Latest news with #PresentationCollege
Irish Independent
04-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Galway schools chosen for pilot application system aimed at fairer enrolment process
It will begin with primary schools in five towns: Athenry, Celbridge, Clonakilty, Greystones, and Tullamore. Galway's Albert Dolan TD called the plan a 'hugely positive step forward' to offer a unified online application system for placements in the 2026-2027 academic school year for families in the Athenry area. 'I'm particularly pleased that this initiative recognises the importance of timely and transparent access to special education placements, and that Athenry has been selected as one of the pilot areas. This speaks to the town's strong and growing educational infrastructure, including the excellent work being done in Presentation College, Clarin College, and Coláiste an Eachréidh.' Parents can apply to participating schools using a single online form and schools will begin to process the applications within defined timelines simplifying the entrance process. Other key benefits include: •A simplified and transparent application process •Reduced stress for families and children •Better data for school and departmental planning •A streamlined approach to managing special class placements •Reduced administrative overhead for schools The pilot is introduced in efforts to develop a common system that supports long-term planning, equitable access, and inclusive education. Deputy Dolan said: 'I have long advocated for a more equitable school admissions system that works for all families. This pilot is a major step in that direction, and I look forward to engaging with local schools, parents, and the Department to ensure its success here in Galway East.' Further information will be available to parents and guardian in September 2025 and applications will officially open October 1, 2025 for school placements the following September. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
Irish Examiner
09-06-2025
- Science
- Irish Examiner
Leaving Cert students face tougher maths paper with 'some curveballs'
The second week of Leaving Cert 2025 began with a 'trickier' maths paper 2 exam that included some curveballs to get students thinking, teachers reviewing this year's exam papers believe. Junior Cycle 2025 also continued this Monday, with students tackling the science exam. Maths paper 2 was a tougher paper than Friday's paper 1, according to Niall Duddy, ASTI subject spokesperson and teacher at Presentation College, Athenry, Co Galway. 'The feeling certainly amongst our own students here is that it was a trickier test than paper 1 overall,' he said. 'It was a more stern test but at the same time, it was still doable,' he added. 'If I was doing the paper myself, I probably would have started with a question like number three, which was around probability and Venn diagrams, which students would have been familiar with from Junior Cycle, with this question just given a higher-level Leaving Cert twist.' He also noted several 'helpful little hints' included in the questions this year, for example, students were asked to give a reason for their proof. 'That has crept in the last couple of years, and it's nice to see. It's more user-friendly.' However, students he spoke to after the exam found section B of the higher level paper 'trickier'. 'Particularly question eight, which was based around pyramids. It's a bit like Marmite; Some people like this type of question, others don't.' 'A lot of students I spoke to avoided it, even though the question wasn't as bad when you went down into it as it was at first glance.' Another question that caught a few students out was the use of the phrase "stratified random sampling" in question 10, he believed. 'It's only a small part of the question but I know quite a few students who asked me afterwards what it actually was.' The paper 'got tough' as it went on, he said. 'But that is to be expected with higher-level maths.' 'There was no one coming out who seemed very disappointed, but they did say it was trickier.' Studyclix subject expert Stephen Begley, of Dundalk Grammar School, said the higher level maths paper 2 was 'very fair and decent'. 'Though it did have some curveballs to get students thinking." 'Those who prepared for a typical paper 2 would have been content with this paper, which enabled students to showcase their knowledge of the usual core topics in a range of questions. 'All in all, it's been a pretty good, fair, and accessible set of exams for Leaving Cert higher level maths students in 2025.' Meanwhile, the ordinary level paper presented students with a 'very typical and manageable set of questions', Mr Begley believed. 'While the paper was particularly statistics heavy, those who prepared this regularly featured topic would have been well-rewarded, with all elements of the area being examined across multiple questions.' He said the empirical rule in question six, tree diagram in question seven, pie chart in question eight and trigonometry question in question 10 "would have given students plenty of marks to boost their confidence in the exam". He added: 'Whilst the tail end of questions were not without their stings, the opening parts provided good space for students to gather marks.' Read More Threat of industrial action in secondary schools as ASTI rejects Leaving Cert reforms
Irish Examiner
06-06-2025
- General
- Irish Examiner
Mixed feelings around Leaving Cert maths but students avoid getting caught in spider web question
Students may have given a question themed around spider webs a wide berth on Friday's higher level maths paper 1 as teachers noted mixed feelings towards this year's exam. The third day of the 2025 Leaving Cert continued on Friday afternoon, with maths. There was 'mixed reaction' amongst some of his students coming out of the exam on Friday, according to Niall Duddy, teacher with Presentation College in Galway and Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland (ASTI) subject spokesperson. Each question had a 'bogey' last-part, he added. 'But that is to be expected. There were a few students who were upset, and a few that were happy. 'Looking at the paper as a whole, Section B was on the strange side, in particular question 7 which was to do with spiders' webs. 'It was about spiders building webs out of silk. A few of the students spotted the dangers with it and gave it a wide berth.' Question 7 and 10 had to do with patterns and sequences. 'The tail end of question 10, which was about patterns, caught one or two them unawares.' Ordinary level The ordinary level paper 1 was more straightforward, he added, "if a little on the verbose side". 'We've noticed again the trend in keeping with previous years, where some traditionally paper 2 material appear on paper 1 again, with a question on volume.' His advice to students ahead of the weekend is to reset. 'It's half-time, and they'll have a good idea there how they got on. 'My advice to everybody, I know one or two students here came out of the hall quite upset, I say to them 'look, it's over and done with, and there's no need to panic about it'.'
