Launch of ‘So, how was school today? survey report

Launch of ‘So, how was school today? survey report

Monday 6th November 2017, Firhouse Community College, Dublin 24

You can read the full report here:     So how was school today report

Key findings in poster format:           So How Was School Today Poster

PRESS RELEASE: 

• ‘So, how was school today?’ Ground Breaking Research Launched
• Young people respond in their thousands to have their say about school
• Comhairle Na nÓg study by young people is a first

Statement by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs and Minister for Education and Skills

Minister Katherine Zappone TD and Minister Richard Bruton TD today launched the ‘So, how was school today?’ report, a ground breaking piece of research carried out by young people for young people.  More than 3,200 young voices had their say in the Comhairle na nÓg research which focused on the topic of Education.

There is a focus on three key areas which young people identified as needing improvement in the education system.
1. How young people experience teaching and learning in school
2. Feelings about school
3. Views on services and facilities in school

Some of the findings under these key areas were:

· 75% of young people agreed or strongly agreed that they learned best through active learning such as quizzes, learning games and role play etc.
· Young people feel that the subjects that need the most improvement are Mathematics, Irish, English, French, Science, History and Geography.
· Just under half of young people feel they are satisfied with the availability of career guidance in their schools.

Minister Zappone added: “Young people must have their say in policies, decisions and practices which impact on their daily lives. School is a huge part of their day and their voices must be heard and acted upon. This report proves that there are changes which need to happen in the Education system. It is really important for young people, teachers and government parties to study and respond to this extensive piece of research as it explains what young people need, and want to change, to make their journey through education better.’’

Minister Bruton added: “I welcome the report and congratulate Comhairle na nÓg for putting together such a comprehensive and important survey. I am keen during my time as Minister for Education and Skills, to ensure the voices of students and parents are heard within our education system. I have set the ambition to make Ireland’s education system the best in Europe within a decade and our young people provide an invaluable perspective into how we can achieve that goal. The results of this survey will feed into a growing body of research providing insight into the student experience and will most definitely lead to better outcomes for all. Indeed I have taken on board some of the points raised already. Student wellbeing for example, is a key priority of mine as Minister and we have introduced a new Wellbeing programme this year for Junior Cycle to provide students with the necessary coping skills to manage stress in their lives. We are also developing new Maths curricula at primary level and for junior cycle. The junior cycle reform brought in for the first time last year puts more of a focus on project work and team work and less emphasis on exams.”