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FESS PD Calendar 2023 Autumn/Winter
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- Written by: Mary Sheehy
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The Further Education Support Service has put together a calendar of events for Autumn/Winter 2023 to support those working in the FET environment for SOLAS and DES funded providers. We have focused on offering both face-to-face and on-line webinars and workshops across a range of topics. Those who register for a place on one of the face-to-face events will see the location for the CPD event and those who register for the on-line events will receive a link, via e-mail, that will allow them access the event on the given date and time.
The following is a list of the current series and themes on the PD calendar - please click on the highlighted headings below for further information:
RPL Practical Workshop for providers/practitioners
Addressing the Big Issues of Staff and Team Dynamics
Engaging Learners and Managing Challenging Behaviours in the FET Classroom
Assessment - A series for those interested in locally devised assessment
This is a series of five online sessions that will deal with the following:
- An Introduction to Locally Devised Assessment
- Devising Assessment Briefs and Examination Questions (Locally Devised Assessment)
- Devising Marking Schemes (Locally Devised Assessment)
- Marking Learner Assessment Evidence
- Feedback to Learners on Summative Assessment Tasks
Some issues in diversity and inclusiveness in ESOL, followed by presentation of an ‘Entry to ESOL' Programme
An introduction to Creative Thinking using Lego®Serious Play® this event is not going ahead at this time (This event is not going ahead at this time)
Icebreakers and getting to know each other activities
Literacy friendly organisation and integrating literacy’ – NALA
Artificial Intelligence (AI), What is it and what are the opportunities and challenges for FET?
Jigsaw Self-Care session for those working in FET
Assessing through the UDL Lens
Unlocking the Potential of Rubrics in Teaching, Learning and Assessment
Clear Writing for Developing Programmes and Assessment (Plain English)' NALA
Building a Competency Framework for Soft Skills / Transversal Skills in FET
Trauma Informed Approaches for FET Settings
Please note: If you would like further information about a PD event, please contact FESS at cpdbookings@fess.ie. If you would like to cancel a place at a PD event, please contact FESS at cpdcancellations@fess.ie. To ensure that the maximum number of people get the opportunity to attend a FESS PD event, please give a minimum of four working days notice when cancelling attendance.
Please also note: In response to the fact that a number of people previously booked an online place at a PD event that they subsequently didn't log into, FESS took the decision to allow more people book a place at an event than there are places for. Those who log in first at the designated time for a live online event will be those who will be accommodated with a place. We hope that by taking this action, we will be able to maximise the number of people who are getting to log in to our PD events.
This practical workshop is for practitioners who already have a fundamental knowledge of the principles of RPL. The session will include the following:
• Recap: What is RPL (including RPEL and RPCL)? The target audience for this event is: All FET staff members, including teachers, tutors, trainers, instructors and those in a co-ordination and/or quality assurance role. Facilitation: This event will be facilitated by: Anne Higgins, Independent Consultant. Anne has worked across Further Education and Higher Education for many years, in both teaching and managerial roles. Her most recent role was Quality Assurance Co-ordinator with Galway and Roscommon ETB. She has extensive experience in the delivery and assessment of programmes, and as an External Authenticator. Anne is a former Convenor, of the RPL Practitioner Network National Steering Group and continues to be active in the implementation of RPL initiatives regionally and nationally. Caroline Goode, RPL Support Officer, Limerick and Clare ETB. Caroline joined Limerick and Clare ETB as the first person to be employed in a full-time RPL role in the organisation. She initially acted as RPL Mentor for the National Hairdressing Apprenticeship and successfully mentored eight applicants through RPL for certification of the Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Hairdressing major award. Caroline is now working in a developmental capacity supporting Provision in the ETB in their RPL practice. Siobhan Magee, FESS Please note: Pre-booking is essential. Please do not book onto this session unless you are sure that you will attend / have approval to attend (if required). If an emergency arises, please inform us ASAP (cpdcancellations@fess.ie) as we operate a waiting list system and if time allows, we can offer your booked place to another person. |
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Further Information, Dates and Times | |
Wednesday, 20th September 2023 |
Looking at what it takes to create high functioning leadership teams that impact on learner achievement & understanding learner group dynamics and how this influences pedagogy. This interactive workshop will appeal to those working in FET who have a responsibility for teams of staff or learners. The target audience for this event is: All FET staff members, including teachers, tutors, trainers, instructors and those in a co-ordination and/or quality assurance role. Facilitation: Passionate about groups, diversity and leadership, Chartered Psychologist, Caroline Martin knows how to harness and cultivate a culture of growth. A recognised thought leader and practitioner in the field of positive psychology, she integrates her values of empathy and curiosity in her working relationships. Please note: Pre-booking is essential. Please do not book onto this session unless you are sure that you will attend / have approval to attend (if required). If an emergency arises, please inform us ASAP (cpdcancellations@fess.ie) as we operate a waiting list system and if time allows, we can offer your booked place to another person. |
