Statement on the Resignation of Ruairí Quinn as Minister for Education and Skills
PRESS STATEMENT July 2nd, 2014 Irish Second-Level Students' Union Statement on the Resignation of Ruairí Quinn as Minister for Education and Skills The ISSU notes Minister Ruairí Quinn’s announcement that he will resign as Minister for Education and Skills next week. Minister Quinn pioneered mainly vital and student-focused reforms to the education system which would likely not have been introduced by others due to their controversial nature but which were hugely important in improving the quality of Irish education and for this, the ISSU is very grateful. Minister Quinn has had a strong working relationship with the ISSU for a number of years both as a Minister, and as an opposition spokesperson before this. Minister Quinn was very supportive of the importance of student voice in second-level education, and much of the progress the ISSU has made in recent years would not have been possible without his support. ISSU Deputy President, Robert O’Donnell said; “I would like to thank Minister Quinn for his service in the Department of Education and skills, including his engagement with the ISSU. He showed great interest in the second-level Student movement and gave us a lot of help and support. I wish Minister Quinn all the best in the future.” ISSU Education Officer, Joanna Siewierska said; “We have really enjoyed working with Minister Quinn during his time in the Department of Education and Skills, and particularly appreciated the opportunities provided for students to engage with the Department on a number of issues, particularly in the past year when we conducted a study on the student experience of the Transition Year. On behalf of the ISSU I would like to wish him all the best in the future.”*****************ENDS *****************
Minister Quinn welcomes report on Transition Year compiled by the Irish Second-Level Students’ Union
For immediate release:
The Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn T.D., has welcomed the publication of a new report on Transition Year (TY) compiled by the Irish Second-Level Students’ Union (ISSU). The ISSU undertook this quantitative and qualitative study “Transition year: exploring the student experience” at the request of the Minister. The study shows 89% of those surveyed took part in Transition Year in their school and the same percentage were happy that they did so. The overall consensus of students and TY co-ordinators is that the year should be maintained, although there are suggestions on how to improve it. Overall, - 85% of students felt they learned new skills - 85% of students agreed that their Transition Year Programme was well promoted in their school - 83% of students agreed their TY Co-ordinator was good overall - 82% of students enjoyed their experience - 80% of students either agree or strongly agree that their TY year was well organised - 77% felt that it was a worthwhile experience
Minister Quinn said, “This is a very valuable survey and will inform policy in this area. I believe it is important that we hear the voice of students in relation to matters that directly affect them such as Transition Year.”
Transition Year is made up of four set layers: core subjects, subject tasters, Transition Year specific layers (which comprises of classes specifically designed by teachers to fit students’ needs and experiences such as entrepreneurship) and calendar layer such as work experience or An Gaisce. Students surveyed reported that the core subjects, such as English, Irish and Maths are taken very seriously; they believed that less emphasis could be placed on subjects as they already did them in Junior Cycle. Subject tasters were deemed to be helpful as were the specific layer subjects where subjects of interest to students such as entrepreneurship can be undertaken. An Gaisce is perceived as a lot of hard work but the medal awarded at the end is seen as a recognition of that. Some students believe that not enough time is given to work experience (2-4 weeks) and some difficulties are reported in organising it.
Incoming ISSU President, Craig McHugh said, “We were tasked by Minister Quinn to explore the perceptions of Transition Year on a national level. Students embraced the opportunity to share their thoughts on Transition Year. I believe this report provides an objective view about this worthwhile programme.”“Students enjoyed the short courses and dynamic feel of real world learning, which echoes the concepts reinforced in the new Junior Cycle. Young people benefit from the space to mature, and the opportunity to learn and test real life skills. The Transition Year programme is a hallmark success of the Irish Education System, and I am delighted to see a report of this nature supported by the Department, and let it be the first step in real engagement with students as stakeholders in their own education”.
Trips are the most popular element to TY, from day trips to foreign exchanges or holidays. Students claim they are fun and good from an academic and learning basis. Many of the students surveyed request more group work and that they would like teachers to use different teaching methods and styles in the classes. Students also report that TY is an expensive year with the average contribution being €300 but ranging from €150 and €900. The Department gives an extra grant of €95 per student to schools who have a TY programme. Teachers were also surveyed as part of this report.Overall, they perceived the strengths of TY to be the sampling of subjects, changes in assessment to a more student centred approach, the acquisition of new skills and the space for young people to mature. Teachers had a mixed opinion on work experience and also cited lack of funding for TY as a weakness of the programme. Recommendations contained in the report include maintaining the optional nature of TY, introduce information session for third year students, costs of TY to be made clear to students and including students in decision making on activities, trips and classes.ENDS
The full report can be accessed hereImages are being supplied without charge by Maxwells Photography1,323 students responded to an on-line survey and 57 Transition Year Co-ordinator responses were collected.Focus groups were also held in Dublin, Galway and Cork and TY co-ordinators were also interviewed in-depth.
Minister Quinn welcomes Second Level Students’ Union proposals on naming the reformed junior cycle awards
Ruairi Quinn, T.D., Minister for Education and Skills today thanked the Irish Second Level Student’s Union for their report entitled “Naming the Reformed Junior Cycle”.Commenting on the report, the Minister said “I warmly welcome the effort that has been committed to this project by the ISSU. Their use of text messaging, social media, email and consultation sessions to engage students on the topic has set an excellent example for creating dialogue with the students themselves.”The report is being published on the Department’s website www.education.ie, and is being forwarded to education stakeholders for further discussion.The report includes a number of potential names for the reformed junior cycle, including STARS (School-based, Teacher-led Assessment and Reporting System) and ICA (Irish Comprehensive Assessment).The report shows that students strongly welcome the proposed reforms and particularly the emphasis on active learning and the changed approach to assessment. One participant in the consultation stated “I think it will prepare students for life after the exams, instead of just for the exams”.In welcoming the report, Minister Quinn said “Young people are uniquely placed to take the lead in redesigning their learning. It is precisely this engagement and enthusiasm for self directed learning which we are trying to promote in the reforms, developing important skills which will serve throughout life”.