Smartphones to be banned from all Irish secondary schools
“We’re very conscious of the world in which we live.” Minister for Education Norma Foley has pledged that smartphones are to be banned from all Irish secondary schools. Minister Foley is set to write to schools in the coming weeks regarding the new directive, which is backed up by evidence phones ‘disrupt’ learning and contribute […]
2 years ago
Government planning to extend Child Benefit to over 18s in school
The Government is considering an extension on the Child Benefit payment. Child Benefit could reportedly be extended to children aged over 18 in secondary school. Parents with children over 18 in secondary school may be offered additional support as they continue their education. Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys said they’re looking at ways to support […]
3 years ago
Parents call out Norma Foley’s ‘voluntary’ contribution fee comments
Parents have slated Norma Foley for her comments about the voluntary contribution fee. The Minister for Education told parents that they shouldn’t feel pressured to pay the fee. Norma Foley told parents that the fee isn’t mandatory, but many pointed out that schools refuse to give pupils their lockers and school journals until the fee […]
3 years ago
Parents warn that children are spending up to 15 hours travelling to school a week
Concerned parents have set up an action group to warn that children may be forced to travel up to 15 hours each week to school in the upcoming academic year. The Dublin 8 School Action Programme has said that if the Department of Education refuses to allocate more places for students starting secondary school, they […]
3 years ago
Free counselling pilot scheme introduced for all primary school children
Children can access 8 one-on-one counselling sessions with Department of Education-approved counsellors. From this September, primary school students in counties Cavan, Laois, Leitrim, Longford, Mayo, Monaghan, and Tipperary will be able to access free counselling and mental health supports. These seven counties have been selected to take part in the €5 million pilot scheme. The […]
3 years ago
Norma Foley says sex education syllabus will bring “real experience of young people”
The syllabus hasn’t been updated in 20 years Ireland’s new sex education curriculum that was published this week by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, will be introduced for all Junior Cycle students from September. It will provide 100 hours of learning over the three-year Junior Cycle for 12-to 15-year-olds. It plans to address […]
3 years ago