... 39 Special Needs Assistants ...... 3 Administration Staff ...... 1 Maintenance Staff ...... 1
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.
45 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
BORRISOKANE COMMUNITY COLLEGE SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS 2013
New School Buildings Complete In September 2013 Students and Staff entered the newly completed school at Borrisokane Community College. Over the past two and a half years the school was totally revamped and is now equipped with the most modern facilities and equipment.
North Tipperary VEC Award Winners 2013. • Sport – Ciaran Mulroy • Literature – Sarah Coonan • ICT – Rachel Hayes • Personal Achievement – Alice Simpson • Educational Achievement – Grace Reddan • Gaeilge – Aoife Hill • Academic Excellence– Eanna Dooley • Art & Craft– Blaithnaid O’Meara • Music – Shannon Ramzan and Louise Ryan
46 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Autism Awareness Day Poster Competition
Two students in the Autism Centre Alannah Ford and Jay Collins organised a poster competition as part of their CSPE project to promote Autism Awareness Day.
Picture: Showing some of the winning posters with Alannah Ford and teacher Ms. Jackie Hayes.
Kouture Project
Junk Kouture is an incentive which challenges teenagers to create high end wearable fashion from everyday junk that would normally find its way into the bin. Within the designs created in Borrisokane Community College were used recyclable materials such as paper wrappers from food in the school canteen, crisp packets, newspapers, old laminating sheets, and various types of plastic and waste household paint. Picture: Nessa O’Brien with one of the creations.
47 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
LCA Student receives prize from Michael Sweetman Education Trust
LCA student Thomas Mulqueen travelled to Strasburg for three days with twenty three other students from around the country. Thomas was awarded the prize of a place on the Michael Sweetman Education Trust 2014 Euroscola Tour to Strasburg based on the work he has completed on a project on Joyriding as part of the Social Education programme.
Parents Association Fundraising for the Autism Centre
Borrisokane Community College Parents Association can be very proud of their achievements in fundraising over €117,000 from April to December 2013. The presentation of prizes to the winners of the Monster Raffle took place on the 31st of January 2013. The lucky winner of the Peugeot 208 was Paddy Hayes, Holycross. Second prize of €2000 was presented to Lisa Reddan and Jo Morrissey, Silvermines, Nenagh received a cheque of €1000 for third prize The Centre for Young People with Autism is now equipped to the highest standard with specialised furniture such as adjustable tables and chairs, a Practical Activities Classroom equipped for the teaching of Home Economics, a Central Activities space equipped with Rope Ladders, Hammocks and swings to cater for the sensory needs of the students and Outdoor facilities including a sensory garden where students can relax by the pond or sample some of the fruit or herbs. The playground with its basket swing, climbing frame and climbing block presents challenges to the children at various levels depending on their needs. The successful fundraiser acknowledges the partnership that exists with the whole school community where parents students and staff worked together to bring another very successful project to a conclusion for the students attending Borrisokane Community College.
48 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
SCHOOL REPORT - COLAISTE MHUIRE CO-ED.
Colaiste Mhuire Co-Ed Castlemeadows, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
Tel: 0504 21734 Fax: 0504 23166
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: MISSION STATEMENT: COLAISTE MHUIRE CO-ED ASPIRES TO DEVELOP A CARING AND INCLUSIVE LEARNING COMMUNITY WHICH OPTIMISES THE POTENTIAL OF EACH PERSON
Principal: ...... Mr. Denis Quinn Deputy Principal: ...... Ms. Clare Wallace Chairperson Board of Management: ...... Cllr. John Kennedy Chairperson Parents’ Association: ...... Mrs D. Dunne
Enrolment as at 01/01/2013 ...... 340 Boys: ...... 185 Girls: ...... 155
School Staff: ...... 32.68 Teachers ...... 27.68 Special Needs Assistants ...... 3 FULL TIME Administration Staff ...... 1 FULL TIME Maintenance Staff ...... 1 FULL TIME
Programmes Available: Junior Certificate, Junior Certificate Schools’ Programme, Leaving Certificate Established, Transition Year, Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA), Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP), School Completion Programme, School Meals, Post Leaving Certificate Courses (PLC)
Subjects Available: Irish, English, Maths, Science, Art, History, Geography, French, Home Economics, Material Technology (Wood), Material Technology (Metal), Technical Graphics, Business Studies, Music, Civic Social Political Education (CSPE), Religion, Choir, Physical Education, Social, Personal & Health Education (SPHE), Computers, Biology, Agricultural Science, Construction Studies, Design and Communications Graphics, Engineering
Extra Curricular Activities: Hurling, Gaelic Football, Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball, Hunter Trials, Cross-Country, Athletics, Outdoor Pursuits, Debating, Public Speaking, Table Quizzes, Charity Events, Choir, Musical, Student Enterprise, Speech & Drama, Art Competitions, Computers, Young Scientist, Green Flag, NFTE, Creative Engagement Project, School Business Partnership with Lisheen Mines, ITLG Young Innovators
49 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Principal’s Address
We have come to the end of a very busy exciting and successful school year. The year started with excellent Leaving and Junior Certificate results enabling the class of 12/13 to enter Universities and Colleges throughout Ireland to study a variety of courses from PE Teaching to Engineering. Our Music Department got into gear with the musical extravaganza “Grease”. This was followed by success from the Science Department in the BT Young Scientist who then proceeded to win the SciFest Intel Award for Technology. Our Business Department were very successful achieving 1st and 2nd prizes in the National Enterprise Awards and not to be out done the students in our Maths Department were one of two schools in Tipperary to win county medals at the MATHletes provincial final and came third place in their category in Munster. Our Extra Curricular and Sports Departments had similar success with a County u14 Gaelic football title and All Ireland trophies in both volleyball and athletics, followed by success in hurling and soccer. The school was also awarded its first Green Flag for Litter & Waste. Congratulations to all involved
Teaching and Learning
Subject Inspection: Incidental Inspection in October
Engineering Inspection in the 3rd term – awaiting report
SESS - In-service at beginning of year on whole school approaches to behaviour with the SESS
TL21 – 3 teachers involved in the Teaching and Learning 21 group in Kilkenny. Looking at the use of e-portfolios in JCSA.
JCSA – In-service from the PDST on the JCSA programme and how to effectively use subject planning tools in its adoption
IPads – further in-service on using iPads as a learning and teaching tool. Introduction of ipads as 1/1 learning devices with incoming first years.
VSware – VSware is now fully functioning in our school, allowing for reporting on attainment, tracking of progress and rigours absenteeism follow up.
Computer Services: Went to tender for computer services contract.
Forward planning: NBSS to engage with school next year
Maria Garvey engaged to deliver in-service on cooperative learning
Care team
As reported last year a care team was formed in 12/13. In 13/14 we undertook Critical Incident and DLP training for all members of the care team. Staff also trained on and disseminated the Mental Health Matters material. Scheduled meetings take place very week to facilitate the work of this important group.
50 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
COLÁISTE MHUIRE CO-ED SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS 2013 The Lisheen Mines Lecture Theatre
Lisheen Mines has announced that they will fully fund the replacement of the movable partition wall in room 8&9 to develop the “Lisheen Mine Lecture Theatre”.
Transition year
Our TY programme has been greatly enhanced this year. The introduction of the TAP (Tourism Awareness Programme) and Creative Engagement projects were welcomed. We also reintroduced Chinese Studies. The development of a TY policy and planning templates are also of note.
Gaisce
Congratulations to students who achieved Bronze in the Gaisce awards.
DEIS
Our new Deis plan was developed this year and regular timetabled meetings of a core DEIS team facilitated the roll out and whole school adoption of initiatives.
School Policies: The following policies were developed and ratified this year: Anti-bullying, Child Protection, Mobile Phone, SEN, Code of Behaviour, Digital Citizenship and AUP for Mobile Devices, LCA Policy, SHPE Policy, Substance Use Policy, Suspension and Expulsion Policy, TY Policy, Critical Incident Policy, AED Guidelines, Guidance Policy. All are available at http://www.cmco.ie/index.php/information-mainmenu/school-plan-including-school- policies Under 14 Boys Volleyball Team play in All-Ireland Semi Final
The u14 cadette boys team successfully reached the All Ireland Semi-Final of the shield competition. and were very unlucky not to overcome St Brigid’s of Loughrea in the final set. Many thanks to their coach Ms D Wall for her dedication to the sport
51 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Schools Business Partnership
As part of the Schools' Business Partnership Initiative, Lisheen Mine have been working closely with our 5th year students on an on-going basis to expose them to the world of employment opportunities available in a Primary extractive industry such as that of Lisheen Mine.
This years’ programme concluded in May with our students receiving their certificates and delivering a presentation on their experiences to Lisheen Mine personnel. Many thanks to Business teacher Mr J Brennan for liaising with Lisheen Mine throughout the programme.
PLC: PLC Awards took place in October 2013.
Graduates of the PLC Programes were presented with their certificates in Childcare (Level 5 & 6) and Business Studies – Secretarial (Level 5) and Administration (Level 6), Art (Level 5 & 6), Sports & Recreation (Level 5), Nursing and Healthcare (Level 5) and Social Studies (Level 5). The awards were presented by Mr. Tom Hayes, TD.
Our External Authentication and Evaluation went very well this year and the centre is deemed to be in line with national standards.
SciFest and Young Scientist
Congratulations to students Curtis Ryan, Brendan Callanan, Ben Hennessy and their teacher Ms M Smith who won the Intel Award for Technology for their project entitled “The Geometry of Goal Scoring” at the SciFest 2014 in LIT Thurles. SciFest 2014 is an all-inclusive, all island science competition where students showcase science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) projects in third level regional colleges.
School Buildings
. Renovation of the School Canteen in Summer 2013 . Two new PLC unisex toilets were developed . Basketball Hoops installed . Shrubbery planted at school entrance . Storage area developed beside Dome . Summer works application successful to repair roof on the new wind . All JC lockers to become combination locks . Ist years to get their own locker area . Garden: Stone and wood carvings and repoussé (beaten metal) developed in indoor garden/atrium area. . Engaged with SEAI to reduce energy consumption . Installed new server.
52 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
For a more detailed account of work going on please see our 2 school newsletters for this year which were developed by Ms D Ryan at: http://www.cmco.ie/index.php/information-mainmenu/2013-06-29-21-14- 27/newslettersummer2014
& http://www.cmco.ie/index.php/information-mainmenu/2013-06-29-21-14-27/newsletter- dec2013
53 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
SCHOOL REPORT – COLÁISTE PHOBAL ROS CRÉ
Coláiste Phobal Ros Cré, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary.
Tel: 0505-23939 Fax: 0505-23933
E-mail: [email protected]
Mission Statement: In active partnership with the whole Community, Coláiste Phobal Ros Cré is committed to: Recognising the worth of each individual Educating our students in a caring environment Promoting our cultural heritage Preparing the student for a meaningful and spiritual life Contributing to the life of the community Principal: ...... Mr. Gerard O’Brien Deputy Principal: ...... Mr. John Haugh Chairperson Board of Management: ...... Cllr. John Hogan Chairperson Parents’ Association: ...... Ms. Calista Van Kouwen
Enrolment as at 01/01/2013 ...... 702 Boys: ...... 347 Girls: ...... 355
School Staff: ...... 62 Teachers ...... 53 Special Needs Assistants ...... 5 (5 full time) Administration Staff ...... 2 (2 full time) Maintenance Staff ...... 2 (2 full time)
Programmes Available: Junior Certificate, Leaving Certificate Established, Transition Year, Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA), Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP), Post Leaving Certificate Courses (PLC)
Subjects Available Junior Certificate: Irish, English, Maths, Science, Art, History, Geography, German, French, Music, Home Economics, Material Technology (Wood), Material Technology (Metal), Design & Communication Graphics, Business Studies, Civic Social Political Education (CSPE), Religion, Physical Education, Social, Personal & Health Education (SPHE), Computers & Career Guidance
Subjects Available Leaving Certificate: Irish, English, Maths, Biology, French, German, Music, Design & Communication Graphics, Agricultural Science, Construction Studies, Business, Art, Home Economics, Engineering, History, Geography, Physics, Chemistry, Religion, Computers & Career Guidance.
Extra Curricular Activities: Hurling, Camóige, Soccer, Basketball, Badminton, Hunter Trials, Cross-Country, Athletics, Swimming, Outdoor Pursuits, Debating, Public Speaking, School Musical, Table Quizzes, Charity Events, Choir, Young Entrepreneur, Speech & Drama, Art Competitions. Green Schools, School Concert, Roscrea Tidy Towns, Gaeltacht and Eurolanguages Scholarships .
54 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
COLÁISTE PHOBAL ROS CRÉ SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS 2013
Janet Lewis
The year commenced with some wonderful Leaving Certificate results exemplified best By Janet Lewis who achieved 7 A1’s including Higher Level Maths, giving her a maximum CAO Points tally of 625. Janet received a JP McManus Scholarship worth €25,000 as well as a U.C.D. Ad Astra Academic Scholarship. Janet is currently pursuing her students in Veterinary Science. Congratulations Janet!
The Coláiste Phobal German Debating team took part in the All-Ireland G.D.I. Siemens German Debating Competition and got to the Quarter Final in Portlaoise. The team - Paul Crampton, Ciara Ryan, Daire Murray and Eoin Hobbs were narrowly beaten. Congratulations to all four competitors and their teacher Ms.O'Meara. David Crampton achieved individual success by winning the prestigious Dr. Otto Glaser Trophy for winning the Senior Section of the Irish-Austrian Society National German Essay Competition. He will now go on to represent Ireland in Frankfurt this August.
55 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Green Flag
During the 2013 school year we achieved our second Green Schools Flag.
Congratulations to all the students and staff involved in the project.
All-Ireland Hurling Team
Coláiste Phobal once again excelled on the sporting front of capturing the All-Ireland Colleges Senior B Championship sponsored by Masita. At our first attempt in this competition Coláiste Phobal Ros Cré represented the E.T.B. sector well by achieving the ultimate prize of All-Ireland Glory. Great credit is due to the hard work of the panel and their Manager Willie Smyth.
56 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
School Musical
Once again the Transition Year students delivered a School Musical with a production of ‘Me and My Girl’. The picture shows the cast and teachers who coordinated and managed the production.
School Staff 2013 / 2014
57 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
SCHOOL REPORT – NEWPORT COLLEGE
Newport College
Black Road, Newport, Co. Tipperary
Tel: 061-378262 Fax: 061-278262
E-mail: [email protected]
Mission Statement: To develop among students, parents, staff and community a trusting, caring atmosphere which enhances the dignity and self-esteem of all. To create a productive learning environment for all abilities. To promote the spiritual, emotional and social development of students, assisting them to reach their full potential as responsible individuals in society.
Principal: ...... Ms. Clodagh Kelly Deputy Principal: ...... Ms. Brigid Harmon Chairperson Board of Management: ...... Cllr. Dr. Phyll Bugler Chairperson Parents’ Association: ...... Ms Shirley Murphy
Enrolment as at 01/10/2013 ...... 150 Boys: ...... 66 Girls: ...... 84
School Staff: ...... 21 Teachers ...... 17 Special Needs Assistants ...... 2 (1 full time, 1 part time) Administration Staff ...... 1 Maintenance Staff ...... 1
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), Religion, Physical Education, Social, Personal & Health Education (SPHE), Computers
Extra Curricular Activities: Hurling, Camóige, Gaelic Football, Soccer, Basketball, Handball, Volleyball, Lunchtime Activities, Board games, Library Club, Debating, Public Speaking, Table Quizzes, Charity Events, Young Entrepreneur, Art Competitions, Computers, Young Scientist
58 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
NEWPORT COLLEGE SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS 2013
3rd Green Flag for Newport Newport College received its 3rd Green Flag for Water Conservation in March 2013 – only 10% of secondary schools have achieved this flag. Work is now starting on achieving our 4th Green Flag – we will be looking at the area of transport in the coming weeks and months. Congratulations to all involved, particularly the Green schools committee who have seen this process through from start to finish.
Procter & Gamble School Business Partnership The school continues with its very successful partnership with P&G in 2013. Again the school was hosted at a plant visit to the Nenagh site, and learned a lot about the world of work. Thanks to all the staff of P&G who gave so willingly of their time to help with the preparation of CVs and also interviewed our students.
59 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Student Council Newport College has a vibrant and very active Student Council, getting involved in helping at school events, helping to work on policies in the school, and bringing issues and ideas to school management.
Dinnéar na Nollag
This year our 5th year Gaeilge class treated their parents and guardians to Christmas dinner in the school. All food was prepared by the students under the watchful gaze of our caterer, Tom Kiely. They decorated the room and waited on their guests. They even cleaned up after the event. The class were raising funds to pay for a trip to Ring Gaeltacht and enjoy an afternoon of surfing, all ‘as Gaeilge’! Thanks to their Gaeilge teacher and all on the staff who helped out.
60 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
SCHOOL REPORT - NENAGH COLLEGE Nenagh College
&
Nenagh College of Further Education Dromin Road, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary.
Tel: 067-31525 Fax: 067-34005
Mission Statement: To educate all students for their personal development and for the community
Principal: ...... Mr. Michael Mc Nulty Deputy Principal: ...... Ms. Ann Melley
Chairperson Board of Management: ...... Mr. Conor Delaney Chairperson Parents’ Association: ...... Ms Francis Hynes
Enrolment as at 01-01-2012 ...... 423 Boys: ...... 195 Girls: ...... 106 PLC ...... 122 School Staff: ...... 42 Teachers ...... 35 Special Needs Assistants ...... 4 (part time) Administration Staff ...... 2 (1 full time, 1 part time) Caretaker ...... 1 (fulltime)
Programmes Available: Junior Certificate, Transition Year, Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP), Leaving Certificate, Post Leaving Certificate Courses (PLC)
Curriculum Available: Junior Cycle: Irish, English, Mathematics, Science, Art Craft and Design, History, Geography, French, Home Economics, Material Technology (Wood), Material Technology (Metal), Technical Graphics, Business Studies, Civic Social Political Education (CSPE), Religion, Music, Physical Education, Social, Personal & Health Education (SPHE). Senior Cycle: Irish, English, Mathematics, Art Craft and Design, History, Geography, French, Home Economics, Biology, Physics, Construction Studies, Engineering, Design and Communication Graphics, Business, Music, Religion, R.S.E., Physical Education, Career Guidance. Extra-Curricular Activities: Hurling, Camogie, Gaelic Football, Indoor Soccer, Basketball, Badminton, Cross-Country, Athletics, Swimming Club, Outdoor Pursuits, Drama Club, Computer Club, Debating, Public Speaking, Table Quizzes, Glee Club, Chess and Draughts, Music- traditional, Rock and Pop, Charity Events, Young Entrepreneur, Art Competitions, Young Scientist, Photography, Film making, Leadership courses, Green Schools and Equestrian Club
61 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
NENAGH COLLEGE SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS 2013 Nenagh College
Formerly Nenagh Vocational School, Nenagh College has a proud tradition as the only co-educational school in the Nenagh area. As part of the rebranding of our school a competition to design a new college crest was launched in January, 2013. On the 3rd October 2013 Nenagh Vocational launched its new name and logo Nenagh College & Nenagh College of Further Education to coincide with the Official Opening of the newly refurbished and extended school.
