Junior Cycle Talks

Film producer and former official film censor John Kelleher discusses his career, shares insights into films that have inspired him and explains why people skills are essential for a film producer.   https://www.artsinjuniorcycle.ie/podcast-film/john-kelleher

In this episode we discuss how Elaine became a composer and music facilitator, she talks about her work in healthcare and education settings, the importance of creating fun and interactive musical experiences for people to support creativity, collaboration and wellbeing. Elaine also spoke about her work as a composer and the collaborative projects that she has been involved with and we listened to and discussed two of Elaine's compositions.   This podcast features two of Elaine's compositions, which are used with permission:   Strings A-Stray, commissioned by the Irish Chamber Orchestra (1994)  Remarkable from the Arts Care Remarkable Project in collaboration with Arts Care and the Ulster Orchestra (2021)  https://www.artsinjuniorcycle.ie/podcast-music/elaine-agnew

This episode of 'Conversations from the Classroom' features English Teacher, Patricia Carlos from St. Colman's Community College, Co. Cork. In the final episode of this academic year, Patricia discusses supporting a culture of reading and writing with her mixed-ability students. She also discusses the value of publishing student writing and practical strategies to bring this to life in the classroom.

Bestselling author Dave Rudden tells us about how he wants to ‘demystify writing', his writing process and what inspires him. Dave Rudden is the author of the award-winning Knights of the Borrowed Dark trilogy, the first book of which is on the Junior Cycle suggested novels for First Year English. He has visited hundreds of schools talking about books, beards, inspiration, and mental health, and currently serves as DCU's first Writer-in-Residence. Episode webpage

This two-part episode of 'Conversations from the Classroom' features English teacher, Niall Daly, from Belmayne Educate Together Secondary School, Dublin. In Part 2, Niall talks about engaging students in writing, modelling the writing process and using digital technology to support editing.

This two-part episode of 'Conversations from the Classroom' features English teacher, Niall Daly, from Belmayne Educate Together Secondary School, Dublin. In Part 1, Niall talks about engaging with learning outcomes, developing student vocabulary and exposing students to a wide variety of texts.

Will Sliney, a native of Ballycotton, Co. Cork, is a comic books illustrator. He currently works with Marvel Comics. A graduate of Multimedia in Cork Institute of Technology his work includes a trilogy of Celtic Warrior books with O' Brien Press. His edition of Cú Chulainn has become Ireland's fastest ever selling graphic novel. During the COVID-19 pandemic he presented short drawing lessons on RTÉ's Home School Hub called ‘We Will Draw' and currently ‘Will Sliney's Storytellers' on RTÉ2 guides children on how to draw for animation. He co-created Star Wars character Ren, has worked on Marvel's Fearless Defenders series and the monthly series Spider-Man 2099. For more visit www.artsinjuniorcycle.ie

Colm Keegan is an award-winning writer and poet. He is also an experienced creative writing teacher and facilitator, passionate about empowering new voices and inspiring creativity for individuals and organisations. Colm has developed numerous creative writing projects for schools and colleges across the country and is currently Artist in Residence with Maynooth University. His latest project called Writing Home, which has been made into a documentary film, won a LAMA award for best education initiative 2021. His most recent poetry collection is called ‘Randomer'. In this episode, Colm speaks about his work with young people and we discuss some creative methodologies that he uses to inspire and support young people in making and sharing their work. He also talks about his own creative processes and reads a powerful poem from ‘Randomer' called Love Bomb and gives insights to us about the context of this work. www.artsinjuniorcycle.ie

A Dublin native, Colm Mac Con Iomaire is a composer, performer and film-score arranger. Colm's father came from the Connemara Gaeltacht and Colm's family were Irish speakers living in Dublin. On his mother's side there was classical instrumental music and as Colm learned to play as a very young child, he found himself in a place of naturally occurring opposites Irish and English (language), rural and urban, classical and traditional, old and new and this manifested itself through his music. In our conversation we discussed Colm's early school life as a musician, being involved in The Frames and what impacts his creative process. We talked about the importance of being able to recognise and nurture talents in young people. Throughout the podcast Colm shares some of the ways he is inspired to create and develop his musical ideas.

