Doing School Differently A New Vision for Post Primary Schooling in Ireland Doing School Differently

Subjects A wide range of subjects available to all students in school English and Maths only two compulsory subjects Subject content made more relevant to the youth today More practical elements to all subjects, not all classroom based Activities organised for each subject e.g. Trip to the Gaeltacht for Irish, trip to the Burren for Geography More emphasis placed on Physical Education

Languages All students must go to a French/German/Irish speaking area for two weeks Trips to Gaeltacht once/twice a term to improve spoken Irish Penpal with someone from foreign country if studying a continental language.

Assessment Different forms of assessment used Not all exam based More practical elements to overall mark such as project work, continuous assessment and presentations

Leaving Cert Less emphasis on “learning off” information and regurgitating it in exam Students who are not good at “learning off” getting a fair chance Less stress associated with the Leaving Cert

Leaving Cert College places not solely relying on points in Leaving Cert Interviews become part of college application Project work – learning to work as part of a team and more practical approach Continuous assessment – reduce workload and stress of final exam Presentations Different forms of assessment help ready students for college

Physical Education Participation rates very high Children and parents are aware of health benefits of physical activity and risks associated with inactivity Children, parents and other staff aware of the positive association between physical activity and performance in school and behaviour

Physical Education Compulsory for all students in all years Five to six classes per week (one theory) An exam subject – theory and practical All students wear a school tracksuit as uniform to avoid excuse of “no gear” Students have input into what sports will be done Opportunity to try new sports such as horse riding, kayaking, karate etc.

Physical Education Students aware of link between mental health and physical activity One class of theory per week Topics: Health, Injury, Fitness, Nutrition, Wellbeing

Technology Due to our ever changing world with regards to technology Students will be competent in all areas of using a computer All students will have iPads, no books All classrooms have interactive white boards ICT used as much as possible in classes – try keep students interested

Life Lessons Students will take part in many workshops over their six years in the school These workshops will be based around areas of life which will help the students when they leave school

Life Lessons Mental Health Financial Management Alcohol Abuse Drug Abuse Sexual Education Stress Management All students will do four weeks work experience as part of career guidance

Health Canteen – only healthy options available No vending machines Lunchtime activities e.g. Soccer, tennis, basketball Junk food only allowed on Friday Promote active transport to school – free piece of fruit/bottle of water