Schools of Sanctuary Ireland (SoSI) was formed in 2019, following the ongoing success of the initiative in the UK (incl. Northern Ireland). SoSI is now proud to support a network of more than 70 Irish primary and post primary schools who are working towards or have become a ‘Champion School of Sanctuary’.

This event will provide information about how schools curate their Sanctuary ‘journey’ to enhance and strengthen their efforts to ensure that all students, particularly those who fear marginalisation or prejudice, have a valued and respected place in the school community. 

SoSI staff and teachers from Champion Schools of Sanctuary will talk about the ‘hows’ and ‘whys’ of the programme and look at the impact on students of belonging to a school that expressly and visibly places welcome and inclusion at the heart of the school’s identity.

Speakers: Tiffy Allen, Homayoon Shirzad (Schools of Sanctuary Ireland), Josephine Nyamuranga (Teacher & Sanctuary Lead, Donabate Community College, Co. Dublin, Champion School of Sanctuary) Tom Cousins (Principal, Kilrane National School, Co. Wexford, Champion School of Sanctuary) Olga Ray (Ukrainian Sanctuary Ambassador, Co. Wexford).

“Honestly for us here in Nano Nagle College, being a School of Sanctuary and having teachers as Sanctuary Ambassadors is something that is engrained in the culture of our school. We understand that Champion Sanctuary status is not a tick-the-box exercise and instead is inherent in all that we do here” (Ms Moloney, teacher and Sanctuary Lead, Nano Nagle College, Cork)

Learning Outcomes:
- How being a School of Sanctuary enhances the student voice in the school and community, particularly the voice of the newcomer student and their family.
- How being a School of Sanctuary helps staff and students to learn more about forced migration and facilitate the needs of those who seek sanctuary here, especially in the context of increasing anti-migrant actions.
- How being a School of Sanctuary gives a platform, strategy or structure to schools within which to address issues around misinformation, racism, marginalisation in the school, in the community or in the wider national or international context.

Final Post Primary Activity Sheet 

Primary 4th-5th and 6th Activity Sheet 

Appraisal-and-portfolio-guidelines

2023 School of Sanctuary Charter_ PDF

PDF Version_ Schools of Sanctuary Pledge Form 2023

Word Version_ Schools of Sanctuary Pledge Form 2023

Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for any queries

Champion School        Member Schools

 2022/2023 wexford schools

 bunscoil loreto, gorey

Kilrane N.S., rosslare

 creagh college, gorey

science -technology - Engineering - math (stem)

 community of practice

STEM CLUB - Celebrating Summer and Biodiversity Week - Practical Ideas and Resources

A New Approach to STEM Education - The Dream Space Digital Academy

"Driving Home For Christmas"

 

                                        

About the Project:
This project is run in partnership with the Institute of Education, DCU, Drumcondra and The Irish American Partnership (IAP). The project was established with the aim to make the benefits of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in primary science more widely available to primary school teachers in schools in Co
Wexford. We know children display a clear eagerness to engage with STEM subjects early on and access to high-quality learning experiences ensures this spark
and curiosity remains. The support of the IAP ensures that teachers get ongoing support and resources to effectively lay the groundwork for critical thinking and
problem-based learning.

Integrating STEM into Renewable Energy Projects:
The project integrated design thinking into STEM lessons to enhance creative problem-solving skills and promote students’ ability to innovate, collaborate and engage in critical thinking. The programme and design challenges are ideal for any classroom and engage students in real-world learning through practical
hands-on activities. The aim of this project is to improve teachers' understanding of STEM concepts and renewable energy technology with increased energy literacy. The project-based learning approach increased students’ STEM content knowledge but also transversal STEM skills such as creativity, critical thinking and collaboration.
When teachers have access to the correct educational tools and engaging classroom activities they can bring energy topics to life for their students while preparing them for the jobs and challenges of the 21st century. Unfortunately, these tools are often expensive and difficult to find and can be perceived as for educators to efficiently integrate into existing curricula. This project provides the opportunity to offer teachers ongoing support and training and also the resources to implement hands-on learning experiences.

