Elaine Parker
The new curriculum is a lot more child-orientated and focuses on the child's development. I've done some in-service training in English. It was actually very helpful and the things that we are focusing on with the children, such as reading novels for fun as well as for educational reasons, have been very enjoyable to do. Obviously the curriculum is a lot broader and you have to do a bit more research, but overall I think it's a positive thing.
Niall Mahoney
There is a danger of curriculum overload; how do you fit all the things you're supposed to into the day? I must say though, I really enjoyed doing the visual arts in-service. We got some terrific ideas and I've already tried basket-weaving and silk- screen printing, which the children loved. As for English, we were already doing most of the things suggested in our school anyway. It's good to have change and it was time for a revised curriculum.
Majella O'Neill
I have done in-service training in Irish and art. The revised curriculum is supposed to be a lot more child-orientated. We are in the process of implementing it in school but we haven't really adapted any of the lessons yet. It's very useful to do the in-service training as someone can show you all the practical things and give you an overview of the massive amount of literature involved in those brightly coloured books which we all received.
Bernie Nally
I am absolutely positive about the revised curriculum. We've been waiting a very long time for this. I have used this type of material, by sourcing it myself, for years, but it is great to have this implemented. It is very beneficial all round - it helps to rejuvenate us as teachers and things like the oral language emphasis gives tremendous confidence to the children. Initially it will take more work, as it's a new approach, but it is worth it.
Moya Walsh
We have had in-service training for English over three Saturdays. The new novels are being used from third to sixth class. The children are very excited about the different approach - they love doing things like group work to compose a short news piece or whatever. It gives them a lot more confidence to work through language orally. We're still finding our feet, but when we get into full swing next year and beyond it will be rewarding.