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Further Information, Dates and Times | |
Thursday, 21st September 2023 |
Engaging Learners and Managing Challenging Behaviours in the FET Classroom | |
This session will cover the two topics outlined below. Engaging Learners in the FET Classroom Managing Challenging Behaviour in the FET Classroom The target audience for this event is: All FET staff members, primarily for teachers/tutors/instructors and it will also be useful for those in a co-ordination and/or quality assurance role. Facilitation: This event will be facilitated by Harry Freeman. Harry currently works as an independent education consultant. From 2002 – 2015 he worked with the Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST), where his primary role was that of national advisor to the Leaving Certificate Applied Programme. Harry has delivered CPD to school leaders and teachers in over 400 post primary schools and FET centres throughout Ireland. He is also strand leader of the Master in Education degree course in Positive Behaviour Management in Trinity College Dublin. His website can be accessed at www.harryfreeman.ie Please note: Pre-booking is essential. Please do not book onto this session unless you are sure that you will attend / have approval to attend (if required). If an emergency arises, please inform us ASAP (cpdcancellations@fess.ie) as we operate a waiting list system and if time allows, we can offer your booked place to another person.
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Further Information, Date and Time | |
Tuesday, 26th September 2023 |
Assessment - A series for those interested in locally devised assessment |
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Please note that this is a repeat of the Assessment suite of events that were offered in Autumn/Winter 2022 and Spring 2023. This is a series of five weekly online sessions that will deal with the following:
Participants are welcome to attend any or all of the sessions in this series. However, ideally participants would attend all five sessions to maximise their learning about local assessment. The target audience for this series is: Assessors new to the area of FET and engaged in a locally devised assessment process. However, the sessions may also appeal to those who wish to refresh their understanding of assessment and/or those tasked with supporting/informing the assessment process locally. Please see further information on the target audience for each of the five sessions below. Facilitation: This series will be facilitated by FESS. Please note: Pre-booking is essential. Please do not book onto an event unless you are sure that you will attend / have approval to attend (if required). If an emergency arises, please inform us ASAP (cpdcancellations@fess.ie) as we operate a waiting list system and if time allows we can offer your booked place to another person. |
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Further Information, Dates and Time | |
An Introduction to Locally Devised Assessment Please note: This is a repeat of the assessment suite of CPD events offered in Autumn 2022 and Spring 2023. The focus of this online session is on supporting the assessor working in a further education and training environment, where the assessor is required to develop local
The target audience for this session is: those assessing learners for the first time, using locally devised assessment instruments. A link to this online session will be emailed in advance. |
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Devising Assessment Briefs and Examination Questions (Locally Devised Assessment) Please note: This is a repeat of the assessment suite of CPD events offered in Autumn 2022 and Spring 2023. A link to this online session will be emailed in advance. |
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Devising Marking Schemes (Locally Devised Assessment) Please note: This is a repeat of the assessment suite of CPD events offered in Autumn 2022 and Spring 2023. The focus of this online session is on devising marking schemes and outline solutions, as part of local assessment, at NFQ levels 4 – 6, for both assessment briefs and examination papers. The target audience for this event is: those assessing learners for the first time, using local assessment. A link to this online session will be emailed in advance. |
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Marking Learner Assessment Evidence Please note: This is a repeat of the assessment suite of CPD events offered in Autumn 2022 and Spring 2023. This online session will focus on:
The target audience for this session is: those marking learners’ summative assessment evidence. In addition, this event is targeted at those who have a role in A link to this online session will be emailed in advance. |
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Feedback to Learners on Summative Assessment Tasks Please note: This is a repeat of the assessment suite of CPD events offered in Autumn 2022 and Spring 2023. A link to this online session will be emailed in advance. |
