New Research Report – 76% of students want a continuous assessment for the Leaving Certificate

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76% of students want a continuous assessment for the Leaving Certificate,

according to new research report

 

  • But 78% of principals, deputy principals and teachers do not support the practice of a teacher correcting their own students’ exams
  • Only 4% of students feel the Leaving Certificate is fair and is an accurate assessment of their knowledge and skills
  • Less than half of parents feel that Leaving Certificate adequately prepares their children for third level education
  • “It [the Leaving Certificate] can be a really important and useful stepping stone, in particular for people who have academic aptitudes, and when it comes at the right time in their life. But it doesn’t assess everything” – Professor Philip Nolan, Maynooth University

A new research report on the future of the Leaving Certificate was published today (Monday), January 7th, by the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD). The report entitled ‘Senior Cycle Reform – What do you want?’ surveys the attitudes and views of students, parents, teachers and principals on the Leaving Certificate and its’ future reform.

Key findings include:

  • 97% of parents want reform, compared to 65% of principals, deputy principals & teachers.
  • 79% of students do not feel that the current senior cycle programme encourages active learning methodologies
  • 28% of principals, deputy principals & teachers, 4% of students and 15% of parents feel the Leaving Certificate is fair and accurately assesses students.
  • Students are the only group who would support a teacher correcting their own students’ assessment (51%) compared to 30% and 22% of parents and principals, deputy principals & teachers respectively.

Speaking about the research, NAPD Director Clive Byrne said, “This publication is the result of four months of comprehensive research and information gathering. Initially, it was quite unsettling to see that only 4% of students and 28% of principals, deputy principals and teachers feel that the Leaving Certificate in its current format is fair and accurately assesses students.

However, and more importantly, what it also points to is a huge appetite for a change amongst all stakeholders. For example, 76% of students support a move towards continuous assessment. While almost one in four of all principals, deputy principals and teachers support the concept.

The report’s research is also bolstered by personal contributions from opinion leaders in the third level and business community including Professor Philip Nolan, President of Maynooth University, Barry Napier CEO Cubic Telecoms, Rose Mary Hogan Head of Graduate Programme in Glanbia and Lewis Purser Director of the Irish University Association.

Speaking about the importance of education, Professor Nolan states in the report, “Education should stimulate this sense of a joy in learning, a curiosity to find out new things, an openness to thinking differently, and an openness to admitting you might have been incorrect in the past and have learned something new now. That love of learning, curiosity, a confidence in your capability, an openness to learning and thinking differently, are the most valuable things to take from time spent in education, and an important thing for both students and teachers to focus on.”

There are many variances in responses between each group. For example, only 22% of principals, deputy principals and teachers support the practice of correcting their own students’ work, with many having concerns that a teacher would be biased against a student. That number increases to 30% of parents who would support such a change, and 51% of students. However, when it comes to reform, the numbers are striking, with 65% of principals, deputy principals and teachers wanting reform in its entirety, 78% of students wishing to move away from one final exam, or allow other factors to be included, and a massive 97% of parents supporting reform.

Oisín Hassan, Vice President of Academic Affairs in the Union of Students in Ireland, whose members also participated in the research, commented on the findings:

“Almost 700 USI members engaged in this research project. They are currently completing the Leaving Certificate or have done so within the last five years and have very strong opinions on how the examination needs to be reformed. For a large majority they do not believe that the current system is fit for purpose or meets their needs and the challenges they face outside of education.

There has been much talk about reform of the Leaving Certificate for many years. Yet each year another class completes the exam without any meaningful change occurring. Relying on just one single exam to determine the work of each student across all their years in second level education is unfair on students. It needs to change.  We need to move beyond just talking about reform to actively embracing it. I am hopeful this research will help to accelerate this process”, added Mr. Hassan.

In response to the report’s findings the NAPD has set out three key recommendations to support senior cycle reform. These are:

 

  1. The establishment of a new Citizens Assembly Education Forum bringing together all stakeholders to fast-track the senior cycle reform process;
  2. The inclusion of an additional practical component as part of the Leaving Certificate examination assessment process; and
  3. To ensure equality for all – ringfence funding for traineeships and apprenticeships to ensure the Leaving Certificate is not largely focused on further and / or higher education.


Discussing their recommendations, Mr. Byrne said, “The three recommendations as laid out in our report, are realistic, achievable and most importantly, will modernise our education system which has fallen behind the technological advancements in all other sectors. We have no doubt that many resources, funding, training, and hours of planning and dedication are needed to accomplish any reform, but it must be prioritised by both Minister McHugh and the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment.”

