In the world of education, there's nothing quite like the joy of learning from one another. It's a sentiment that was celebrated with enthusiasm and passion at this year's FÉILTE Scoile, an event that has become an integral part of Kinsale Community School's tradition of excellence in teaching and learning. As we reflect on our 9th annual FÉILTE Scoile, we are filled with pride and inspiration, knowing that this event continues to elevate our commitment to fostering innovative education. 

From FÉILTE to FÉILTE Scoile: A Journey of Sharing and Learning 

FÉILTE, the Teaching Council's Festival of Education in Learning and Teaching Excellence, has grown to become one of the largest gatherings of teachers in Ireland. It brings together educators from primary, post-primary, and further education to share methodologies, resources, ideas, and innovations in teaching, learning, and assessment. This nationwide event has become a source of inspiration and collaboration for teachers who are passionate about their craft. 

Inspired by the spirit of sharing and learning, Kinsale Community School initiated its own "FÉILTE Beag" (Little FÉILTE) where our dedicated staff members led a series of workshops on teaching and learning for their colleagues. This internal event was a resounding success, sparking the idea for the Teaching Council to launch FÉILTE Scoile. 

FÉILTE Scoile: Celebrating Teacher-Led Learning and Innovation 

FÉILTE Scoile is a remarkable initiative that empowers teachers to create their own teacher-led events. It encourages educators to come together, collaborate, and share learning and innovative ideas. This platform facilitates meaningful conversations and provides an opportunity for teachers to inspire and be inspired by each other in small, focused groups. 

The beauty of FÉILTE Scoile lies in its flexibility. Each school can decide the format of their event, allowing for a tailored experience that best suits the needs and aspirations of their teaching community. To qualify as a FÉILTE Scoile event, certain conditions must be met: teachers must lead the event, learning and innovative ideas must be shared among peers.

Kinsale Community School's 9th Annual FÉILTE Scoile 

This year, Kinsale Community School proudly hosted its 9th annual FÉILTE Scoile event, building on the success of previous years. The day was marked by a series of insightful workshops led by our passionate educators, each offering a unique perspective on teaching and learning. These workshops showcased the dedication and commitment of our staff to continuous improvement in education. 

Here are some of the workshops that were presented at our FÉILTE Scoile event: 

• ‘Establishing a Moderate Class for Student Success: Rang Realta’ by Joyce Normoyle and Lydia Minihane 

• ‘Models and Methodologies of Effective Team Teaching’ by Brian O'Reilly and Maria Brosnan 

• ‘The Impact and Effectiveness of Class Tutors on Student Outcomes’ facilitated by Kinsale Community School students, with guidance from James Wilson and Fiona Hedderman 

• ‘Benefits of Using Athena to Track and Support Student Academic Progress’ by Mairead Dullea and Brigita Gallagher 

• ‘How Effective and Scaffolded Group Work Enhances Student Learning and Teacher Wellbeing’ by Rebecca Ring and Aisling Kelleher 

• ‘The Positive Impact of Digital Feedback on Student Wellbeing and Attainment’ by Gemma Cooper, Aaron Bowen, and Ger O'Callaghan 

These workshops showcased the innovative practices, dedication, and expertise of our educators, fostering a culture of continuous learning within our school community. Students were also invited to join in, adding to the collaborative spirit of the day. 

A Celebration of Excellence in Education 

FÉILTE Scoile 2023 was a testament to the unwavering commitment of Kinsale Community School's educators to providing the best possible educational experiences for our students. It emphasized that learning is not a solitary endeavor but a collective journey where teachers inspire, support, and uplift each other. 

As we look forward to the future, we are inspired by the success of our 9th annual FÉILTE Scoile and the dedication of our educators. We remain committed to fostering a culture of innovation and excellence in education, ensuring that our students receive the highest quality learning experiences possible. 

FÉILTE Scoile is not just an event; it's a celebration of the transformative power of teaching and learning. It's a reminder that, as educators, we are continually evolving and growing, and together, we can shape the future of education in Ireland.