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Follow-up Assessment Clinic This one hour online clinic is designed as a follow-up support to complement the recently delivered suite of 5 PD sessions focusing on locally devised assessment. This clinic will provide an opportunity for FET practitioners to pose any locally-devised assessment questions and queries that they may have. An informal approach will be adopted for this session where the clinic will be participant-led, which will allow for the sharing and discussion of ideas. These clinics will be hosted on Zoom and the link will be emailed to participants in advance of the event. Wednesday 8th November 2023 16.00 - 17.00 |
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Follow-up Assessment Clinic This one hour online clinic is designed as a follow-up support to complement the recently delivered suite of 5 PD sessions focusing on locally devised assessment. This clinic will provide an opportunity for FET practitioners to pose any locally-devised assessment questions and queries that they may have. An informal approach will be adopted for this session where the clinic will be participant-led, which will allow for the sharing and discussion of ideas. These clinics will be hosted on Zoom and the link will be emailed to participants in advance of the event. Thursday, 23rd November 2023 16.00 - 17.00 |
Some issues in diversity and inclusiveness in ESOL, followed by presentation of an ‘Entry to ESOL' Programme |
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This will be a participative / interactive session for teachers of ESOL for refugees and asylum seekers in Ireland. The first part of the session will deal with issues around inclusion and diversity. There will be a particular focus on the needs of adult Learners who are Beginners taking their first steps in English. Participants will have an opportunity to discuss their own experience and current issues with others in breakout rooms. There will also be some links to current work being developed in Cavan and Monaghan for Absolute Beginners. The target audience for this event is: All FET staff members with an interest in ESOL. This session is particularly relevant to ESOL tutors and co-ordinators and those working with learners from other countries. Adult literacy tutors and co-ordinators may also be interested in this session. Facilitation: This event will be facilitated by Arthur Mc Keown, Paula Owen and Kathy Bae. Please note: Pre-booking is essential. Please do not book onto this session unless you are sure that you will attend / have approval to attend (if required). If an emergency arises, please inform us ASAP (cpdcancellations@fess.ie) as we operate a waiting list system and if time allows, we can offer your booked place to another person. |
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Further Information, Date and Time |
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Wednesday, 4th October 2023 - 14.00 to 16.00 A link to this online event will be emailed in advance. |
An introduction to Creative Thinking using Lego®Serious Play® (This event is not going ahead at this time) |
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An introduction to Creative Thinking using Lego®Serious Play® (In-person full day) Building with LEGO® bricks in a very different way to normal building, is a fun and surprisingly powerful and effective way to engage the brain into thinking through scenarios with the hands, we call this THINKERING. This one-day hands-on practical workshop will look at different ways to use Lego® with participants to explore hand mind connections and learning. When we use our hands to ‘tinker’ we engage the part of the brain that generates sensory images in our minds. This helps us to work out our thoughts and ideas and develop deeper understanding. The workshop will include a range of enjoyable and engaging activities that can be applied in the FET classroom or to staff / group meetings to support active thinking, connecting ideas, problem solving, sharing, discussion, team building etc. The target audience for this event is: FET teachers, tutors, trainers, instructors and other staff members. Facilitation: This event will be facilitated by Miriam O’Donoghue. Miriam is an independent facilitator, trainer and consultant with a strong background and experience of working in Education both nationally and internationally that includes teaching, lecturing and training roles at Primary, Post-primary, Further Education and Training, and Higher Education (Teacher Education) levels. Miriam has also held senior management roles in Curriculum Development, Professional Development and Education Support Services. Please note: Pre-booking is essential. Please do not book onto this session unless you are sure that you will attend / have approval to attend (if required). If an emergency arises, please inform us ASAP (cpdcancellations@fess.ie) as we operate a waiting list system and if time allows, we can offer your booked place to another person. |
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To register please click on the link below |
Further Information, Date and Time |
Thursday, 5th October 2023 9.30 - Registration, tea/coffee 10.00 - 16.00 Athlone Springs Hotel, R362, Monksland, Athlone, Co. Roscommon. N37 F9T3 |
Icebreakers and getting to know each other activities |