Session 1:
Online CPD and introduction to integrated STEM method:
Date: Tuesday, May 10th 2022
Time: 4-5.30 pm
1. St Iberius NS Sarah Meyler
2. Castledockrell NS Deirdre Ryan
3. Rathnure NS Sinead Doyle 
4. Scoil Moling-Glynn Caitríona Kelly 
5. Gorey Central School Lynne Copeland
6. Scoil Naomh Abbain Claire Kickham 
7. Kilmyshall National School Graham Finnerty 
8. Carysfort NS Rebecca Ivanoff 
9. Scoil Íosagáin Coolgreany Lorcan Browne 
10. St. Enda's National School Seamus Dempsey 
11. St John of God Rose-Marie O'Loughlin 
Session 2:
Co-teaching visit:
In-class support for the class teacher
Direct Student Engagement: 313
Number of schools: 10
Number of teachers: 13
School Visits:

Engaging Learners:
The programme workshops and lessons tested a variety of engaging, active, and student-centred teaching methods. Methodologies including experiential, inquiry-based, and small group design thinking approached all proved to be effective. Discussions and conversations among learners were used to help them think
more deeply about concepts, compare perceptions, understand different opinions, and reflect on what they know.

Scientific Thinking:
Learners actively participate in scientific inquiry and STEM workshops, leading to an increased understanding of science and how it impacts our daily lives. Emphasis was placed on energy labs and understanding energy concepts and increased energy literacy. The Renewable Tech Lab allowed teachers and students to creatively explore the science, technology and real-world application of a future powered by renewable energy. We used engineering design skills, investigated practical real-world applications of science, worked collaboratively and had fun at the same time!

Outcomes:
Outcomes were measured through observation and feedback (informal) interviews and feedback from teachers, students and course facilitators.
• Renewable energy projects enhanced students' achievement of STEM knowledge and generate
meaningful learning.
• The project-based approach increased students' STEM skills and working scientifically
• Increased understanding of science concepts with real-world application

Next Steps:
Helping teachers integrate Energy Literacy and Renewable Tech across existing curricula:
• Easy access to the content and teaching materials,
• Aligned to curriculum and learning outcomes expected
• sustained support and ongoing CPD

Figure 1: Hands of investigation into Renewable Energy. A selection of schools across Wexford

Figure 2: Renewable Energy STEM project 

 These workshops explore a range of resources that can be used to effectively develop active pupil learning in the area of STEM. They are intended to support teachers in facilitating learning in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math in the primary setting. Each webinar shares practical ideas and learning experiences to support teachers in school. The workshops coincide with national STEM weeks such as Maths Week, Science Week, Engineers Week, Code Week & Space Week.

At the end of the 6 workshops participants will have experienced:

• Hands-on STEM activities using a range of technologies.
• A clear understanding about the benefits of STEM and its use in education
• Comprehensive curriculum-linked resources supporting the implementation of STEM within your teaching practice during national STEM weeks.

Creative Cluster 2024

Creative Clusters is an initiative of the Department of Education led by and in partnership with the 21 full-time education support centres (Education Support Centres Ireland - ESCI) and funded through the Schools Excellence Fund – Creative Clusters Initiative. Creative Clusters is key initiative of the Creative Youth Plan 2023-2027 which focuses ‘on providing young people with opportunities to learn and develop the key skills and competencies of collaboration, critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation. These skills are encouraged through engagement with creativity and through access to a creative education in a range of formal and informal settings.’ Creative Youth 2023-2027 is part of the Creative Ireland programme and is led by the Department of Education supported by the Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

A Creative Cluster will typically consist of between 3 and 5 schools collaborating on the design, implementation, evaluation and dissemination of an innovative creative learning project which supports them to address a common issue or challenge. Creative Clusters will include schools at different stages of their journey in using creativity in the classroom. Clusters can consist of primary schools only, post-primary schools only or a combination of primary, post-primary schools, special education schools and Youthreach organisations. Clusters can be drawn from existing networks or result from the creation of new ones. Each cluster must nominate a lead school. The lead school must identify a Creative Cluster Coordinator who would normally be a member of the school’s teaching or senior leadership team. Substitution will be provided for one representative from each school to attend the Cluster Workshop and Cluster Meetings. It is recommended that the same representative attend these events throughout the life of the Cluster. The Lead School Coordinators will receive an additional 2 days’ substitution cover to work on the Cluster project in Year 1 and in Year 2 of the initiative. If the application is successful, the co-ordinator will be responsible for managing the day-to- day operation of the project and will act as a single point of contact during the duration of the project. The other schools in each cluster must nominate a representative to participate in the project.

Clusters established in 2024 will operate for two years.

The Department of Education is pleased to announce the opening of a new round of Creative Clusters (Press Release).  The deadline for receipt of applications is 10^th May 2024.

Each Creative Cluster will receive grant funding of €3,000 per school over a two-year period to implement their project 2024–2026. 

