# Education
All time
# black lives matter
Government urged to drop novels with 'racial slurs' from Junior Cert syllabus in response to Black Lives Matter protests
Parents, pupils and teachers have called for an update the school curriculum.
# Schools
Less than half of schools providing medical grade face masks to SNAs, survey finds
That’s according to a survey conducted by trade union Fórsa.
# pandemic
PUP claims drop further as 1,500 education employees return to work
Claims are down 63% since the peak on 5 May.
# covid committee
Education Minister Norma Foley says pupils will get priority testing in event of a Covid-19 outbreak in school
Foley is to appear before the Oireachtas Committee on Covid-19 this afternoon.
Education minister: Schools to deal with 'malicious coughing' and Covid-19 jokes from pupils individually
Norma Foley played down suggestions her department would issue advice on bad behaviour related to Covid-19.
# Leaving Cert 2021
Parents say lockdown had a negative impact on learning of students due to sit the Leaving Cert next year
The survey from the CSO gives an insight into parents concerns as the academic year begins.
# Back To School
Is your child worried about going to school? An expert has some tips for parents
Many children, and parents, are anxious about schools reopening.
# schools reopening
'Anxiety levels in my house are through the roof': Major challenge ahead for parents of children with ASD
Against the backdrop of Covid-19, parents worry how their children with special needs will cope with school this year.
# Back To School
'For the love of God': Anger as shed to be used as Covid-19 isolation room at Athlone school
The school’s principal said the situation is “not ideal”.
# Covid-19
Students who refuse to wear face masks will be sent home from secondary schools, Norma Foley says
The Education Minister has said all pupils must wear face masks, unless there is a medical reason not to.
# Education
Foley confident every child will return to school next week but says extra 1,600 buses a 'logistical challenge'
The Minister for Education said that parents of eligible children who make alternative transport arrangements “will be recompensed”.
# Explainer
A reminder of how the Leaving Cert Calculated Grades system works, and the rationale behind it
Here is the thought process behind the Plan C for the Leaving Cert, the appeal process, and where it could all go wrong.
# Your Say
Poll: Should a school's historical performance be used to help calculate a student's exam grades?
Leaving Certificate students will receive a predicted grade next month which will be subject to standardisation from the Department of Education.
Voices
Considering homeschooling this September? Here's everything you need to know about the practical steps to take
There’s already an active community of homeschoolers in Ireland and getting started is not a difficult process, writes teacher and homeschooler Cliona Brophy.
# Explainer
What insight did we get about the Leaving Cert Calculated Grades after the furore in the UK?
There has been concern from the start about ‘standardising’ Leaving Cert grades – this has been somewhat vindicated this week.
# Calculated Grades
UK government announces last-minute changes to assessment of A-level and GCSE results
The Education Secretary said students will be able to use their results in mock tests to appeal if they are unhappy with their grades.
# Miscalculation
Scotland to withdraw almost 125,000 results downgraded under 'calculated grades' process
It emerged that the methodology disproportionately affected pupils from deprived backgrounds.
# Scotland
'We did not get this right': Sturgeon apologises to pupils over downgraded exam results
Pass rates for pupils in the most deprived data zones were reduced by 15.2% – for pupils from the most affluent backgrounds the reduction was 6.9%.
# Third Level
Over 4,000 applicants to receive their Round Zero CAO offers today
This round of offers are for those not awaiting their grades for the 2020 Leaving Certificate.
Voices
View from a teacher: 'Nobody wants to return to remote learning'
One teacher is hoping for the best but says she cannot understand why the government took so long to release the ‘return to school’ plans.
# Growing up in Ireland
Most of Ireland's teens are healthy and ambitious, but not all of them get the same fighting chance
20% of 17 and 18 year olds surveyed were found likely to be depressed.
# Education
Teacher takes High Court action over refusal to be recognised by the Teaching Council
Fiona Roche has taught at several post primary and primary schools since 2002 and registered with the council since 2006.
# Education
1,000 extra secondary teachers to come from job-sharers and registered teachers not working in education
This is one of many measures included in the government’s roadmap to re-opening schools at the end of August.
# Consent
'We need to cop on': Harris says government is committed to changing sexual assault laws
Simon Harris will meet with the National Women’s Council’s advisory committee on ending sexual violence later today.
# Results Day
Leaving Cert results date: ASTI criticises announcement but says 'at least there's now certainty'
The publication of this year’s results will not be available until 7 September.
# back to college
Not all third-level students will be able to be accommodated on campus in the autumn
The minister said international students can come to the country to study as long as they self-isolate.
# Education
‘Significant’ amount of extra staff needed to reopen schools, Covid-19 committee told
Seán Ó Foghlú said students coming out of teaching college this year will be “a main source” of extra staffing.
# Green shoots
CAO applications: Jump in demand for climate and transport college courses
The date for the main body of offers for students completing the Leaving Cert has not yet been set.
# Education
Covid-19 'assistants' needed in schools when they return, say principals
The NAPD has also called for a financial package to ensure adequate levels of cleaning in schools.
# Back To School
It is not envisaged that significant PPE will need to be worn when schools reopen, says minister
Guidelines for schools are currently being drafted.
# hiv awareness
'When I found out, I thought I was going to die' - Wales great Gareth Thomas opens up on experience with HIV
The former rugby star is determined to keep the conversation going, educate others and break the stigma around the virus.
# Schools
Two-metre rule 'would mean one day at school weekly for primary pupils'
McHugh said if the rule remains in place, students will engage in blended learning from home on the other days.
# face coverings
Health officials recommend campaign to educate public on the wearing of face masks
The campaign will outline best practice for use of face coverings in retail outlets and on public transport.
# roadmap
GAA set to launch their Covid-19 education programme for clubs ahead of return to action
Small groups can train on pitches from 29 June.
Voices
Professor Sam McConkey: The reality is it could be November before schools are back in full
But Professor McConkey says if we went for a trial return this month, schools could be up and running by September.
# Joe McHugh
Plans to be announced for summer classes for children with special needs, or from disadvantaged areas
Minister for Education Joe McHugh told the Dáil about the plan this afternoon.
Voices
A tribute to the Class of 2020: How one group of teachers marked the end of school for sixth years
As schools end an academic year in the Covid-19 pandemic, a group of secondary teachers in Tallaght had to pay tribute to their students.
# Education
Government to reopen primary and secondary schools at the end of August
It may not be possible for all students to attend class every day, Varadkar said today.
# Coronavirus
Irish-focused study finds no evidence that Covid-19 was transmitted in schools before government closures
The authors suggest that evidence of transmission among school children has yet to emerge.
# Schools
Over 98% of Leaving Cert students sign up for Calculated Grades system
The deadline to register has been extended until midday tomorrow.