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Icebreakers and getting to know each other activities (online – 2 hours) This workshop explores some tools, activities and approaches that can be used to help student groups introduce themselves, interact with each other or get to know each other better in a fun, and non cringy way! This is a great session for teachers early in the academic year but can also be used over time to help students gain more awareness and understanding of each other. Workshop participants will experience a string of different activities so that they can select those that will work best for their groups for later implementation. Materials needed: Participants need to bring to the session: a pen, large sheets of paper, scissors, coloured markers/pencils, a small bundle of old magazines/brochures with pictures, a glue stick/sellotape and a dice. The target audience for this event is: All FET staff members, including teachers, tutors, trainers, instructors and those in a co-ordination and/or quality assurance role. Facilitation: This event will be facilitated by Miriam O’Donoghue. Miriam is an independent facilitator, trainer and consultant with a strong background and experience of working in Education both nationally and internationally that includes teaching, lecturing and training roles at Primary, Post-primary, Further Education and Training, and Higher Education (Teacher Education) levels. Miriam has also held senior management roles in Curriculum Development, Professional Development and Education Support Services. Please note: Pre-booking is essential. Please do not book onto this session unless you are sure that you will attend / have approval to attend (if required). If an emergency arises, please inform us ASAP (cpdcancellations@fess.ie) as we operate a waiting list system and if time allows, we can offer your booked place to another person. |
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To register please click on the link below |
Further Information, Dates and Times |
Monday, 9th October 2023 - 14.00 to 16.00 A link to this online session will be emailed in advance. |
Literacy friendly organisation and integrating literacy’ – NALA |
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In Ireland, over 500,000 adults have unmet literacy, numeracy and digital literacy needs. This means many will find it difficult to get information about the courses you offer or lack the confidence to apply for one. If they are on a course, the learners will have different strengths and needs in the particular language, literacy, numeracy and digital literacy used in the centre and course. This can also affect their confidence and motivation to complete a course. Taking a ‘whole-organisation’ literacy friendly approach can help you ensure all learners can take part in your courses. Join the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) for a two-hour session on Being aware and removing literacy related barriers facing learners will help make your centre more inclusive and accessible to all learners. This includes using Plain English in your written communications. How to make your courses more effective for all learners, including those who have the subject-related knowledge and skills but experience difficulties with aspects of the course-related literacy, numeracy and digital literacy. You will learn the practical steps you can take to ensure that your education and training programmes are inclusive and do not exclude anyone because of the literacy and numeracy demands of the course. The target audience for this event is: All FET staff members, including teachers, tutors, trainers, instructors and those in a co-ordination and/or quality assurance role. Facilitation: This event will be facilitated by the NALA Team Please note: Pre-booking is essential. Please do not book onto this session unless you are sure that you will attend / have approval to attend (if required). If an emergency arises, please inform us ASAP (cpdcancellations@fess.ie) as we operate a waiting list system and if time allows, we can offer your booked place to another person. |
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Further Information, Dates and Times | |
Thursday, 12th October 2023 - 14.00 to 16.00 A link to this online event will be emailed in advance. |
Artificial Intelligence (AI), What is it and what are the opportunities and challenges for FET? |
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In the last year, there has been a huge interest in the profound potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the realm of Further Education and Training. This presentation will cover the basics of AI, demystifying its core concepts and exploring its real-world applications. We will focus on Chat GPT, an advanced AI language model through the lens of a FET teacher or tutor. AI can assist educators, administrators, and students alike, providing personalized support, generating educational content, and promoting engagement. But AI in education is not just about convenience; it's also about the opportunities and challenges it presents to educators. Explore the vast potential for AI to streamline administrative tasks, enhance teaching materials, and adapt learning experiences to individual student needs. We will discuss the challenges and potential threats AI poses to educators in the FET sector, addressing concerns about job displacement and the changing role of teachers/tutors/trainers. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the future of education where AI and human educators collaborate to create more effective and personalized learning environments. Discover how you can harness the power of AI to elevate your teaching practices and unlock new possibilities in Further Education and Training. The target audience for this event is: All FET staff members, including teachers, tutors, trainers, instructors and those in a co-ordination and/or quality teaching, learning and assurance roles. Facilitation: John Heffernan and Susan Dunne both from Tipperary ETB John Heffernan is the Technology Enhanced Learning Co-ordinator for Tipperary ETB. John's career, prior to teaching was in IT, working for a number of start up companies. He has taught or worked in ed tech for more that twenty years including two years as a PLC teacher. He is moving to MSLETB as PD co-ordinator in the near future Susan Dunne brings 13 years of experience as an educator in post-primary education, teaching Business, Accountancy, and IT. She