Ireland, the neighboring state of Great Britain, is currently considered one of the richest countries in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. Over the past few years, it has become the preferred destination for foreign students with a desire to study in western Europe.
Briefly about education in Ireland
Today, the number of foreign students who decide to move to Ireland is growing. Some of the country's best educational institutions offer unique courses for undergraduate and graduate students. The education system in Ireland has a three-tier device. This is primary, secondary and 3rd level education received at universities and colleges. Since the 1960s, education has undergone major changes due to continued economic growth. Funding for education in Ireland lies almost entirely with the state and the church. In addition to public schools, a number of private schools are represented in the country. Private schools are more efficient. This can be explained by the family and socio-economic situation of the student community.
Education is compulsory for children between the ages of six and sixteen, or until students complete three-year studies at the second level. Level 3 education is optional. In Ireland, education is divided into the following levels:
- Primary School.
- High school.
- Higher Education in Ireland (Level 3).
The language used in teaching is English, with the exception of the Gaeltacht and Gaelscoileanna schools (Irish schools, Gaelscoil). In these schools, Irish is the primary means of instruction at all levels, and English is taught as a second language. At universities, courses are usually taught in English. Some universities offer courses in part in French, German or Spanish. Irish language teaching remains compulsory at public educational institutions. There are exceptions for students who have spent a long time abroad or have difficulty learning.
History of the Irish Education System
Under criminal law, earlier Irish Catholics were not allowed to attend schools. Instead, they organized informal, secret meetings that were held in private homes called hedge schools. Historians generally agree that by the mid-1820s, this was the way that kind of education was organized for 400,000 students.
Criminal law was repealed in the 1790s, making the “secret schools” legal, although they still did not receive government assistance or funding. Formally, schools for Catholics led by trained teachers began to appear only after 1800. This year can be considered the time when the educational system in Ireland appeared. Edmund Ignatius Rice, a Catholic missionary and enlightener, founded two religious brotherhood institutes. He opened numerous schools that were legal and standardized. The discipline was very strict there.
In accordance with the Law of 1831 "On the creation of a national educational system", the British government appointed a commissioner for national education, whose task was to improve the quality of education and literacy in English. The number of “secret schools” declined after 1831: Catholic bishops took patronage over education. The new schools under their supervision were largely controlled by the Catholic Church and made it possible to better supervise the teaching of Catholic doctrine.
years of education
Primary education there usually begins at four to five years old. You are enrolling in classes for young children to receive pre-school education in Ireland at the age of four or five years, depending on the wishes of the parents.
Primary School:
- Toddlers (4-5 / 5-6 years old).
- Older babies (5-6 / 6-7 years old).
- First grade (6-7 / 7-8 years).
- Second class (7-8 / 8-9 years).
- Third grade (8-9 / 9-10 years).
- Fourth grade (9-10 / 10-11 years).
- Fifth grade (10-11 / 11-12 years).
- Sixth grade (11-12 / 12-13 years).
Education in Ireland involves a junior cycle - a program designed for three years, ending with an exam, which takes in all subjects (approximately 10 or 11) in early June (immediately after the end of the third year):
- The first year (12-14 years).
- The second year (13-15 years).
- The third year (14-16 years).
Senior cycle is a two-year program for preparing students for exams for a matriculation certificate. Tests are conducted immediately after the end of the sixth year:
- The fifth year (16–18 or 15–17 years).
- Sixth year (17–19 years old or 16–18 years old).
In order to prepare students for the state exam in both the senior and junior cycles, the February exam (also known as the preliminary exam) is held annually in many schools. Such an event is not a state exam. In this case, independent companies provide examination papers and grading schemes. Therefore, the event is not required for all schools.
It is difficult to say specifically about the timing of obtaining a third level education. It all depends on the program of the institution in which the student is studying, as well as on the degree that the future specialist is applying for. However, a rough estimate can be given: a bachelor's degree will take 3-4 years, a magistrate - plus another 2 years, a doctoral program will take from 2 to 6 years - it depends on the type and purpose of the research work.
Elementary education
An educational program for toddlers is available in all schools. The primary school system includes 8 years of education: younger and older children, grades one through six. Most children attend primary school between the ages of four and twelve, although this is not necessary before six. The smallest share of them begins to study in three years.
Almost all state-funded primary schools are under church control. Irish law allows such schools to consider religion the main factor in admission. Institutions with excessive competition for a place often prefer to accept Catholics instead of non-Catholics, which creates difficulties for other families.