• 3 schools would receive €9,000
• 5 schools would receive €15,000 

In addition to financial support above each cluster will also receive: 

• A Creative Cluster Facilitator 
• Teacher Substitution to attend Workshops and Meetings
• Room hire, travel & subsistence

Please see the following link for more details: Creative Clusters 2024 Department of Education Guidelines  

Applications are to be completed online using the following link: 

Creative Clusters 2024 Application Form (English Version)

Creative Clusters 2024 Application Form (Irish Version)

Should you need assistance, please contact your local full-time Education Support Centre (list at Appendix 1 of Guidelines document on DE website) .

Any queries, please contact your local Education Support Centre or email National Arts in Education Administration This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Eligible Schools - The following schools are welcome to apply to participate in Creative Clusters:

• Schools that have not yet participated in Creative Clusters.
• Schools that have  not yet participated in Creative Schools and those who will complete Creative Schools Year 2 in the 2023/24 school year.
• Schools that will complete Creative Clusters Year 2 in the 2023/24 school year. However they must apply as part of a cluster who have not yet participated in the initiative. In this instance, it is required that this school applies to lead a cluster of schools that are new to the initiative.
• The local Education Support Centre will have a key role in identifying and supporting a Creative Cluster for their local area.
• 42 Creative Clusters will be selected nationally - 2 per Education Support Centre.

To view the press release on the DE website please use the following link: https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/07907-minister-foley-invites-applications-from-schools-for-funding-of-up-to-15000-to-work-together-in-creative-clusters-initiative/

To view Creative Clusters 2024 on the DE website please use the following link: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/f04b1-creative-clusters-2024/

To view the Creative Clusters DE Guidelines please use the following link: https://www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/131576/9bb7426f-b7e2-408d-a39e-254c8efab069.pdf#page=null

Creative Clusters is an initiative of the Department of Education, led by and in partnership with the 21 full-time Education Centres (Education Support Centres Ireland - ESCI) and funded through the Schools Excellence Fund.

 _____________________________

Creative Clusters 2021/2023 & 2022/2024

We are delighted to have two Creative Clusters up and running this year.  We welcome our new, year one, cluster group and wish them every success and enjoyment as they commence their journey in the 2022/2023 academic year. 

Cluster One - Year One - 2022/2024

The schools involved in this cluster are:

• Coláiste Abbain, Adamstown, Enniscorthy - Lead School
• Scoil Naomh Abbain, Adamstown, Enniscorthy
• Raheen N.S., Clonroche, Enniscorthy

Project Name:  "Building the Capacity for Performance Opportunities in the Areas of Music, Song, Dance, and Drama in the Locality".

Teachers involved in this project are: 

Rosaleen Power, Coláiste Abbain  - Lead School

Fiona Quirke, Coláiste Abbain - Lead School

Claire Kickham, Scoil Naomh Abbain

Ciara Lng, Scoil Naomh Abbain

Sarah Browne, Raheen N.S.

Risín Quigley, Raheen N.S.

We would like to wish this new cluster every success and we look forward to seeing their project progress in due course.

Thank you to Eamonn Barrett, Facilitator, for all his enthusiastic work with this cluster on behalf of Wexford Education Support Centre.

We are very happy to welcome back our second cluster group in their year two and final year in their project.  

Cluster Two - Year Two - 2021 - 2023 - Project Name: "A Musical Odyssey Through German-speaking Countries."

The schools involved in this cluster are:

• Coláiste Bríde, Templshannon, Enniscorthy - Lead School
• Presentation College, Askea, Co. Carlow
• Coláiste Eoin, Hacketstown, Co. Carlow

Teachers involved in this project are: 

Una Byrne, Presentation College, Askea, Co. Carlow - Lead School

Maria Whitty, Coláiste Bríde, Templeshannon, Enniscorthy

Mairead Kavanagh, Coláiste Eoin, Hacketstown, Co. Carlow

*******
Previous Creative Clusters through Wexford Education Support Centre:

Davidstown Cluster 2020-22:  This cluster was led by Davidstown NS and included Tombrack NS, Galbally NS and Ballyhogue NS. The use of "Stop Motion" app to produce animated videos was at the heart of this project. Pupils worked initially in their own school settings and then came together to produce a collaborative video on the theme of Environmental Awareness.

CREATIVE CLUSTER  DIGITAL STORYTELLING - 2020-22

The schools involved in this cluster were:

• Davidstown NS (Lead School) 
• Scoil Eoin Baiste, Galbally 
• Tombrack NS 
• Ballyhogue NS 
• Eamonn Barrett (Facilitator)

Focus/challenge or area of development for the Creative Cluster project work: "Digital Storytelling"

Digital Storytelling: using a variety of multimedia tools to enable engagement in the creative process. Use Digital Technologies to engage in the development of expressive arts.

