Home Ec - #LC2017 - Michelle Chiperi Aivazova
Coláiste Einde - Galway.When I opened the paper, I panicked when I saw cheese processing. I didn't do an ounce of study in this, and I came to the conclusion that I didn't even study cheese, even though it's my favourite food :(Other then the cheese mishap, the exam went amazing!I flew through it, writing more than enough. I genuinely thought I'd be absolutely bummed for this subject, but now I think it'll be one of the best!I left the exam fifteen minutes early because I had looked through everything and I don't think there was anything else I could have done. I felt embarrassed walking in front of everyone else doing the exam, but they honestly didn't even look up to see me go.I hope they found it okay in the end!I'm not looking forward to English Paper II, but all I can do now is hope some last minute revision can help. 
Exciting opportunity to join the ISSU team
Outline Job Specification
Irish Second-Level Students’ Union Limited
POSITION: STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
This outlines the post of the ISSU Student Engagement and Development who will steer the development of research, communications and membership engagement of the ISSU.SALARY: €24,000 pro rata p.a.CONTRACT LENGTH: Reporting to the General Secretary and to be employed on a fixed-term contract of two years, confirmed after successful completion of a 6-month probation period - subject to funding.WORKING HOURS: 35.00 hours (on a flexi-time basis). Occasional out-of-office hours may be required.OVERVIEW:They will manage the daily business of the Head Office of the ISSU and coordinate the execution of ISSU policy, and is tasked with increasing ISSU membership.DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Liaising with schools and student councils to develop and expand the membership of the ISSU
- Maintain ISSU databases
- Coordinating Student Council consultation sessions
- Development of resources for student councils
- Updating and maintaining ISSU social media outlets
- Assisting the ISSU National Student Executive in fulfilling their remit
- Promotion of iConnect Card
- General administration
- Advocacy and representation
- Education policy research and report writing
- Organisational development
PERSON DESCRIPTION:
- A minimum of one year’s experience with a youth or student organisation;
- Enthusiasm and commitment to ISSU’s objectives;
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent proven relevant experience;
- Some knowledge and experience of the Irish education system/voluntary/non-profit/youth work sector;
- Project management experience;
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
- Comprehensive grasp of modern communication media;
- Motivated and driven;
- Demonstrable track record of building and developing relationships;
- Excellent copy writing, proofing, and information distribution skills;
- Excellence in communicating English in a variety of contexts;
- Excellent ICT proficiency;
- Demonstrate ability to work well in a team;
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities and thrive in a fast-paced environment;
- Attention to detail, especially in an online environment;
- Ability and initiative to work independently and as a self starter.
The position is based at ISSU’s national office in Dublin. Hours are based on a 35.00 hour week and 21 days of holidays p.a. This post involves travel within the state with time off in lieu of working evenings/at weekends.A high level of integrity, accountability, confidentiality, responsibility and flexible, constructive engagement is required in carrying out these duties.The ISSU Child Protection Policy and Garda Vetting Procedures for the safeguarding of young people apply. The Irish Second-Level Students’ Union is an equal opportunities employer. APPLICATIONS Applications should be in the form of a letter of application and CV. It should be submitted by email to recruitment@issu.ie with “STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICER” in the subject line or post to: General SecretaryIrish Second-Level Students’ UnionISSU 9th FloorLiberty HallDublin 1DEADLINE : 5pm on 2nd September 2014
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.
Junior Cert Review
Jack
Well, now that Science is done it's... SUMMER!I have now finished my Junior Certificate! Hurray! Six and a half days. Thirty plus (I think!) hours of non-stop writing, to examine three years' of work. What a week.To be honest, the Mocks were a lot more nerve wrecking than the real thing! The Junior Cert felt just like the Mocks; it was quite familiar and just a little more official.I am so glad that it is over, now. I am also glad I don't do Music or some subject along those lines that will take me in to an extra week!I think my best subject was Business. I answered every question, so here's hoping! I feel I did worst in either Irish, French or Maths! Oh dear. Anyways, we'll find out in September.The Junior Cert was a great experience. Each break time, my friends and I would always have a great laugh - I thought we'd be stressing out and cramming last minute! Doing blogs with the ISSU has been a great experience, also!Now, roll on Summer! I live in Galway, so I have the Volvo Ocean Race to look forward to!So, I wish everyone an awesome (and safe) Summer!