The primary education of Ireland, as a rule, is completed at the national, multiconfessional school, the gaelscoil school (here the subjects are taught in Irish) or at the preparatory school:
- National schools have existed since the introduction of public primary education. They are usually supervised by a governing council under the diocesan patronage and often include a local priest in their subjective composition. The term "national school" in recent years has become synonymous with elementary school in some ways.
- Gaelscoil is an innovation that arose in the middle of the 20th century. Irish is the main language in these schools. They differ from Irish national schools in that most of them are run by the voluntary organization Foras Pátrúnachta na Scoileanna Lán-Ghaeilge, rather than diocesan patronage. The presence of such schools can be attributed to the features of education in Ireland.
- Multinational schools are another innovation. They often open at the request of parents. So, students of all religions and backgrounds can freely receive education.
- Preparatory schools are independent, paid schools that do not rely on government funding. Usually they serve to prepare children for admission to paid independent or voluntary institutions. Most of them are under the patronage of a religious order.
Secondary education
Teenagers go to high school at the age of twelve. Most students receive secondary education, with approximately 90% of graduates taking the final exam, a certificate of maturity, aged 16-19 years (at the 6th year of secondary school). In Ireland, secondary education is usually completed in one of four types of schools:
- Voluntary high schools or simply “high schools” are owned and controlled by religious communities or private organizations. The state finances the payment of salaries to teachers and the lion's share of other expenses. Such schools serve the majority of high school students.
- Vocational schools. Owned and managed by education and training boards.
- Comprehensive schools or “community schools” were created in the 1960s, often by combining voluntary secondary and vocational schools. They are fully funded by the state and controlled by local councils.
- Gaelcholaiste or Gaelcholaistí are second-level schools for Irish secondary education in English-speaking communities.
Types of educational programs
The younger cycle is based on education received at the elementary level, and ends with a certificate. This period usually begins at the age of 12 or 13 years. The junior certificate exam is taken after three years of study. We are talking about exams in English, Irish, mathematics and science, as well as in other subjects. These are, as a rule, art criticism, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Latin, Ancient Greek, music, business studies, technology, economics, history, geography, civil society and religious studies. The choice of optional and compulsory subjects varies by school. Most students master about ten subjects.
The transition year is a one-year informal course that is attended by an increasing number of students, usually aged 15-16. Its availability depends on the particular school. This year is required only in some institutions. Students may attend structured classes, but they do not cover materials related to senior cycle exams or exams for a matriculation certificate.
The senior cycle is based on the younger one and ends with the final exam for the senior certificate. Typically, students begin their studies at the age of 15-17 years, after the end of the junior cycle or transitional year. The matriculation exam is taken after two years of study, usually between the ages of 17-19. After passing the exam for a matriculation certificate, the teenager receives an appropriate certificate. Further, it is possible to study at a university.
Level 3 Education (Irish Higher Education)
A wide range of institutions in the Republic of Ireland provides 3rd level education. The university and technology sectors, as well as colleges, are heavily funded by the state. Moreover, there are more than a dozen private independent institutions that provide additional education in Ireland:
- University sector. Irish universities are almost entirely funded by the state, but in general they are independent of it. There are seven universities in Ireland.
- The technological sector contains technological institutes that have educational programs in the following areas: business, science, engineering, linguistics and music. There are 14 technological institutes throughout the country.
- Colleges. In addition to state-funded colleges, a number of paid universities offer additional courses, usually in vocational education and business. Some of these educational institutions work closely with institutions or professional associations. Others - provide specialized training for primary school teachers. They offer a 3-year bachelor's degree in education and an 18-month diploma in education. Teachers working in primary school usually receive an appropriate degree, followed by graduate school.
Graduate school
Graduate studies can be either a training program or research. It usually falls into one of several categories:
- Postgraduate diploma: often it is a professional educational course combined with teaching.
- Master's degree: either an educational course or voluminous research work. The magistrate usually lasts one or two years. It includes term paper and thesis.
- Candidate of Sciences: Doctoral degree awarded for a thesis based on scientific research. Training takes at least 3 years. The dissertation should be an original study, useful for science.
Distance learning
Distance education in Ireland or online learning is a mode that allows students to study most or all of the course without attending school. In this case, students communicate with teachers and other students through e-mail, electronic forums, video conferences, chats, message boards, instant messages and other forms of computer interaction.
Programs often include an online learning system and tools for creating virtual classes. The cost of training depends on the institution. Undoubtedly, here the student monitors the costs associated with living and transportation. The remote option is also a great solution for people who already have a job but still want or need further training.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it should be noted that primary, secondary and higher education in Ireland are categories that are set at a high level, which may well be considered one of the best in Northern Europe. In the Republic of Ireland in 2008, there were seven universities that were among the top 500 universities in the world, according to Times Higher Education.