Part of the student group who welcomed Alan Kelly TD, Minister of Public and Commuter Transport and invited guests to the Official opening ceremony on 3rd October 2013.
Official Opening of Nenagh College
Seated L/R: Majella Kennedy college secretary and MC, Ann Hall Parents Association, Minister Alan Kelly, Rachel Gleeson student, Ann Melly, Deputy Principal.
Back row L/R: Michael Mc Nulty Principal, Noreen Kennedy Board of Management, Fionuala Mc Geever CEO Tipperary ETB, William Kennedy Chairman of Tipperary ETB, Conor Delaney Chairperson of Board of Management.
62 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
F1 for Schools
This is our first year entering the competition and already two teams from Nenagh College will compete in the regional finals. F1 in Schools is a global multi-disciplinary competition that challenges secondary school students to design, build and race miniature compressed- air powered balsa wood Formula One cares. The competition inspires students to use IT to learn about physics, aerodynamics, design manufacture, branding, graphics, sponsorship, marketing, leadership, teamwork, media skills and financial strategy, and apply them in a practical, imaginative, competitive and exciting way.
The full team consisted of Brent Robinson, Team Manager, Daniel Kelly, Marketing and Communications Manager, Lauren du Parc Braham, Manufacturing Engineer, William English and Graphic Designer, Dylan Rooney, Research Manager. The team was supported by their Engineering teachers Mr. Kennedy.
Having won the Munster final competition, the team went on to take third place at the National finals. The team also won an award for best web-site design.
63 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Big Brother/Big Sister Programme in Nenagh College
Big Brother, Big Sister is a programme run in conjunction with Foróige where training is given to mentors (fifth and sixth year volunteers) and mentees (first years). The purpose of the programme is to form supportive friendships in the school environment. This helps to improve students’ wellbeing, improve their social support and relationships with others.
In Nenagh College, the programme is facilitated by the First Year Head, Ms. M. Duffy, Guidance Counsellor, Ms. R. Maharaj and a number of the teaching staff who volunteer their time to organise and supervise different team-building events.
Many activities were organised in the school including pottery, charades, pancake making, a table quiz, board games, creating a Valentine’s poster, film club and a penalty shoot-out.
Feedback from students has been very positive. It has helped to alleviate some of the common fears that are associated with the transition from primary to secondary by allowing the incoming First Years to have a peer to talk to about their concerns (homework, location of rooms, different subjects and teachers etc.). As a result, many deeper and lasting friendships have been formed. A greater sense of school and community spirit has evolved. Overall, it has been a worthwhile and very positive experience for student life in Nenagh College.
Photo: Ms. Maharaj Guidance Counselor with first year students from Nenagh College, Laura Corcoran and Agnes Mulqueen, on a tour of Nenagh Castle as part of their Big Brother/Big Sister programme.
64 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Nenagh College raising their first green flag
Pictured is the guest of honour Mr. Charles Stanley Smith, An Taisce, who addressed the assembled student body. Also present are representatives of the Board of Management, Parents and the Green schools committee with their teachers Mr. Frank Macken and Ms. Carey.
Following the raising of Nenagh College’s first green flag, work recommenced towards achieving the second flag which focuses on Energy conservation. The aim of the second green flag is to make students and teachers alike more aware of the importance of careful energy usage. The committee has adopted the new slogan “Greener Knowledge at Nenagh College” to promote their green school message. The green schools committee is working hard to raise awareness in the college and also reduce the energy consumption by promoting the turning off of computers and lights after usage. As part of the new building work the entire college was fitted with motion sensors as well as automatic timed switch down of all computers and other electrical components in support of reducing energy consumption. The improved insulation with the new building will have a major impact on energy savings.
65 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Munster Cup Success for Nenagh College
Nenagh College were victorious in winning the Hayes Intermediate Cup on Saturday 18th Jan in McDonagh Park against Coláiste Iosaef, Killmallock. Winning the toss Nenagh elected to play with the wind where they took the lead from the start with some excellent scoring from Zoey Grattan, full forward and also from Jenny Grace No 11. At half time Nenagh College knew they needed to start the second half well and an early score was needed and this arrived with Scarlait Quinn finding Jenny Grace who after rounding a couple of players hit an unstoppable shot to the bottom corner of the net.
To Kilmallock’s credit they never gave up and responded with three well worked points, impressive performances from Brona Mulcahy and Jessica Murphy. Nenagh College however powered ahead with great commitment and victory was well deserved for a group of very dedicated players including Ciara Gleeson, Ellen O Brien, Zoe Grattan, Lynsey O Grady and Amanda Egan. On the final whistle Amanda Egan and Jenny Grace accepted the trophy on behalf of the team and to finish on a high note; Jenny Grace from Duhara Burgess Club was considered to be the player of the match. Final score: Nenagh College 4-6, Colaiste Iosef 1.6
Nenagh College Team: A Mulqueen, J Ryan, C Gleeson, L Rooney, L Hogan, E O’Brien, S Quinn, A Egan, L O’Grady, J Grace, L O’Halloran, S Slattery, Z Grattan, A Cummins, M Nagle, S Rooney, C Slevin , L Kennedy.
The team mentors and trainers Ms N. Devitt and Ms E. Darcy.
Pictured are the joint team captains Amanda Egan and Jennifer Grace
66 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
SCHOOL REPORTS – ST. JOSEPH’S SCHOOL, FERRYHOUSE
St. Joseph’s School
Ferryhouse, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.
Tel: 052-6183000 Fax: 052-6121399
E-mail: [email protected]
About St. Joseph’s: 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: The total number of students that can be enrolled at any one time is capped at 35. The School is for boys only.
Subjects available to students: 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.
Programmes Available: Junior Certificate; FETAC Programmes;
67 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Section 3
Adult & Further Education Reports & Highlights
68 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
ADULT EDUCATION OFFICER REPORT: South Tipperary
The main locations of provision are: Clonmel, Cahir, Cashel, Carrick-on Suir, Tipperary Town, Killenaule, and Cappawhite
During the year the AEO had an overarching responsibility to develop/support the following:
. Back to Education Initiative (BTEI) . The Self-Financing Strand-Night Classes . The Adult Literacy Service . Youthreach . VTOS . The Community Education Service . The Adult Guidance Service . On-going development of the Financial Structure . On-going support of managers and staff, including relevant CPD. . Preparing for and working with Fionuala McGeever CEO and Antoinette Coffey, AEO on the amalgamation of the Further Education Services . The Advocate Service for the local Community Training Centres (CTC’s)and Youthreach
69 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
. The Counselling/Guidance Service for Youthreach/STTC and CTC’s . Secretary of the Adult Education Officers’ Association (AEOA) . Member of Executive of AEOA. . Member of the AONTAS Adult Learner Journal Editorial Board . Board Director of South Tipperary Development Company (STDC) . Member of STDC Social Inclusion Sub-Committee . Member of STDC Finance Sub-Committee . Board Director of Clonmel Youth Training Enterprises (CYTE) . Board Director of South Tipperary Arts Centre (STAC) . VEC representative of the South East Regional Drugs Task Force (SERDTF) . Board member of the South Tipperary Volunteer Centre . Member of the Clonmel RAPID Area Implementation Team (AIT) . Chair of the South Tipperary VEC FETAC Working Group . Leading the work on the DSP/VEC Interim Protocol Document . Developing a culture of teamwork within the Adult Education Service . Encouraging integration of guidance across the programmes . Supporting the development of processes for internal progression between programmes. . Developing common policies across various programmes where possible. . Raising awareness of the VEC/ETB Adult and Further Education service by speaking and presenting at interagency events throughout the year.
Staff:
. Eileen Condon, Adult Education Officer . Orla McCarthy, Administrative Assistant
70 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
ADULT EDUCATION BOARD 2013
In South Tipperary VEC, the Adult Education Service and the AEO worked closely with its Adult Education Board. The Board met quarterly to advise and support the Adult Education Officer on various matters.
The following is the list of Board members and the agencies/interests they represent:
Cllr. Liam Ahearn (Chairperson) South Tipperary VEC
Cllr. Siobhán Ambrose (Vice-Chairperson) South Tipperary VEC
Mathúin Ó Caoimh Self-financing/TUI
Ann Ryan South Tipperary Co. Council
Billy Gleeson TEAGASC
Sara Bourke South Tipp Voluntary Forum
Emer O’Brien Tipperary Libraries
Anthony Fitzgerald South Tipperary Co. Co. / Employer Interests
The Adult Education Officer met with the Board in 2013 on the following dates:
. 7th March . 13th May . 10th October . 11th December
71 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Description of types/content of programme:
The Adult Education Service provides a wide range of Full-time and Part-time options from QQI Levels 1 to 6 plus Leaving Certificate, LCA and Junior Cycle options.
Learner Numbers and Profile within the Adult Education Service:
NIGHT CLASSES 95
BACK TO EDUCATION INITIATIVE (BTEI) 565
ADULT LITERACY (ALS + ESOL + ITABE) 1,376
COMMUNITY EDUCATION 1,381
ADULT GUIDANCE INFORMATION SERVICE 916
VTOS 100
YOUTHREACH 35
SKILLS FOR WORK 145
SKILLS VEC 38
A total of 4,651 learners availed of the Adult Education Service in 2013.
1600 1376 1,381 1400 1200 1000 916 800 565 600 400 145 200 95 100 35 38 0
72 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Highlights for 2013:
The amalgamation of South and North Tipperary VEC into Tipperary Education and Training Board in July. Developing the process of integrating staff, policies and provision by formalising FE managers meetings monthly. Six Meetings took place in 2013: 27/02/2013 – Nenagh 20/03/2013 – Clonmel 26/04/2013 – Coláiste Eile, Thurles 10/09/2013 – Horse & Jockey 08/10/13 – Horse & Jockey 19/11/2013 – Coláiste Eile, Thurles The dissolution of FAS in October 2013 signalled the beginning of a training remit for Tipperary ETB. The process of working on a Further Education and Training Plan began at the end of 2013. Participating in Interagency Meetings to address company closures and skills needs of those soon to be unemployed, and working closely with employers, e.g. Abbott and Lisheen Mines. Hosting and participating in visits with staff in Nenagh to familiarise each other with our centres. Working closely with senior DSP staff to address the referral process of the Long Term Unemployed, and delivering familiarisation sessions with the DSP and Interim Referral Protocols. Working with the Adult Education Officers Association in contributing to the SOLAS Strategy by contributing to a document for our Association. Representing Tipperary ETB at national SOLAS/DES consultations on the Further Education and Training Strategy. Meeting FAS staff in Waterford in October to contribute to the Business Plan for 2014. Meeting SOLAS Staff in ETBI and engaging in the FE planning process Organising and recognising adult learner achievement via the holding of FETAC Awards Ceremonies in February and September. Organising national AEOA conferences in February, May and November. Working with national Skills for Work Coordinators to secure additional programmes for Tipperary. These programmes allow those low-skilled and in employment to upskill, often in the workplace. Partaking in Awards ceremonies with the Co Council for participants on Return to Learning Programmes. Offering programmes that are co-funded with other stakeholders, e.g. South Tipperary Development Company. Participating in Expos on Education and Training, hosted by STDC, in Clonmel, Carrick-on-Suir and Tipperary Town in April. Participating in Child Protection Training Delivering a presentation to a delegation from Sweden to the County Council on Education in the ETB.
73 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Delivering a presentation on Adult Education for the South East Regional Drugs Task Force. Attending information meeting in Cork with the newly formed QQI on upcoming changes in accreditation and Quality Assurance.
This year was one of great change, internally with two VEC’s becoming one ETB, and externally with the dissolution of FAS, the Establishment of SOLAS, and QQI and greater engagement with the Dept. of Social Protection. The Adult Education Service and its staff are to be commended for embracing these changes and showing a willingness to grow and develop.
74 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
ADULT EDUCATION OFFICER REPORT
Main Locations for the Provision of Adult Education in North Tipperary:
The main locations are: Thurles, Nenagh, Templemore, Roscrea, Borrisokane and Newport.
Description and purpose of Programme:
During the year the AEO had responsibility to develop/support the following:
. Back to Education Initiative (BTEI) . The Self-Financing Strand-Night Classes . The Adult Literacy Service . Youthreach . VTOS . The Community Education Service . The Adult Guidance Information Service . On-going development of the Financial Structure . On-going support of managers and staff . On-going development of the Lifelong Learning Service
75 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
. Tiobraid Árann ag Labhairt Teo: o During the year the Board of the Tiobraid Árann ag Labhairt project agreed to: o Wind up the Company o Look for a Voluntary Strike-off with the Companies Registration Office o (Tiobraid Árann ag Labhairt finances to be transferred to the ETB). . Preparing for and working with Fionuala McGeever CEO and Eileen Condon AEO on the amalgamation of the Further Education Services . The Advocate Service for the local Community Training Centres (CTC’s)and Youthreach . The Counselling/Guidance Service for Youthreach/STTC and CTC’s . The Social Inclusion Measure Committee of the County Development Board (CDB) . Chairperson of the Up-skilling Committee . Chairperson of the Integration Working Group . Member of the the Communications Working Group . Member of the Workplace Learning Group . Member of the the Ar Aghaidh Linn Committee . Member of Institiúid Thuamhumhan . Member of the Coláiste Éile Board of Management . Member of the Roscrea Education Centre Board of Management . Community Education Evaluation Committee . Member of the Teach an Léinn Board of Management . Member of the St Sheelan’s Childcare Centre Board of Management . Member of Nenagh Childcare Centre Board of Management . Member of the Results Approval Panel Process Meetings . Member of QA Working Group . Leading the work on the DSP/ETB Interim Protocol Document
Staff
. Antoinette Coffey - Adult Education Office . Margaret Ryan – Administrator
76 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Learner Numbers and Profile within the Adult Education Service:
NIGHT CLASSES 883 BACK TO EDUCATION INITIATIVE (BTEI) 800 ADULT LITERACY (ALS + ESOL + ITABE) 635 COMMUNITY EDUCATION 438 ADULT GUIDANCE INFORMATION SERVICE 397 VTOS 90 YOUTHREACH 60 SKILLS FOR WORK 56 SKILLS VEC 19
A total of 3,378 learners availed of the Adult Education Service in 2013.
Operational Guidelines determine participant profile.
There was a Total Budget of €3,636,317
Description of types/content of programme:
The Adult Education Service provides a wide range of Full-time and Part-time options from QQI Levels 1 to 6 plus Leaving Certificate, LCA and Junior Cycle options.
77 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Highlights for 2013:
The Amalgamation in July 2013 of North Tipperary VEC and South Tipperary VEC into the Tipperary Education and Training Board (TETB) The Amalgamation has led to a series of Joint Further Education Managers Meetings and a cascading of best practice which will continue in 2014 Development of an Integration Forum and Short Term Strategy (for the North of the County) which will help respond effectively to the ‘New Irish Communities’ be it through ESOL or other identified educational needs A number of very enjoyable, well attended Awards Ceremony were held in Nenagh, Thurles, Roscrea, Borrisokane, Templemore and Newport during 2013 Tutor Training is a key policy within the Tipperary ETB. This will be ongoing in 2014 In Thurles, 2013 was the first full year at the newly expanded Adult Education facility. Enrolments, Certification, Levels of Progression have increased accordingly Staff were also involved in a collaborative practice whereby a Community of Learning has been set up and tutors meet once a week to discuss assessment practices and techniques at FETAC/QQI levels 3 and 4. This took place in Coláiste Eile, Thurles As part of the Up-skilling focus of the Work Place Learning Committee, learners at Levels 4, 5 and 6 of the Self-Financing Night Class Programme were subsidised up to 50%. This has greatly enhanced the Service. Principals worked closely with the AEO on this initiative. The North Tipperary Up-Skilling Committee met on a regular basis during 2013. They worked on the following two projects: (1) The ‘Who to Talk to’ Event (2) The Education and Training Needs Analysis Research. The AEO is Chairperson of the Up-skilling Committee of the Economic Working Group. The ‘Who To Talk To’ Event took place on Tuesday 14th May 2013 at the Thurles Chamber Enterprise Centre. The official opening was performed by Tom Doorley, Columnist and Food Critic. Now in its second year, the ‘Who To Talk To’ initiative focused on the food sector and included a funding workshop featuring 7 presentations on sources of funding, 5 food focused seminars and 32 information desks. This year’s event had a record attendance of 270. The Education and Training Needs Analysis Research. In the latter part of 2012 it was agreed that there was a need to research the market in order to inform a future up-skilling Strategy. The piece of work was completed in April 2013 and a follow-on Education/Training Needs Assessment was carried out by LIT. The structure of the investigation through a survey Monkey was developed in September 2013 and the research and analysis carried out in October and November 2013. Joint Further Education Managers Meetings: Six Meetings took place in 2013: 27/02/2013 – Nenagh 20/03/2013 – Clonmel 26/04/2013 – Coláiste Eile, Thurles 10/09/2013 – Horse & Jockey 08/10/13 – Horse & Jockey
78 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
19/11/2013 – Coláiste Eile, Thurles
Key Goals 2014:
. To continue to work closely with colleagues to ensure the amalgamation process is effective . To continue to develop and expand the Further Education Service. . To develop a culture of planning . To recruit and retain high quality staff . To continue to respond to a changing educational environment . Management of the Service Finances
Conclusion:
The year was dominated with a series of changes at National level such as VEC Amalgamations, the establishment of SOLAS, Intreo and the QQI. To this backdrop the new expanded Further Education Service continued to grow from strength to strength.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every person directly involved with the Service.
79 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
ADULT LEARNING SCHEME CLONMEL
INTRODUCTION The Adult Learning Scheme provides several strands of adult basic education at National Framework of Qualifications levels 1, 2 and 3. The headquarters of the Scheme is in Clonmel and 5 other permanent centres are located in Tipperary Town, Cahir, Cashel, Killenaule and Carrick-on-Suir. Outreach provision takes place in 15 community and employer venues around South Tipperary.
SERVICES 1. Adult Literacy Adult Literacy programmes are provided to people inside and outside of the labour force who want to improve their communication skills, i.e. reading, writing, and numeracy and information technology. Programmes are typically delivered for two to four hours per week during the academic year and include courses such as Family Learning and Maths. The Intensive Tuition in Adult Basic Education (ITABE) programme is offered on the basis of six hours per week for 14 weeks.
