Podcasts about primary schools

Primary schools across the country are being urged to teach French and other foreign languages. It comes as the French Ambassador to Ireland, Céline Place, said her embassy was helping schools by facilitating teachers who wanted to travel to France and by placing 90 French-language assistants in Irish classrooms across the country.We want to know what you think? Should French and other international languages be taught in our national schools? Joining Andrea to discuss was Ciara McDonnell, who is a secondary school Spanish teacher, Mary McCarthy aswell as listeners to discuss.

Parents will see new-look report cards for their children at primary school - which will be consistent across every school in the country. Russell Palmer reports

The Government's keeping a closer eye on kids' achievement across primary and intermediate school. It's announced nationally consistent assessments and reporting will be rolled out this year for reading, writing, and math. Reports are also planned to give advice to parents on how they can help out at home. Education Minister Erica Stanford told Mike Hosking the reports will be filled with intense detail, for example, the maths report will actually show results in algebra, geometry, and measurement. She says parents will now know in detail exactly where their children are at. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Victoria Police say they "strongly believe" fugitive Dezi Freeman is deceased. 

Emma O'Kelly, RTÉ Education Correspondent, on the fall in primary school enrolment over the past year.

Primary school enrolment has fallen by almost 6,500 over the past year, the largest decline in recent years. Remote rural schools are expected to feel this drop the quickest – but what does it mean for the future of rural Ireland? All to discuss with Edgar Morgenroth Professor of Economics at DCU.

We heard this morning that primary school enrolment has fallen by 6 thousand, 500 in the past year –This is the biggest decline we have seen in recent years.But is this just down to the declining population in primary school aged children or is there something that can be done to turn this figure around and save small rural schools here? Ciara Doherty was joined by John Boyle, General Secretary from the Irish National Teachers Union and Michael Mac Donncha, primary school teacher and Chairperson of small schools from Connemara...

Primary school enrolment has fallen by almost 6,500 over the past year, the largest decline in recent years. Remote rural schools are expected to feel this drop the quickest – but what does it mean for the future of rural Ireland? All to discuss with Edgar Morgenroth Professor of Economics at DCU.

The first primary schools days for 2026 start for some from today, and with the return to the classroom comes an updated, new maths and English curriculum. 

Reporter, Sally-Ann Barrett visits Scoil an Chroí Naofa in Ballinasloe whose school community has been campaigning for more than two decades to get plans for a new primary school to the tender stage.

A tense stand-off erupted once again between anti-illegal immigration protesters and foreign nationals at Addington Primary School in Durban yesterday. A group of March and March, Operation Dudula and MK Party supporters resumed their demonstration at the school over the enrolment of foreign nationals. They are demanding that learners who are South African citizens be prioritised for admission at all schools. Elvis Presslin spoke to Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia, spokesperson Dr. Dale McKinley

Dr Radhika Lamba is an alumna of Bhagawan's Primary School at Prasanthi Nilayam. After completing her Bachelor's degree in Dentistry, she joined the Indian Armed Forces.An adventure enthusiast, she is an accomplished paratrooper and a USPA-certified, licensed skydiver. A par excellence achiever, she is also a proud member of the Indian Army's first-ever all-women Nari Yodha Skydiving Team.As a tribute to Bhagawan on His 100th Birthday, she marked this sacred milestone by completing her 100th skydiving jump in November 2025. In this Satsang, she reveals how her admission into the Primary School was purely a result of Divine intervention, and how, in everything she has done since then, she can clearly perceive the invisible hand of Swami guiding her every step, every endeavour, and every breath.

Tensions ran high at Addington Primary School in Durban yesterday as parents clashed over learner enrolment. Protesters demanded immigrant children be admitted, while others insisted South African learners be prioritised. The school says it followed proper admission procedures, but civic movement March and March claims nearly 100 local children were denied space. Addington is the reportedly only public primary school in the area. Elvis Presslin spoke to March and March Leader, Jacinta Zinhle MaNgobese Zuma

The Labour Court has now heard the case and adjourned to consider its ruling, following the breakdown of talks at the WRC and last year's strike action that affected thousands of schools nationwide. To discuss the latest developments in the long-running school secretary pensions dispute, Alan Morrissey was joined by Rena McGrath, Vice-Chairperson and Treasurer of the Fórsa School Secretaries Branch on the Clare/Galway border, and Bernie Dillon, Secretary at St Senan's Primary School in Kilrush. On Wednesday's Morning Focus they discussed what this latest step means for school secretaries and caretakers, and what happens next. Photo (c) Clare FM

