In a bid to empower senior Politics and Society students with a nuanced understanding of the intricate relationship between politics and society, Kinsale Community School hosted a Politics and Society morning on Friday 15th December.  The event featured two distinguished guest speakers, Gerry Reilly from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) and Dr. Philip Murphy from University College Cork (UCC). Together, these experts offered invaluable insights into the dynamic forces that shape our political landscape and influence societal structures.

Navigating the Data Maze with Gerry Reilly:

"Data: A Window into Society"

Gerry Reilly, a Senior CSO Statistician, gave an in-depth exploration of the role data plays in shaping our understanding of society and how the data gathered by CSO informs Government planning and policy making.   Mr. Reilly adeptly guided students through the complexities of statistical analysis, emphasizing its pivotal role in informing policies that address contemporary challenges. From unemployment rates to social demographics, the presentation served as a beacon, showcasing how data serves as a powerful tool for fostering informed decision-making and steering societal progress.

Following this presentation, students participated in a lively question and answer session.

Demystifying False News with Philip Murphy:

In the fast-paced and interconnected world of today, the ability to discern between credible information and false news is an essential skill for every citizen.  Philip’s presentation delved into the intricate web of false news, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon. With clarity and expertise, Mr. Murphy explored the various forms of misinformation, from misleading headlines and manipulated images to the spread of unverified information on social media platforms.

By bringing together two prominent voices in the fields of data analysis and political science, the school demonstrated its commitment to providing a holistic and enriching education for our students of Politics and Society.