An event for all parents of primary school children.

The NPC Conference took place on the 8th of June 2019 in the National College of Ireland, Mayor Street, Dublin 1 (on the LUAS redline), from 10.30am to 4pm

Presentations on the day included:

• Homework, The why and the why not, the how and the how not 

Martin Stuart agrees with many children - and quite a few adults - who believe that homework is too often a waste of time. Martin works as a primary school teacher, and has taught 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th classes and now specialises in Learning Support. Martin’s presentation focussed on practical ways parents can act to ensure that homework is most effective for children.

• Science outside the classroom: Home Learning & Parental Support

Dr. Arlene Gallagher is an assistant professor at the School of Physics, Trinity College Dublin (TCD). She has a PhD in physics and a degree in applied physics. Parallel to her academic career, she has continuously engaged in the promotion of science through designing, delivering and evaluating education and outreach activities. More recently in 2014, she founded Trinity Walton Club (www.tcd.ie/waltonclub), a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) educational enrichment programme for second-level students at Trinity College Dublin. 

• Parents’ involvement in their children’s education in primary school

Researchers from Marino Institute of Education, Joan Kiely & Leah O'Toole shared their findings of a study on parental involvement, engagement and partnership in children’s education during the primary school years, conducted on behalf of NPC and funded by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA).

The Secretary General of the Department of Education and Skills, Seán Ó Foghlú also addressed conference on the day, with updates on primary school issues of importance to parents.

For further information on the speakers and their presentations please click here to download the flier or see Useful Downloads or to see the presentation recordings please click this link 

Information stands from a variety of service providers and organisations were available on the day, including MS Ireland, the Children's Rights Alliance, Fitter Younger, Post Primary Languages Initiative, Just Sing!, the Department's Junior Cycle Team, the NCCA, the NCSE, Concussion Coach, Aladdin, Mother Tongues, and the DCYA

Location: The National College of Ireland

Date: 8 June 2019

Time: 10.30am - 4pm