 

“What is important about senior cycle reform is that the conversation is starting, people recognise change is needed, and people are starting to think about practical solutions. We have seen small changes over recent years with the introduction of the new subjects such as Politics and Society or the recent two-day extension to the Leaving Certificate timetable to ease pressure on students.

However, we need more than small steps. We in the NAPD want to lead the voice for change, and to ensure this critical conversation continues”, Mr. Byrne concluded.

 

ENDS

Download PDF Version of the ‘Senior Cycle Reform – What do you want?’ Report here

Notes to editor:

The National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD) is the professional association for secondary level school leaders in Ireland. 

 

For media queries contact;

Danny Hanley, PR360, 01 637 1777 / 086 175 9286 / danny@pr360.ie  

Amanda Glancy, PR360 01 6371777 / 087 2273108 / amanda@pr360.ie 

 

Spokespeople include

 

Clive Byrne, Director NAPD

Kieran Golden, President NAPD

Mary Keane, Former President NAPD

 

‘Online shaming’ the latest topic to be tackled by Tabú, the probing TG4 documentary series

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‘Online shaming’ the latest topic to be tackled by Tabú,

the probing TG4 documentary series

 

  • Episode 6 in Tabú airs on Wednesday 12th December at 9.30pm on TG4 and features range of personal stories from those who have been ‘shamed’ online
  • A range of cyber-security experts and commentators also take part

What happens when someone becomes the target and victim of online shaming? Why does ‘shame’ have such a traumatic impact on our consciousness? The latest episode of the Tabú series on TG4 delves into the area of ‘online shaming’ and examines the effect it can have on ordinary people.

In TG4’s Tabú: Náire online influencer, blogger and presenter Ciara Ní É explores the sensitive and traumatic stories of those who have been victims of online abuse and extortion and how it has affected them.

Contributors to the series include:

  • Mary O’Donnell, a beautician from Tralee, appeared on The Today Show A video of the clip went viral and received over a million views online after she had a mishap on live television while applying eyeliner to a model.
  • In 2017 Peter Hynes, a dairy farmer from Aherla in Cork, won Farmer of the Year. He and his wife Paula joined Twitter and soon afterwards they started to receive a torrent of abuse from online vegan shamers.
  • Dubliner Jackie Fox shares her heart-breaking story of her daughter, Nicole, who was the victim of online bullying. In January of this year, Nicole took her own life. Now Jackie is campaigning to bring in “Coco’s Law” in memory of her daughter as she wants the law to be changed to make it harassment online an offense.
  • A range of male and female victims who have suffered from sextortion, online bullying and shaming.

Expert contributors include:

  • Stefanie Preissner, Writer and broadcaster
  • Michael Gubbins, Detective Superintendent, Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau
  • Nicola Fox Hamilton, Cyber-psychologist
  • Joanna Fortune, Clinical Psychotherapist specialising in child & adolescent Psychotherapy
  • Paul Dwyer, CEO of European Cyber Surveillance

 

Promos for the show are here:

01 STEFANIE PREISSNER CLIP – YOUTUBE
https://youtu.be/H-8DOU0BcP8

06 GENERAL CLIP – YOUTUBE
https://youtu.be/ls7DTuNCgSk

High resolution images are available here http://www.midasproductions.ie/naire/

About Tabú:

Tabú is a series of standalone hour-long documentaries which deals with topics from Random Acts of Violence to Online Shaming, from Rural Decline to Domestic Abuse.

Contributors discuss their experiences and explore how these events, beyond their own control, have changed their lives forever. As well as delving into the issues, the contributors attempt to understand what compels people to act in such ways.

These poignant, and often thought-provoking, films encourage the viewer to reflect on the subject matter and consider the effects on our society.

Midas Productions, a leading factual television production company based in Dublin, is dedicated to creating thought-provoking, entertaining, challenging and informative television programming. Past productions have included 13,000,000,000 miles from Birr (RTÉ), Asking For It (RTÉ2), Fir Marú agus Grá (TG4), and The Joy (TV3).

For further media information, please contact:

Unique Media

Breda Brown or Catherine Quinn

Tel: 01 522 5200 / 086 863 2182 (CQ)

Recruitment Opportunity: Deputy Director, NAPD

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A recruitment opportunity has arisen within NAPD of a New Deputy Director (The Deputy Director will be appointed for five years on secondment) and we are currently inviting applications. Application forms and a full job description below.

The position of Deputy Director of NAPD is a key leadership position in the work of the Association.

Objects of the Association

The Memorandum of Association outlines the objectives for which NAPD is established:

(a)       To provide a united voice nationally for Principals and Deputy Principals on issues of common concern.

