The Learn Together Review – Pilot Stage
In March 2018 an advisory group was established to review the Learn Together Curriculum. Members of the group include Fionnuala Ward (former Primary Education Officer), Dr. Jones Irwin (Associate Professor in Philosophy and Education DCU), Dr. Philomena Donnelly (former Director of the Graduate Diploma in Education DCU), Niamh McGuirk (DCU), John Doohan (Learn Together Advisor, Dalkey School Project) and myself, Vera Shanahan (then as a Learn Together Advisor). The aim of this group was to guide the review of the existing curriculum towards a comprehensive, contemporary curriculum that will support teachers in teaching the Learn Together curriculum while upholding the key principles and values of Educate Together. While impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, work on the curriculum review has continued. Input was sought from teachers, parents, ancillary staff and pupils in the form of questionnaires and focus groups.
All Educate Together will get a chance to pilot the curriculum
The review is now entering the pilot phase whereby each school will be asked to pilot one strand of the revised curriculum for a particular class level. This is a wonderful opportunity for teachers to have the final input into the revised curriculum before it is finalised later this academic year. The Learn Together curriculum should address the needs of teachers and students in Educate Together schools and so it is of vital importance that schools engage with this process so that teacher and pupil voices are reflected in any changes that are made. We’ll be in touch very soon.
Vera Shanahan, Education Officer (primary)
