KCS Féilte Scoile 2019

KCS held its annual Féilte Scoile on Wednesday 9th October. This years theme celebrated our school motto ‘All together in learning’ and showcased the excellent collaboration that exists in our school between all stakeholders and the pivotal role of the learner voice. Féilte Scoile 2019 featured four workshops on a variety of topics.

Workshop 1: Student Voice / Learner Voice

This was prepared by Ms Aisling O’Callaghan and Mr James Wilson. It was mainly delivered by students who described how the Student Council operates in the school, the learner voice experience in the school and how this voice provides agency to the student in respect of their learning. The impact of effective feedback from teachers was also discussed along with the impact of empowerment derived from opportunities to formally respond to feedback provided to them by their teachers.

Workshop 2: The Integration of Learner Voice into Formative Assessment & Target Setting

This workshop was delivered by Ms Jean Gaffney, Ms Maeve McNamara and Ms Laura Ann Dunne. The workshop focused on the new language of learning and pedagogical practices that are required for the effective delivery of the Junior Cycle. It discussed practical approaches to integrate learner voice into formative assessment practices. It also examined strategies for student target setting and collaborative practice with regards to assessments, CBA’s and SLAR meetings.

Workshop 3: A Case Study in Collaborating with External Stakeholders to Enrich the Learner Experience

This workshop was delivered by Ms Aoife O’Mahony and Ms Aine Cotter along with a number of students and a parent. The session described the collaborative journey involving parents, pupils and colleagues in primary schools. It also focused on a variety of approaches designed to enrich the student experience with Maths so as to maximise the opportunity that students have to access higher level Maths.

Workshop 4: How Office 365 Can Support Formative Assessment while enhancing collaborative practice

This workshop was delivered by Mr Brian O’Reilly, Ms Eimear Murphy and Ms Mairead Dullea which focused on the digital champions initiative and how it can be used to enhance learner voice through Microsoft Office 365. Practical examples of this practice was shared along with examples of formative feedback delivered through Office365.

It was a fantastic day and the involvement of the students added tremendously to the event. Many thanks to all the teachers who hosted the workshops and Mr Corcoran for organising Féilte Scoile 2019.