was part of one of the first schools to achieve recognition as a Microsoft School of Excellence in Ireland.Over the past four years, Susan ventured into Further Education, where she teaches QQI Level 4 and 5 courses. Within her teaching, she uses OneNote E-portfolio extensively for teaching and assessment purposes. Alongside her practical teaching experience, she holds a postgraduate qualification in Special Educational Needs. Her enthusiasm for technology is constant and she continually explores innovative ways to incorporate it into her teaching practices.Throughout her career, she has dedicated time to enhancing her pedagogical skills, delving into various teaching methodologies, including Assessment for Learning and becoming a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) facilitator. Please note: Pre-booking is essential. Please do not book onto this session unless you are sure that you will attend / have approval to attend (if required). If an emergency arises, please inform us ASAP (cpdcancellations@fess.ie) as we operate a waiting list system and if time allows, we can offer your booked place to another person. |
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Further Information, Dates and Times | |
Thursday, 19th October 2023 - 14.00 to 16.00 A link to this online event will be emailed in advance. |
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Monday 27th November 2023 - 16.00 - 17.00 As a follow-up to the recent PD event Artificial Intelligence (AI), What is it and what are the opportunities and challenges for FET? we are offering an AI Clinic. This Clinic will be facilitated by FESS and John Heffernan (MSLETB) and Susan Dunne (TETB) who delivered the PD session on AI will be available to answer your queries. Both Susan and John have extensive knowledge of AI and the use of AI apps that might be useful in teaching, learning and assessment in FET. This session is participant led and therefore in order to get maximum value from the session, please come with questions/queries. A further clinic is being planned for December and the date will be published shortly |
Thursday 14 December 2023 - 16.00 - 17.00 As a follow-up to the recent PD event Artificial Intelligence (AI), What is it and what are the opportunities and challenges for FET? we are offering an AI Clinic. This Clinic will be facilitated by FESS and John Heffernan (MSLETB) and Susan Dunne (TETB) who delivered the PD session on AI will be available to answer your queries. Both Susan and John have extensive knowledge of AI and the use of AI apps that might be useful in teaching, learning and assessment in FET. This session is participant led and therefore in order to get maximum value from the session, please come with questions/queries. A further clinic is being planned for December and the date will be published shortly |
This is a Self-Care session for those working in FET.
Following this session, participants will: The target audience for this event is: All FET staff members, including teachers, tutors, trainers, instructors and those in a co-ordination and/or quality assurance role. Facilitation: This event will be facilitated by Carrie Budds. Carrie is Youth Mental Health Coordinator with Jigsaw, working in the FET and Higher Education team. She has worked in health and wellbeing for the last 8+ years and is qualified in health promotion, specialising in workplace settings. Please note: Pre-booking is essential. Please do not book onto this session unless you are sure that you will attend / have approval to attend (if required). If an emergency arises, please inform us ASAP (cpdcancellations@fess.ie) as we operate a waiting list system and if time allows, we can offer your booked place to another person. |
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Further Information, Date and Time | |
Tuesday 24th October 2023 - 10.00 – 12.00 A link to this online event will be emailed in advance. |
Assessing through the UDL Lens | |
This hands on and interactive workshop will invite participants to explore what it means to view and facilitate formative and summative assessment in FET through a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) lens. By the end of this session participants will have had opportunities to: This stand-alone session will follow on from the FESS series of five assessment sessions ( September / October) The target audience for this event is: All FET staff members, including teachers, tutors, trainers, instructors and those in a co-ordination and/or quality assurance role. Facilitation: This session will be facilitated by Carrie Archer. Carrie's pronouns are she/her. She has been working in Further Education and Training for 15 years and is the Professional Learning and Development Coordinator with City of Dublin ETB. Carrie’s interests are coaching, leadership, Communities of Practice, Universal Design for Learning and championing belonging, equity, inclusion, and diversity. She is passionate about the representation and visibility of LGBTQI learners and staff and is currently specialising as an ADHD coach. She facilitates a Professional Learning Network for support teachers in FET colleges and mentors in Technology Enhanced Learning and inclusive pedagogy in City of Dublin ETB. She was a part of the design team with City of Dublin ETB and Trinity College Dublin for a Postgraduate Certificate, Diploma and Masters courses focusing on Diversity and Inclusion in FET. She also currently lectures on Postgraduate programmes in the National College of Ireland on diversity and inclusion, and on assessment and feedback for educational practice in FET. Please note: Pre-booking is essential. Please do not book onto this session unless you are sure that you will attend / have approval to attend (if required). If an emergency arises, please inform us ASAP (cpdcancellations@fess.ie) as we operate a waiting list system and if time allows, we can offer your booked place to another person. |