Extra.ie
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
In Pics: Cannes red carpet gets a green makeover with Junk Kouture
Cannes is renowned for its red carpets, movie stars and glamour – but this year, something a little different turned heads on La Croisette. A show-stopping collection of designs created entirely from repurposed materials took centre stage. Junk Kouture showcased eight incredible designs, dreamed up and crafted by students from Ireland, the UK, Italy and Monaco. Students in Junk Kouture creations at the JW Marriott Cannes ahead of stepping out at the Cannes Film Festival 2025. Pic: Brian McEvoy Crisp packets, coffee pods, milk bottle caps and sea glass were transformed into runway-ready fashion with a powerful message. The young designers aimed to prove that circular fashion belongs on every red carpet as they stopped festival-goers in their tracks. Junk Kouture is empowering the next generation of changemakers to tackle the environmental impact of fast fashion and champion circular design, where waste is reimagined as resource. Student Ella Sharp in Junk Kouture creation 'The Joanie' at the Cannes Film Festival 2025. Pic: Brian McEvoy There were two standout designs flying the flag for Irish creativity. Nespresso Yourself by Jamie O'Grady and Nichola Fitzpatrick from Presentation College, Tuam, wowed the Cannes crowds with a futuristic flair, crafted entirely from aluminium coffee pods and bags. Student Jamie O'Grady, from Presentation College, in Tuam, Co Galway, in Junk Kouture creation 'Nespresso Yourself' at the Cannes Film Festival 2025. Pic: Brian McEvoy Silver Lining by Lara Keena and Hannah Martin from Moate Community School, Westmeath, brought a dose of metallic magic to La Croisette. Student Lara Keena, from Moate Community School, Westmeath, in Junk Kouture creation 'Silver Lining' at the Cannes Film Festival 2025. Pic: Brian McEvoy Schools can jump into the 2025/26 Junk Kouture programme now. Student Carys Clutterbuck in the Junk Kouture creation 'End of an Era' at the Cannes Film Festival 2025. Pic: Brian McEvoy Student Ella Sharp in Junk Kouture creation 'The Joanie' at the Cannes Film Festival 2025. Pic: Brian McEvoy Student Irene Donato in the Junk Kouture creation 'Fenice' at the Cannes Film Festival 2025. Pic: Brian McEvoy Student Malak Abouelouafa El Idrissi in the Junk Kouture creation 'Girl on Fire' at the Cannes Film Festival 2025. Pic: Brian McEvoy Student Daniela Pagotta in the Junk Kouture creation 'Maree Noire' at the Cannes Film Festival 2025. Pic: Brian McEvoy Student Jamie O'Grady, from Presentation College, in Tuam, Co Galway, in Junk Kouture creation 'Nespresso Yourself' at the Cannes Film Festival 2025. Pic: Brian McEvoy Student Carys Clutterbuck in the Junk Kouture creation 'End of an Era' at the Cannes Film Festival 2025. Pic: Brian McEvoy Student Lara Keena, from Moate Community School, Westmeath, in Junk Kouture creation 'Silver Lining' at the Cannes Film Festival 2025. Pic: Brian McEvoy
