In our conversation, Artist Clare Blackwell tells us how she makes her colourful screen prints and why, as a social being, she loves being part of a shared studio space.

Clare is a member of open access studio www.damnfineprint.com

Clare has also participated in the Dublin Canvas Project https://www.dublincanvas.com/

www.artsinjuniorcycle.ie
Episode page: https://www.artsinjuniorcycle.ie/podcast-episode-clare-blackwell

Arts in Junior Cycle in Conversation with Clare Blackwell

In our conversation, author, comedian and broadcaster, Colm O'Regan, tells us about how he got into comedy and broadcasting and how that has led to a wide and varied career. He discusses the phenomenon of Irish mammies and some of his favourite anecdotes that have led to the character of Ann Devine in his best-selling book series. Colm also discusses the power of storytelling and what success looks and feels like for him.

www.artsinjuniorcycle.ie/podcast-episode-colm-oregan

Arts in Junior Cycle in conversation with Colm O'Regan

In our conversation, sports photographer James Crombie shares with us the story of how he got into sports photography and what a match day looks like for him. He tells us about what it felt like to win The Irish Press Photography of the Year Award, as well as the process and research involved in capturing Murmuration of Starlings over Lough Ennell. Finally, James tells us about the importance of communication in his work and gives some advice for those who wish to pursue a career in photography.

Episode Page: www.artsinjuniorcycle.ie/podcast-episode-james-crombie

Arts in Junior Cycle in conversation with James Crombie

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.

Arts in Junior Cycle in conversation with Tolü Makay

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

Arts in Junior Cycle in conversation with James Bingham

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.

JCT English In Conversation with Teacher Kevin Dowling

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.

Arts on Junior Cycle in conversation with spoken word artist 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.

JCT English In Conversation with Patrick Huff

Emer Whyte Podcast Questions Recorded Added In

In Conversation With Emer Whyte

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

Arts in Junior Cycle in conversation with writer Sean Farrelly

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

Arts in Junior Cycle in conversation with musicians Zoë Conway and John McIntyre

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 Conversation with Emer Whyte

This two-part episode of ‘Conversations from the Classroom’ features English teacher Joe Rolston from Presentation Secondary School in Wexford. In this first part, 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 students' experiences.

JCT English In Conversation with Joe Rolston - Part 1

In this Junior Cycle Talks Podcast episode, Mike and Paul discuss the learning experiences that design and additive manufacturing can offer to Schools and Industry. 
They also chat about Junior Cycle Engineering and link to the skills that are developed for the world of work.

For more visit www.jct.ie

JCt4 in conversation with 3D WIT’s Mike Kelly and Paul Quinn

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.

JCT English In Conversation With Sonya Kelly

Peadar O’Guilín is an Irish novelist, whose novel The Call, is a new addition to the list of prescribed texts for Junior Cycle English (https://www.gov.ie/en/circular/65046-prescribed-material-for-junior-cycle-english/). The novel is a dystopian adventure exploring themes of courage, disability, love, resilience and societal expectations.  

In this episode we speak to young adult author Peadar O’Guilín about his writing process, the inspiration behind his novel and finding the reader in all of us.

Arts in Junior Cycle and JCT English in conversation with author, Peadar Ó'Guilín

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

Arts in Junior Cycle in Conversation with Writer and Poet Colm Keegan

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.

Arts in Junior Cycle and JCT English in conversation with comic book artist, Will Sliney

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.

JCT English in Conversation with English Teacher, Niall Daly - Part 1

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.

JCT English in Conversation with English Teacher, Niall Daly - Part 2

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.

Arts in Junior Cycle in Conversation with Author Dave Rudden

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.

JCT English in Conversation with English Teacher, Patricia Carlos

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

Arts in Junior Cycle in conversation with composer Elaine Agnew

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.