In this episode, JCT English chat with Kathyrn McCance, from the Listen Now Again Seamus Heaney exhibition curated by the National Library of Ireland. Kathryn gives us a fascinating insight into Heaney's 'The Burial at Thebes.' The play is a version of Sophocles' Greek tragedy 'Antigone.' Kathryn discusses the creative departures that Heaney took from the original play and the various dramatic techniques he used to bring the play to a new audience.

In this episode of 'Conversations from the Classroom,' we speak with English teacher, Gemma McGill. Gemma discusses how she uses drama in the classroom to develop student confidence and oral literacy. She also discusses the positive influence that graphic novels have in drawing students into a world of reading.

Peadar Ó Guilín is an Irish novelist whose novel, The Call, is a new addition to the list of prescribed texts for Junior Cycle English for students presenting for examination in 2024, 2025, and 2026. The novel is a dystopian adventure exploring themes of courage, disability, love, resilience and societal expectations. This Arts in Junior Cycle podcast has been created with the JCT English team. For more visit: https://www.artsinjuniorcycle.ie/podcast-literature/peadar-oguilin

This podcast was created by the JCT English team for the Junior Cycle Talks podcast channel. In this episode, Irish playwright and actor Sonya Kelly talks to us about storytelling, drama and her play 'The Wheelchair on My Face.' This play has recently been added to the new Prescribed Text List for Junior Cycle English for students presenting for examination in 2024, 2025 and 2026.

Architect Eric Nay joins us on the podcast to speak about where his interest in architecture began, where his inspiration comes from and the importance of community along with the positive impact that architects can have on their community. He also gives us an insight into the ‘Architecture Connects' initiative where groups of teachers explored the design process with an architect. This initiative was run as a collaboration between Arts in Junior Cycle and The Irish Architecture Foundation. Eric has practiced architecture and design in offices in New York City, Chicago and California and has held faculty appointments in Canada, the US and the UAE. Eric teaches architectural history and theory as well as environmental and industrial design studios at Ontario College of Art & Design University. He was one of 17 architects who participated in Architecture Connects. This initiative is run in collaboration with Irish Architecture Foundation, where a architects facilitate small groups of teachers in exploring the design process. www.artsinjuniorcycle.ie/podcast-design/eric-nay

This two-part episode of ‘Conversations from the Classroom' features English teacher Joe Rolston from The Presentation Secondary School in Wexford. This second part the conversation focuses on feedback strategies, mixed ability teaching and reflecting on Junior Cycle English.

Irish mezzo-soprano Sharon Carty is a singer who has firmly established a reputation as a respected interpreter of both early and contemporary works, alongside maintaining a busy schedule in mainstream opera and concert repertoire. She is currently an Artistic Partner to Irish National Opera as well as a Creative Associate on the Irish Arts Council pilot “Creative Schools” scheme. In our conversation we discuss her career change from Physical Education teacher to opera singer, she shares some of the most poignant roles she has performed and she advises us all to listen to our inner voice. www.artsinjuniorcycle.ie/podcast-music/sharon-carty

This two-part episode of 'Conversations from the Classroom' features English teacher Joe Rolston from Presentation Secondary School, Wexford. In Part 1, Joe talks about how he approaches text selection. He also discusses working with students to develop an organic approach to connecting texts and the role that interwoven non-literary texts can play in broadening student experience.

Participating schools from the Step Up Project share their Step Up stories. The podcast aims to help school leaders, SSE leaders and teachers interested in moving their practice from effective to highly effective. Individual school reports, overall composite report and videos from participating schools are available on the www.stepupproject.ie This podcast: 03:00 | Hopes for the project 06:00 | Identifying a focus and gathering evidence 14:25 | Positive impacts of the project (Teachers/Leaders) 18:35 | Positive impacts of the project (Students) 23:50 | Reflection and key learning Overview of the project: The overarching aim of the Step Up Project was to support schools already at an effective level of implementation of the Framework for Junior Cycle (2015) to move to a highly effective level. The nine schools involved in the project were given the time to reflect on teaching, learning, assessment and reporting in three subject areas and to identify how the quality of provision and implementation, both for those specific subjects and for the overall Framework for Junior Cycle, can be raised to the highest level. Schools participating in the project were required to take a school self-evaluation approach in reviewing their current implementation of the Framework in one or more of three subject areas: English, Business Studies and Science. Schools were encouraged to identify areas for improvement and were supported in developing and implementing actions leading to improvement in their chosen areas.