2. 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.
3. 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.
80 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
PROFILE OF LEARNERS
The Adult Literacy Service is targeted at adults whose literacy and numeracy skills do not match Level 3 on the NFQ. Within this target group, (with the exception of Skills for Work) priority is given to unemployed adults and those with only a primary education or less.
Programme enrolments
ADULT LITERACY
ITABE
SKILLS FOR WORK
ESOL
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000
Male Female
This graph represents the number of students who attended Adult Learning Scheme programmes during 2013. The total number of students was 1376.
STAFF
1. Louise McGrath Administrative Assistant 2. Lavinia English Resource Worker 3. Lillian Hahessy Resource Worker 4. Peter Cleary Resource Worker 5. Diarmuid Heafey Caretaker 6. Mary Roche Cleary Adult Literacy Organiser
During 2013, the Scheme had 25 part-time paid group tutors and an additional 30 volunteer tutors.
STAFF TRAINING The Adult Learning Scheme organised the following training for tutors and/or Resource workers and Administrative staff during the year:
81 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
. FETAC level 2 and 3 workshop for tutors. . FETAC assessment workshop for tutors. . Facilitation Skills in-service. . Salespulse training for management. . WriteOn training for tutors. . 5 Tutors were facilitated to attend the NALA Tutor Forum. . Using Technology to support literacy teaching – workshops in Cahir and Clonmel for volunteer tutors. . In-service for tutors, theme: Humanistic Education. . BULATS training for ESOL tutors (University of Cambridge Business Language Testing Service). . 4 Tutors working towards WIT level 6 and 1 Tutor working towards level 7 with ETB funding support. Another of our Tutors working towards the BA (Hons.) in Adult Education (TEQ) and did his practical teaching experience with us. . 4 staff attended the Early Childhood Literacy conference, organised by the CCC. . DCS training for management and Tutors. . Initial tutor training for 18 new volunteers. . Delivered ESOL initial assessment training for ETB staff.
HIGHLIGHTS 1. Additional space acquired in the former Kickham Barracks. The ALS is using 3 “huts” as well as 4th which we share with the BTEI service as a canteen. 2. Student Awards – In September 2013, 135 Adult Learning Scheme students awarded certificates for their achievements on accredited courses during the year.
Accreditation achieved 80 66 60 40 40 25 20 4 0 BULATS FETAC level 1 FETAC level 2 FETAC level 3
This graph represents the numbers of students who achieved accreditation during 2013.
3. To celebrate Adult Learners’ Festival in February we organised “A Morning at the Movies” and over 100 students plus tutors and staff went along to the movie Lincoln. 4. The ALO organised and delivered two Literacy Awareness workshops for DSP staff.
82 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
5. New ESOL practises – registration, initial assessment, curriculum planning and summative assessment – were developed and implemented. 6. The ALO and a Resource worker co-wrote a programme descriptor for the Level 2 national programme. 7. We development of a Gift of Reading initiative for new mothers in Carrick-on-Suir and environs. The initiative consists of giving a gift bag of books for babies, to all mothers in Carrick-on-Suir and environs at their 3 month health visit with the Public Health Nurse. Along with 3 books suitable for babies 0-12 months, the information included in the gift bag includes an NCCA Aistear Tip sheet for parents with simple techniques and ideas which assist in a baby’s development of pre–literacy and literacy skills through play. It also contains information about the local ETB Adult Learning Scheme, the Help My Kid Learn website, ETB Family Learning and the local Library, to encourage parents to be a long term part of their child’s literacy development. The ALO has secured sponsorship to fund the reading initiative from
Supervalu Carrick-on-Suir.
Gift of Reading launched in Carrick-on-Suir library on Wednesday June 26th 2013
8. We secured DEIS Family Learning funding for 4 programmes and subsequently developed partnerships and FL programmes with HSCLs for parents and children in Cashel, Clonmel and Carrick-on-Suir. 9. Two ALS Tutors delivered workshops at the Tallaght IT/NALA numeracy conference and two other Tutors delivered workshops in WIT and Cork (St. John’s) during Maths week - October.
83 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
10. Our Christmas annual 2013 was researched and developed by a student committee and a student from LIT on work placement with the ALS.
ADULT LITERACY NORTH TIPPERARY
Location The Literacy Service is located in the Life Long Centre, Martyr’s Rd, Nenagh Co Tipperary. Classes are offered in small groups and on a one to one basis. Facilities used within the county include all E.T.B. schools and education centres. Outreach provision is also offered in community and employer venues.
All the main population centres.
1. Nenagh 2. Newport 3. Thurles 4. Templemore 5. Roscrea 6. Borrisokane 7. Borrisoleigh 8. Community locations throughout the county.
Purpose As per the DES Operational Guidelines, literacy is defined as, ’the provision of basic education, including reading, writing and numeracy skills, and ICT for adults who wish to improve their literacy and numeracy competencies to enhance their participation in personal, social and economic life’. It is from this base the Literacy service operates. The Literacy service also promotes literacy awareness and the integration of literacy across all programmes and sectors. Courses are offered at NFQ levels 1 to 3
Staff The literacy service is staffed by 2.6 full time resource workers Geraldine O Brien, Elizabeth Flannery and Brian Donnelly. We have eighteen part-time paid tutors and fifteen volunteer tutors. The scheme is administered by the resource staff.
84 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Student Profile The service is confidential and offered to any person over sixteen years’ old who has left full time education and is experiencing literacy and numeracy difficulties. . Priority is given to long-term unemployed and those most in need of our service. The Skills for Work programme specifically targets people in employment. Six hundred and thirty five students accessed our service in 2013.
Break down of numbers
Male Female Total
221 414 635
85 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
600 505 500
400
300
200 102 100 28 0 Adult Literacy Scheme ESOL Participants Intensive Tuition in Adult Participants Basic Education Programme (ITABE) Participants
Programmes Offered in 2013
. Level 1 Major award . Level 2 Major award . Level 2 Minor Awards (Communication, IT Awards) . Level 3 Communications minor award . Level 3 Internet Skills minor award . Level 3 English as a second language minor award . ITABE Intensive Literacy . Workplace Literacy and IT . Family Literacy . 1:1 tuition . Non-accredited small group tuition . Literacy support to Community Education Programme where necessary . ESOL English for Speakers of Other Languages
86 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
FETAC/QQI Certification
Highlights of 2013
Annual Awards Day
Trip to Kilkenny with ITABE students
87 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
BACK TO EDUCATION INITIATIVE SOUTH TIPPERARY
The Back to Education Initiative (BTEI) provide part time Further Education programmes for young people and adult in accredited learning. The aim is to give people an opportunity to combine a return to learning with family, work and other responsibilities. . Courses are part time . Focus on education provision for Early School leavers and those out of education for a long time . Courses are flexible to meet the needs of busy learners who may have childcare commitments or part time work . Employment based – all learners on Major Awards at Level 4 and 5 get an opportunity to work in the area of their study . All courses are accredited by FETAC
Staff in BTEI . Bridget Ryan Administrative Assistant . Geri Cullen Resource Worker . Brigid Ann Whelan Resource Worker . Tommy Kiely Part time Caretaker . Kaye Mullaney BTEI Coordinator
Range of locations BTEI is located in 6 locations over a number of different centres: . Clonmel (Army Barracks Campus in Clonmel which we moved into in August 2013; Prior Park (where our IT Hub is located); Carrick on Suir (former ANCO Building in close proximity to DES). . Shared Adult Education Services centres in Cahir and Killenaule . Community Centres: Tipperary Town, Glengoole and Cashel Town . Schools: Clonmel (Clonmel Technical Institute for cookery; Colaiste Cluain Meala for Laboratories); Carrick on Suir (Comeragh College) It is a challenge to have a full range of awards available in some locations where population densities are low; history of participating in education is limited and transport is restrictive.
Level of programmes delivered (FETAC) . Level 3 full award in General Learning . Level 4 full award in Office Skills; Information & Communication Technologies; Horticulture; Horsemanship; Early Childhood Care and Education . Level 4 part award: Employment Skills; Animal Care; Catering Support . Level 5 full awards in Business and Administration; Healthcare; Childcare; Sports, Recreation and Exercise; Animal Care.
88 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Main achievements & challenges in 2013
Recruitment of participants . The total number of participants in 2013 was 565 learners, this is well above our allocation of 316 places from the Department of Education and Skills.
Funding Category Male Female Total Category 2A: 159 180 339 Category 2B: 75 113 188 Category 3: 10 23 33 Category 4: 4 1 5 Total Participants 248 317 565 Table 1: Total Number of Participants per Funding Category
We use a partnership approach to recruiting learners and this has continued to work well over the years in South Tipperary. Examples of current partnerships that were particularly successful in 2013 were: . Youth Work with Tipperary Regional Youth Service for youth programmes in Cashel and Tipperary . FAI for Sports Related Courses . Literacy Service for General Learning 3 progression & ESOL progression . Community Education Facilitator for progression from FIT IT start ups . Jobs Club in Carrick on Suir . VEC Guidance Service for referrals . Family Resource Centres
Target Groups 2013 800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0
Gender Male Gender Female Gender Total
Table 2: Target groups within BTEI 2013
We also developed particular strategies in 2013 which we piloted and are glad to report that they have been successful: . For Level 3 learners, we provided an Access to Education Programme over 2 weeks which provided learners with the opportunity to sample subjects, to get to know
89 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
tutors and the educational environment. This eased learners back into education in a friendly and personable way. This was piloted over 3 locations: Carrick, Cashel and Clonmel in September 2013 and allowed us to engage increased numbers of learners on Level 3 General Learning (full award). . We provided a course booklet specific to regions: Carrick on Suir, Clonmel, Tipperary Town, Cashel, and Killenaule. This was to attract the attention of learners to what is going on in their area. This is very challenging – on the one hand trying to have courses local to learners and on the other, not being able to replicate the resources for smaller more rural groups. We are finding that the best compromise is to provide core subjects in rural areas and encourage learners to travel for vocational components. However, the cost of travel and the lack of a flexible travel infrastructure is difficult for learners to negotiate and often leads to drop outs. . Screening processes are in place for Level 3, 4 and 5 learners to place them at their current level of ability in awards. All learners were met and informal interviews took place with Access Resource Worker in BTEI.
Retention of participants Of the total number of learner’s attending BTEI courses, 83.5 percent have stayed in their programme which is a great achievement. Contributing factors are having enough staff and supports in place to accommodate the different type of learners. Significantly tailoring courses and levels to learner’s current level of ability is also critical and has worked well.
16.5 percent of our learners dropped out early on in our courses. This was due to: health reasons, DSP regulations of needing to be signing for six months and travel constraints.
Outcomes for participants in terms of completion, certification and progression In 2013, 306 learner’s completed awards which reflected our primary focus of providing Major Awards for learner’s across all FETAC Levels. This represented an increase on certification from 2012 and a balancing of FETAC levels that we were working toward:
Year Male Female Total for Male Female Total For Awards Programmes Achieved Completed Total Number 379 743 1122 303 739 1042 of Awards 2012 Total Number 570 634 1204 579 773 1352 of Awards 2013 Table 3: Total number of Programmes & Awards achieved per 2013
In 2013 we planned to increase delivery at FETAC Level 4 and that has been very successful:
90 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Programme Completed Awards Achieved Year Programme Male Female Total Male Female Total 2012 Level 4: Single 43 82 125 39 95 134 Subject: 2012 Level 4: Full 1 3 4 1 3 4 Award: 2013 Level 4: Single 192 216 408 180 226 406 Subject: 2013 Level 4: Full 8 10 18 8 10 18 Award:
Table 4: Total Number of FETAC Level 4 Programmes completed per 2013
Programme Completed Total 1400
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0 Level 3: Level 3: Level 4: Level 4: Level 5: Level 5: Level 6: Level 6: Total No. Single Full Single Full Single Full Single Full of Subject: Award: Subject: Award: Subject: Award: Subject: Award: Awards
Table 5: Number of Programmes completed for 2013 (based on total number of 1204)
Out of the remaining 464 learners who stayed on to complete programmes, almost 66% achieved certification. Challenges to fully completing major awards are often that learners personal circumstances change and they may leave before completing all subject areas.
Generally, learners progressed internally from Level 3 full awards to Level 4 or from Level 4 to Level 5. Other learners progressed to employment or further education. It is proving difficult to stay in touch with learners who may have left 3 or 4 months ago to track their progression.
Programme composition – full certificate/module packages/single modules Generally, all courses are full certificates. We have run some single module option only as an access to a full courses such as one module in Gardening over the summer months with learners progressing to full award by September. Also, we have provided ESOL for learners progressing for BULATS run by Adult Literacy Service so that they could reach a level of language proficiency to apply to follow on BTEI Courses.
91 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Programmes developed in consultation with outside bodies FETAC Level 4 Programmes were developed in conjunction with the Level 4 Management Team of which STVEC was part of the Steering Committee.
Programmes developed and/or delivered by or in cooperation with community development organisations . In Tipperary Town we deliver and develop our suite of courses in conjunction with Knockanrawley Resource Centre LTD. In 2013 part of the budget allocation was agreed through Community BTEI. . In Cashel, we work closely with Spafield Family Resource Centre in a co-operative approach but where, with agreement, funding stays with Tipperary ETB. . Both of these approaches have worked well and there were no major challenges to report in 2013. . As part of an initiative to develop programmes that focus on Youth, we participated on a number of Steering Committees with South Tipperary County Council, HSE and Youth Organisations to develop programmes specific to targeting unemployed youth with a history of low levels of participation in education.
Highlights of 2013
. Extended facilities in the Army Barracks Campus where we have been able to set up dedicated training areas for courses
. We have implemented a pilot to have paperless assessment for most Level 4 and 5 courses this year and have set up Network Storage for Tutors and Assessors.
92 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
BACK TO EDUCATION INITIATIVE NORTH TIPPERARY
Location of Service/Description:
BTEI is managed directly by the Adult Education Officer and currently co-ordinated from five centres in the county, Thurles, Nenagh, Templemore, Newport and Roscrea plus a county wide remit under its Community Education Strand of the service.
It provides part-time educational opportunities from level 3 – 5 plus Literacy, Numeracy, Information and Childcare supports.
Staff: . Antoinette Coffey – Adult Education Officer . Margaret Ryan – Administration .5 . Co-ordinators at Centre Level - . Deborah Ryan . Kathleen Grimes . Jackie Flanagan . Marie Tuohey . Bernie Gleeson . Nuala Kennedy . 49 Tutors
93 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Learner Numbers and Profile: Percentage of Male/Female
Breakdown of Participants Male 308 Female 492 Total 800
Target Groups: The Department Guidelines determine the Target Groups for BTEI: Unemployed Travellers Early School Leavers New Irish Communities Persons with a Disability Mixed/Rural Disadvantaged Communities
Description of types/content of Programmes Level 3 General Learning Information & Communications Technologies Level 4 General Learning ECDL Horticulture Science Skills Information and Communications Technology Skills Level 5 Information Processing Early Childhood Care & Education Community Development Healthcare Support Minor Awards Occupational First Aid Internet Skills
Number of Programmes Completed and Number of Certified Awards:
Programme Completed Awards Achieved Programme Male Female Total Male Female Total Level 3: Single Subject: 174 304 478 106 215 321
94 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Level 3: Full Award: 2 5 7 2 5 7 Level 4: Single Subject: 219 236 455 158 148 306
Level 4: Full Award: 6 7 13 6 7 13 Level 5: Single Subject: 37 140 177 20 89 109
Total No. of Awards 438 692 1130 294 470 764
Highlights for 2013:
The Amalgamation in July 2013 of North Tipperary VEC and South Tipperary VEC into the Tipperary Education and Training Board (TETB). The Amalgamation has led to a series of Joint Further Education Managers Meetings and a cascading of best practice within BTEI. In Thurles, 2013 was the first full year at the newly expanded Adult Education facility. BTEI enrolments, certification, levels of progression have increased accordingly. The Level 4 Major award in Horticulture has proved most successful with an expansion of the places offered. There are now two groups participating in this major award over a four semester period delivered over two Academic years. In Newport rates of participation increased by almost 60% between 2010 and 2012. 2013 also saw another increase. Rolling out of the Jobs Initiative this year in Roscrea. The model utilised for the Jobs Initiative, one of intensive provision, full awards and clear progression options has transformed the delivery of the BTEI programme in North Tipperary during 2013. Roscrea Education Centre more than doubled its BTEI provision in 2013. Development of an Integration Forum and Short Term Strategy (for the North of the County) which will help respond effectively to the ‘New Irish Communities’ be it through ESOL or other identified educational needs. As Chairperson of the Up-Skilling Committee, the AEO has on behalf of TETB been involved in a valuable piece of research into ‘Training and Education Provision’ in the North of the county. There are continued positive partnerships in the delivery of BTEI with local, community, business, voluntary and statutory organisations such as the Co. Childcare Committee, DSP, SIM, Leader etc. A number of very enjoyable, well attended Awards Ceremonies took place in Nenagh, Thurles, Roscrea, Templemore and Newport 2013. Tutor Training is a key policy within the Tipperary ETB. This will be ongoing in 2014. Staff are also involved in a collaborative practice whereby a Community of Learning has been set up and tutors meet once a week to discuss assessment practices and techniques at FETAC/QQI levels 3 and 4.
95 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Conclusion:
BTEI has grown from strength to strength in 2013. I would like to thank each and every person directly involved. This initiative has allowed for the growth of a very creative, part time development in education at a time when the learners need it most.
96 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
COMMUNITY EDUCATION TIPPERARY SOUTH REGION
Community Education is grounded on the principles of justice, equality, social inclusion and citizenship. Community education works with adults who wish to return or continue their education. Starting from people’s current situation, groups are facilitated to work together in a creative and participative way to set and achieve goals such as employment, personal and social change.
Snapshot of locations where programmes were delivered:
. Cappawhite . Tipperary Town . Clonmel . Cashel . Cahir . Carrick on Suir . Fethard . Killenaule . Ballingarry . Gortnahoe . Clogheen . Ardfinnan . Kilcash . Grangemockler . Newcastle
97 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Staff
South Tipperary has one full time CEF and one part time administrative assistant.
Learner Numbers for 2013
Male, 367
In 2013 Community Education worked with
1,381 learners. Female, 1014
Programmes for 2013
Throughout 2013 a wide range of programmes were delivered to various groups.
