Students 'owners of their own learning' in young Laois school
A young Laois secondary school founded just six years ago, has introduced a Learning Hub for students to advise and teach each other.
Dunamase College/Coláiste Dhún Másc in Portlaoise, where students will sit Leaving Cert exams for the first time this school year, launched a Student Learning Hub last October and it is rapidly growing in success.
The school, run by Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board, is a co-educational school that offers a choice of learning through Irish or English.
Following the ETBI’s core values of ‘Excellence in Education’ and ‘Community’. Dunamase College, Coláiste Dhún Másc, launched their hub at the schools Open Night in October and say it has gone from strength to strength.
"The Learning Leaders have been working behind the scenes this last few months, brainstorming ideas to become owners of their own learning. This community is a student led initiative combining learning and leadership, placing student voice at the heart of learning," they say.
The aim of the Learning Hub is that students support their peers in their learning.
"The most recent workshop saw the leaders visit the 3 rd year classes to share their tips on ‘Managing the Mocks’. Here the students shared tips on making the exam experience a little easier for our 3 rd Years. They have some exciting plans for the future around attendance and helping the incoming first years transition into first year," a spokesperson said.
Ms McCormack is the co-ordinator of the Learning Hub.
"As students are at the heart of what we do as educators, it is imperative to allow them to participate in what affects them. The Learning Hub is an opportunity for our students to become an active part of the Teaching and Learning at Dunamase College. All the while, they are improving their leadership and teamwork skills which are vital in every workplace today. We are very proud of our Learning Leaders,’ she said.