On her Talk radio show Julia Hartley-Brewer talks to Sir Iain Duncan Smith, the former Conservative Party leader.Sir Iain Duncan Smith discusses calls for Keir Starmer's government to proscribe the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps - the group that maintains the theocratic regime - as a terrorist organisation.He explains why he thinks it would support Iranian protestors. Protests against Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's rule erupted after economic turmoil in the country, as Iran's currency plummeted to record lows.Also: he discusses the Chinese super-embassy opposite the Tower of London that could be approved soon, and why he thinks it's a threat to British security. Earlier, reports emerged of plans for a 'secret room' at the mega embassy just metres from key communication cables carrying sensitive information.Sir Iain responded to news that a Jewish MP was banned from visiting a primary school after pro-Palestine teachers and parents threatened to publicly protest his visit.And he talks about the news that Nadhim Zahawi has defected to Reform UK - and whether he would ever to move across to Nigel Farage's party. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New figures which show even primary school children in Kent are being suspended for substance misuse have been described as “heartbreaking”.More and more students are being pulled out of the classroom as shock new statistics reveal a significant rise in under-18s being treated for addiction problems — including use of cannabis, ketamine, cocaine, ecstasy. Also in today's podcast, schools are closed again today and thousands of residents are still without supplies as the Kent water crisis continues.South East Water confirmed 25,000 customers still have issues including in Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, and Whitstable following a breakout of leaks and bursts across their network.Bosses have declared a critical incident at a hospital due to a sudden “high demand” for its services.East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust made the announcement due to sustained pressures at the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital in Margate.An historic former library described as a town's “most treasured community asset” is set to be auctioned off by Kent County Council sparking fury among residents.The site in Folkestone has been closed since 2022 because of flood damage - with the authority expected to make a decision to sell it today. And money is on offer to independent business in Maidstone to improve their shopfronts. It's part of council plans to make the town centre more appealing and draw shoppers away from the online market.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We're going back to the beginning of the podcast that tackles the BIG conversations and the very first episode certainly doesn't have any shortages of messy moments.  Did Sasha really stalk Billie? How many years have they actually known each other? And who is the real basic penne bitch?! The answers to all of these questions  are spilled in this episode. Tuck in for the first time or enjoy your favourite dish all over again! LOVE YOU, BYE! Produced by The Sheriff Follow Spill on Social Media ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spill Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spill TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Billie's Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sasha's Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sasha's TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sasha's YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THE FACTORY GUY Colleague Mark Clifford, The Troublemaker. By 1975, Jimmy Lai had risen from a child laborer to a factory owner, purchasing a bankrupt garment facility using stock market profits. Despite being a primary school dropout who learned English from a dictionary, Lai succeeded through relentless work and charm. He capitalized on the boom in American retail sourcing, winning orders from Kmart by producing samples overnight and eventually building Comitex into a leading sweater manufacturer, embodying the Hong Kong dream. NUMBER 10 1992 HK

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Primary school teachers say they rejected the Government's latest pay offer because it would have left them out of pocket after inflation. NZEI lead negotiator Liam Rutherford spoke to Corin Dann.

An Upper Hutt primary school principal says their workloads are comparable with secondary school principals, and they deserve a better pay offer. Principals who belong to the NZEI union have rejected the Government's latest collective agreement proposal. They say it fails to acknowledge their work. Birchville School Principal Robyn Brown told Heather du Plessis-Allan unlike secondary principals, they weren't offered a curriculum change allowance, and the pay rise amounts to a cut. She says primary school principals have far fewer people to implement curriculum change. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christmas is here, and Uncle Dave wants to celebrate by throwing a big Christmas party for the whole Carter family to enjoy! What could possibly go wrong?... Written, produced, and narrated by Dave Stevenson.  Opening and closing theme:  "Fluffing a Duck" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) Music from https://filmmusic.io License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)   Story Copyright © Dave Stevenson. All Rights Reserved.

People in Clare urged to contribute to a survey intended to shape the future of primary school education. The Department of Education and Youth is carrying out the Parents' Survey on School Patronage – giving families across Ireland the chance to have their say on the kind of schools they want in their communities. Parents of children up to the age of 12 are encouraged to take part and use their voice to help shape the future of education. The survey was launched on November 4th and runs until December 16th but so far just 32% of eligible respondents in Clare have participated which is the second-lowest rate nationwide. Alan Morrissey spoke with David Quinn, Principal of Ennis Educate Together on Tuesday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) anilakkus from Getty Images via Canva