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Further Information, Date and Time | |
Wednesday, 8th November 2023 - 10.00 to 12.00 A link to this online event will be emailed in advance. |
Unlocking the Potential of Rubrics in Teaching, Learning and Assessment |
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Please note: This event is a repeat of a previous FESS PD event on 'Unlocking the Potential of Rubrics in Teaching, Learning and Assessment' first delivered online in Autumn/Winter 2022 and Spring 2023. This online event aims to assist FET staff in the development and use of rubrics to support teaching, learning and assessment activities. This is an interactive event where participants will be provided with information, have the opportunity to engage in discussion and participate in a rubric development workshop. This event will:
Learning together in this event will help us to consider the range of possibilities rubrics can bring to teaching, learning and assessment. The target audience for this event is: FET staff including teachers, tutors, trainers, programme co-ordinators and QA staff. Facilitation: This event will be facilitated by FESS. Please note: Pre-booking is essential. Please do not book onto this event unless you are sure that you will attend / have approval to attend (if required). If an emergency arises, please inform us ASAP (cpdcancellations@fess.ie) as we operate a waiting list system and if time allows we can offer your booked place to another person. |
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Further Information, Date and Time |
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Wednesday, 15th November 2023 - 10.00 to 12.00 A link to this online event will be emailed in advance. |
Clear Writing for Developing Programmes and Assessment (Plain English)' NALA |
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This session will show how the NALA plain English guidelines https://www.nala.ie/publications/a-plain-english-checklist-for-documents/ can help you to keep your written message clear, concise and effective. The interactive workshop will look at best practice and use authentic examples from FET programmes and FET assessment instruments. This is an interactive session. Participants are asked to be ready to ask and answer lots of questions to reflect on how we communicate with our learners. |
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Further Information, Date and Time | |
Wednesday 15th November 2023 - 14.00 to 16.00 A link to this online event will be emailed in advance. |
Building a Competency Framework for Soft Skills/Transversal Skills in FET |
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This session is a follow-on from a previous session introducing the importance of soft skills/transversal skills for the future world of work and the key position that FET holds in the delivery of these skills. This session will focus in on those identified priority soft skills and showcase some work already carried out across the education sector. This will form a starting point for the discussion of the requirements of building a soft skills competency framework within FET. Methods of teaching these skills will be addressed and case studies and scenarios will be shared as a basis for the discussion. This is very relevant to the development of programmes for FET. The target audience for this event is: FET staff including teachers, tutors, trainers, co-ordinators, managers. Facilitation: This event will be facilitated by Marie Cleary. Marie is founder and director at ThirdSpace Consultants. She has extensive experience working with senior management and their teams to deliver strategic management interventions, facilitate change, develop leaders and build high performance teams. Before moving into Consulting, Marie was a teacher of Music and English at second level for 10 years. Her 20+ years Consulting career has spanned both public and private sector internationally. Her qualifications in Business, Education, Finance and Psychology, coupled with her previous roles in management of EU funding, gives her an expansive skillset to work in a variety of settings. She recently completed Doctoral Studies on Future Skills. Marie is a coaching psychologist with extensive experience as an executive coach and has worked at a senior level to assist clients resolve challenging issues, build resilience and enhance leadership capability. Marie is passionate about intercultural education and is closely connected to the work of Leargas across the fields of Youth, Further Education and School Education. Please note: Pre-booking is essential. Please do not book onto this session unless you are sure that you will attend / have approval to attend (if required). If an emergency arises, please inform us ASAP (cpdcancellations@fess.ie) as we operate a waiting list system and if time allows, we can offer your booked place to another person. |
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Further Information, Date and Time |
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Thursday 16th November 2023 - 10.00 to 12.00 A link to this online event will be emailed in advance. |
Trauma Informed Approaches for FET Settings |