Arts in Junior Cycle in conversation with film producer John Kelleher

In this episode we talk to Peter Fitton, a maths teacher in Bishopstown Community School in Cork. His areas of interest are group work and student motivation. For more from the JCT Maths team go to www.jct.ie/maths. Queries and comments to info@jct.ie

Tangents Episode 1 With Peter Fitton

Sa clár seo labhráimid le Cliodhna Devitt. Is múinteoir le Mata agus Corpoideachas í Cliodhna i gColáiste Eoin. Déanann sí iarracht seomra ranga a chruthú ina bhfuil úinéireacht ag na daltaí ar a gcuid foghlama féín, go mór mór trí úsáid a bhaint as cleachtas athmhachnaimh.

Déan teagmháil linn info@jct.ie

Tangents Episode 2 With Cliodhna Devitt

Thérèse Dooley is a recently retired Associate Professor of Mathematics Education at DCU Institute of Education. She conducted her PhD studies at the University of Cambridge and entitled her thesis The construction of mathematical insight by pupils in whole-class conversation.
She was one of the lead authors of the NCCA desktop review of research on mathematics education at early-childhood level and, in the context of the redevelopment of the primary mathematics curriculum, recently authored an addendum to this review.
She chaired the tenth conference of the European Society for Research in Mathematics Education (CERME10) that was held in Dublin in 2017, and co-edited its proceedings. In recent years, she has facilitated Japanese Lesson Study with pre-service and in-service teachers and sees it as a very robust form of professional development.
In this podcast she discusses creativity in the context of primary school mathematics and considers some of the thinking around Anna Craft's 'big C and small c' creativity for primary school students.
All of her endeavours in mathematics education are driven by her deep interest in young learners’ development of powerful mathematical thinking. 
To find out more go to www.jct.ie/maths. For queries contact us by email info@jct.ie

Tangents Episode 3 With Dr Thérèse Dooley

The Arts in Junior Cycle team are delighted to present a series of podcasts for teachers to support engagement with the arts and learning in Junior Cycle, produced in collaboration with a range of artists and arts organisations. 
Check out our website jct.ie/artsinjuniorcycle. 
You can expect a rich mix of talks, all designed to delve a little deeper into what inspires our artists and how they bring their art to life. 

To hear more from Junior Cycle Talks, search for us on SoundCloud or anywhere you listen to your podcasts.

Arts in Junior Cycle Podcast Series - An Introduction

A Junior Cycle Talks podcast artist Yvonne Cullivan.
In our conversation Yvonne talks about her creative process, her commitment to public art and why research is so important.

Arts In Junior Cycle In Conversation With Yvonne Cullivan

In this Junior Cycle Talks Podcast episode, Chair of the Irish Woodturners Guild Willie Creighton talks about his life and times, his passion for his craft and where he finds his inspiration.
For more see www.jct.ie

Arts In Junior Cycle With JCt4 in conversation with Willie Creighton

Garry McCarthy (GMCBeats) is a songwriter and music producer with a background in multimedia and IT. He runs creative workshops in songwriting, rap, recording, music technology, video and podcasting for schools and youth groups.  

He also runs the not-for-profit community music space The Kabin Studio in Knocknaheeny, Cork, mentoring and recording young rappers and songwriters in Cork city as well as delivering workshops there with other local musicians. 
In our conversation, recorded in June 2020, Garry talks about his musical influences, the artists who inspire him and why being creative is so important for all of us. 
The podcast includes extracts from some of Garry’s own songs, including Haircut, composed when Garry was 11 years old, Not Tonight (Bouncer Song), Focus and Chasing Shadows.  
We hope you enjoy listening. 
For more on Garry McCarthy’s work, visit: www.gmcbeats.com

Arts in Junior Cycle in conversation with Garry McCarthy

A Junior Cycle Talks podcast with ceramicist Tina Byrne.
Arts in Junior Cycle and the Visual Art team talked to Tina about her creative journey, her ceramics processes and what influences her work.

Arts in Junior Cycle and the Visual Art Team in Conversation with Tina Byrne

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.

Step Up Project | Podcast

Junior Cycle Talks is a podcast provided by the Junior Cycle for Teachers support service. The podcasts explore a variety of issues, themes and topics that may be of interest to all teachers, students, parents and school leaders.

Junior Cycle Talks

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