mirrorwall14 wrote: » In my departments for example I have only the one LC class. If they are to be split the other teacher of the subject has only ever had maternity leaves. Who decides who I teach? Who gets to be in the class with their actual teacher and who gets the filler teacher? And if I’m also used for maths my other subject because they have large classes it’s worse. I haven’t taught senior maths in over five years now. I’m far less on the ball than other teachers. Who decides who gets the experienced teacher who is super on top of the LC syllabus and marking schemes and has taught the class all year?
mirrorwall14 wrote: » Exactly, you phrased it better than me. I think there’s a real issue teaching for two weeks if we need severe social distancing and it would leave schools and teacher open to massive complaints. In my departments for example I have only the one LC class. If they are to be split the other teacher of the subject has only ever had maternity leaves. Who decides who I teach? Who gets to be in the class with their actual teacher and who gets the filler teacher? And if I’m also used for maths my other subject because they have large classes it’s worse. I haven’t taught senior maths in over five years now. I’m far less on the ball than other teachers. Who decides who gets the experienced teacher who is super on top of the LC syllabus and marking schemes and has taught the class all year?
Chaya Fresh Shoehorn wrote: » I think it's unrealistic to talk of splitting classes in half. It will need to be split in 4 to allow physical distancing in an average classroom. It sounds like a small thing, but actually it will make a very significant difference to arranging any sort of timetable.
Chaya Fresh Shoehorn wrote: » There will also need to be proper disinfection of desks done as students swap over. Time for this will need to be timetabled in.
Chaya Fresh Shoehorn wrote: » I think it's unrealistic to talk of splitting classes in half. It will need to be split in 4 to allow physical distancing in an average classroom. It sounds like a small thing, but actually it wil make a very significant difference to arranging any sort of timetable. There will also need to be proper disinfection of desks done as students swap over. Time for this will need to be timetabled in.
randylonghorn wrote: » You could well be right, but if only 6th years are in, would you have access to any bigger rooms to reduce the number of groups needed?
randylonghorn wrote: » Damn, I was just thinking back, the secondary school I attended would have the hall, a "double" classroom with a partition which could be rolled back (the "old hall" refitted when the new big one was built), and 2 large "open areas" all of which could easily fit 13-15 with social distancing. In fact the hall and double classroom would probably take a full class group. And it's 40+ years old, or at least the main part is. Older part would have smaller rooms all right.
km79 wrote: » Simon Harris has given an interview to our favourite Sunday newspaper The Sunday Independent He says they are hoping to have schools reopen at least once a week before the end of the summer Not sure if he means primary or secondary So many questions............ Be interesting to see how they would plan on doing it all the same to ensure the safety of all concerned Hope there is a plan and this is not just a populist idea . Have seen it happen in a couple of other countries with primary schools though so who know
khalessi wrote: » Here are my questions so far and I'm primary. Will PPE be provided for staff? Will other bulidings be coopted for use as schools like hotels as drop down hospitals? Will classes be split into small groups like the lovely Danish photos all over the papers the other day? 120 in each year group here, need ot be split into max of 6 children per group Will the classes be deep cleaned properly everyday? In my school we have
km79 wrote: » I really hope they have already discussed then in a bit of detail with all stakeholders . And it is not just a response to media pressure It is out there now so it will be latched on to. I would love to return to school . I miss the social side of it immensely. I would like my son to return to his primary school even more so for the same reason But neither will happen unless I’m happy it is safe
km79 wrote: » If it is only primary schools that reopen then I would be sceptical if the motives behind it . Would it be more for childcare so that other areas of economy can reopen ......... Anyway it will be interesting to see what it is planned . It has to happen sometime . But not before it is safe or the whole country will be locked down again Let’s see what the plan is first . I would assume that Harris would not come out and say something like this without some kind of discussions having taken place . Genuinely interested to see if it could work
Shn99 wrote: » Will be interesting to see how they work it. In my school there are 1200+ students and we are strapped for space as it is.
Treppen wrote: » I think he's just stoking it. There was ZERO mention of medical advice or discussion around planning and consulting. Sure let's open schools... but definitely not pubs he says..... or GAA fixtures :pac: you gotta laugh at this country's priorities. Let's experiment on the kiddies first. It will also help with giving the parent's with some free childcare. I'm sure the kids will learn loooooads and catch up on their one day a week.
km79 wrote: » It was a dangerous statement if there is nothing behind it The papers will run with possible “plans “ form various “experts” every day now
Treppen wrote: » It's purposely vague. Open for one day could mean kids back on June 29th.
Chaya Fresh Shoehorn wrote: » I'm very disappointed in the complete recklessness and populism of Simon Harris. He had come up in my estimation during this crisis but I'm afraid his weak reactive pandering to media pressure, while failing to proactively tackle any issues, comes to the fore once again. There is no health advice to reopen schools this term in any capacity - both Tony Holohan and Philip Nolan have made that pretty clear. They have even been worryingly non committal about even offering hope for the safety of the postponed LC. Jennifer O'Connell wrote an article yesterday saying we should prioritise opening schools, which was full of vague suggestions and unworkable notions. She got a lot of fair criticism on Twitter from teachers and parents alike, became petulant in her responses claiming abuse when none was apparent, and Simon tweeted his support to her and thanked her for opening this "important conversation." Now today he's suddenly exploring the idea. Either she was dishonestly used as a government mouthpiece to test the waters, or he is a weak populist easily swayed by media pressure.
Bobtheman wrote: » Twitter is a cess pit. Mainly used by self promoters. I occasionally join and express an opinion to non teaching "educationalists" and then disappear before I'm sucked in. She has a right to raise the idea . She should have kept it non specific and then left it.