Tailtiu Theatre Company is a joint venture by Barry Morgan and Cathal Thornton, currently based in Droichead Arts Centre, Drogheda. Former members of Droichead Youth Theatre, Barry and Cathal create interactive theatre for young people. They use drama to help participants find ways to express themselves creatively and to explore their identity. Previous projects include Under d' Bed for Droichead Arts Centre and the Abbey Theatre's 5 x 5. Their show Operation Spies was performed as part of the National Festival of Youth Theatres 2021. https://www.artsinjuniorcycle.ie/podcast-theatre-dance/tailtiu

In our conversation we discussed Nadine's busy work life, working as an editor, a columnist, a podcaster and radio presenter. We talked about how she manages to juggle these varied roles and Nadine offers advice to young writers and to those interested in engaging with audio texts.

In this episode, Head of Department at GMIT Letterfrack, Paul Leamy talks to us about the need for responsible use of wood, developing transferable skills with students and how GMIT Letterfrack has developed its facilities to include converting and seasoning of their own timber for use in student projects. www.jct.ie www.gmit.ie/schools-campuses/gm…-letterfrack-campus

In this episode, Head of Department at GMIT Letterfrack, Paul Leamy talks to us about the joy of designing and making with wood and the importance of developing the key principles of handskills at GMIT Letterfrack, the National Centre for Excellence in Furniture Design and Technology. www.jct.ie www.gmit.ie/schools-campuses/gmit-letterfrack-campus

In this episode of Conversations from the Classroom, English teacher, Emer Whyte from Galway Educate Together Secondary School talks about her experience of inclusive planning for all learners. Emer discusses how her school has adopted a UDL approach to learning and how departments collaborate for Level 3 and Level 2 learners.

In this podcast Zoë Conway and John McIntyre, husband and wife duo, join us to discuss their roles as fiddle, voice and guitar duo performers, composers and arrangers. They share their influences and consider the importance of being open to them. They also speak about developing their own unique sound, taking pride in your music and communicating their music to an audience. Zoë and John play two of their own compositions during the recording. www.artsinjuniorcycle.ie www.zoeandjohn.com

In our conversation Sean speaks about his creative process as a writer of both fiction and plays, his experience of Fighting Words as a participant and as a facilitator and mentor. He also talks about the Fighting Words model and its significance and impact. www.artsinjuniorcycle.ie www.seanfarrellywrites.com

Ronan and Bruno discuss the experiences that they offer on their courses in CNC, CAD and Cobotics. They also chat about Junior Cycle Engineering and the importance of the skills developed for the world of work.

In this short podcast you will hear from a number of teachers discussing the teaching habits that they use to support their students when learning. They will also share some of the teaching habits they are trying to change and the rationale for these changes. For more information on JCT visit www.jct.ie or contact us by email info@jct.ie

In this short podcast you will hear from a number of teachers discussing their strategies and suggestions for motivating students in the maths classroom. They also discuss how they support their students in developing a persistent approach to engaging with challenging work. For more information on JCT visit www.jct.ie or contact us by email info@jct.ie

In this episode we explore the main societal issues that young people today are concerned with, we consider which junior cycle subjects might support students investigating these issues and we consider the concept 'Solution Generation'. You will hear from students and teachers from Lusk Community College, teachers Rob O'Leary, Clara Hutchinson, Sally McGuire, Mary O'Connell and Elizabeth Cahill, as well as from Dr James Lovett and Dr David King. For more information on JCT visit www.jct.ie or contact us by email info@jct.ie