Location Group Programme Target Group HSE Clonmel Heywood Lodge Art Disability HSE Clonmel Heywood Lodge IT Disability HSE Clonmel Heywood Lodge Cookery Disability HSE Clonmel Heywood Lodge Beauty Disability Acute Day HSE Clonmel Yoga Disability Personal Development Acute Day HSE Clonmel Disability Community HSE Clonmel Day Art & Crafts Mental Health Day Hospital Disability Garryshane HSE Rehab Woodwork Disability Garryshane HSE Rehab IT Disability Garryshane HSE Rehab Cookery Disability Cashel St Clares Art Disability Cashel St Michaels Art Disability Clonmel St Anthonys Art Disability Cashel Day Hospital Art Community Mental Health Disability Cashel Day Hospital Yoga Disability Cashel Ri Nua TBC (music) Disability Cashel Ri Nua Cookery Disability Cashel Day Care Centre Yoga Disability Kilsheelan Kilsheelan Art Community Group Tipperary Library Storytime Family Learning
98 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Cashel ARA Tai Chi Elderly Community Cookery Ballingarry group Community Group Community Cookery Ballynonty House Elderly Newcastle Tig na Daoine Irish Elderly Cashel La Cairde Tai Chi Mental Health Carrick on Suir ARA Tai Chi Community Group Community Art Grange group Community Group ARA/Ballynonty Cookery Killenaule Comm Hse Community Group Tipperary ARA Art Community Group Cahir An Gaeilge Beo Irish Community Group Killenaule HSLP Computers Community Group Tipperary Mount Sion Arts & Crafts Mental Health Clonmel CARE Yoga/Art Community Group Community Zumba Ballyporeen Group Womens Group New Inn Womens Group Zumba Womens Group Community Cookery Grangemockler group Community Group Cahir Woodview House First Aid Community Group Cashel Gold Star TBC Ardfinnan Womens Group Jewellery Making Womens Group Community Garden Project Lisronagh House Community Group Clonmel Liberal Arts TBC Community Group New Inn Womens Group Health & Wellbeing Womens Group Tipperary Excel Creative Writing Community Group Sheltered Art Clonmel Housing Elderly Clonmel NCBI Cookery Disability Cahir ARA Basic IT Elderly Community Art Newcastle group Community Group Tipperary St Vincents Art Elderly Kilcash Art Group Art Community Group Kilsheelan ARA Exercise Elderly Fethard Day Care Centre Yoga Elderly Cappawhite Day Care Centre Art Elderly Cahir Day Care Centre Jewellery Making Elderly Community Jewellery Making Glasha group Community Group Ballymacarbry Elders TBC Elderly
99 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Clonmel Travellers Healthy Eating Travellers Carrick on Suir Day Care Centre Art Elderly Castle Green Cookery Cashel Respond Community Group Tipperary PAW Creative arts Elderly Newcastle Muintir na Tire Art & Crafts Community Group TRTP Womens Health & Wellbeing Cahir Group Travellers Cashel Spafield FRC Art Community Group Cashel Spafield FRC Irish Community Group Clonmel Common Thread Tree Spirit Community Group Cahir ALF/VTOS Art Community Group ALF/Community Zumba/Bookclub Clonmel Group Community Group Tipperary KRC Art Lone Parents Cahir Day Care Centre Art Older People Carrick on Suir Day Care Centre Art Older People Carrick on Suir Asylum Seekers Health & Fitness Asylum Seekers Clonmel HSE Mental HC Yoga Disability Clonmel NLN Yoga Disability Clonmel Marion Court Yoga Sheltered Housing Tipperary TRTP Health & Beauty Travellers Tipperary TRYS Young Mums Cashel Library ALF ALF Tipperary Cuan Croi Art Disability Adult Learning Computers Carrick on Suir Centre Asylum Seekers Adult Learning Basic computers Clonmel Centre/Fethard Tutor Training Clonmel CTI DCS Tutor Training Tutor Training Supported decision Carrick on Suir Camphill making Disability/Special Needs Thurles Anner Hotel Tutor Training Tutor Training Clonmel NLN Mechanics Disability
Clonmel HSE The Studio Cookery Disability Community Committee Skills Clogheen Centre Community Group Fethard Youth Centre Computers Young people Ballingarry Ballingarry Fitness Community Group Clonmel St Olivers Parish IT Community Group Clonmel St Olivers Parish DIY Community Group
Clonmel Elm Tree park Sign Language Disability
100 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
IT Cashel Nano Nagle Disability Cashel Nano Nagle Cookery Disability Cashel Nano Nagle Art Disability Clonmel CYTE Woodwork ESL Clonmel New Group Basic IT LTU Elm Park Tree Jewellery Making Clonmel House Elderly Grangemockler Comm Group Crafts Elderly Cappawhite Comm Group Computers Elderly Kilsheelan KPLAN Art Community Group Elm Park Beauty Clonmel Womens Group Womens Group Clonmel WCBI Cookery Disability Cashel Spafield FRC Mind our Men Mental Health Carrick on Suir Camphill Pottery Special needs Clonmel Wilderness H&F Travellers Clonmel Comm Group Basic IT Community Group Fethard Comm Centre Stress & relaxation Community Group Tipperary 3 Drives (STDC) IT Community Group Tipperary 3 Drives (STDC) Cookery for Men Mens Group Carrick on Suir Resource Centre First Aid Community Group Newcastle Tigh na Daoine Cookery Community Group Clonmel Cooleens Garden LTU Cashel ABI Arts Disability Carrick on Suir Ballylynch Photography LTU Knocklofty Rehab Care Personal Development Disability Clonmel Heywood Lodge Music Disability Carrick on Suir Nano Nagle First Aid Community Group Killenaule SITE/STDC IT LTU Cashel HSE Carrick Ore Cookery Disability Carrick on Suir Ballylynch Arts LTU Tipperary 3 Drives Cookery Lone Parents Demensia Arts Clonmel workers training Community Group Substance Arts & Crafts Clonmel Misuse Substance Misuse Carrick on Suir Ballylynch Beauty Lone Parents Tipperary 3 Drives Beauty Lone Parents Killenaule Commons IT workshop Community Group Clonmel Willow Park Health & Beauty Travellers Personal Development Tipperary 3 Drives Lone Parents Cahir Travellers Cookery Travellers
101 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Community Committee Skills Cappawhite House Community Group Community Committee Skills Emly House Community Group Clonmel Mens Shed Skype workshop Mens Group Clonmel Comm Ed DVD DVD Community Group Community Committee Work Cahir House Community Group Tipperary IWA Arts & Crafts Disability Clonmel Rehab Care Woodwork Special needs Clonmel Rehab Care Drama/Animation Special needs Community
Newcastle group Community Group Tipperary Writers Group Creative Writing Community Group Tipperary Day Care Centre Art Elderly Newcastle Tigh na Daoine Irish Community Group Community Art Kilcash group Community Group Active Art Kilsheelan Retirement Elderly Community Cookery Grangemockler group Community Group Carrick on Suir Day Care Centre Art Elderly Cahir Day Care Centre Art Elderly Community Art Grange group Community Group Cashel Day Care Centre Crafts/Beauty Elderly Clonmel Primary HC T Travellers Cahir An Gaeilge Beo Irish Community Group Tipperary Family Learning Family Learning Family Learning Clonmel Care Yoga Community Group Clonmel Care Art Community Group Tipperary TRTG TBC Travellers Clonmel Mens Shed Bread making Mens Group Substance Art Clonmel Misuse Substance Misuse Active Tai Chi Carrick on Suir Retirement Elderly Clonmel HSE Day Centre Yoga Mental Health Suicide Stress & relaxation Clonmel Awareness Mental Health Ballingarry Mens Group DIY LTU Clonmel NLN Yoga Special needs Clonmel St Olivers Parish IT Community Group Clonmel NLN Car Mechanics Disability
102 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Cashel HSE/Ri Nua Crafts Mental Health Clonmel HSE/Clonmel Day Art Elderly Clonmel Haywood Lodge Art Elderly Clonmel St Anthonys Art Elderly Cashel St Clares Art Elderly Cashel St Michaels Art Elderly Clonmel The Studio Woodwork Elderly Cashel HSE Day Hospital Art Mental Health Community Community Garden Kilross group Community Group Clonmel ALC Computers Community Group Cashel Gift of Reading Sewing Community Group Tipperary 3 Drives Cookery LTU men Carrick on Suir Bridgewater Pilates Asylum Seekers Clonmel Resource Centre Mental Health ws Community Group Killenaule Mens Shed CITE woodwork Men Cashel Spafield FRC Cookery Community Group Cashel HSE Carrick Ore Cookery Disability Clonmel HSE Heywood Lodge Beauty Disability Killenaule HSLP Cookery Community Group Personal Development Clonmel HSE Acute Day Disability Tipperary KFRC Art Womens Group Cashel Ri Nua Art Disability Tipperary ITABE ALC Cookery ALS Clonmel Elm Park First Aid Community Group Clonmel Elm Park First Aid Community Group Clonmel The Studio Cookery Disability Clonmel Mens Shed Art Mens Group Tipperary 3 Drives FRC Life Skills Lone Parents Elm Park Cookery Workshop Clonmel RAPID/STDC Rapid Elm Park Committee Skills Clonmel RAPID/STDC Rapid
103 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Highlights
. Implementation of new DCS Online Tutor Payment System. . Community Education tutors in Tipperary attended CPD training on Capturing the Wider Benefits of Learning a self assessment tool for learners to evaluate their learning. . CEFA celebrated 10 years since the appointment of Community Education Facilitators in VEC/ETB’s. Community Education participants, tutors and organisers attended a launch of the DVD Community Education in Action. . Bealtaine Festival celebrating creativity as we age. Events organised through the VEC included music, storytelling, dance and movement. . Adult Learner Festival 2013 – Learning Today for a Better Tomorrow. The festival was celebrated by organising workshops in Stress and Relaxation and Arts and Crafts. . World Health Day. This is an opportunity for organisations to come together and draw attention to global health each year. The VEC organised Meditation and Relaxation classes for tutors and the public with a focus on working together for health. . PAW Positive Ageing Week is a festival which highlights the positive aspects of ageing and celebrates the contribution older people have made and continue to make in their communitites. The VEC plays a role in organising various events as part of the celebration.
104 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Celebration of Positive Ageing Week 2013
105 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
COMMUNITY EDUCATION TIPPERARY NORTH REGION
Location of Service
This Community Education service is based in Nenagh and operating in Thurles, Roscrea, Nenagh, Newport, Ballina / Killaloe and its more rural environs.
Learner copper work piece –North Tipp Community Services Men’s Group Basket weaving underway with learners in Templemore Men’s Group
Description of purpose of programme
The Operational Guidelines of the Community Education service were set out in 2012 and it is from these guidelines that the service operates. Funding is provided by the Department under the Adult Literacy and Community Education scheme and is primarily designed to promote and assist local not-for-profit community education groups to address the needs of their community, in particular those with limited formal education. The funded community education may also support action models where groups experience collective development for local or broader social actions. It should provide educational courses that focus on widening participation in learning by adults with particular emphasis on reducing educational and social disadvantage.
106 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Staff
. Deborah Ryan Community Education Facilitator (1 full time position) . Margaret Ryan Administrator (.5 post) . Lorraine Duane Community Education Officer (.25 post) . Brian Donnelly Community Education Officer (.15 post) . Part-time tutors 33 part time tutors operating in outreach locations
Learner Numbers and Profile
Male Female Total
Community Education 103 335 438 Profile
BTEI Profile 73 118 191
Total Learners 176 453 629
Description of types / content of programme
The table below outlines the allocated hours, course content, partner in education and activity in BTEI and Community Education in 2013.
Community Education Service 2013
Hours Course Content Community Education Group Target Group Location / Partner in Education Allocated
16 Craft - Mosaics North Tipperary Community Women’s Group Nenagh Services
16 Introduction to North Tipperary Community Men’s Group Nenagh Copper work Services
30 Introduction to Holycross community Rural Women and Holycross Stone Craft education group Men
25 Range of Crafts Aras Follain community Mental Health Peer Nenagh education group Support Women’s Group
13.5 Art Golden Years Thurles Older people Thurles
15 Art Hospital of the Assumption Older people Thurles
12 Health & Fitness Nenagh Day Care Centre Older people Nenagh
107 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
12 Yoga Newport Day Care Centre Older people Newport
15 Yoga Nth Tipperary ICA Rural Women Nenagh
15 Yoga & Aras Follain community Mental Health Peer Nenagh Meditation education group Support Women’s Group
18 Fitness & Healgh Aras Follain community Mental Health Peer Nenagh education group Support group
16 Internet & Email Templemore ICA Rural Women Templemore
9 Introduction to Nenagh ICA Rural Women Nenagh Cookery
7.5 Range of Crafts Killeen, Carrig, Riverstown Women’s Group Carrig
22 Computers Templemore Men’s Shed Men’s Group Templemore
12 Introduction to Newport ICA Rural Women’s Group Newport Computers
18 Next Step Community education group Unemployed young Nenagh Cookery adults
12 Introduction to Holycross Craft Group Rural Women Holycross Crochet
10 Introduction to Home School Community Disadvantaged parents Templemore crafts Liaison teacher & parents
18 Music for St Marys Mental Health Day Unemployed Thurles beginners support centre /Disadvantaged Men &Women
7.5 Introduction to Thurles Area Education Unemployed Thurles Horticulture Partnership /Disadvantaged Men &Women
22.5 Willow work North Tipperary Community Unemployed Nenagh Service /Disadvantaged Men &Women
12 Rush work North Tipperary Community Unemployed Nenagh Services /Disadvantaged Men &Women
12 Personal North Tipperary Community Unemployed Nenagh Development /Disadvantaged Men
108 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
through group Service &Women work
32 Lime & mortar Ballina / Killaloe Family Men’s Shed Ballina / stone work Resource Centre Killaloe
20 Introduction to Ballina / Killaloe Family Women’s Group Ballina / Art Resource Centre Killaloe
20 Basket Weaving Templemore Men’s Shed Men’s Shed Templemore
21 Crafts Aras Follain community Women’s Group Nenagh continuation education group
16 Introduction to North Tipperary Farm Families Rural Women Nenagh Rushwork
14 Yoga Ballicahill Community Group Rural Women Ballycahill
16 Introduction to Aras Follain community Mental Health Peer Nenagh mosaics education group Support Group
9 Crafts Irish Wheelchair Association Disability group Thurles
20 Range of crafts Kilcommon Active Retired Rural Men and Kilcommon Women
17.5 Introduction to Unemployed Adults Unemployed Borrisoleigh Stone craft /Disadvantaged Men
9 Introduction to Roscrea Active Retired Older people Roscrea Mosaics
16 Art Gortagarry Art Group Rural Women Toomevara
32.5 Introduction to Roscrea Men’s Shed Men’s Shed Roscrea stone craft
18 Introduction to Glean Glas Residents Disadvantaged men Roscrea Mosaics Association and women
20 Introduction to Roscrea Womens’ Group NTLP Women’s group Roscrea Rushwork
16 Art Glenroyd Mental Health Day Disadvantaged men Nenagh Care and women
15 Jewellery Failte Club Thurles Mental Health group Thurles
10 Crafts Killeen, Carrig, Riverstown Rural women Carrig
109 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
22 Woodwork – Men’s Shed Men’s Shed Nenagh window boxes
18 Tinwhistle St Marys Mental Health Day Mental Health group Thurles support centre
25 Introduction to Littleton community Disadvantaged men Littleton Lino print education group and women
14 Introduction to Holycross craft group Rural Women Holycross patchwork sewing
14 Introduction to Community education group Disadvantaged men Nenagh cookery and women
6 Introduction to Templemore Family Project Disadvantaged men Templemore Lino print and women
TOTAL 787
BTEI
Hours Course Content Community Education Group / Target Group Location Partner in Education Allocated
22.5 IT Skills L4 Community education group - DSP Unemployed Newport adults
12 Maths L3 Traveller group - NTLP Travellers Roscrea
36 Woodwork L3 Men’s group – NTLP Unemployed Roscrea adults
60 Art & Drawing L4 Littleton community education Unemployed Littleton group adults
93 L3 - Computer Community education group – Unemployed Killaloe / Literacy/ Killaloe Ballina Family Resource adults Ballina Spreadsheets/ Centre Communications / Application of Numbers
104 Woodwork L3 Men’s group Nenagh Unemployed Nenagh adults
30 Word processing Community education group – NTLP Unemployed Nenagh
110 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
L3 adults
22.5 ESOL ESOL group – NTLP Unemployed Roscrea adults
58.5 L3 Personal Women’s group Unemployed Nenagh Effectiveness / Self adults Advocacy
83 Outdoor Vegetable Community education group – Unemployed Nenagh Crop Production L3 Nenagh Community Garden adults
40 Palliative Care L5 Part time employed adults P/t employed Nenagh
30 Palliative Care L5 Part time employed adults P/t employed Roscrea
66 ECDL Killaloe Ballina Family Resource Unemployed Killaloe / Centre adults Ballina
36 Customer Service Nenagh Arts Community Scheme Nenagh L4 Employment Scheme participants
15 Using Technology L IWA Roscrea Disability Thurles 2
24.5 Working with Community education group Unemployed Nenagh Groups adults
20 Pre Development Littleton community education Unemployed Littleton group – Stone Craft group adults
8 Woodwork L3 Community Education group Unemployed Roscrea adults
TOTAL 783
Highlights for 2013
FETAC QQI Awards:
During this twelve month period 72 leaners were engaged in FETAC / QQI awards. The majority of learners undertook single components with one group of leaners working towards a major award at Level 3. These learners will be submitted for authentication in 2014.
A joint FETAC QQI Awards ceremony took place this year and certificates were presented to 91 learners at this event.