(b)      To promote the interests and welfare of Principals and Deputy Principals through:

 

  • Ensuring that Principals and Deputy Principals are recognised as education partners and are represented as of right on all relevant local, regional and national bodies, both statutory and non- statutory.
  • Ensuring that Principals and Deputy Principals are consulted on all relevant matters and, in particular, on new initiatives which impinge on their roles.
  • Representing the views of Principals and Deputy Principals to the Department of Education and Skills and all other interested groups and relevant bodies.
  • To show leadership in the formulation of educational policy.
  • To promote the professional and personal development of Principals and Deputy Principals.
  • To promote the development of adequate internal school management structures to enable the successful implementation of school policies.
  • To provide support/advice for Principals and Deputy Principals through secretariat and administrative services.
  • To provide appropriate and relevant training.
  • To adopt a pro-active and dynamic approach to developing the international and European dimension in schools.
  • To promote co-operation and reciprocal visits between members of NAPD and Principals and Deputy Principals within Ireland, Europe and the rest of the world.
  • To encourage partnership between Principals and Deputy Principals in all second level schools.

 

Personal Qualities of  the Deputy Director

The successful candidate for the position of  Deputy Director will have:

  • Excellent interpersonal negotiating and communication skills, including a capacity to deal with the media and a working knowledge of Irish
  • A capacity to make sound judgements and take strategic decisions in the best interests of Principals and Deputy Principals
  • Proven leadership, organisational and administrative ability (minimum 5 years experience)
  • A capacity to be energised by an environment with a strong focus on policy.
  • A thorough knowledge of the Irish education system and legislative frameworks
  • The ability to use ICT effectively

 

Role of the Deputy Director

  • To promote and develop the aims and objectives of NAPD
  • To provide an information and advisory services for all members of NAPD
  • To provide particular support for newly-appointed Principals and Deputy Principals
  • To respond to the needs of Principals and Deputy Principals on an on-going basis and to develop policy papers where required
  • To support the Presidents, Director and members of the National Executive in their respective roles
  • To implement, in consultation with the Director, Executive decisions and report back to the National Executive.
  • To carry out other duties as may be determined by the National Executive
  • To liaise with the Department of Education and Skills, other Departments of state as necessary, all the Education Partners and all other relevant bodies, national and international
  • To ensure that the aims and views of the Association are represented in all appropriate fora.
  • To contribute to publications for members
  • To enhance communications between members by supporting the regional structure of the Association
  • To be available to all Committees of NAPD, including NAPD-Retired.
  • To work with the Director in managing the National Office of the Association (located in Dublin)
  • To work with the Director to manage the finances of the Association and prepare for an annual audit
  • To seek sponsorship in co-operation with the Finance Committee

Interview: General Procedures

Shortlisting

Candidates may be shortlisted for interview based on the information submitted on the Application Form

Presentation

Candidates are invited to make a presentation on their vision for NAPD (maximum 10 minutes)

Interview Process

Anything submitted in the Application form or mentioned in the presentation may be discussed in more depth at the interview. (Please note: all relevant information should be submitted on the application form)

Interview Board

An Independent Interview Board consisting of 3 people shall be appointed.  The President of  NAPD will be present as an observer.

 Appointment

The Deputy Director will be appointed for five years on secondment.  This will include a probation period of one year.

Closing Date for Applications is Wednesday 12th December 2018 no later than 1:00pm. This recruitment advertisement can also be found on www.publicjobs.ie

English Job Description

Cur Síos Poist Gaeilge

English Application Form

Foirm Iarratais na hÉireann

Word Format Application Form 

DAS Legal Expenses Insurance Policy

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FAO NAPD Members

The policy comes into effect on 1st November 2018 for fully paid up NAPD members.  You can check your status on your personal profile when you log into the members section of the NAPD website.

For members who renew their membership after that date the policy comes into effect two (2) weeks after payment appears on your personal profile.

A review document will be published on the NAPD website shortly and I would ask you to please complete the form should you have occasion to use the services provided.  This will enable NAPD to improve the effectiveness of this indemnity policy in meeting members’ needs.

 

In the normal course of events, when faced with a complex situation Principals and Deputy Principals seek advice from trusted colleagues, fellow NAPD members or NAPD Head Office, Management Bodies, Trustees, Chair (BOM) or their UNION and this policy is not intended to replace any of these avenues of support.

The purpose and scope of this insurance policy is to provide Indemnity for Legal Expenses incurred by NAPD members in the discharge of their professional responsibilities which are not covered by their Employers or Unions or where the Principal/Deputy Principal is not a member of a Union. 