Students from Meán Scoil Mhuire have made regional history by becoming the first in the Midlands to graduate with a University Level 6 Module Certificate in 21st Century STEM Skills from Technological University of the Shannon (TUS). The graduation ceremony took place at the Midlands Showcase on 3 December at TUS, where the school's Transition Year students received their certificates in front of an audience of businesses, educators, and regional innovators. The STEM Passport for Inclusion Programme represents a significant step towards educational equity in the region. Built on the success of similar work with Maynooth University in Longford, the programme was adapted and delivered by TUS after their lecturers shadowed the original Maynooth team. Meán Scoil Mhuire volunteered to be the pilot post-primary school for this Midlands expansion. The qualification now carries substantial weight for students' futures. TUS has recently secured accreditation to offer a DEIS STEM pathway, awarding 50 Leaving Certificate CAO points to programme graduates. This creates a direct route into third-level education and STEM qualifications for students regardless of their backgrounds. Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Cllr Garry Murtagh said, "These young people have shown remarkable determination and vision. By completing this demanding university-level programme whilst still in secondary school, they've proven that talent exists everywhere - it simply needs the right opportunities to flourish. This graduation marks the beginning of our ambition to position the Midlands as Ireland's premier region for ICT education and digital innovation." Chief Executive of Longford County Council, Paddy Mahon said, "Education transforms lives, and this programme demonstrates what becomes possible when local government, universities, and schools work in genuine partnership. We're committed to extending the STEM Passport for Inclusion across all Midland counties. Every student who gains these skills and qualifications strengthens not just their own future, but the economic and social fabric of our entire region." The programme's expansion is supported by collaboration between Longford County Council, the STEM Passport for Inclusion team at Maynooth University, TUS, and the Midlands ICT Network. TUS joins MTU Kerry and Maynooth University in delivering this pathway, ensuring students from underrepresented groups gain increased access to STEM careers. A panel discussion at the Midlands Showcase, titled "How STEM in the Midlands is Redefining Ireland's Digital Horizon", featured Christine Collins (Broadband & Digital Officer, Longford County Council), Sabahat Khan (Assistant Chief Executive/CIO, LGMA), Elizabeth Clinton (INFUSE Team Lead, Ericsson), and Shannon Boyle (Teacher, St. Mary's Primary School, Edgeworthstown). The discussion was hosted by Gráinne Seoige. The initiative receives EU Just Transition funding. See more stories here.

The Clare-based chairperson of the Oireachtas Education Committee is suggesting primary schools hire dedicated Irish language teachers as a solution to the recruitment and retention crisis. Former primary school teacher, Meelick Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe, has proposed having teachers tasked solely with teaching Irish "to uphold the quality of Irish in schools". The move, he says, would allow those without Irish, such as non-nationals, to purse careers in primary school teaching. Speaking in the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education and Youth, Deputy Crowe claims it would open up opportunities for "qualified" and "highly competent" people from different backgrounds to become teachers.

A recent study has exposed a gap in the amount of time allocated to teaching primary school students how to type and in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss why learning to type still matters and what is best practice in teaching it. Also in this edition, the danger posed by potholes to Victoria's motorcycle community, the extraordinary lengths one man has gone to raise awareness of the destruction of our natural habitat our mental health. Plus, why we still love Lady Gaga.

Those involved in education in Kerry are urging parents and guardians to have their say in a Department of Education survey on the future of primary schools. Jerry spoke to Mary Brosnan, principal of Tralee Educate Together national school, Bishop of Kerry, Dr Ray Browne, and Con Moynihan, director of schools, youth and music with Kerry ETB.

More budget previews, as Rachel Reeves targets the cost of living crisis, why is the new army tank making soldiers sick, and how did Keir Starmer get in trouble with a Headteacher of a Primary School?

It's parent-teacher meeting season and while the experience can be a joy for some parents and teachers, that's not quite the case for everyone. So, what's the most annoying thing about parent-teacher meetings? Is it parents who hog teachers?Jonathan asked Jen Hogan, Irish Times journalist and Host of Conversations with parents' podcast and Simon Lewis, Primary School principal & Host of If I were the Minister for Education podcast.