111 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Partnership work with the Adult Literacy Service was undertaken to address how best to meet the community education needs and basic education needs of learners within our groups. This work involved two tutors working in partnership to support learners in both the craft and basic education areas. An informal review would suggest that there are couple of different ways that this method will work going forward as follows; - Tutors work independently on the two different elements with smaller working groups focusing on the basic education element. This method worked well for a non certified course - Tutor provides a portfolio of work to the basic education tutor who will facilitate the completion of the work with learners in small working groups. This method worked well for a FETAC QQI course There is scope to develop and perhaps enhance this teaching methodology by putting in place a planning period for the two tutors to plan activity prior to the group starting, as well as agreeing ‘how’ the delivery will be supported on site. Holycross Craft group visit Inis Oirr: A local women’s craft group visited another Craft Women’s Enterprise group on Inis Oirr. The purpose of the visit was to network and review the activities of each group with a view to looking at enterprise opportunities for the group in Holycross. 6 women travelled from North Tipperary for a two day networking event on Inis Oirr. The range of workshops offered to the North Tipperary group on Inis Oirr included crochet and patchwork quilting. Since the visit to Inis Oirr the craft group in Holycross have decided not only to make pieces of work to raise funds for various charities which they have done for many years but they have also decided to organising a craft fair in November 2014 to promote and market their products along with other crafters in the region. They are continuously looking at opportunities locally to display their work for sale. Long term this group would like to have a space in Holycross to display their work for sale to the tourism market. Community education partners continue to play a key role in supporting the delivery of the community education service to adults in outreach locations. This interagency work is operated on an informal basis and helps adult who do not access adult education within the VEC centres to gain access in an informal way in outreach centres. The information guidance service continues to play a role in making these adults aware of further education and training opportunities. Some of our main partners in this last twelve months included; - Basic Education Service - Information Guidance Service - North Tipperary Leader Partnership - North Tipperary Local Development Social Inclusion programme
112 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
- North Tipperary Community Service - Ballina Killaloe Family Resource Centre - Aras Follain Peer Support Centre - Mental Health Day Care Centres - Irish Country Women’s Association - Active Retired - Irish Wheel Chair Association - Nenagh Community Garden and Nenagh Allotments Community education supports the work of external committees and fora and involves the CEF participation in the following: - North Tipperary County Childcare Committee - North Tipperary Leader Partnership Evaluation Committee - North Tipperary Social Inclusion Board Sub Committee - CAVA - CEF Executive
Continuing Professional Development in 2013 involved a joint event for tutors from North and South Tipperary. The focus was on the administration procedures as well as the facilitation of the skills required to deliver the Wider Benefits of Learning Tool with community education groups.
The Wider Benefits of Learning Pilot phase started autumn 2013 and a report started on the outcome of using this tool in Tipperary. Tutors were supported with CPD on the WBL and on site with groups during the initial phase. A draft report is started. A note of thanks must be extended to all staff involved in the community education programme for their hard work and commitment to the delivery of all element of the service over the past 12 months.
113 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
ADULT GUIDANCE IN EDUCATION SERVICE REPORT 2013
Office Located at Central Technical Institute, The Mall, Clonmel.
Purpose of Programme
The Adult Guidance Service is part of Adult Education provision within the VEC / ETB.
Definition of Guidance:
“Guidance facilitates people throughout their lives to manage their own educational, training, occupational, personal, social and life choices so that they reach their full potential and contribute to the development of a better society.”
The service is for Adults partaking in one of the VEC’s Adult Education Programmes. (i.e. Adult Literacy, BTEI, VTOS, Community Education). Or those considering one of these programmes.
STAFF The Adult Guidance Service staff are Tom Ryan (Guidance Counsellor / Coordinator) and Amy Scanlon (Information Officer). The service is based at The Mall, Clonmel. Outreach is provided at Cahir, Cashel, Carrick-on-Suir & Tipperary Town.
114 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Profile of Learners 2013
Client Type No’s
(a) 1 to 1 Clients 305
(b) Number of Clients in Groups 190
(c) General Information Clients 421
Total Numbers Worked With 2013 916
DESCRIPTION / CONTENT OF PROGRAMME
Both the Information Officer & The Adult Guidance Coordinator / Counsellor, work with clients on a 1 to 1 and group basis.
The first point of contact for most adults is with the Information Officer. Many are then referred on for Guidance Support.
Referrals are also made to the service from many partner organisations and statutory bodies.
The service provided is professional, confidential, impartial and friendly.
Both members of staff adhere to a strict code of ethics and are members of The Adult Guidance Association of Ireland.
115 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
HIGHLIGHTS 2013
The Guidance Service continued to work at developing and improving a referrals process between The Department of Social Protection and the VEC / ETB. A good working relationship has now been established.
The Guidance Service produced the 8th edition of its Course Directory for Adults.
Following the Merger of North and South VEC’s, The Guidance Service participated in monthly Further Education Manager Meetings.
The Guidance Coordinator completed training in the area of Compassion Therapy.
The Guidance Coordinator is a member of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors and attends group supervision provided (free of charge) by the IGC.
The Guidance Coordinator is a director of The Tipperary Citizens Information Service.
The Guidance Coordinator attends Professional Counselling Supervision.
The Guidance Service reported quarterly to the National Centre for Guidance in Education and the Department of Education and Skills.
The Guidance Service also reports to and updates the Adult Education Board regularly on its work.
116 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Tipperary Education and Training Board Adult Guidance and Information Service Lifelong Learning Service Martyrs Road Nenagh Co Tipperary
Overview
North Tipperary became part of the Adult Educational Guidance Initiative Phase Four Pilot project in September 2005. The service was established in response to The White Paper on Adult Education, “Learning for Life”. This paper set out proposals for the development of an adult educational Guidance Information Service to support participants in VTOS, Adult Literacy, BTEI, Adult Community Education Programmes and also clients of the Redress Board.
Provision of impartial information on local, regional and national adult education is available to adults who are considering or participating in courses run by the Education and Training Board and also to the general public.
Due to the Moratorium on recruitment across the Public Service the post of Guidance Counsellor/Co-ordinator has not been filled to date. The Adult Guidance Information Service is presently staffed by the Information Officer who reports to the Adult Education Officer. The Information Officer is a member of the Further Education Service team, this group acts as an overall steering committee for the Guidance Information Service and meets every two months.
Statistics:
The database records show that the service had in the calendar year 2013
. 27 Group Appointments providing educational information. . 215 General Public clients accessed the Service.
Highlights 2013
Information Officer continues to work with Tipperary Education and Training Board Newsletter Production team liaising with Schools/Centres in the north of the county and newsletter production staff in the south of the county, collecting and collating information, proofing for inclusion in Education and Training Board Tipperary newsletter which is published twice a year.
Information Officer had input into Tutor Training Seminar held in the Abbey Court Hotel in September 2013 giving information on the Adult Guidance and Information Service.
117 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Provision of educational progression information sessions to Groups who are students of the ETB – notably BTEI Groups and also provide support and information with any individual queries which the students may have on their educational needs.
Information Officer attended the “Who to Talk To” Information event organised by the Upskilling Committee of the Economic Working Group in North Tipperary. This event was held in the LIT Enterprise Centre Thurles on the 7th May 2013 and offered an opportunity to showcase the many courses available both in North Tipperary and South Tipperary.
Attending relevant events such as information sessions on tendering for JobPath. The first session was organised by FRS Recruitment and Work Links in Limerick December 2013.
Information Officer attended the Mid-West Careers Exhibition in Limerick Racecourse on 24th September 2013 with students from the VTOS Centre in Nenagh.
Assist VTOS Learners with CAO Application
Attending at Department of Social Protection Office in Roscrea on a monthly basis offering relevant educational information on progression to clients of the Social Welfare Service who wished to continue with their education.
Information Officer provided input into the process of setting up and maintaining of the Interim Protocol between the Education and Training Board and the Department of Social Protection.
The Guidance Information Service will continue to provide educational information to the local libraries in North Tipperary and the local Citizens Information Services.
Information Officer is a member of the Adult Education Guidance Association of Ireland.
Information Officer is a member of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors.
Information Officer completes Qualitative and Quantitative Reports as requested by the NCGE (National Centre for Guidance in Education) and the Department of Education and Skills.
Information Officer also reports to and updates the Adult Education Officer on all ongoing work.
118 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
VTOS CLONMEL
VTOS Learners Craig Hartnett, Michael Hally and Frank Connolly celebrating their Leaving Certificate Results
INTRODUCTION Clonmel VTOS offers a one or two year return to education programme for people who are over 21 and in receipt of a qualifying social protection payment. The programme runs for the academic year from September to June. Participants who were in receipt of Jobseekers’ Allowance/ Benefit will be paid by the ETB once they join the programme. All payments are by paypath directly to participant’s bank accounts.
In Clonmel VTOS is offered at the CTI Senior College, The Mall in two forms, ‘Core’ and ‘Dispersed’. Core learners follow a full-time programme which includes Leaving Certificate subjects and FETAC components at Levels 4 and 5. The purpose of the programme is to aid learners to achieve certification at Levels 4, 5 and 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications and therefore to facilitate their progression to further education and to enhance their employment prospects. Dispersed learners at the CTI Senior College, Clonmel follow Post-Leaving Certificate programmes at Levels 5 and 6.
119 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
VTOS Programmes are free of charge, learners are provided with the necessary books and materials and exam fees are covered by VTOS. A meal allowance is paid and a travel allowance is paid to eligible participants.
CORE GROUP Clonmel VTOS offers a two-year programme for core students, a portfolio model course covering Leaving Certificate subjects and FETAC components at Levels 4 and 5.
Subjects /Components: . English . Irish . Maths . Biology
. Business . History . Information Technology
. Photography . French
LEARNER NUMBERS (CORE AND DISPERSED) The following statistics represent the position at the beginning of the calendar year 2013
Learners January 2013 Core Female 7 Male 25 Dispersed Female 13 Male 6
120 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
The following statistics represent the position at the end of the calendar year 2013
Learners December 2013 Core Female 8 Male 25 Dispersed Female 17 Male 9
% Long-term unemployed
December 2013 Male Female
Number of learners long-term unemployed 23 10
% of learners long-term unemployed 68% 40%
DISPERSED MODE VTOS learners may also join Post-Leaving Certificate programmes at the C. T. I., Senior College in ‘Dispersed Mode’. A number of places are allocated each year for VTOS learners who wish to gain a FETAC Level 5 /Level 6 qualification. PLC Programmes followed by participants in DISPERSED MODE: Travel and Tourism Studies Level 5 2 Life Skills Level 5 1 Early Childcare Care and Education Level 5 3 Nursing Studies Level 5 3 Computing Level 5 2 Construction and Electronics Level 5 2 Secretarial Studies Level 5 3 Art (Craft) Level 5 2 Art (Portfolio) Level 5 1 Art and Professional Practice Level 6 4 Jewellery Design Level 6 3
Educational standard of Core and Dispersed learners prior to commencing: Lower Second Level/ FETAC Level 3 29 Upper Second Level/ FETAC Levels 4/5 28 FETAC Level 6 2
121 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Status of learners December 2013
Male Female Jobseekers’ Allowance/ Benefit 25 13 Disability Payment 8 1 One Parent Family Payment 8 Dependent Spouse/ Partner 1 2 Widow/ Widower’s Pension 1 EXTERNAL NETWORKING/ PARTNERSHIPS . Department of Social Protection, Intreo . County Childcare Committee . Citizen’s Information Service . Clonmel Community Drugs Initiative . Clonmel Community Resource Centre
CHILDCARE Learners pursuing VTOS, BTEI, and Youthreach Programmes can avail of CETS childcare places. These places are very limited and are dependent on the childcare facility applying for and being approved for a CETS place. Six Clonmel VTOS learners availed of eight CETS childcare places from September 2013 to May 2014 to facilitate their return to education.
ADITIONAL SUPPORT . VTOS works in conjunction with other Adult Education Schemes run by the VEC and Clonmel VTOS is aided by liaising with Mary Roche Cleary and the Adult Learning Scheme. This service was able to provide extra help by providing supplementary maths classes for Core VTOS learners to supplement their normal classes. These classes take place in the afternoons after regular classes have finished. This has been extremely successful and was an additional support which was availed of and valued by core learners . VTOS is supported by the Educational Guidance Service of Tipperary ETB and many learners are referred to VTOS by the guidance service and receive support from the guidance service while participating in the programme.
122 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
2013 FIELD TRIPS/ HIGHLIGHTS In January VTOS travelled to New Ross for a tour of the Dunbrody Famine Ship and to Waterford to see a production of the play ‘Macbeth’. During Adult Learners Week VTOS Learners joined other part-time and full-time Tipperary adult learners for a cinema trip and Clonmel VTOS learners visited LIT Tipperary for a guided tour and information meeting on LIT third level programmes. In March VTOS learners went to see the play ‘Allegiance’ by Mary Kenny at the Source Arts Centre, Thurles. This play was very relevant for history students. The final trip of the academic year was to Dublin to St. Michan’s Church, The National Gallery, Croke Park Museum and Galsnevin Cemetery and Museum. The first trip of the new academic year was to The Excel Theatre, Tipperary Town to see the play ‘Othello’ and to King John’s Castle, Limerick. In early December VTOS learners travelled to Wexford, firstly to the Dunbrody Famine Ship followed by a visit to the Kennedy Homestead and Ferrycarrig Heritage Park. A fundraising event was held in December to raise money for the Clonmel Community Based Drugs Initiative at the request of former VTOS learner Michelle Collins. Michelle is currently pursuing a third level degree programme at UCC.
VTOS Learners Bernadette Skorka, Breda Daniels and Anthony Norris celebrating their Leaving Certificate results
123 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
VTOS CAHIR INTRODUCTION Cahir VTOS offers a one or two year return to education programme for people who are over 21 and in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment. The programme runs for the academic year from September to June. Participants, who were in receipt of their payment for twelve months or more prior to commencing the programme, receive a bonus payment for returning to education. Those who were in receipt of jobseekers’ payments will be paid by the VEC once they join the programme. All payments are by pay path directly to participants’ bank accounts. Limited childcare support is available and travel and meal allowances are also payable. In Cahir, the VTOS Service is situated at the Adult Education Centre, Church St., Cahir.
PROFILE OF LEARNERS In January 2013, Total number of VTOS learners: ...... 7 Female ...... 3 Male ...... 4 Core Group Only Cahir VTOS offers a two year programme running FETAC Level 4 and 5 modules. Subjects /Modules are as follows: . Drawing, . Painting, . Sculpture, . Combined Materials, . Printmaking, . Music, . Communications, . Community Art, . Work Experience.
Status of learners in CORE GROUP prior to commencing programme: Jobseekers’ Allowance ...... 4 Disability Payments ...... 1 One-Parent Family Payment ...... 2
June 2013: Every June a number of learners complete their one or two-year programme. Those who have completed one year of their two-year programme remain on the programme and receive a V.T.O.S payment during the summer months. Each September a new group of learners join the programme. In June 2013 four learners who had completed their programme on V.T.O.S Multimedia Art Course received their Full FETAC Level 5 Art Award. Five students gained level 4 component cert and continued with their studies. September 2013: A new group joined in September and these learners are participating in a two-year General Learning award at FETAC level 4 programme. September 2013 Intake Male ...... 4 Female ...... 4
124 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
VTOS TIPPERARY TOWN
INTRODUCTION St Ailbe’s Adult Education Department ran 2 full time courses for the academic year 2013. Each course was completed successfully with candidates achieving high grades. The courses were open to adults of all ages, both male and female. All the courses on offer were fully certified by FETAC, the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland.
PROFILE OF LEARNERS Number of participating: 35
Age Profile: – the majority of our students were in the 25 – 45 age group and 4 school leavers.
Gender: candidates were predominately female 31 with 4 males.
The participants on our programmes have varying levels of education, social and economic backgrounds. This year we saw a smaller number of school leavers on our programmes as many took up college places offered to them in the 2nd and 3rd round of offers. In relation to the age profile we has less of those in the 25 – 45 age group due to the changes introduced in the Budget in relation to the way in which benefits can be claimed while returning to education, the PLC contribution has a negative impact also
LIST OF COURSES AVAILABLE
. Business/Secretarial Studies FETAC Level 5 . Nursing Studies FETAC Level 5
125 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
VTOS CARRICK ON SUIR
A Core VTOS programme is run in St. Joseph’s, Carrick on Suir. Learners study the ECDL programme and progress into employment or further studies.
126 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
VTOS/BTEI THURLES Location of service
Coláiste Éile, Thurles College of Further Education, Railway Road, Thurles.
Description of purpose of programme
Coláiste Éile is an adult education and training provider in Thurles. Through our mission statement ‘Coláiste Éile offers a valuable educational opportunity to adults in a welcoming and progressive environment’. The college, this year celebrated its 20th year. Coláiste Éile delivers nationally certified full-time VTOS programmes to those over twenty one years of age and part-time BTEI programmes to local adults over eighteen years of age. Coláiste Éile also supports other adult learning initiatives such as Work Place Learning, Literacy and Numeracy, Adult Guidance, Community Education and Industry Specific Training.
Staff
Co-ordinator: Dr Laurenz Egan Teachers & Tutors: Fiona Barry, Mary Caesar, Sinead Corcoran, Mary D’Estelle Roe, Caroline Egan, Patrick Gormley, Ollie Hayes, Anthony Hughes, Kathleen Ryan and Mary Ryan. Part-time administrative support: Bernie Gleeson (Grade 3). Part-time cleaner: Stephen Holloway (5 hours per week).
Board of Management: Chairperson; Josephine Cahill, Secretary; Dr Laurenz Egan. Members; Antoinette Coffey (Adult Education Organiser), Willie Kennedy, Pádraig Ó’ Súilleabháin, Bernie Gleeson, Noel Kennedy, Dr Martin Fitzgerald, & Chrisdina Walsh.
Student Council elected representatives; Chrisdina Walsh, (Chair), Mary Boyle & Nigel Butler.
127 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Learner numbers & profile
Coláiste Éile is a Tipperary ETB initiative supported by Solas on behalf of the Department of Education & Skills which delivers nationally certified full-time VTOS programmes to those over twenty one years of age and part-time BTEI programmes to local adults over eighteen years of age. Coláiste Éile also supports other adult learning initiatives such as Work Place Learning, Literacy and Numeracy, Adult Guidance, Community Education and Industry Specific Training.
The personal progression of each of our learners was again evident this year and the upcoming awards celebration in July will mark the achievements of over 50 full-time students and over 150 part-time students. Many award recipients are now in further studies and despite the challenging economic conditions, many still find full-time employment. There is a tremendous spirit at the college which supports the personal development of each adult learner within a most progressive environment.
Description of 2013 content of programme
Coláiste Éile prides itself on the quality, flexibility and range of courses it offers on a full- time and part-time basis over 11 months of the year. VTOS is the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme introduced in 1989, administered by the Department of Education & Skills and delivered locally by VEC’s. VTOS provides full-time programmes for persons in receipt of a social welfare entitlement over 21 with the skills needed to enhance their chances of gaining employment or progression to Further Education or Training. BTEI is the Back To Education Initiative introduced in 2003 by the Department of Education & Skills and delivered locally by VEC’s. BTEI provides part-time flexible learning opportunities to adults locally towards improving adult’s skills and levels of education. VTOS and BTEI courses fall between those referred to traditionally as academic and training. Emphasis is placed not only on raising the general education levels of the students but also on facilitating personal development, preparing and or re-orientating students for the world of paid work.
Coláiste Éile has a proven track record in delivering a continuous assessment model through a semesterised approach. The college year is divided into three terms. Term 1; September to December, Term 2; January to May, Term 3; June & July.