In this episode we explore the acronyms STEM and STE(A)M, how they are interpreted and how they may throw up barriers and challenges. You will hear from students from Lusk Community College, teachers Rob O'Leary, Mary O'Connell and Elizabeth Cahill, as well as from Dr James Lovett and Dr David King. For more information on JCT visit www.jct.ie or contact us by email info@jct.ie

In our conversation, Siobhán O'Kelly chats about her experience of acting today and her varied career in theatre, film and tv. She shares her love of all things Shakespeare and tips and tricks for getting to grips with the language behind some of his most famous plays. The episode forms part of the JCT English Drama and Performance podcast series.

In this episode of ‘Conversations from the Classroom,' English teacher Patricia Wall from Scoil Chaitríona in Dublin talks about the power of the collection of students texts. Patricia describes how she uses this to progress and build on student writing. From drafting to redrafting, students choose texts for their CBA 2 moment and Patricia explores what this looks like in her English classroom.

In our conversation Chantal speaks about combining aerial work and dance. She also talks about the impact of those who have inspired her in her career and the importance of knowing that it is not just technique and practice that make a good performer but also the emotion, the heart and the passion that one brings to the performance. Episode page

This is the second episode in the JCT Business Studies 'Open for Business' Podcast Series. In this episode we speak with Caroline McHale of the Student Enterprise Programme. We also speak with Teacher, Sinead Brady and one of her students, Sean, about their experience of the programme.

This is the first episode in the JCT Business Studies 'Open for Business' Podcast Series. In this episode we speak with Muriel Dolan, Deputy Head of Communications at the Consumer and Competition Protection Commission. In this episode, Muriel talks about the CCPC and about their 'Money Matters' online resource.

In this episode Daniel speaks about his influences and how he incorporates them into his contemporary designs. He also speaks about his passion for his craft and his creative process from selection of materials through to the completion of a piece of furniture. www.artsinjuniorcycle.ie/podcasts-visual-arts/daniel-gill

In our conversation Adam talks about what inspires him, how he crafts his work and the importance of collaboration with others. He also discusses the value of a creative space in the school day. www.artsinjuniorcycle.ie/podcast-literature/adam-mohamed

In this episode of ‘Conversations from the Classroom,' English teacher Patrick Huff from Ardscoil Mhuire, Limerick talks about using a wide variety of texts in the Junior Cycle English classroom. From teaching a novel, to short stories and non-literary texts, Patricks shares with us his approach and what works for him and his students. He also discusses ways to use time more efficiently by embracing the integrating of learning across genres.

In this episode, Cork actor Éanna Harwicke chats to us about his journey into acting, his creative process and what it was like to be part of the global smash that was TV series Normal People, adapted from the bestselling novel by Sally Rooney. www.artsinjuniorcycle.ie/podcast/eanna-hardwicke

Born in Nigeria, Inua Ellams is a poet, playwright, performer, graphic artist and designer. Now based in London, Inua spent his early childhood in Nigeria, later moving to Ireland as a teenager and attending secondary school in Dublin. In our conversation, Inua tells us about his time in Ireland, the sparks of inspiration that led to his love of writing and his play The 14th Tale which is on the Junior Cycle English prescribed text list for current 2nd & 3rd years. www.inuaellams.com

In this episode of Conversations from the Classroom, JCT English talk to English teacher Kevin Dowling of St Joseph's Secondary School, Rush, Co. Dublin. Listen to Kevin talk about how a recent unit of learning worked for his 3rd year students and their response to contemporary poetry.You can also find more information about this project on our website under CPD Workshops and by clicking on Elective CPD.

