Changes help redesign maths junior cycle curriculum through Erasmus+ programme

Firhouse Community College reshaped its outlook on maths teaching through a partnership with both Trinity Access Maths Programme and its Erasmus+ programme.

These changes have redesigned the Junior Cyle Maths curriculum by focusing more on task-based learning and emphasised collaborative planning and peer observation.

Teachers have been experiencing positive feedback from students since the roll out of the new initiative, with students showing greater confidence as well as improved engagement and resilience in class.

Firhouse CC has also been participating in TCD’s Erasmus+ project alongside schools from Austria, Sweden and the Czech Republic.

Through a series of training exchanges, participants in the project shared Units of Learning, observed classrooms across Europe and developed new teaching resources.

The Erasmus partners also got the chance to visit Ireland, where they were hosted by Trinity College Dublin for four days before they paid a visit to Firhouse CC campus.

This exchange allowed both the Maths and Science Departments to discuss and share curriculum-based opinions and ideas, including the challenges involved in co designing integrated lessons.

Firhouse Community College is currently applying for the Innovative Maths and Pedagogy and Creative Teaching (IMPACT) Badge and Flag from Trinity Access Maths.

Achieving this recognition would allow the school to celebrate the hard work, creativity, and commitment that our Maths Department has shown throughout this exciting journey.