Welcome to the final episode of our miniseries on Finding Your Ikigai, where we invite a series of guests to explore what it truly means to live a good life, incorporating the concept of Ikigai alongside Providend's Philosophy of Sufficiency.As trusted advisers to affluent clients for over two decades, we've always advocated that clients prioritise life decisions before financial ones. These life decisions are what we refer to as “Ikigai” decisions.In this episode, our Founder and CEO, Christopher Tan, chats with Sha-En Yeo, Singapore's first Happiness Scientist®, 2× TEDx Speaker, and Founder of 'Happiness Scientists', where she helps leaders move from burnout to success with fulfilment. For the past 14 years, she has worked across APAC to support organisations, schools and individuals through positive psychology–based coaching, training and keynotes on mental health, resilience and wellbeing.Sha-En shares her unconventional journey, from supporting a struggling student as a young teacher to discovering positive psychology. Through stories of uprooting her family to study overseas, and leaving the stability of an iron-rice-bowl job, she reflects on how small, courageous steps can lead us closer to our ikigai.You may reach out to Sha-En via her LinkedIn or website.Through deep conversations with our advisers, you will gain clarity on what matters most in life and what needs to be done to live a good life, both financially and non-financially—with your Ikigai goals at the forefront of your wealth plan.Music courtesy of ItsWatR.The host of this episode, Christopher Tan, is Chief Executive Officer of Providend, Singapore's first fee-only wealth advisory firm and author of the book “Money Wisdom: Simple Truths for Financial Wellness”.The full list of Providend's Money Wisdom podcast episodes from Season 4 can be found here.Did you know that our Providend's Money Wisdom podcast is now available in video format on YouTube? Follow us on our YouTube channel for new episode on Thursday at 8pm.

There has been a breakdown in discussions over pensions for school secretaries and caretakers. Last Thursday night saw the talks come to a halt at the Workplace Relations Commission. The aftermath saw Fórsa pointing the finger of blame at the Department of Education for failing to engage meaningfully on a range of proposals. Over 2 thousand secretaries and caretakers went on strike for eight days at the start of the school year. Forsa says further strike action cannot be ruled out. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Rena McGrath, Vice-Chairperson and Treasurer of Fórsa School Secretaries Branch on the Clare/Galway border and Bernie Dillon, Secretary at St Senan's Primary School in Kilrush. Photo (c) Riccardo Mojana via Canva

A west Auckland primary school has told parents the coloured play sand it's been using is positive for asbestos. It's arranging decontamination and air quality tests. The sand is part of a major recall of mulltiple products. Meanwhile, 23 schools and 12 early learning services around the country are temporarily closed or planning to close. John O'Regan, the Principal of Enner Glynn school in Nelson spoke to Lisa Owen.

This year's winner, Paula Taylor from The ACT Academy of Future Skills describes her approach to supporting teachers to be exceptional STEM educators. 

This is part one of a four-part special focusing on parenting in the digital age. Jess is joined by Alex Cooney of CyberSafeKids, Dr Daragh McCashin of the DCU Anti-Bullying Centre, and Dr Brendan Kelly of Trinity College. This was recorded in front of a live audience in Dublin. This project was in partnership with CyberSafeKids and funded by the TV Licence.

Emma O'Kelly, Education correspondent, RTE, discusses the survey of primary school parents by the Department of Education on the ethos of their school.

Dr Seamus Conboy, Director of Schools with the Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI)

In this powerful and humbling episode, Bart connects across continents with Mumbere Dieme, a 27-year-old leader from the mountains of Western Uganda whose story redefines what it means to rise, serve, and give.Mumbere grew up in a poor, war-torn region where sleeping on the ground and walking barefoot to school were not uncommon. His father—a struggling but steadfast pastor—taught him faith, kindness, and the importance of serving others, even when you have little. Through Compassion International, Mumbere was sponsored as a child, receiving not only education and medical care but also the belief that he could be more than his circumstances.That gift of opportunity became his life's mission. After earning his nursing degree, Mumbere chose not to pursue a hospital career. Instead, he returned home to rebuild a school that had once been destroyed by storms—reviving it under the shade of a single tree and growing it into the Kyarumba Joint Christian Orphanage, Nursery, and Primary School, now serving more than 100 children. Some students walk miles each day to attend. Some cannot afford shoes. But all are learning, laughing, and discovering hope because one man decided to lead with compassion instead of comfort.What makes this story extraordinary is not only the miles that separate Bart's suburban Virginia world from Mumbere's mountainous village, but how kindness—and a shared belief in possibility—bridges the distance. This is not a story of charity. It's a story of character, connection, and calling.Major TakeawaysKindness multiplies. A sponsored child becomes the sponsor of many. What we receive in grace, we can give in gratitude.Adversity is not the opposite of opportunity. Mumbere's struggles built his empathy, discipline, and leadership—traits that now anchor his community.Leadership is service in motion. His nursing background and compassion blend naturally into teaching, nurturing, and guiding young lives.Faith fuels resilience. Even after his father survived a rebel attack, Mumbere never lost hope. He learned that service is stronger than fear.Connection is powerful. Across languages, continents, and bandwidth limitations, kindness finds a way to connect—and to inspire action.Memorable Quotes“I used to sleep on the ground. Now I help children find a place to dream.”“Those who have little can still give much. Sometimes hope is the only thing we own.”“Most people don't believe kindness can change a country—but it changed mine.”“My father taught me to serve others, not to be served. That is where love begins.”Why It Matters / How to Use ItThis episode is a reminder that impact doesn't require wealth—it requires will. Every act of kindness ripples outward, touching lives you may never meet. Mumbere's story challenges us to re-examine comfort, gratitude, and purpose.Wherever you live—whether it's the suburbs of Northern Virginia or the mountains of Western Uganda—you have the power to create hope. Sometimes that begins with a single connection, a single conversation, or a single decision to do what Most People Don't… but YOU Do.

