A survey of almost 200 post primary principals and deputy principals from Education and Training Boards across Ireland, including Louth and Meath ETB, has identified high stake exams and curriculum overload as the main factors limiting students’ positive experience of school.
The poll found that almost all respondents believe student needs have become more complex over the past five years, while three quarters feel the education system is not adapting quickly enough to meet those changing needs.
The survey was carried out at Education and Training Boards Ireland’s annual conference for principals and deputy principals, which brought together more than 300 delegates to contribute to the national conversation ahead of the Government’s upcoming Convention on Education. The convention is seeking input from educators, students and parents on the future direction of Ireland’s education system.
While two thirds of principals and deputy principals surveyed said they believe the current system is serving most students fairly well, 80 per cent said they do not believe existing system structures adequately support teacher and school leader wellbeing.
The two day conference, which took place in Galway on 29 and 30 January, also focused on a range of issues impacting schools. Delegates explored topics including artificial intelligence, school buildings, curriculum reform, the Irish language in schools, and the relationship between schools and youth services.
Education leaders said the findings underline the need for meaningful reform through the Convention on Education, particularly around assessment pressures, curriculum demands and the growing complexity of student needs in classrooms across the country.
