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

2. 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

3. 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.

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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

9. 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.

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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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