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Jigsaw is a youth mental health charity which offers a range of mental health supports and services to both young people (aged 12-25 years) and those around them in the settings where they live, learn, work and play. Trauma-informed practice uses knowledge and understanding of how trauma affects people’s lives (biologically, psychologically and socially) to ameliorate rather than exacerbate these effects. Any teaching or person-helping professional can become trauma-informed in their work, and in doing so support the development of psychologically safe learning environments for all. Session Objectives: *Note that while Jigsaw focuses on supporting the mental health of young people aged between 12-25, the strategies and approaches from this workshop can be applied to all age groups* The target audience for this event is: All FET staff members, including FET staff including management, teachers, tutors, trainers, instructors, programme coordinators, guidance counsellors, learning support staff and wellbeing officers. Facilitation: This event will be facilitated by Tara Mulhern and Dr Emma Hickey, Jigsaw Tara Mulhern is Clinical Lead for Education at Jigsaw, and works primarily on their Further and Higher Education Team. Tara is an occupational therapist with 16 years’ experience working with young people and adults in various community based mental health settings, including having previously worked as a Regional Clinical Manger for Jigsaw. She has significant experience supporting learners to be effective and fulfilled with their student role through occupational therapy and more recently through mental health promotion. Tara has particular interests in trauma informed practice, occupational balance, sensory integration, mental health promotion and clinical education. Tara has previously delivered content on trauma informed practice to schools across Ireland. Dr. Emma Hickey is a Clinical Psychologist and Senior Clinician with Jigsaw Limerick. She is interested in making sense of distress collaboratively with young people and is particularly drawn to understanding how we can communicate and reflect on the idea of power in an accessible and meaningful way to support young people to understand what may be maintaining distress levels in their lives. Emma has also been involved in practically implementing the principles of trauma informed working at a local and national level in Jigsaw. Please note: Pre-booking is essential. Please do not book onto this session unless you are sure that you will attend / have approval to attend (if required). If an emergency arises, please inform us ASAP (cpdcancellations@fess.ie) as we operate a waiting list system and if time allows, we can offer your booked place to another person. |
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Further information, Date and Time |
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Thursday, 30th November 2023 - 14.00 to 16.00 A link to this online event will be emailed in advance. |
FESS PD Calendar Spring 2024
- Details
- Written by: Mary Sheehy
- Hits: 6122
The Further Education Support Service has put together a calendar of events for Spring 2024 to support those working in the FET environment for SOLAS and DES funded providers. We have focused on offering on-line webinars and workshops across a range of topics. Those who register for a place on one of the on-line events will receive a link, via e-mail, that will allow them access the event on the given date and time. We will be adding more events as we finalise the details of the events, but as a start we have the following events available.
The following is a list of the current series and themes on the PD calendar - please click on the highlighted headings below for further information:
Assessment - A series for those interested in locally devised assessment
This is a series of five online sessions that will deal with the following:
- An Introduction to Locally Devised Assessment
- Devising Assessment Briefs and Examination Questions (Locally Devised Assessment)
- Devising Marking Schemes (Locally Devised Assessment)
- Marking Learner Assessment Evidence
- Feedback to Learners on Summative Assessment Tasks
Clear Writing for Developing Programmes and Assessment (Plain English)' NALA
Artificial Intelligence (AI), What is it and what are the opportunities and challenges for FET?
Growing and Promoting RPL in ETB FET Provision
Supporting Executive Functioning in FET
The Science of ‘Bouncibility’ – How to Build Resilience within Ourselves
AI for Teaching, Learning and Assessment in FET
Machine Vs Machine - AI and Assessment
Active Teaching and Learning - Visual Thinking, Mapping & Framing Techniques
Unlocking the Potential of Rubrics in Teaching, Learning and Assessment
Enhancing Our Sense of Team: An Evidence-based Approach
Please note: If you would like further information about a PD event, please contact FESS at cpdbookings@fess.ie. If you would like to cancel a place at a PD event, please contact FESS at cpdcancellations@fess.ie. To ensure that the maximum number of people get the opportunity to attend a FESS PD event, please give a minimum of four working days notice when cancelling attendance.
Please also note: In response to the fact that a number of people previously booked an online place at a PD event that they subsequently didn't log into, FESS took the decision to allow more people book a place at an event than there are places for. Those who log in first at the designated time for a live online event will be those who will be accommodated with a place. We hope that by taking this action, we will be able to maximise the number of people who are getting to log in to our PD events.
Assessment - A series for those interested in locally devised assessment |
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Please note that this is a repeat of the Assessment suite of events that were offered in Spring/Autumn/Winter 2022 and 2023. This is a series of five weekly online sessions that will deal with the following:
Participants are welcome to attend any or all of the sessions in this series. However, ideally participants would attend all five sessions to maximise their learning about local assessment.
