Borrisokane students meet Education Minister
An engaging and dynamic open discussion recently took place between a panel of experts, Director of the National Council for Curriculum Assessment Barry Slattery, CE of Tipperary ETB Fionuala McGeever, Minister of Education Richard Bruton, VP of Academic Affairs & Registrar at LIT Terry Twomey and Project Manager (Technology) at GM Motors John Gleeson, with an audience representing all areas of education and student voice.
Minister Bruton outlined the achievements to date in the area of education and plans for the future. The Government has set in its ‘Action Plan for Education’ the ambition of having the best Education and Training Service in Europe by 2026.
Ms McGeever spoke of the educational services provided by Tipperary ETB throughout the county, working with SOLAS to support the development of further education and training. She also responded to a question posed by a student from the floor on the challenges of progression of a student into higher education from a DEIS school and a disadvantaged social background.
She spoke of the success experienced by such students in Tipperary ETB schools where the school completion programme and the support of dedicated teachers have made such achievements possible.
Mr Twomey outlined the great opportunities available in the LIT and the high quality education experience offered to students through practical, career oriented programmes across a broad range of subjects. He emphasised the importance of close links with Tipperary ETB and with industry and companies such as GM Motors equipping students with the necessary skills they will need to pursue a career in the field of their choice.
Mr Gleeson emphasised the need to upskill our students in technology where jobs are available. Importance of schools and further educational centres linking in and communicating with local industry to increase awareness of the areas where employment is available.
The minister was urged to highlight and promote positively through the media, the great educational changes taking place and the huge efforts being made by a highly dedicated teaching and school leadership staff to support these changes. No longer simply focusing on the Leaving certificate results as an indicator of effective schools but on the broad range of educational skills-focused programmes being offered and achievements by students in other areas of learning.
Overall, this was an extremely positive, interactive and enjoyable experience by those fortunate to be present at the open discussion event.