128 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
VTOS modules offered during 2013 included;
General Studies FETAC Level 3 Major Award; Autumn Term Spring Term Communications Personal & Interpersonal Skills
Nutrition Word Processing
Internet Career Preparation
Mathematics Spreadsheets
ECDL ECDL
Information & Communications Technology FETAC Level 3 Major Award Autumn Term Spring Term Word Processing Communications
Internet Skills Digital Media
Personal & Interpersonal Skills Mathematics
Spreadsheets Computer Literacy
ECDL ECDL
General Vocational Studies FETAC Level 4 Major Award Autumn Term Spring Term Business Calculations Work Experience
Understanding Interculturalism Personal & Interpersonal Development
Communications Information Technology Skills
Computer Applications Mathematics
ECDL ECDL
VTOS students complete a summer project during June & July and this year’s programme included ECDL, Advanced ECDL & Nutrition through Cookery.
129 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
BTEI modules offered during 2013 included;
Level 3: Internet Skills (x3), Graphic Design, Nutrition & Healthy Options (x2), Digital Media, Word Processing (x2) and Desk Top Publishing.
Level 4: Word Processing, Career Planning, Communications, Everyday Science, Safe Horticulture Practice, Plant Identification Care & Maintenance, Digital Media Technology (x2), Desk Top Publishing, Personal & Interpersonal Development, Work Experience, Growing Fruit, Growing Vegetables and Establishing Trees & Shrubs.
Level 5: Occupational First Aid (x2)
Other awards: ECDL (x2), Advanced ECDL, and Manual Handling (x2)
Highlights 2013
Coláiste Éile is proud of the many successes achieved throughout 2013. 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. As an established Fairtrade College, Coláiste Éile promoted Fairtrade throughout the year. The college enjoyed social events throughout the year, including a walk / run event as well as a Christmas dinner and social event organised by the Student Council.
130 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
VTOS/BTEI NENAGH
Teach an Léinn is an adult education centre located in a prominent position in the town of Nenagh where the learner is at the core. We aim to deliver a comprehensive, accessible and quality education which is responsive to the needs of the individual learner and the community. The centre is the main provider of ongoing and lifelong learning in the Nenagh region. Teach an Léinn is a resource for the whole community of Nenagh and its environs, offering a range of opportunities for people to help with their career development or their personal growth, or to satisfy the need for learning for one’s own sake. Programmes in Teach an Léinn are offered on a full-time option under the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) over two years and on a part –time option under the Back to Education Initiative (BTEI). VTOS is offered free of charge to adults over 21 year of age who are in receipt of a Social Protection Payment or Signing for credits. Participation in VTOS is in two modes ‘core’ where learners are based in the centre and ‘dispersed’ where learners are attending a PLC programme in a School or Further Education College within Tipperary ETB. BTEI is available to adults and young people aged over 16 years of age. It is free to those on a Social Protection Payment, signing for credits, holder of a current medical card or have less than upper second level education. To all others fees will be charged.
VTOS The Aims of the Scheme are: (a) to give unemployed people education and training opportunities which aid to develop their employability (b) to prepare people to go to paid employment or to further opportunities leading to paid employment.
The Programme Involves: Five days course attendance per week. Courses last for up to two years, with an option for a third year under certain circumstances. Courses provided this year included a wide range of subjects and activities certified by the Department of Education and Skills (DES) at Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate Levels, the Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC/QQI) at Level 3, Level 4 and Level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications and the Irish Computer Society at Foundation Level – o English, Maths and Irish, to Junior and Leaving Certificate level and History at Junior Certificate level. o Certificate in General Learning (Level 3) Communications, Personal Effectiveness, Mathematics, Word Processing, Database, Spreadsheets, Work Experience, Art & Design and Irish o Certificate in General Learning (Level 4) Communications, Mathematics, Teamworking, Information Technology Skills, Computer Applications, Entrepreneurial Skills, Work Experience, Drawing, Painting and Irish. o Component Certificate (Level 5) Occupational First Aid o ECDL Foundation. Extra Curricular Activities provided over the past year include Weekend Residential Irish Course
131 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Historical Walk Art Exhibition visits Green Flag Initiative Basic First Aid Manual Handling Statistics
Learners December 2013 Core Dispersed Female 11 8 Male 17 2
Economic Status Prior to Joining VTOS Dependent Spouse/Partner of VTOS Eligible person 2 Disability Allowance 2 Invalidity Pension 1 Job Seekers Allowance 23 Job Seekers Benefit 5 One Parent Family Payment 5
Education Status Prior to Joining VTOS FETAC L3 or Equivalent (full) 1 Junior/Group/Inter Certificate 14 LC LCVP LCA 16 Primary only 7
Highlights for 2013 Entrepreneurial Skills and Teamworking modules form part of the second year programme. The purpose of these modules is to foster teamworking, entrepreneurial, critical thinking and creative skills. The students were required to participate in business or social enterprise project or activity, to include implementing innovative strategies and solutions and working as part of a team or group. The students agreed to undertake this task in the environment of the centre, consequently they formed a mini-company -‘Team Active8’. Having explored opportunities for innovation they chose to make Christmas logs for sale and proceeds to go to Enable Ireland. This proved to be a very successful and energising activity.
132 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
BTEI TEACH AN LÉINN
The BTEI in Teach an Léinn has made a major contribution towards meeting the changing needs of individuals, communities and society. It is a programme of part-time education courses designed to build on existing full and part-time provision. Programmes under the BTEI are intended to make further education more accessible generally. Even though BTEI programmes are available to everyone a high priority is to target the individuals and groups that experience particular and acute barriers to participation and are more difficult to engage in the formal learning process.
The overall aim of the BTEI is to: Increase the participation of young people and adults with less than upper second level education in a range of flexible learning opportunities.
More specifically the BTEI seeks to: . Offer a wider range of choices, which are appropriate to the particular circumstances of learners . Expand provision of courses leading to certification or accreditation at FETAC Level 3 and Level 4 or equivalent . Offer a bridge from literacy to other programmes . Increase participation in ICT skills training . Promote greater synergy between different forms of provision . Increase participation of the hard-to-reach client groups (see Section 3) . Develop work based education and training so that people in employment can attend part-time courses and gain qualifications . Address the skill needs of those in employment, not in the labour market, unemployed or under-employed . Target specific skill needs as outlined in the National Skills Strategy. Joining the scheme:
The Programme Involves: . Certification to a wide range of levels, from the Department of Education and Skills, the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (FETAC) and ECDL Ireland. . Courses leading to National Vocational Certificates Level 3, Level 4 and/or Level 5. Certificates in Childcare, Information and Communication Technologies, Horticulture, European Computer Driving License (ECDL) as well as component certificates . Attendance for the duration of course
The opportunities offered by BTEI include: . An opportunity to continue one’s education and training . An opportunity to develop new skills . An opportunity to gain certification in a range of levels . An opportunity to find good employment.
Courses provided this year included a wide range of QQI (FETAC) certificates at Level 3, Level 4 and Level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications and The Irish Computer Society at
133 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Foundation and Advanced Levels. With the introduction of a number of Major Awards at Level 3 and Level 4 focus this past year has been on achieving full certificates. o Certificate in Information and Communication Technologies (Level 3) o Certificate in Horticulture (Level 4) o Certificate in Early Childhood Care and Education (Level 5) o Occupational first Aid level 5 Component Certificate o ECDL o ECDL Expert
Statistics
Participant Numbers 2013 Course Male Female ECDL 17 35 ECDL Expert 4 12 Level 4 FETAC Certificate in Horticulture 29 9 Level 5 Occupational First Aid 7 14 Level 3 Certificate in Information and 9 16 Communication Technology Skills Level 5 Certificate in Early Childhood 1 20 Care and Education Total 67 106
134 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Section 4
Further Education
135 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
YOUTHREACH
YOUTHREACH CAPPAWHITE SERVICE REPORT
Background Information and Statistics Youthreach provides 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 South Tipperary VEC. 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. Ethos is: To offer second chance learning opportunities for early school leavers and enhance their employment opportunities. Our Mission is: To offer a safe, learner centered environment to enable young people develop educational, vocational and social skills.
Location Youthreach services are offered to all eligible applicants within approximately 20 odd miles from Cappawhite. This would include Cappawhite, Toem, Doon, Cappamore, Donohill, Annacarty, Hollyford, Rearcross, Kilcommon, Bansha, Cahir, Tipperary town, Oola, Cullen, Golden, Boherlahan, Knockavilla, Dundrum, Cashel etc.
Resources Youthreach is a 35 student centre and historically was staffed at the lower rate of a 25 student centre. The growth in student numbers and the diversity of programmes required the full complement of hours which was 5880. This increase of hours (1680) allowed the centre to develop a comprehensive numeracy and literacy policy as well as other initiatives.
External Resources . Ms. Eileen Bergin from South Tipperary HSE provides addiction counselling in the centre one day a month which is very popular with the students. . FIT- Fast Track to Information Technology, Ms Lorraine Walsh prepares the students for interviews and conduct mock interviews with external business people. The students are also taken to work places. . The Community and Resource Centre Cappawhite is used one day a week for indoor soccer for the boys and the Gym for the girls. . Tipperary Regional Youth Services (TRYS) liason between the two organisations in terms of events and programme delivery such as sexual health and student well being.
136 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
PROFILE OF LEARNERS AS AT 31ST. DECEMBER 2013
HIGHEST EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT AT ENTRY Male Female Total Primary Education: 12 6 18 Junior Certificate, (1-4 subjects) 2 0 2 Junior Certificate,(Full) 7 8 15 Leaving Certificate 0 0 0 Totals: 21 14 35
ECONOMIC STATUS OF LEARNERS AT ENTRY Male Female Total Entered directly after dropping out of school 16 12 28 Unemployed seeking first job 4 0 4 Not in labour market/Unavailable for work 3 0 3 Unemployed 13-14 months after loss of job 0 Total: 23 12 35
AGE PROFILE OF LEARNERS AS AT 31ST. DECEMBER 2011 Age Male Female Total 15 1 2 3 16 7 3 10 17 6 1 7 18 6 9 15 19+ Total 20 15 35
Analysis of learners enrolled at September 2013 Male Female Total Person having a disability 0 Ex-offender 3 0 3 Lone Parent 0 Traveller 3 3 6 Homeless 0 In Care 2 0 2 Refugee 0 Other, please specify 0 8 3 11
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2013
Trip to the Dead Zoo/ Viking Tour of Dublin: An exciting day, full of entertainment with a bus leaving Youthreach at seven in the morning for Dublin.
137 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Art Exhibition: A successful Art Exhibition was held in the local Cappawhite Community Resource Centre in January 2012.
Trip to Cork City: A trip to Cork City for bowling and pool and some pre Christmas shopping.
Parents Pampering Day: As an alternative to the traditional parent teacher meeting the centre in Cappawhite held a pampering day for the teachers where an informal meeting between staff and parents took place.
Hill Walk: All students were brought on an outdoor hill walking trip up the Galtees.
Trip to Croke Park: As an end of term trip the centre went to visit the Head Quarters of the national games. On the tour students were guided around the fortress into the dressing rooms the warm up areas. History of the games were outlined. A walk around the pitch as well as a walk around the dizzy heights of the stands.
New Bus Route: This bus route covers areas in County Limerick.
138 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
ROSCREA EDUCATION CENTRE SERVICE REPORT
The mission of Roscrea Education Centre is to provide education and training in a learning environment based on respect and trust.
Introduction Roscrea Education Centre is situated in Roscrea town and offers two main programmes: a Youthreach and a Back to Education programme. Our services are offered to all eligible applicants within approximately 20 miles radius of Roscrea. This includes: Abbyleix, Birr, Banagher, Mountrath, Shinrone, Slivermines, Rathdowney, etc.
The centre has thirty five Youthreach places, a national programme providing a two year programme for students from fifteen to twenty years of age who have not completed second level education.
Roscrea Education Centre endeavours to give students the opportunity to gain necessary qualifications for further study or employment. Furthermore we attempt to provide a learning environment in which students can grow in personal and interpersonal skills to enable them to deal with an ever changing world.
The centre is continuously involved in Centre Development and Quality Assurance. Centre staff started the facilitated process of developing a new Centre Development Plan. Four sessions have been completed with the plan due to be completed by Summer 2014. The outside of the centre was painted during summer 2013 which enhances its appearance considerably.
Courses The Youthreach programme provides several options students may follow based on their educational needs. QQI accredited courses are provided at Level 2, 3 and 4 in Hair & Beauty, Computers, Woodwork, Food and Nutrition, Communications, Art, Work Experience, to name but a few. The Junior Certificate is provided to students transferring to the centre who are mid-programme and the Leaving Certificate Applied Programme is provided in full over a two year period. NFTE (Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship) is a world recognised youth entrepreneurship practical education programme coordinated by Foroige which is also delivered in the centre as well as the Copping On (crime prevention) programme.
139 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Extra-curricular activities included hill walking, a visit to Birr Outdoor Activity Centre as well as to the castle and gardens, a visit to the Donkey Sanctuary, laser shooting and a trip to Fota Island in Co. Cork. During the year we also visited the Chocolate Factory and the Falconry School in Carlow, participated in sport tournaments and visited the gym and the pool regularly. Students from the centre worked closely with the Tidy Towns Committee and took responsibility for a part of the town’s Millennium Garden. Their work there was a credit to them and they received a lovely written acknowledgement from the Committee for their work. Our Leaving Certificate students also planted a tree for Environment Week.
The Centre also provides further education to adults through the BTEI programme. Our BTEI programme includes an Information Technology and General Learning Award at QQI level 3 as well as Healthcare Support and Childcare Awards at QQI level 5. During 2013 a total of 102 mature students received FETAC/QQI certification. Students and staff are fortunate to have a modern and comfortable centre to accommodate the learning.
Staff The centre has ten Youthreach teaching staff, a BTEI tutor team and a part-time care taker, administrative support, counsellor and advocate. As part of our E-strategy staff was able to buy iPads. Most teaching staff did so and received a half day of training on the devices. We are very fortunate to have good IT equipment and interactive white boards. Staff is adapting to the new technology and have requested more training in this area. Staff drafted a new Drugs Policy, Admissions Policy, Attendance Policy, Examinations Policy, LCA Policy and Mobile Phone, Audio Listening & Recording Devices Policy was drafted.
Centre coordinator Ester Mackey Management team Mary Haugh; Yvonne Meade; Stephen Doyle Teaching team Ann Collins; Jackie Flanagan; Jackie Lynch; Bridie Malone; Geraldine Noonan; Stephen Gleeson BTEI team Jackie Flanagan (Coordinator); Bridie Malone; Geraldine Noonan; Hannah (part-time) Carrey; Geraldine Hough; Marguerite Ryan; Veronica Barnett; Donal Coonan Ancillary team Frank Lynch (Care taking); Emma Gleeson (Administrative support); Peadar Walsh (Advocate supported by FÁS); Patrick O’Connor (Counsellor)
Student Profile Roscrea Education Centre caters for 35 young people on the Youthreach programme. The following graphs give an indication of the profile of our Youthreach students.
3.1 Highest educational attainment at entry: 100
50 Primary Education Junior Cert 0 Male Female Total
140 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
3.2 Economic status at entry: 100 Entered directly 50 after dropping out 0 of school Male Female Total
3.3 Age profile of students in centre on 31/12/13 10
5 Male Female 0 15 16 17 18 19 20 21-25
We are proud to celebrate some highlights of 2013:
Social Education Award and Regional Art Competition
One of our leaving Certificate students, Marilyn McDonagh, researched and prepared a task on Disability under the guidance of her Social Education teacher, Jackie Lynch. She explored the local, national and European aspects of disability and presented her findings to the Michael Sweetman Trust. She was selected to represent Ireland as part of the Irish delegation that visited the European Parliament in Strasbourg. One of our teachers was also selected to accompany the group.
Two of our students, Cheyenne Ffitch and Nikola Bohmova, were winners in an Art competition run by the Youthreach centres in the Midwest region. A third student, Mercedesz Czimadia was a runner up. Their art works were displayed at the National Association of Youthreach Coordinators’ conference in Dundalk.
Remembering the Past …
Roscrea Education Centre was formerly a CBS school, a building that is ideally suited for our purpose, as it was designed for education. A plaque to commemorate the service to secondary education of Roscrea CBS, 1961-1999, was erected in February by the CBS Commemorative Committee.
The plaque was blessed by Very Rev. Tom Corbett (P.P.). Speaking on the day, Bro. Donovan recalled the importance of the C.B.S in Roscrea and the great role that the school played in educating students over its forty year history. Former Principal Steve Crofton fondly recalled the teachers and students that passed through the school’s doors and he thanked the Christian Brothers for their great legacy to the town.
141 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
L to R: Brother Madigan, Joe Hanrahan, Brian King, Seamus Costello, Patsy Treacy, Liam Doran, Steve Crofton, Michael Loughnane, Antionette Coffey (AEO), Ester Mackey (Centre Manager), Pat Sheedy, Brother Donovan, Fr. Tom Corbett, Larry Ruane, Michael Maunsell, William Malone and John Lupton
Soccer players achieve
The Youthreach centres in Tipperary held a soccer tournament to decide on who will represent the county in the regional and national competition. Both Roscrea’s male and female teams were runners up in the competition that was played at the Nenagh Arena!
Back: Mercedesz Czimadia, Chiara Sulas, Barbara Hutchinson, Debbie power, Marilyn McDonagh; Front: Nikola Bohmova, Breda O’ Driscoll
NTVEC Awards
L to R: Mary Haugh, Connor Delaney. Mercedesz Czimadia, Willie Kennedy, Breda O’Driscoll, Ann Hall, David Leahy, Ester Mackey
Absent: Marilyn McDonagh & Darren Aitken
The last North Tipperary VEC Awards (before amalgamation) night was held in May. Four of our students received awards: Darren Aitken (Sport), Breda O’Driscoll (Personal Achievement), Marilyn McDonagh (Educational Achievement) and Mercedesz Czimadia (Art).
Breda was subsequently voted as our student of the year and received a plaque of recognition at our Graduation Service. We are also very proud of our “Class of 2013” as three of the five students achieved higher than 80% in their final examination.
142 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Summer programme
A highlight of each year is our Summer Programme! This year’s programme included Hill Walking, working in the Millennium Garden with the Tidy Towns, visiting the Donkey Sanctuary and Fota Island, Laser Shooting and a visit to Birr Castle Demesne as well as Birr Outdoor Centre for canoeing and team building activities. We also continued with the “old faithfuls” of Creative Writing and Computers. Students responded well to the programme and we discovered that we have a few budding musicians (who did a music video) and historians among us!
Working in Roscrea Millennium Garden. Rowing on the Shannon.
143 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
TEMPLEMORE
Mission Statement
In Céim Eile we aspire to develop an open, inclusive, respectful and collaborative learning community which facilitates personal growth, inspires a love of learning and encourages each person to optimise their own potential in all aspects of their lives. To this end, we recognise the learner as central to the education process and that learning is a group as well as an individual activity. We also seek to be a centre of learning and opportunity for the whole of the wider community which we serve.
