Knowledge is power

Fri, May 12, 2017

Summer is a time associated with holidays, chilling out, sun [sometimes], and switching off from the daily grind of work to recharge the batteries. However, the extra free time may enable you to try out something different, be it a new sport, a new pastime, or even an opportunity to enroll in a course to learn a new skill.

‘Doss year’

Thu, May 11, 2017

Transition year, or ‘TY’, is a year-long programme for secondary school students, typically optional, placed between third and fifth year. Although it is not offered by all Irish schools, it is offered by many, some 75 per cent in fact, and for some students it is even compulsory. It is usually presented as a chance to mature, to expand your horizons, and develop your interests. However, it is also often dismissed as a ‘doss year’, and while some students claim that it helped them a great deal, others agree with that consensus.

The debate over the uses and benefits of TY has been a hot-button topic in my school ever since we started in September. Many of my fellow students have this discussion in private, and it has been utilised as a topic more than once in our weekly Toastmasters meetings. When called to speak on this subject, students typically begin with disclosing their reasoning behind choosing TY, as opposed to continuing into fifth year. In general, many of those who have discussed their opinion, either publicly or in private, state that a significant factor in their decision was the desire to ‘take a break’ after the stress of the Junior Certificate. Others have cited a desire to investigate their subject choices more thoroughly, with the benefit of their Junior Certificate results to draw from, or to plan their future career path. Overall, the main reason that people have for choosing TY is the desire for more time. Rarely, if ever, do people talk about wanting to experience TY’s unique subject options, or the numerous trips offered as part of the year. In general, students seem to be interested in TY as ‘free time’ rather than in its own merits.

Summer courses at the French Institute for adults and secondary school students

Thu, May 11, 2017

Would you like to make the most of the long summer days while learning, refreshing, or practising your French?

Further education open evening at Galway Community College

Thu, May 11, 2017

The PLC further education college in Galway Community College, located at Moneenageisha junction, is having an information and registration evening on Thursday, May 18, from 5.30pm to 7pm.

Summer courses at the French Institute for adults and secondary school students

Thu, May 04, 2017

Would you like to make the most of the long summer days while learning, refreshing, or practising your French?

Learning Irish is fun with Cúrsa Gramco

Thu, May 04, 2017

Cúrsa Gramco is a three week Irish language course run by Séamas Ó Máirtín and his dedicated teachers in St Mary’s College in Galway city. Mr Ó Máirtín decided to set up Cúrsa Gramco so as to make the learning of Irish an enjoyable and positive experience. The course incorporates an understanding of the nuts and bolts of the language so that students become independent learners. Study skills are central to the course so that students learn how to self-assess.

Jive and waltz for your wedding this summer

Thu, May 04, 2017

Have you ever wanted to dance but do not know where to start? Are you tired of going to weddings or country music events and not being able to dance?

Brush-up programmes to combat summer maths loss

Thu, May 04, 2017

Research confirms that students experience significant learning loss during the summer months, and this applies more to maths than it does, for example, to reading. This is because parents see fewer opportunities for mathematical thinking outside of the classroom. The research also suggests that this loss for the most part, involves procedures rather than general concepts.

Upskill with a Sage 50 bookkeeping award

Thu, May 04, 2017

GPA Solutions is delivering its manual and computerised bookkeeping course to provide learners with good basic knowledge of manual bookkeeping and the practical knowledge of the workings of Sage 50 accounts.

Learners who successfully complete this course will aquire a thorough knowledge of what is required to set up and process the Sage 50 accounts package. Learners will learn how to process business documents and transactions in addition to understanding the procedures involved in completing VAT returns, bank reconciliations, customers and suppliers reports, and profit and loss account.

Film created by NUI Galway students explores the issues of sexual consent

Thu, May 04, 2017

Drama, theatre and performance students at NUI Galway have this week premiered the short film Lucy’s House Party, directed by Dr Charlotte McIvor and created as part of a sexual violence prevention initiative, The Manuela Programme, aimed at transition year students in more than 120 secondary schools across Ireland.

Summer art classes with Beechmount Art Studio

Thu, Apr 27, 2017

Multi award winning Beechmount Art Studio is springing into summer with new terms of art classes in Lackagh and a new location of The Glassroom at Brazco Coffee Academy, Oranmore.

New Spanish courses starting soon at the Spanish Institute

Thu, Apr 27, 2017

The Spanish Institute is offering two eight week courses starting on the week of May 9. These courses are specially designed for those who want to spend their summer holiday in Spain or Latin America and would like to have some basics of the language.

Summer courses at the French Institute for adults and secondary school students

Thu, Apr 27, 2017

Would you like to make the most of the long summer days while learning, refreshing, or practising your French?

The French Institute is running summer courses this year starting on May 15. There are courses for adults at all levels, from beginners to advanced, and a choice of morning or evening classes. The courses last six weeks, for two hours a week. They will end on the last week in June, just in time for an enjoyable holiday in France.

What is Intuitive Art Making and Why is it good for you??

Tue, Apr 18, 2017

Social Art Ireland will be holding Intuitive Art Making Workshops  at Cregal Arts Galway during May starting Monday May 8,15,22, and 29th.  There are full day and half day options. These sessions will be facilitated by an Art Therapist MA. You will be using basic art therapy techniques, and combining them with journaling. This is a powerful form of meditation while using paint brushes and art materials. The purpose of this type of creativity is to integrate the freedom of expression into other areas of our lives while building confidence and reducing stress and anxiety. Sharing with others, and having fun is all part of the process too.

Upskill with a Sage 50 bookkeeping award

Thu, Apr 13, 2017

GPA Solutions is delivering its manual and computerised bookkeeping course to provide learners with good basic knowledge of manual bookkeeping and the practical knowledge of the workings of Sage 50 accounts.

New summer courses with Galway Actors Workshop - early bird discounts before April 19

Thu, Apr 13, 2017

Galway Actors Workshop presents a jam-packed programme of workshops in all aspects of theatre and drama for the summer term, and, for this week only, special early bird discounts are available to those who book before April 19.

Bone broth - nourishing traditions

Thu, Apr 13, 2017

By Nutritionist and College of Naturopathic Medicine graduate, Jacqueline Ryan

Final enrolment dates for Coláiste Néifinn

Thu, Apr 06, 2017

Coláiste Néifinn is an established Irish college in Athenry and Glenamaddy. The college caters for the learning of the Irish language for 12 to 18 year olds.

Upskill with a QQI Level 5 business award

Thu, Apr 06, 2017

GPA Solutions is offering a range of QQI Level 5 business awards catering for learners wishing to advance their business skills or for those who simply wish to gain an introduction to payroll or computerised accounts.

Bodhran Magic — a brilliant course

Thu, Apr 06, 2017

Rhythm is in all of us. All you need is the right inspiration to find it. If you have always wanted to play music but don’t know where to start or you are already playing but don’t know how to take your playing to the next level, now is the time. The new Bodhran Magic adult group courses are kicking off soon and running in the city centre.

E-paper

Read this weeks E-paper. Past editions also available from within this weeks digital copy.