Sheila Naughton, Reporter, speaks to students at St James' Primary School in Dublin about their Halloween costumes on school dress-up day.

During his visit on October 6, 2025, he met his teachers and staff members, joyfully reminisced about his cherished school days, and shared his heartfelt reflections in the studios of the Sri Sathya Sai Media Centre.

Promising signs of improvement across the primary education sector. The Education Review Office has found teachers are seeing more engaged students, and three-quarters of parents report progress since the start of the year. It follows new data showing more new entrants exceeding phonics expectations. President of Auckland Primary Principals' Association Lucy Naylor told Mike Hosking they're also noticing changes in the engagement and attention of children. She says although the curriculum is still new, these are good signs. Naylor told Hosking the new English and maths curriculum is like a springboard for the next round of subject improvements. She says the slower roll out in other areas has been useful for teachers, so they can focus on core subjects first and feel prepared for more changes to come. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the podcast, we chat with Matt Jessop, a primary school head teacher from the North West of England who have won our Primary School of the Year TWICE! We discuss the innovative approaches Matt is implementing in his school, particularly in integrating technology and outdoor learning. The conversation digs into the challenges facing the education system, including funding issues, accountability, and the need for systemic change. Matt makes a big point about the importance of engaging students in their learning and the potential of hybrid education models to better serve diverse learners. The discussion also touches on the role of big tech in education and the necessity for a curriculum that meets the needs of today's students.Chapters00:00 Introduction02:44 Matt's Journey and School Environment06:11 Innovative Approaches in Primary Education10:51 Challenges in Education Technology and Funding15:10 Accountability and the Education System20:22 The Need for Systemic Change in Education27:18 The Evolving Skill of Learning to Learn28:05 Navigating AI and Misinformation 30:12 The Need for Reform30:51 The Fractured System32:45 Hybrid Education36:52 Vouchers and Microschools39:45 Creativity Over Regurgitation42:38 The Role of Data 44:07 A Vision for Hybrid Learning50:22 The Importance of Student Ownership in LearningConnect with Matt on LinkedInListen to Matt's Joining the Dots podcastThanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you.Ben & Steve xChampioning those who are making the future of education a reality.Follow us on XFollow us on LinkedInJoin the WhatsApp CommunityWant to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work?Get in touchGet your tickets for Edufuturists Uprising 2026

The Education Minister's confident successful primary school literacy results aren't just low hanging fruit. Results from the new phonics literacy programme show 58% of students are at or above expectations after 20 weeks. More than 40% of students exceeded expectations in Term 3 – more than double the first term. Erica Stanford says they're tracking where they hoped. But she told Mike Hosking this couldn't be achieved by just anyone and required a government who was prepared to follow the science. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Footscray Primary School a Melbourne ha adottato, quattro anni fa, un programma bilingue italiano e inglese. Abbiamo trascorso una mattinata con studenti e insegnanti per celebrare la XXV edizione della Settimana della lingua italiana che quest'anno avrà come tema “Italofonia: lingua oltre i confini”.

Education correspondent, Emma O' Kelly tells us more on how the new system will not allow parents to list the schools they want to go in order of preference.

On December 16, 2021, what should have been a day of celebration for Hillcrest Primary School students marking the end of the school year turned to tragedy in an instant. In the wake of an unforeseen accident that is sadly not unique of its' kind, the community and families were left to pick up the pieces and mourn the losses of that fateful day. 

Helen McEntee, Minister for Education and Youth, outlines the specifications for the Redeveloped Primary School Curriculum, which is being launched today.

Brian Mooney, guidance counsellor and education coloumnist with the Irish Times, gives brief overview of what changes and how it changes.

Cheif Executive of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, Arlene Forester, tells us more about the upcoming changes to the new primary school curriculum.