The Programme
Céim Eile students spend two years on the programme. This year all students studied the Leaving Certificate Applied programme. Subjects studied included Graphics & Construction Studies, Hair & Beauty, Leisure & Recreation, Child & Community Care, English & Communications, ICT, Mathematics, Vocational Preparation & Guidance, Social Education, Art, SPHE and Gaeilge. A particular emphasis in the programme is on the personal and social development of our students. The fact that Céim Eile is very much part of Templemore College of Further Education is very important in this regard. This integration has been beneficial for our students, as well as for the college as a whole. Other services which are available to our students include: » The Advocate service is an invaluable support in the area of work experience and progression to further education or to employment. » A Counselling service available within the college. » Learning Support. » Programme chaplaincy service. » A programme of co- and extra-curricular activities which include visiting speakers, specialised courses, social, educational and cultural trips, graduation evening, and group activities. Such trips this year included the local Day Care Centre, Team Building Activitites in Portlaoise, a visit to the local library in Templemore and regular outings to the leisure centre in Roscrea. » A summer programme in June and July which focuses on skills development (personal, social and vocational).
Board of Management
Céim Eile reports to the Board of Management of Templemore College of Further Education.
144 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Student Council
Céim Eile representatives on Templemore College of Further Education Student Council this year were Roseanna Toohey, Niamh Delaney and Shane Donoghue.
Highlights of the year
. Of 25 students who began in Céim Eile in September last, 24 were still attending the programme at the end of the year. . 14 students completed year 2 of the Leaving Certificate Applied programme this year. Of these, some have applied to progress to PLC courses in Templemore College of Further Education. . This year saw the initiation of the Centre Development Plan which will be completed over the coming months for ratification by the Board of Management. . We are continuing with the implementation of Individual Educational Plans for all students. They have become the vehicle for the provision of individualised learning support and involved many teachers as mentors to students. This worked well generally and will be reviewed and further developed in the coming year. The process has led to more time for 1:1 between teachers and students and it has also benefited students in smaller group learning. . A number of staff attended professional development throughtout the year and they are listed below: Corina Mullally (NFTE – Network For Teaching Entrepreneurship run by Foróige). Ann Collins and Bridget Condon – SPHE Training. All Staff – SPHE Training. Nicola Welford – General Education Task Training. Mary Davy and Nicola Welford – Premier Pro & After Effects. Nicola Welford and Ciara O’Sullivan - ATAI (Art Teachers Association of Ireland) Workshops. Mary Davy – Communications In-Service. Tracy Costelloe – Completing her Masters in Special Needs. Kathleen Grimes – Completing her Degree in ‘Adult Education’. . The work experience continued to be central to the programme. Some students obtained part-time work as a result of the work experience programme. We wish to acknowledge the support of employers throughout the county in this programme. . Students had a very active year in terms of and extra-curricular activities this year. Among the activities in which the participated were the following:
145 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
End of year trip Manual Handling and Health & Safety training. Graduation Mass Service, at which there was a beautiful atmosphere this year. Trip to Portlaoise for Team Building for the male learners. Trip to Limerick as part of the Junk Kouture regional competitions. Inclusion in the College Intercultural day as part of the General Education Task. Job search and interview skills completed with Mary D’estelle Roe and Geraldine Kinane. Personal Safety Training. Sports activities in the Roscrea Leisure Centre, Snooker Hall and the local town park. . This year’s summer programme involved more outdoor activities than in previous years. Included were hill walking, orienteering, pitch &putt and team games. Unfortunately we did not have the use of the Garda College this year but we used the other resources Templemore had to offer such as those mentioned earlier. Other activities included Desktop Publishing, Microsoft Publisher, Cooking, Computer Aided Design, Woodwork, Craft and Design and C.P.R.
Conclusion
This has been a very good year for Céim Eile. Students did well throughout the year and this is evidenced by the high retention rate and by the ambition shown by students in their chosen progression options as they left the course. These successes reflect credit on the staff that have worked hard and provided excellent support to students. I would like to congratulate the students and thank the staff for their contributions throughout the year. Finally, I would like to thank the Board of Management of Templemore College of Further Education, AEO Antoinette Coffey and CEO Fionuala McGeever for their support for Céim Eile.
Acknowledgements
An important element that supports the success of the College is an energetic, committed, and skilful Board of Management. To all members of our Board, who give of their time freely and with the greatest enthusiasm, I thank them on behalf of the staff in Templemore College.
There is also a bureaucratic infrastructure that supports the work of our College in the form of Educational Services, Human Resources, and Finances. To all, thank you.
146 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Templemore College has a reputation of excellence and high standards and it is the staff of the College that maintain these characteristics. Thanks you all.
Again I conclude this year’s report by acknowledging the work of our College administrator Pauline Kirwan. Her work ethic, professionalism and integrity are unequalled. On behalf of the staff and students of Templemore College I thank her for her on-going commitment to the College.
147 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
POST LEAVING CERT
TEMPLEMORE COLLEGE OF FURTHER EDUCATION Introduction
Three years ago I was appointed Principal in Templemore College of Further Education and it continues to be an honour to work in a College with an ethos of professionalism that is remarkable. ‘Educating with Respect’ provides the motivation and the purpose for what we do in the College and this continues a long tradition of participative and engaging education provided in the College.
Key developments throughout the year had been in train for a period of time and came to fruition during this year while other initiatives, begun this year, are still in the process of development. On-going developments related to FETAC programme development at levels 5 and 6, self-evaluation, the new assessment process, and the development of an up-to-date College Plan have been progressing well. New infrastructure, in the form of our New Hairdressing Salon, provides a major contribution to the educational experience of a large number of students in the College. We are looking forward to the installation of new broadband service to the College to enhance all programmes.
This report will develop some of the ideas mentioned in this introduction however, as was stated in last year’s report, all our activities were focused on one goal – to provide an educational experience for all our students which focused on their dignity and giftedness and above all to remain respectful of the individual life journeys of the students. We continue to focus on the maintenance of a teaching and learning environment that is holistic in nature while addressing the individual needs of all our students. In line with the current VEC Education Plan, our students’ needs were central to all our decisions and actions. College Numbers
Templemore College of Further Education had an enrolment in 2013/14 as follows:
PLC 293 Back to Education 44 Céim Eile 25 Self-Financing Education 375
The numbers of PLC students enrolled for 2012-2013 is 293. This is 28 over our allocated numbers of 265 and illustrates a major contribution by the staff and the College to the current economic difficulties. This represents the provision of education to 20% more students than what has been allocated and funded.
Back to Education provides opportunities for students at level 3, 4 and 5, on a part-time basis and is now an integral part of the provsion in the College. A number of these students progress to PLC full-time programmes.
148 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Céim Eile students integrate well into the student body of the College and benefit greatly from this experience. Some of these students also progress to PLC courese in the College and to programmes in other Colleges as well.
Our Self-funding provision remains strong and allows an excellent opportunity to provide educaiton serivces to the town of Templemore and beyond.
College Leadership and Strategic Development
College leadership and strategic development are facilitated through weekly meetings with middle management in the College and regular programme meetings organised and led by programme co-ordinators.
Weekly Meetings with College Middle Management
College leadership and strategic development are seen in the developments and improvements throughout the College. To ensure the inclusion of important ideas and a systematic approach regarding leadership and strategic development Senior Management meet with Middle Management in the College on a weekly basis. This innovation improved communication among the leadership in the College and enabled strategic developments and the tackling of difficulties in a timely manner. This year we have decided to develop a College Plan which will detail the underlying philosophy, which shows the characteristic identity of the College, and the manner in which we provide education to our students. We will be working with all interested parties in the development of this project.
Programme Meetings
Throughout the year each programme Co-ordinator organised programme meetings on a regular basis. The objective of these meetings is to evaluate provision and explore ways in which the programmes can be improved. Some of the important issues raised over the past years were assessment, attendance, and student grants. This year we will improve the manner in which we set aside time for these meetings because of the changes to the Croke Park regulations.
Curriculum Provision and Development
Keeping our curriculum relevant and provided to the highest quality is the chief objective of the College. Keeping programmes both relevant and to a high quality is ensured by continuously canvassing interested parties, particularly students, staff, and employers. Evidence from students suggests that staff provide service with care and professionalism. We have added Cartoon Animation Level 6, Sport and Recreation Level 5, in September 2013 and Film and TV Production, Level 5, will be provided from September 2014. We have more programmes, particularly in the Construction/Architectural Depart that are ready to be implemented when the demand arises again.
149 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
College Planning
Planning for an excellent education service can be divided into many categories. Some have already been mentioned throughout this report, however in this instance I will talk about infrastructure.
New Hairdressing Salon
In May 2014 the College opened its new hairdressing salon. This provides an industry standard facility for our sixty or more hairdressing students. This development continues improvements to the College over the past number of years. With reduced budgets it will be difficult to continue such ambitious developments over the coming years. It is also worth noting that the College has been excluded from the Summer Works Scheme which means that all maintenance and upgrading will now be drawing from College funds. This is an unsustainable position and needs to be addressed urgently.
Upgrade of Wi-Fi system in the College is nearly completed
We expect that the upgrading of our broadband will be completed over the summer. This will improve teaching and learning in all courses.
Teaching and Learning
Teaching and learning is at the heart of what we do and the development of a College Plan will explore how we do this and how we maintain standards in this regard. Three areas that support teaching and learning are our teaching methodologies group work, professional development events, and self-evaluation.
Teaching Methodologies Group
During the year our staff methodologies group have met on a number of occasions to share good practice. This will be encouraged over the coming years.
Professional Development
A number of staff are taking graduate and post graduate course and many others have attended relevant staff development events and seminars. Professional development is the key to the provision of quality teaching and learning and these activities will be encouraged and supported on an on-going basis.
150 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Self Evaluation During the course of this year the College was engaged with the FETAC Self Evaluation process. Our FETAC Co-ordinator, Jane Quinlan, led this process. This was a very successful process and the report provides many practical innovations and improvements, which will be addressed over the coming year.
Student Services Fundamentally the College aims to provide relevant programmes to the highest standards however many students need extra supports to ensure they get the best out of themselves. These supports include our student hardship fund, Guidance and counselling, the students’ council, and online applications.
Student Hardship Fund Many of our students were experiencing financial hardship over the past year and the Students Council proposed the development of a hardship fund. This hardship fund was established and funded by a number of fundraising events. We intend to develop this initiative further over the coming years.
Guidance and Counselling
One element of an integrated teaching and learning environment is how we support our students to access and complete programmes offered in the College. Specific supports available during the year were counselling, career guidance, literacy and numeracy, and learning support. This year the staff member responsible for learning support has developed a handbook to be distributed to all staff in the coming year. This will enable all staff support students in classrooms where possible and refer if required. Student’s Council
There is a vibrant student council and the students have 2 members on the Board of Management. Other support comes from the course co-ordinators and the informal relationships between students and staff. Online Applications and Payments Over the past year the College has developed and Online Applications and Payment system for all our PLC programmes. These improvements will allow for more efficient administration. It will also help students in financial difficulties to make a number of part payments for College fees.
Events
Launch Pad 2014 –Official opening of our Hairdressing Salon and Exhibition of students work on May 29th 2013
On the evening of May 29th, International Hairstylist Kieran O’Gorman officially opened the new Hairdressing Salon. There was also an exhibition of students’ work including short films. There was also the presentation of Student of the Year Awards.
151 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Actions for 2014/15 Implementing Programme Improvement Plan arising out of our Self-Evaluation process Complete the College Plan Continue to support professional development Continue to evaluate College Programmes in light of jobs market trends and demands.
152 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
YOUTH SERVICES
Youth Officer- South Tipperary
The Youth Work Service office is based in Clonmel but the Youth Officer, Lisa Kavanagh has a remit for all of South Tipperary. The primary role of the Youth Officer is to support the provision, co-ordination, administration and assessment of youth work services and assess whether the manner in which it performs its functions is economical, efficient and effective.
NATIONAL QUALITY STANDARDS FRAMWORK The National Quality Standards Framework (NQSF) is a support and development tool for the youth work sector. The main purpose of it is to support youth work organisations to continually develop and improve their work with young people. The NQSF is based on 5 core principles found in good youth work practice, and 10 standards. The standards represent the main things a youth service need to have in place in order to meet its legal requirements and deliver quality youth work services to young people and their communities. The NQSF is a common framework that should lead to a better youth work service for young people and their communities. It aims to;
. Provide a support and development tool to projects, services and organisations . Establish standards in the practice and provision of youth work . Help to improve the evidence base for youth work . Ensure resources are used effectively in the youth work sector . Provide a format that can assess the whole organisation
In South Tipperary, four youth work projects are currently implementing their continuous Implementation Plan, having completed their self-assessment and participated in an external assessment by the Youth Officer. The projects are;
. Tipperary Town Youth Project (Tipperary Regional Youth Service) . Tipperary Rural Outreach Project (Tipperary Regional Youth Service) . Tipperary Youth Information Project (Tipperary Regional Youth Service) . Clonmel Community Youth Project (Waterford & South Tipperary Community Youth Service)
LOCAL YOUTH CLUB GRANT SCHEME 2013 The Local Youth Club Grant Scheme supports voluntary Youth Club activities at local level. The Scheme, which provides grant-aid towards the costs of running clubs, is part-funded by the proceeds of the National Lottery. Funding for the Scheme is provided by the Youth Affairs Unit in the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and administered locally by ETBs on the Department’s behalf. The Scheme aims to respond to the realities and practicalities experienced by local voluntary groups in the provision of activities to young people, with priority being given to young people between the ages of 10 and 21. The primary focus of the Scheme is to assist local voluntary youth clubs who offer a youth work response to young people. However, other clubs and groups that work with young people,
153 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013 who are not specifically youth work, are also entitled to apply for funding under this scheme. In 2013, thirty-two volunteer-led clubs and groups received funding under the Scheme. These groups comprise approximately 1,400 young people in South Tipperary and are supported by approximately 315 adult volunteers.
No. of Clubs Total Receiving Allocation Funding Foróige 8 €5,265 Scouting Ireland 8 €6,910 Tipperary Regional Youth Service 4 €2,610 Waterford & South Tipperary Community Youth Service 4 €2,240 Independent Clubs and Groups 8 €4,395 Total 32 €21,420 Clubs / Groups
YOUTH OFFICER – NORTH TIPPERARY
Tipperary Education and Training Board administer and support the development of youth work as a response to young people in the North Tipperary area. Young people engage with youth work services through volunteer youth clubs and youth projects with paid professional staff. Youth Clubs apply to TETB annually for National Lottery funding to support them with the financial costs of running a club. TETB administer youth project funding to two youth projects in the region,
. Foroige Nenagh Youth Development Project . North Tipperary Leader Partnership – Roscrea Youth Project.
YOUTH PROJECTS IN THE NORTH TIPPERARY AREA
Youth Projects Organisation
Nenagh Youth Project Foróige
Roscrea Youth Project North Tipperary Leader Partnership
Templemore Youth Project Tipperary Regional Youth Service
Thurles Youth Project Tipperary Regional Youth Service
Youth Information Centre Tipperary Regional Youth Service
Rural Outreach Project Tipperary Regional Youth Service
Traveller Youth Project Tipperary Regional Youth Service
154 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
The Youth Officer is a member of a number of steering Groups including: Social Inclusion Measures Group, Ascend Steering Group, SIM Youth Group, North Tipperary Sports Partnership, and Comhairle na nOg, Quality Standards Training and Resources Task Group. GRANT ADMINISTRATION SPECIAL PROJECTS FOR DISADVATNAGED YOUTH Tipperary Education and Training Board administered €167,591.00 in Youth Project funding to: . Foroige Nenagh Youth Development Project . Roscrea Youth Project (North Tipperary Leader Partnership)
Grants are allocated to organisations and groups for specific projects which seek to address the needs of young people who are disadvantaged, due to a combination of factors e.g. high unemployment, early school leavers. The grant-aided youth work initiatives aim to facilitate the personal and social development of participants to realise their potential. In addition, they present opportunities for young people to undertake actions corresponding to their own aspirations and to assume responsibilities within their local communities. A value for money review was completed with Special Projects for Disadvantaged Youth Projects in 2013.
LOCAL YOUTH CLUB GRANT SCHEME The Local Youth Club Grant Scheme supports voluntary Youth Club activities at local level. The Scheme, which provides grant-aid towards the costs of running clubs, is part-funded by the proceeds of the National Lottery. Funding for the Scheme is provided by the Youth Affairs Unit in the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and administered locally by ETBs on the Department’s behalf. The Scheme aims to support local voluntary groups in the provision of activities to young people, with priority being given to young people between the ages of 10 and 21. The primary focus of this Scheme is to assist local voluntary youth clubs who offer a youth work response to young people. However, other clubs/groups that work with young people who are not specifically youth work are also entitled to apply for funding under this scheme. Tipperary Education and Training Board administered €17,610.00 in Local Youth Club Grant Scheme funding to 22 Youth Clubs in 2013.
NATIONAL QUALITY STANDARDS FRAMEWORK FOR YOUTHWORK The Youth Officer engages with projects in the county to support them with the Quality Standards Framework QSF. The QSF is a framework that was devised by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, in 2009 as a tool to improve the quality standards in the youth work sector. A similar initiative is now being rolled out for Volunteer led Youth Groups. The following table illustrates projects stage in the 3 year QSF cycle.
155 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Project Name Organisation Phase on Cycle Description
Nenagh Youth Foroige Year 2 Projects implement their Development Project Continuous Improvement Plan
Roscrea Youth NTLP Year 2 Projects implement their Project Continuous Improvement Plan
Thurles Youth TRYS Year 1 Project Projects compile their evidence for self & external assessment. Templemore Youth TRYS Year 1 Project Projects write a Continuous Improvement Plan TRYS Traveller Youth Year 1 Project
Rural Outreach TRYS Year 1 Project
TETB Youth Officers support youth projects to compile their documentary evidence. Youth Officers externally review the documentary evidence, and meet with focus groups and complete observations on practice. Feedback from the Youth Officer informs the projects Continuous Improvement Plan. The Youth Project works over a 2.5 year period to implement the actions in the continuous improvement plan. The Youth Officer is a member of the 2013 Quality Standards Training and Resources Task Group in 2013. This is a group including: national youth organisations, Department of Children and Youth Affairs, Centre for Effective Services and ETB Youth Officers. The aim of this group is provide resources to support projects engaged in the QSF process.
COMHAIRLE na nOG Comhairle na Og is an exciting initiative as it is one of the first opportunities young people get to have their voice heard on decisions that impact them at a local level. It is for young people aged between 12 – 17 years of age. There is an annual Comhairle (council) where, delegates are elected to the Council for a two year period. The key themes for 2013 being progressed by young people are: Mental Health, Social Inclusion in Comhairle and Public Relations to promote Comhairle. This initiative is a great opportunity for young people to be a force of change, they also gain practical skills, in team working, making presentations, project planning and implementation.
