Post-Primary

This workshop is designed to assist NQTs to plan in a focused, effective and efficient manner.  It initially examines whole school planning and allows NQTs to understand the importance of School Self -Evaluation (SSE) and the implications it has on planning. Requirements regarding planning, preparation and recording of progress are presented using a three step approach. This workshop also focuses on Planning for Junior Cycle and provides examples of planning templates that can be used to support NQTs’ work over the year.

This workshop aims to equip NQTs with a range of assessment methodologies which can be effectively applied across the curriculum. NCCA materials and guidelines are central to the workshop. Assessment at both Junior and Senior Cycle is considered and the guidelines on planning for assessment are explored. The social and emotional aspects of assessment are reviewed as is formative assessment. An NIPT designed A-Z of Assessment across different subjects will be explored in order to look at how different assessment methodologies apply across different subject areas.

The classroom teacher has primary responsibility for the progress and care of all students in their classroom. This workshop aims to promote a greater understanding of the central role of the teacher, in identifying and responding to the needs of all students in a mixed ability classroom. The workshop examines the role differentiation plays in addressing the needs of all students and explores how to differentiate using a variety of strategies/methodologies.

This workshop explores the needs that can be experienced by some students in the area of behaviour management. It aims to give NQTs an understanding of a range of behaviour management strategies suitable for managing individual and group behaviour and identify what is required to create a positive classroom environment. A variety of behavioural interventions are introduced and systems for noticing student effort are explored. Support materials and resources from DE support services such as NCSE are considered. There are additional online extension materials if the NQT would like to investigate further elements of classroom management.

In this workshop NQTs will develop an understanding of the concept of ‘Numeracy’ skills as a life skill and examine the National Policy on Numeracy. The workshop will focus on connecting the numeracy dimension across the curriculum and supporting classroom and school-wide numeracy development.  NQTs will examine how teachers can support students in the development of numeracy as an essential life skill and how they can connect it to their own subject area. Numeracy strategies used in individual subjects will also be identified. 

Through engagement with this workshop, NQTs will develop an understanding of the concerns and difficulties students may have as they transition from Primary to Post-Primary school. This workshop focuses on the practical skills and strategies that can be of support to students and NQTs. The importance of understanding the sixth class curriculum and the structure of a Primary school day will be considered and the transfer of pupil information from Primary to Post-Primary schools will be explored. Finally a Framework to support the transition of students from Primary to Post-Primary will be investigated.

This workshop aims to promote a greater understanding among NQTs in a mainstream setting in relation to students with special educational needs. The pathways to inclusion in Ireland is highlighted and the role mainstream teachers have in promoting an inclusive school is explored. NQTs will consider the Continuum of Support framework so that they will have an understanding of this problem solving and intervention model.  This Continuum is also used to identify students who need support and the level of intervention required. A range of cognitive skills and appropriate teaching strategies to accommodate each skill is explored in detail.