Aistear

Childs centred approach to education

As a former student of Breaffy National School I always felt that there was a distinct focus by the then Principal on a more holistic approach to the education of the child. Now that my own children are attending this school it is clear that this ethos has continued and developed through the current Principal.

The school’s child centred approach to education means that, in addition to the traditional academic components, the teachers actively cultivate the development of the whole child, their social skills, their participation in the community, and connect with each child’s unique needs.

The children are encouraged by the teachers to find their own voice and develop their own personality and sense of place in the world and are equipped with the tools to learn and achieve their potential through their formative years.

Breaffy National School is a forward thinking educational facility run by a Principal with a clear vision for the school’s future, ably supported by a well-trained, skilled and motivated staff.

Former Student

Breaffyns

2018-06-01T18:05:52+01:00

Former Student

https://breaffyns.ie/testimonials/1528/

A Praiseworthy School

Three generations of Brigid Bourke’s family from the US, UK and Eire converged on Breaffy National School in June 2017 to commemorate the sound foundation with which the school had equipped her before her migration at age 16 to the United States. My sister, Linda Skelly, and I were deeply moved to see the detailed records organised and retained on our mother’s attendance at the School. I am sure that my mother’s ability to question received truths, and determination to take the long view, contributed to my formation as a scientist. I had the good fortune to spend a memorable day at this praiseworthy School. I took part in three memorable sessions, in this school so ably led by George Moran. First, I worked with the students, discussing the research on the brain for which I was awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine or Physiology in 2014. They demonstrated lively interest, posing intelligent questions. In the second session, the teaching staff and I explored how the cognitive map theory illuminated links between brain and behaviour. Their probing comments ranged across basic scientific research, clinical applications, the structure of language and music. The third session was a superb concert by the choir. They sang songs from the National Children’s Choir programme which they had performed in both the Breaffy Arena and the National Concert Hall. I note the close links between the School and the local community and am mindful of the cooperation between Kevin and Margaret Bourke and George Moran in facilitating this event.

John O’Keefe, Fellow of the Royal Society, FMedSci
Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience
Sainsbury Wellcome Centre
University College London

Breaffyns

2018-06-01T18:03:27+01:00

John O’Keefe, Fellow of the Royal Society, FMedSci
Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience
Sainsbury Wellcome Centre
University College London

https://breaffyns.ie/testimonials/1527/

An excellent foundation for learning in a safe and caring environment

We have found that Breaffy National School delivers an excellent foundation for learning in a safe and caring environment for our children to grow and develop.

From the moment your child joins Breaffy National School, you sense that you belong to strong community within a very welcoming environment.

Optional after-school activities are organised by the teachers and our children have been happy to attend various activities throughout the school year. We have been fortunate to benefit from informative talks on topics such as hosted by the school.

We also appreciate the excellent communication that the school delivers, with relevant texts being sent. The level of support offered to parents and students is second to none. The principal and teachers are completely dedicated, always giving 100% and for this we are extremely grateful.

Parent of Four Students

Breaffyns

2016-03-14T15:19:08+00:00

Parent of Four Students

https://breaffyns.ie/testimonials/testimonial-1/

Breaffyns

’Aistear’ means ‘ Journey ‘ and offers new approaches and methodologies that allows children learn in an active,

engaged and integrated way through play. The children experience this form of teaching and learning in the infant classrooms as well as in the Aistear room which is located in the old school beside the Library.

Depending on the theme of Aistear, different subjects, strands and skills of the infant curriculum are integrated and taught during the play sessions.

In Breaffy School this iniative is led by the Deputy Principal Mairead Murphy. Teachers of up to second class provide enjoyable and challenging learning experiences, so that all children can grow and develop as competent and confident learners in line with our mission statement and vision for your child in our school ,

Aistear describes the types of learning (dispositions, values and attitudes, skills, knowledge, and understanding) that are important for children in their early years, and offers ideas and suggestions as to how this learning might be nurtured.

Aistear

Childs centred approach to education

A Praiseworthy School

An excellent foundation for learning in a safe and caring environment

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