The Youth Officer has strong links with the further education team to deliver FETAC accredited courses of benefit to those working in Youth Work. Training is also offered to volunteer youth leaders. TETB works in partnership with youth work organisations in the delivery of training.
156 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
The Youth Work Section is an active element within the Further Education Service and there have been great opportunities to work in partnership with colleagues within the ETB and with the youth work sector.
YOUNG PEOPLE & VOLUNTEERS IN YOUTH GROUPS 2013
Male & Female Members of Youth Clubs Male & Female Volunteers by Age range - by Age range - 2013 2013
284 160 300 138 249 140 250 216 120 200 178 141 100 150 125 80 70 100 60 50 40 25
15 Groups in Youth Volunteers of No. 9 18 11 0 20 7 0 U 18 U18 18-25 18-25 25 + 25 + Male Female Male Female Male Female
List of Youth Groups that received 2013 Local Youth Club Grant Scheme funding
No. Of Clubs Receiving Total Funding Allocation Scouting Ireland 3 €3700 Tipperary Regional Youth Service 8 €5555 Girls Friendly Society 3 €1700 Foróige 1 €700 Drama 2 €1355 Order of Malta 1 €700 Boys Brigade 2 €1000 Irish Girl Guides 1 €700 Other 1 €1500
Total 22 clubs and groups €16910
157 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
HIGHLIGTHS . Delivered two FETAC Level 5 Addiction Studies Modules funded by the Mid West Regional Drugs Task Force
. Foroige Nenagh Youth Development Project re-launched its Youth Space in December 2013
Members of the Foróige TY Youth Group that were central to redesigning the Youth Space in the Project
. My colleague Lisa Kavanagh and I commenced working on a joint project to compile and publish a Young People in Tipperary a Demographic Profile. This is a demographic profile of focused on young people with the primary data sources from the Central Statistics Office.
. The Irish Youth Officers Association in partnership with Education and Training Boards Ireland put forward a submission to the Department of Social Protection on the Youth Guarantee Scheme.
158 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
SELF FINANCING NIGHT CLASSES
Nenagh College Self Financing Report 2013
Adult Self Financing at Nenagh College provides part time Further Education programmes for retired people and people over the age of 18, hobby style courses and accredited learning. The aim is to give people an opportunity to combine a return to learning with family, work and other responsibilities.
. Courses are part time . Focus on education provision for adults interested in achieving Level 5 and 6 accredited courses and those wishing to pursue hobby style courses. . Courses are ran every Monday night from 7-9.30pm to meet the needs of busy learners ho may have childcare commitments or part time work . Employment based – all learners on Major Awards at Level 5 and 6 get an opportunity yo work in the area of their study . Some courses are accredited by FETAC
Staff
Noreen Devitt Director of Adult Education
Nuala Kennedy Administrative Staff
Tutors Between 4 and 10 tutors working bi-annually on adult and self- financing courses within the college
Nightclasses Available at Nenagh College
. Art – Oils & Acrylics . Basic Computer Skills for adults . Boxercise – Beginners . Care of the Older Person/Palliative Care FETAC Level 5
159 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
. Cookery – Healthy Options . Cookery – Starters and Desserts . GAA Award 1 Youth Coaching . Gym Circuit Training . Improved Computer Skills for Adults
Spring 2013
Art, Oils and Acrylics 6 students
Pilates 10 students
Care of the Older Person 11 students
Patient Manual handling 20 students
GAA Coaching 24 students
Total 71 students
Autumn 2013
Care Skills FETAC Level 5 29 students
Basic Computers 13 students
Cookery 15 students
Pilates 22 students
Yoga 12 students
Total 91 students
Focus on Education
Nenagh College is committed to pupil centred, community service positive learning experiences for pupils and staff across our centre.
The highlight of the year was the increase in numbers from 71 to 91 students from our Spring to Autumn Term.
160 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Templemore College Self-Financing Education Report
Overview of Provision
The classes for 2013-2014 were well supported by the local community, and the college has a good core group of day time tutors available for evening classes. We are continuing our policy of offering courses with certification, where possible and also offering an opportunity for progression and upskilling to learners who are interested.
Purpose for Programmes Offered
The programmes offered by Templemore College are designed to meet the needs of the local community. Courses on offer were Health Care, Business, Hairdressing, Languages, Occupational First Aid, Complementary Therapy, Childcare, IT, Sewing and Beauty Care. Some of these programmes were offered as a result of enquiries from local community groups and CE scheme supervisors. Certified courses offered were mostly within the Healthcare and Childcare area. The participants in these courses were predominantly working in these areas and were looking to upskill. The aim of these learners is to acquire a full FETAC Level 5 and Level 6 Award in Childcare or Healthcare. With this in mind many of them were doing one to two modules in their relevant area each term. Part funding for certified courses was offered by Tipperary ETB to participants who fulfilled the given criteria and this encouraged us to offer more certified courses in the Business area such as Payroll Manual and Computerised and Bookkeeping Manual and Computerised. These courses were well attended as many availed of the subsidy offered to help them to acquire new skills and knowledge or to improve their skills and knowledge in the business area.
Detail of courses /Statistics There were appox 33 different classes run between Autumn 2013 to Spring 2014 with a total of 340 students. This number was made up of 72 males and 268 females. We will also be running summer classes in 2014 which will comprise of computer and childcare classes. The numbers interested in these classes are at the moment approx. 35.
Analysis of Programmes The programmes offered seemed to meet the needs of our clients. Evaluations showed that they were happy with the service and courses offered. Certification was mainly taken up by the business, childcare and healthcare students and other courses indicated that they were happy without certification. Some participants of courses such as beauty and hairdressing
161 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
(hobby) used these courses to gain an insight into these areas with the intention of applying for relevant PLC courses in the college.
Plans for the future Templemore College will continue to offer courses which will meet the needs of the community. For Autumn 2014 we plan to offer the following courses.
Classes
Internet and Email for Beginners Stretch and Tone Classes Internet and Email for Improvers Gents and Ladies Cutting Course ECDL Using Digital Devices (FETAC 3) Italian for Beginners Word Processing (FETAC 3) Flower Arranging for Christmas Web Design (FETAC 4) Mindfulness with Mental Care Career Planning (FETAC 4) Introduction To Beauty Therapy Care Skills (FETAC 5) Sean Nós Dancing for Beginners Work Experience (FETAC 5) Sean Nós Dancing for Improvers Early Childhood Education and Play (FETAC 5)
Guitar Lessons for Beginners Music in Childcare Settings (FETAC 5) Mandolin/Banjo Lessons for Beginners Person Centred Focus to Disability (FETAC 5)
Country Sewing Class Bookkeeping Computerised and Manual (FETAC 5) Printmaking Craft Classes Patient Handling Yoga Occupational First Aid (FETAC 5) Pilates Occupational First Aid Recertification Course (FETAC 5) Introduction to Indian Head Massage Child Development(FETAC Level 6) Navigating Maps with GPS Conversational Irish
Finally, I would like to thank Pauline Kirwan and Mary Davy for all their help and support during the year. I would also like to thank Dr. Noel Colleran, Principal of Templemore College and Antoinette Coffey, Adult Education Officer for their encouragement and help throughout the year.
162 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Coláiste Mhuire Co-Ed, Thurles Self-Financing Report
DESCRIPTION
The Adult Education Self Financing programme runs for two sessions each year, Autumn and Spring. We offer Fetac modules in Healthcare, Childcare and Business and hobby courses each term. The Fetac courses run for 10 nights and hobby courses run for 6 or 8 nights. We open two nights per week, Monday and Thursday from 7.00 to 10.00 p.m. A registration evening is arranged and courses run if sufficient numbers register to make the course financially viable.
The following courses went ahead for
Autumn 2013.
Fetac
. Child Health & Well Being Fetac Level 5 . Early Care and Education practice Fetac Level 5 . Care of the Older Person Fetac Level 5 . Palliative Care Fetac Level 5 . Safety & Health at work Fetac Level 5 . Train the Trainer Fetac level 6
Hobby . Computers for Beginners . Pilates
Spring 2013 Fetac . Work Experience Fetac Level 5 . Care of the Older Person Fetac Level 5 . Care Skills Fetac Level 5 . Computer Application Fetac Level 4 . Train the Trainer Fetac Level 6 . Social Studies Fetac Level 5
Hobby . Digital Photography . Pilates
163 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
STAFF:
Staff for all courses are sourced from the Tipperary ETB Adult Education panel or already teach Fetac within the ETB.
LEARNER NUMBERS AND PROFILE
1. 8 Courses ran in Autumn 2013 with 96 participants 2. 8 Courses ran in Spring 2013 with 72 participants
Total Participants: 168
Most learners in Fetac Courses are working within the Healthcare or Childcare sectors and are anxious to get full Award in their area. Also DSP fund unemployed learners through the TESG Grant scheme to study for Fetac Modules in all areas. DSP funded many participants to do Fetac modules during this time.
Employed participants also get funded from the ETB and this funding has contributed to the increase in numbers registering to do modules.
PROGRAMME
The Programme consists of mainly Childcare and Healthcare Fetac Level 5 components. Most participants want to sample what Fetac Level 5 involves and a lot of unemployed participants have registered to do the full award here during the day from September 2014. We also offer a wide variety of hobby courses but due to the recession, the interest in very low.
HIGHTLIGHTS 2013
We achieved excellent results from our Fetac participants and many have gone on to finish awards as part of the full-time day programme.
164 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
St Ailbes, Tipperary Town Self-Financing Report
Adult Self-financing at St Ailbe’s provide the general public with an opportunity to take part in accredited programmes which are run in the evenings. The classes are aimed at those who wish to gain a qualification which may lead to an employment opportunity and/or promotion.
The courses are of a part-time nature and are accredited by FETAC – QQI at Level 5 and 6. All courses are demand driven and are dependent on sufficient numbers; therefore, some advertised courses may not take place.
During 2013 St Ailbe’s provided training, in conjunction with Health Service Executive, for Care Attendance. This training consisted of two classes which were run during the day and the participants were funded by the HES. It is hoped that this partnership with the ETB and the HSE will continue until such time as the Care Attendants have achieved full certification and obtain a full FETAC QQI Healthcare Award.
Courses are ran every Monday and Thursday night from 7.30pm -9.30pm to meet the needs of busy learners who may have childcare commitments or part time work Employment based – all learners on Major Awards at Level 5 and 6 get an opportunity to work in the area of their study. The staffing needs are met by external tutors from the Community Education Tutor Database and/or existing ETB staff.
Spring 2013 . Orchestral Music . Care Support FETAC Level 5 . Care of the Older Person FETAC Level 5
Autumn 2013 . Orchestral Music . Safety & Healthy at Work FETAC Level 5 . Early Curriculum in Childhood Care & Education FETAC Level 6 . Social & Legal Issues in Childhood Care & Education FETAC Level 6
165 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Self-Financing Report Coláiste Dun Iascaigh, Cahir
For Spring 2013, Coláiste Dun Iascaigh ran a Genealogy Nightclass with 8 participants.
166 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
FESS
Introduction
The Further Education Support Service is a regionally based service that offers support to Department of Education and Skills (DES) funded Providers who offer QQI certification from Level 1 to Level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications and all QQI registered Providers offering certification at Levels 1 and 2 on the National Framework of Qualifications.
There are currently 4 Support Officers in the Further Education Support Service and a part time manager. The Tipperary based Support Officer’s region encompasses the DES funded QQI registered Providers in Co. Clare, Co. Limerick, Co. Kerry and Tipperary.
National Developments in 2013
The IVEA/CEEOA shared programme development initiative entered phases 2 and 3. All VECs were invited to participate in developing programmes for validation, leading to the new FETAC common awards at levels 5 and 6, and share these programmes with all Department of Education and Skills (DES) funded providers. This required awards to be allocated to participating VECs for programmes leading to the awards to be developed and subsequently these programmes to be evaluated and approved through the VECs’ programme approval agreements. For the fourth phase of programme development in September 2013 then the same process was followed but this time it was ETBs taking responsibility for the development of the programmes, the initiative was led by ETBI, and the awards published by QQI.
From the point of view of the Further Education Support Service (FESS) the ETBI/CEEOA initiative resulted in a huge demand for training for all the programme development teams involved in the initiative. All those evaluating the programmes also had to be trained in their role.
As programmes were developed by VECs, these programmes were made available to the DES sector for consultation and comment. This was facilitated through the FESS website, www.fess.ie. This involved the development of on-line questionnaires for each programme, the collation of this feedback and dissemination to the relevant programme development teams. When programmes were evaluated and approved the website was also used to upload these programmes to make them available to the Process Co-ordinators in each VEC initially, and then ETB, to access the relevant documentation for sharing with those offering the programmes in schools and centres.
In total there were 53 programmes developed for sharing by the VEC sector in phases 2 and 3 of programme development in 2013, leading to 25 major awards at level 5, 27 major awards at level 6 and 1 special purpose award at level 6. These programmes were delivered for the first time in September 2013 as the awards that these programmes led to were replacing the then existing FETAC (NCVA) awards which were deactivated in December 2013.
167 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
Phase 4 of programme development began in September 2013 with the focus on the development of 2 programmes at level 4, 10 programmes at level 5 and 13 programmes at level 6. It is the plan that these programmes will be evaluated, approved and validated by QQI for roll out in schools and centres in September 2014.
Local/Regional Developments in 2013
There continued to be demand for support from providers in implementing their quality assurance agreements, particularly in the areas of fair and consistent assessment of learners, the self-evaluation of programmes and services and also in programme development, delivery and review.
The Tipperary Support Officer had a role in liaising between the schools and colleges under the direction of the Joint Managerial Board (JMB) and the Association of Community and Comprehensive Schools (ACCS) and QQI. These schools and colleges may apply for validation for the programmes development under the ETBI/CEEOA shared programme development process. Support was provided by FESS in terms of delivering an information session to representatives of 40 of these schools and colleges, helping them in making their applications to QQI for validation via the QBS, forwarding the programme descriptors and programme modules to the schools and colleges and via phone and e-mail to answer queries posed on the process.
Regionally support was also provided to Clare and Limerick ETB and Tipperary ETB where the ETBs ran specific in-service events for their staff on assessment, standards and certification. The Tipperary Support Officer facilitated these events and provided the information on the day.
In addition to delivering in-service and attending meetings related to the work of FESS a large part of our role is to provide e-mail and phone support. In the 9 months1 the Tipperary Support Officer was working in 2013 there were 1135 queries to the Tipperary Office.
The Tipperary Support Officer works with the Wicklow Support Officer to manage and maintain the website which is a considerable amount of work as this is the vehicle to share all the programme related information relevant to the ETBI/CEEOA shared programme development process.
Summary
As the bulk of programme development will be completed in 2014 the focus will then need to shift to the maintenance of the validated programmes. It is expected that QQI will be reviewing the levels 1, 2 and 3 awards and subsequently then the ETBs will have to review the programmes leading to those awards.
1 The Tipperary Support Officer was on maternity leave until April 2013 and was therefore present in the office for 9 months in 2013.
168 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
The Information Technology awards have yet to be published by QQI and once they are the final phase of the ETBI/CEEOA shared programme development process can be implemented so as to ensure that the DES sector has a full suite of validated programmes to offer to their learners.
In addition to this the focus in the next number of years will be the merging of quality assurance agreements, quality assuring assessment processes and programme approval agreements into one where ETBs now replace VECs. The sector is currently awaiting direction from the newly established QQI on this but what is certain is that the further education landscape will have to change significantly over the next number of years to accommodate all the changes coming about as a result of mergers and consolidations. Hopefully the Further Education Support Service will be at the fore in supporting providers in dealing with these changes.
Jenny Whelan Further Education Support Officer
169 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
The following two groups were in existence in North Tipperary VEC. Going forward, their structure and composition will be reviewed in light of assisting the needs of the Tipperary ETB.
1. Institiúd Thuamhumhan
Institiúd Thuamhumhan was established to support the work of the PLC Colleges in the scheme in North Tipperary VEC.
It met three times in 2013 to discuss FETAC/QQI developments, policy development, programme development, and other relevant issues.
The group had representation from each PLC College with the Principal and PLC co-ordinator attending meetings.
Cascading was achieved through the Principal and PLC Co-ordinator implementing agreed actions in Colleges and there were reports to senior management on a regular basis.
2. Ar Aghaidh Linn Steering Group
Aim The aim of Ar Aghaidh Linn is to support, facilitate and integrate staff development initiatives so that North Tipperary VEC becomes an organisation of learning.
Objectives 1. To provide a wide range of programmes to cater for the personal, professional and vocational development needs of all staff and of the organisation. 2. To ensure that all activities provide pathways for progression in terms of career and/or professional development. 3. To develop an ethos and practice of collaboration and learning in all centres, and at county level. 4. To support and promote programme and curriculum development at centre and county level. 5. To link with other agencies to develop comprehensive responses to the needs of all learners.
Introduction This was the second year in which the Programme did not have a full-time co-ordinator. However, as with previous years, throughout the year 2012/2013 all our initiatives focused on the development of staff competence with a view to improved service to students.
170 | P a g e
Tipperary ETB Annual Report 2013
There have been a number of important professional development activities throughout the year.
Targeted Professional Development Initiatives
2.1 New AAL Member Dan Condren, Former Principal of Templemore College, was welcomed to the AAL Working Group and it was hoped that he will help with the implementation of a number of initiatives arising from the work of this group. Dan circulated a handout detailing the content, target groups, times etc. 2.2 Professional Development As a result of FETAC Self Evaluation and External Authentication it was agreed that professional development supports be put in place. Assessment Practices FETAC Level 5 It was agreed that this programme is targeted at new teachers, teachers who have identified needs arising from the Self-evaluation and the External Authentication processes, and other teachers at all levels who would see the benefit of this development. Communities of Practice The purpose of these communities is to authenticate and develop practices and procedures regarding assessment, teaching and learning, and resources. It is hoped that these communities would self-perpetuate with organised face-to-face meetings or online, or both, so that professional development is peer developed, evaluated, and reviewed on an on-going basis. ‘Croke Park’ hours were used for this initiative. The initiative was piloted with Social Studies Level 5 and Childcare Level 5. It is important to evaluate this at our first meeting in the new academic year.
Summary Even without a full-time co-ordinator, Ar Aghaidh Linn continues to engage, in a proactive manner, with numerous professional development challenges. Over the past ten years it has engaged with, and supported, various initiatives including staff development, research, policy development, and staff support.
Noel Colleran PhD, Secretary Ar Aghaidh Linn
171 | P a g e