  

These are the key contact numbers:

 LEGAL ADVICE SERVICE:  Call 1850 670 747 (or 01 670 7474)

COUNSELLING:                     Call 1850 670 407 (or 01 881 8047)

Three documents below relating to the DAS Policy

DAS Policy Wording

DAS Legal Expenses Summary

Possible Scenarios 

 

Allianz Weather Warning – Storm Callum is on the Way.

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Storm Callum is on its way and may make landfall as early as Thursday night. There is a yellow weather warning currently in place and this may be raised to orange in some regions depending on the level of winds and rainfall with some coastal flooding expected. To assist you to get your school ready for this event, we have included a checklist, some suggested actions for both storm and flood and the actions to be taken in the event of property damage.

 

Storms/Flood

  Checklist

  1. Are all roof slates/tiles, gutters and aerials secure?
  2. Has flashing been checked?
  3. Are gutters and down pipes clear of leaves and other debris?
  4. Are all large trees close to your school maintained – branches trimmed, checked for rot or decay?
  5. Are the grounds clear of loose materials and rubbish?

 

  Suggested Actions

  • Clean out gutters and down pipes of leaves, dirt and debris on a regular basis.
  • Keep trees trimmed to prevent from overhanging on buildings.
  • Regularly check trees which are close enough to fall onto buildings or parking areas. Where warranted have trees trimmed or removed by a qualified tree removal service.
  • Check for broken, damaged or loose tiles and have them repaired where necessary.
  • Check the flashing around skylights, vent pipes and any other projections where a roof covering meets an adjoining surface.
  • Repair any damaged gutters or down pipes and check their supports.
  • Ensure grounds are kept clear of loose materials and rubbish that may blow and cause damage.
  • Raise to higher ground (upstairs or on worktops) furniture, appliances or other items that may be damaged by direct contact with water for an extended period.
  • Move vehicles, valuables or other items to safety.
  • Put sandbags or flood boards in place (remember when the flooding is over to make sure your property is properly ventilated).
  • Plug sinks/baths and put sandbags in all toilet bowls to prevent backflow.
  • If possible clear blocked drains.
  • Be ready to turn off gas and electricity supplies (get help if necessary).
  • Never unplug or disconnect electric appliances or try to turn off the electricity supply if you have to stand in water or on wet floor surface to do so.
  • Don’t enter basements or any rooms if water covers electric cables that are plugged in or if water covers electric outlets.
  • Keep a flash light and spare batteries in an accessible place.
  • If required to do so, exit your property with care as submerged debris could cause you to trip or fall.
  • You can contact a contractor to inspect the roof and if necessary carry out emergency repairs initially.

 

In the event of storm/flood property damage, you can take the following steps:

 

  • Photograph the damage to your property and contents, before any emergency repairs are carried out if possible.
  • Wet or damaged items can be lifted or removed from the building, please do not dispose of any items as we may arrange for an inspection.
  • Leave the heating on to help the property dry out. You can also hire dehumidifiers. When a dehumidifier is on, close your windows. A dehumidifier should be emptied on a regular basis.
  • You can take steps to remove the flood water from your property. In the event of widespread flooding your local council or fire brigade may be able to assist you.
  • Avoid touching any contaminated items, unless wearing suitable gloves.
  • Arrange for an electrician to check the electrics.
  • Unblock any external wall vents. Also check the floor void for flood water. This will need to be cleaned and disinfected.
  • Contact Allianz at 01 6133377 or propertydamage@allianz.ie as soon as possible so that we can commence processing and investigation of your claim.

Statement by Clive Byrne, Director of the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals on Budget 2019

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“There are many welcome elements for our education system outlined by Minister Donohoe in his Budget 2019 speech this afternoon, including a €196 million increase in capital spending, contained within the overall increase of 6.7% in spending on education”, Mr. Byrne said.  

 “New school buildings and the repair and refurbishment of our existing schools is long overdue and now badly needed, particularly at secondary level, so while positive, this level of investment needs to accelerate over coming years”, noted Byrne.

 “The increase of 5% to the capitation grant is positive. Increased capitation is essential to the day-to-day running of our schools and in delivering education to a high standard. School principals have been under increasing pressure to meet both of these challenges in recent years, so anything which reduces this burden is welcome.

 Other key initiatives which will help to future-proof our education system for families, our schools and wider community, include the provision for an additional 1300 posts across the education system, an increase to Back to School allowance of €25, and the ongoing support for developing school leadership roles within our schools.

 Investment in education is vital to Ireland’s broader success, so the NAPD now urges the Government to continue this investment momentum”, concluded Mr. Byrne.

ENDS

RIP John Coolahan

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RIP John Coolahan Professor Emeritus, Dublin and Tarbert

John Coolahan was a great friend to NAPD. He constantly supported our conferences and symposia as well as contributing to our publications.

