Did you find what you were looking for?
Find what you were looking for?
Help us improve AI search results by giving your feedback (3-5 mins).
Convention on education reaches important midpoint as momentum continues to build
- Published on:
- Last updated on:
The Convention on Education has reached an important milestone, with participants now halfway through a landmark deliberative democratic process that is helping to shape a long-term vision for education in Ireland.
Preparations continue for the next Convention, this coming on 26 and 27 September. Over recent months, Convention members have come together on two occasions to hear evidence from a wide range of national and international experts, to deliberate on key issues facing education and to develop recommendations that will help inform the future direction of Ireland's school system. Uniquely, this is the first such process to include children and young people as full participants in all discussions.
Previous Convention weekends have featured wide-ranging discussions on inclusion, student wellbeing, artificial intelligence, digital technologies, school leadership and community engagement. Speakers have included researchers, educators, young people, community advocates and technology experts, reflecting the Convention's commitment to hearing diverse perspectives as it develops a shared vision for the future of education. These presentations have provided valuable insights into challenges and opportunities facing learners, educators and the wider education system and generated much discussion at the Convention gatherings.
Recordings from previous Convention weekends remain available on the Convention webpage, offering everyone an opportunity to view the evidence, discussions and perspectives that have informed the process to date.
The forthcoming Convention weekend will focus on themes identified by the participants - curriculum, assessment, school culture and values. Participants have also asked for this weekend to have a future focus, to draw on international experience and on research evidence. The wider public will have access to all of these presentations to the Convention via the live stream which can be viewed here.
A series of podcasts featuring Convention participants are also available to the public here. The podcasts provide a unique insight into the experience of participation in the process, allowing listeners to hear directly from members about their reflections, learning and hopes for the future of education in Ireland. In the most recent episode the five deputy chairs reflect on the discussions so far.
Professor Anne Looney, Chair of the Convention on Education, said:
"Reaching the halfway point is an important moment for the Convention. Our participants have shown extraordinary commitment to the deliberative process, engaging with complex issues thoughtfully, respectfully and constructively. Listening not just to expert input, but to the range of views in the room, has been a defining feature of the process so far. I have been struck by the contrast between the quality of the dialogue in the room and other ‘debates’ we have become used to where there is no listening, and little respect.
"As we look ahead to the next Convention weekend and the discussions still to come, there is a real sense of momentum and possibility building around the work."
A video from the Chair of the Convention, speaking at the halfway point, is available here.
Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton said:
“As the Convention on Education reaches its halfway point, I want to sincerely thank every participant for the time, energy and commitment they have invested in this important national conversation.
"What has been particularly inspiring is the willingness of people from different backgrounds and experiences, including children and young people, to come together to discuss the future of education in a thoughtful and constructive way.
"At a time of rapid change, from artificial intelligence and new technologies to evolving learner needs, the Convention is helping us to think boldly about the opportunities ahead and how we can build an education system that supports every learner to reach their full potential. I look forward to the next phase of this important work.”