Lorraine
Hi all!Wow this feels weird, I AM FINISHED :DI can honestly say the Junior Cert wasn't what I expected! I thought I was going to be a nervous wreck and I wasn't. I thought it would be really formal and stuffy and it wasn't! Some people were so laid back about it! I can honestly tell anyone reading this is that if they have exams next year, study hard! It all pays off and September isn't too far off for me with my results!! :) Good luck everyone!
Please note: blog posts reflect the opinion of the author and not necessarily the opinion of the Irish Second-Level Students’ Union. Blogs are updated daily by 6.30 pm on scheduled examination dates
Junior Cert - Week One Review
Lorraine
Hey guys! Lorraine here! :)Week 1 was tiring! Every day coming home from the mocks I was wrecked and I can honestly say I'm even more tired from the JC! I find the days where I have 2 exams on the day the worst! On Wednesday when I came home I was sooo tempted to go to bed but I knew I wouldnt sleep that night! I wasnt able to even talk about the exams until I had something to eat or drink I was just knackered! On Friday I came home from maths and geography and slept like a baby till 8pm!Another thing Ive found about the exams is how people react to it! The people that haven't done a thing through the whole year are the ones completely panicking onthe days of the exams and the ones who have worked seem very laid back! :) So if theres any 2nd yrs or anything here reading this - START STUDYING NOW!!Another thing is how encouraging people are! Every day I get home I have everyone asking how it went and facebook messages and stuff and its nice to have the support! :)All in all, week one went OK. I'm a bit worried about my results but thats the way I am! I'm dreading week 2 but at least I'm finished this Friday! :DGood luck everyone!
Jack
Well, that's the first three days (of just six and a half, for me!) done and dusted. It was quite daunting to begin. Once I got over the whole shock of the whole thing, it felt just like the Mocks. My friends agree.Week One wasn't too bad. Wednesday was a bit nerve wrecking, naturally.Thursday was quite a long day. Irish. Not my strongest subject to be honest.Friday was the best day of the three. Geography was a welcome break and Maths Paper 1 was surprisingly nice.Week Two is up next. Maths Paper 2 and CSPE up first. Not too bad, I guess. Business on Tuesday! Business is my favorite subject, so I'm happy about it! French and History come up on Wednesday. I am kind of worried for those two, in particular. We'll see how it goes! And lastly, Science. I feel I can do well in it... after cramming on Wednesday evening!Well, the second (and final week for me!) is coming soon. It seems okay. I wish everyone the very best of luck!
Please note: blog posts reflect the opinion of the author and not necessarily the opinion of the Irish Second-Level Students’ Union. Blogs are updated daily by 6.30 pm on scheduled examination dates.
ISSU concerned about second-level teacher cuts
05/12/2011
The Irish Second-Level Students’ Union (ISSU) is greatly concerned by proposals in Budget 2012 to slash the number of second-level teaching posts by 700 and restrict student services for the academic year 2012/13.We are extremely concerned by any cuts on this scale, but particularly concerned as there are significant reforms taking place in the Junior and Senior Cycle which will require a more diverse range of expertise in school’s teaching staff. Cutting 700 teaching posts will hugely hamper school’s ability to implement the new Junior Cycle syllabus in 2014 – it is envisaged that students will be able to take short-courses in new subject areas, but significant teacher cuts will limit school’s capacity to maintain their current subject load. The Department is misguided in removing additional hours for guidance councilors in schools. A move which will impact directly on vulnerable students.The ISSU is also concerned at how DEIS schools are being disproportionately hit, and urge the Minister to revisit this decision. Furthermore, we are very disappointed that the allowance for 16 and 17 year olds participating in Youthreach, Community Training Centres and FAS courses is being reduced to €40, and may result in fewer vunerable students remaining in education.Speaking today, an ISSU spokesperson described the cuts to guidance and counseling services as "shocking". Sly cuts like this impact on vulnerable students directly. We must remember that guidance councillors do more than just guide students on their options after second-level education, but are also someone students can turn too when they are in need. Guidance Councilors are the bedrock of any school and it is unjust to target this invaluable service.It is also envisged that schools will have more atonomy over capitation and programme funding – which is a welcome step.Yet again, young people are suffering for the mistakes of the past decade - a decade in which, we, the celtic tiger cubs were heedless to the negligence of the policy makers that left us in the economic crisis we find ourselves.Contact:ISSU National Office: 01 443 4461www.issu.ie, email communications@issu.ie