In this episode, James Bingham, Studio and Outreach Producer at Irish National Opera, talks to us about how he got involved in classical music and opera. He outlines some approaches which have helped him to motivate young people to get involved in singing. James describes his current role and some of the outreach projects he is working on. He shares his own interests in opera and gives advice on how, as teachers, we might encourage students to engage with the medium of opera. We hope that you enjoy this podcast! Please note: Irish National Opera provided the music and permitted for this music to be used in this podcast. www.artsinjuniorcycle.ie/podcast/james-bingham www.irishnationalopera.ie

JCT English in conversation with author Patricia Forde about her passion for writing, the power of language and her children's novel 'The Wordsmith'

Studio Red architects Nicola Ryan and Gráinne Dunne set up Studio Red Architects in 2008. In our conversation, Nicola and Gráinne share their insights into the importance of drawing and sketching in the design process and why the more constraints and challenges you have in architecture, the more creative you can be. www.artsinjuniorcycle.ie/podcast/stud…d-architects www.studiored.ie Arts in Junior Cycle short film: www.artsinjuniorcycle.ie/film/aia-architecture

Bestselling author Kit de Waal tells us about her favourite classic novels, her writing process and why she loves audio books. Episode Web Page: www.artsinjuniorcycle.ie/podcast/kit-de-waal www.kitdewaal.com

In this episode, Sandra Gibney describes the work of a breakdown artist and her role at the Abbey Theatre. Sandra reveals the fascinating ins and outs of breakdown artistry and how it interacts with costume design of any production. For more visit: www.artsinjuniorcycle.ie/podcast-episode-sandra-gibney

In this episode, award winning interior architect and garden designer Leonie Cornelius chats to us about her love of designing spaces and gardens that bring joy to people. She tells us about her design philosophy, what creativity looks like in her daily work and what research she undertakes when working on a project.

This podcast was created by the JCT English team for the Junior Cycle Talks podcast channel. Spinning Stories Out of Light is a series of podcasts exploring film  in the junior  cycle classroom. Our panellists discuss how the study of film can enhance learning. They also share their own classroom  approaches to the teaching of film. This two part episode features special guest, artist and illustrator Rosa Devine. This second episode discusses light in two films on the prescribed list, Spirited Away and Moonrise Kingdom

This podcast was created by the JCT English team for the Junior Cycle Talks podcast channel. Spinning Stories Out of Light is a series of podcasts exploring film  in the  junior cycle classroom. Our panellists discuss how the study of film can enhance learning. They also share their own classroom  approaches to the teaching of film. This two part episode features special guest, artist and illustrator Rosa Devine. This first episode discusses colour in two films on the prescribed list, Spirited Away and Moonrise Kingdom.

Dr Niamh O' Meara is a Lecturer in Mathematics Education based in EPISTEM, the national centre for STEM education housed in the School of Education, at the University of Limerick. She has previously worked as a Senior Mathematics Project Officer in the National Centre for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching and Learning. Her research interests include teacher knowledge, teacher education and issues surrounding the mathematics curriculum in Ireland. In this podcast we discuss the development of procedural fluency and conceptual understanding in post-primary mathematics students and, the role of the teachers in supporting students in the transition from primary to post-primary education. For more information on JCT visit www.jct.ie or contact us by email info@jct.ie

In this episode, Tolu Makay chats about her inspirations as a songwriter. Having moved to Ireland from Nigeria at the age of 5, Tolu chats about her inspirations as a songwriter and how that journey has evolved for her over the last number of years. Building on the success of her EP ‘Being' in 2020 and her cover of the Saw Doctors track N17 with the RTE Concert Orchestra, Tolu tells us about her hopes for the future. We are delighted to include 3 longer pieces of music in this episode: You Are Enough – Tolu Makay N17 – Tolu Makay & RTÉ Concert Orchestra Used to Be – Tolu Makay All music is included by kind permission from Tolu Makay, Kite Entertainment, RTÉ Concert Orchestra, Rubyworks and The Saw Doctors. ‘N17' is written by Leo Moran and Davy Carton. Leo and Davy wrote ‘N17' for the debut single by The Saw Doctors which was released in January 1990by Solid Records. The single flopped but following the success of The Saw Doctors second single ‘I Useta Lover' in the autumn of 1990, ‘N17' was re-released in November 1990 and climbed to No.2 in the Irish Charts. Leo Moran is the guitar player with The Saw Doctors while Davy Carton is the lead singer.