Added Value anticipated from Cluster Working:

• Self-esteem: developing self-esteem and resilience is inherent in creating art.
• Self-expression: art is about expression and interpretation.
• Human rights, responsibilities, the environment: art gives people the ability to express their opinions and convey messages through creativity.
• Connections: recent world events have highlighted the need for the arts, creativity and technology in our lives to aid meaningful connections with others.
• Opportunities for integration across a wide range of subject areas and skills.

This project is now completed. We would like to thank the Principals, Teachers and Pupils involved and wish them every success on their academic journeys.  We would also like to thank Eamonn Barrett for facilitating this group.

Mayglass Creative Cluster 2019-21.  The original focus of this group was on the promotion of singing in informal settings on a daily basis in class and two very useful whole-staff workshops were organised to support staff CPD in the area. Unfortunately, Covid 19 stopped singing so the cluster then pivoted to "the provision of outdoor or indoor sensory learning spaces some of which include musical instruments".

Creative Cluster 2019-21 - Drop Everything and Make Music (DREAMM) Creating a Music Sensory Garden for each school

 The schools involved in this cluster were:

• Mayglass NS (Lead School)
• Broadway NS
• St Margaret's N.S., Curracloe
• St. Mary's N.S., Tagoat NS
• Piercestown NS.

Focus/challenge or area of development for the Creative Cluster project work - DREAMM –

Added Value anticipated from Cluster Working:

• Improved teacher and pupil well-being
• Teacher wellbeing was enhanced through increased confidence as a result of CPD and professional development
• Pupil wellbeing (physical, social, emotional, intellectual) was enhanced through the sensory space leading to improved self-confidence
• Inclusion of all children including different cultures and SEN pupils

2019 - Year 1 

This year our project was called ‘DREAMM – Drop Everything and Make Music

The project involved:

• Four hours of professional development led by Mary Amond for all teachers and SNAs from the five participating schools
• Daily, informal, incidental in-class singing by all pupils in each school
• Teachers developed a repertoire of suitable material throughout the project
• It is planned that the pupils of all five schools will come together in June 2020 for a celebration of singing when they will all sing together
• Pupils' attitudes towards singing were surveyed in October 2019 and a similar survey in June 2020 will track any changes
• The overall aim was the promotion of singing as an enjoyable and beneficial activity for ALL

 A FUN WAY FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE TO EXPLORE OPERA (SCHOOL RESOURCE)

Wexford Education Support Centre are delighted that a fun new resource for children and young people is now available which captures some of the fun and magic that is Wexford Festival Opera, including a Virtual Tour of the theatre in the National Opera House.

Once Upon a Time in Wexford is written by Elizabeth McKiernan and Lucy Small, and takes you on a journey from the origins of the Wexford Festival Opera, through its unique traditions and shows children and young people, that opera is for everyone.

After researching and writing a history of the festival for children and sourcing images and historical texts, Elizabeth McKernan and Lucy Small engaged artist Mirona Mara who designed stunning, colourful illustrations for the interactive slideshow to create a visual and auditory feast. They worked alongside stage director Roberto Recchia to ensure that Once Upon a Time in Wexford is an interactive and fun experience and a reminder to young readers that opera has something to offer everyone.

Like some of our favourite stories, it opens with Once Upon A Time…

In this historic location, two doctors, a postman and a hotel owner created what is now an international opera festival.

Ove six fun and interactive chapters take a step back in time and behind the scenes of this internationally renowned festival

Written by Elizabeth McKiernan and Lucy Small, it takes you on a journey from the origins of the Wexford Festival Opera, through its unique traditions and shows children and young people, that opera is for everyone.

Once Upon a Time in Wexford is both an educational and fun way to relate the essence of the Wexford Festival Opera to a young audience.

An interactive slideshow with stunning, original illustrations by Mirona Mara, sound clips, fun facts and a description of opera and opera voices, it is a visual and auditory feast.

Like some of our favourite stories, it opens with Once Upon A Time…

In this historic location, two doctors, a postman and a hotel owner created what is now an international opera festival.

The scene is now set, the year is 1951; let the magic begin…

CHAPTER 1: WHAT IS OPERA?

Download What is Opera presentation.

CHAPTER 2: DR TOM WALSH AND THE FIRST FESTIVAL

Download Dr. Tom Walsh and the First Festival presentation.

CHAPTER 3: THE NATIONAL OPERA HOUSE

Download The National Opera House presentation.

CHAPTER 4: WEXFORD TRADITION

Download Wexford Traditions presentation.

CHAPTER 5: CHILDREN AND THE OPERA FESTIVAL

Download Children and the Opera Festival presentation.

CHAPTER 6: FANTASTIC FESTIVAL FACTS