He made an enormous contribution to Irish Education and will be sorely missed no more so than by his wife Mary and Family.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis

National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals extends best wishes to all students, teachers and families as state exams begin

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 Almost 121,000 students due to take their Leaving and Junior Cert exams

 Clive Byrne, Director of the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD), has extended his best wishes to all students starting their Leaving Certificate and Junior Certificate State Examinations this morning.

“I want to wish every single student the very best of luck as they begin their Junior and Leaving Cert exams this morning. This is the time for you to showcase your creativity, your knowledge, and everything that they have learned from your teachers over the last three, five, or six years. I do also want to thank teachers and especially the parents and families who support these students every day. I do want to stress that although these are important exams, remember that no matter what path you want to take, there are many options and routes to get there”, concluded Mr. Byrne.

 

ENDS

 

Notes to editor:

 

The National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD) is the professional association for secondary level school leaders in Ireland.

 

 

For media enquiries, contact:

Danny Hanley danny@pr360.ie 01 637 1777 086 175 9286

Amanda Glancy  amanda@pr360.ie  01 637 1777  087 227 3108

Sleep, put the phone down, and enjoy the small things: five ways to avoid Leaving Cert anxiety

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  • Clive Byrne of the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals shares his wisdom to help Leaving Cert students keep calm and stress-free

June is here and that can only mean one thing: the Leaving Cert. While the rest of us enjoy the sunshine, spare a thought for the tens of thousands of young Irish students cooped up inside working hard in preparation for their final exams.

With a few tricks and a bit of strategy, however, surviving the last few weeks of the Leaving Cert doesn’t have to be difficult or stressful.

Below, Clive Byrne, director of the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD), shares his five tips for a successful—and anxiety-free—Leaving Cert:

  • Sleep at least eight hours a night

“Getting a good night’s sleep before an exam is undoubtedly the single most important thing you can do. Don’t waste time cramming until the wee hours. Not only will you wake up absolutely exhausted, you’ll have immense difficulty actually recalling any information in the exam hall.

“You need a good eight or nine hours before an exam. Close the books, shut off your phone, and get to bed early.”

  • Eat well and avoid caffeine

“Eating a poor diet can wreak havoc not only on your physical health, but your state of mind. As much as possible, avoid eating nutrient-sparse junk like crisps, pizzas and other greasy or fatty foods.

“In particular, lay off the caffeine. While a cup of coffee or an energy drink will give you a brief buzz, you’ll crash later. Drink too much over a period of time and your body will become dependent on it. Remember, you won’t be able to satisfy your caffeine cravings in an exam.”

  • Create a study plan

“While you should have done most of your study by now, you probably have some exams separated by a few days. Use this time to study sensibly. While there’s no one-size-fits-all way of doing it, consider organising your subjects by topics. Hone in on your weakest areas rather than just refreshing what you already know well.

“Some people work best revising over longer chunks of time, while others prefer to study for forty minutes then take ten- or fifteen-minute breaks. Experiment and see what works for you. Use flash cards to jog your memory, speak your notes aloud, and as much as possible write, rather than type, your notes.”

  • Find a quiet place

“A study plan is only as good as your study environment. Get away from noisy family members, televisions, computers, games consoles and anything else that might tempt you or cause your mind to wander. Most important of all: Put down your phone. Turn it off. Lock it away if you must.

“If you’re getting cabin fever, try studying outside. If you’re really struggling, consider setting up shop at your local library.”

  • De-stress

“The Leaving Cert is an immensely stressful time. While you should be working hard, you shouldn’t be pushing yourself to the edge of a nervous breakdown. You need to be calm and collected on the day.

“You won’t be productive if you study for twelve hours straight, locked away like a monk in a cell. Take regular breaks and reward your work by doing something that you enjoy. Listen to music, go for a walk, and talk to your friends and family.”

 

 

ENDS

 

For media enquiries, contact:

Amanda Glancy | amanda@pr360.ie | 01 637 1777 | 087 227 3108

Reforms needed to tackle Leaving Cert anxiety, say principals

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Irish Times – 6th June 2018

Reforms needed to tackle Leaving Cert anxiety, say, principals,

‘There’s a reason grown adults still have nightmares about it’

School principals say Leaving Certificate reforms are urgently needed to ease some of the anxiety it is causing among students.

The warning comes as almost 121,000 students prepare to begin their Junior and Leaving Cert exams on Wednesday.

The National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals said pressure caused by the high-stakes, terminal exam was causing some students to spend much of their time at second level in “perpetual anxiety”.

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