The target audience for this series is: Assessors new to the area of FET and engaged in a locally devised assessment process. However, the sessions may also appeal to those who wish to refresh their understanding of assessment and/or those tasked with supporting/informing the assessment process locally. Please see further information on the target audience for each of the five sessions below. Facilitation: This series will be facilitated by Mary Sheehy (FESS). Please note: Pre-booking is essential. Please do not book onto an event unless you are sure that you will attend / have approval to attend (if required). If an emergency arises, please inform us ASAP (cpdcancellations@fess.ie) as we operate a waiting list system and if time allows we can offer your booked place to another person. |
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Further Information, Dates and Time | |
An Introduction to Locally Devised Assessment Please note: This is a repeat of the assessment suite of CPD events offered previously. The focus of this online session is on supporting the assessor working in a further education and training environment, where the assessor is required to develop local
The target audience for this session is: those assessing learners for the first time, using locally devised assessment instruments. A link to this online session will be emailed in advance. |
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Devising Assessment Briefs and Examination Questions (Locally Devised Assessment) Please note: This is a repeat of the assessment suite of CPD events offered previously. A link to this online session will be emailed in advance. |
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Devising Marking Schemes (Locally Devised Assessment) Please note: This is a repeat of the assessment suite of CPD events offered previously. The focus of this online session is on devising marking schemes and outline solutions, as part of local assessment, at NFQ levels 4 – 6, for both assessment briefs and examination papers. The target audience for this event is: those assessing learners for the first time, using local assessment. A link to this online session will be emailed in advance. |
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Marking Learner Assessment Evidence Please note: This is a repeat of the assessment suite of CPD events offered previously. This online session will focus on:
The target audience for this session is: those marking learners’ summative assessment evidence. In addition, this event is targeted at those who have a role in A link to this online session will be emailed in advance. |
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Feedback to Learners on Summative Assessment Tasks Please note: This is a repeat of the assessment suite of CPD events offered previously. A link to this online session will be emailed in advance. |
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Follow-up Assessment Clinic This one hour online clinic is designed as a follow-up support to complement the recently delivered suite of 5 PD sessions focusing on locally devised assessment. This clinic will provide an opportunity for FET practitioners to pose any locally-devised assessment questions and queries that they may have. An informal approach will be adopted for this session where the clinic will be participant-led, which will allow for the sharing and discussion of ideas. These clinics will be hosted on Zoom and the link will be emailed to participants in advance of the event. Tuesday 23 April - 16.00 to 17.00 |
Clear Writing for Developing Programmes and Assessment (Plain English)' NALA |
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Please Note: This is a repeat of a session delivered in November 2023 This session will show how the NALA plain English guidelines https://www.nala.ie/publications/a-plain-english-checklist-for-documents/ can help you to keep your written message clear, concise and effective. The interactive workshop will look at best practice and use authentic examples from FET programmes and FET assessment instruments. This is an interactive session. Participants are asked to be ready to ask and answer lots of questions to reflect on how we communicate with our learners. |
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Further Information, Date and Time | |
Wednesday 28 February 2024 - 14.00 to 16.30 A link to this online event will be emailed in advance. |
Artificial Intelligence (AI), What is it and what are the opportunities and challenges for FET? |
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A similar session was run in October 2023, this session will included updated information as the area of AI is fast-moving In the last year, there has been a huge interest in the profound potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the realm of Further Education and Training. This presentation will cover the basics of AI, demystifying its core concepts and exploring its real-world applications. We will focus on BingChat, an advanced AI language model through the lens of a FET teacher or tutor. AI can assist educators, administrators, and students alike, providing personalized support, generating educational content, and promoting engagement. But AI in education is not just about convenience; it's also about the opportunities and challenges it presents to educators. Explore the vast potential for AI to streamline administrative tasks, enhance teaching materials, and adapt learning experiences to individual student needs. We will discuss the challenges and potential threats AI poses to educators in the FET sector, addressing concerns about job displacement and the changing role of teachers/tutors/trainers. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the future of education where AI and human educators collaborate to create more effective and personalized learning environments. Discover how you can harness the power of AI to elevate your teaching practices and unlock new possibilities in Further Education and Training. Facilitation: John Heffernan (Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim ETB) and Susan Dunne (Tipperary ETB) John Heffernan is the MSLETB as Professional Development co-ordinator. John's career, prior to teaching was in IT, working for a number of start up companies. He has taught or worked in ed tech for more that twenty years including two years as a PLC teacher. Susan Dunne brings 13 years of experience as an educator in post-primary education, teaching Business, Accountancy, and IT. She was part of one of the first schools to achieve recognition as a Microsoft School of Excellence in Ireland.Over the past four years, Susan ventured into Further Education, where she teaches QQI Level 4 and 5 courses. Within her teaching, she uses OneNote E-portfolio extensively for teaching and assessment purposes. Alongside her practical teaching experience, she holds a postgraduate qualification in Special Educational Needs. Her enthusiasm for technology is constant and she continually explores innovative ways to incorporate it into her teaching practices.Throughout her career, she has dedicated time to enhancing her pedagogical skills, delving into various teaching methodologies, including Assessment for Learning and becoming a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) facilitator. Please note: Pre-booking is essential. Please do not book onto this session unless you are sure that you will attend / have approval to attend (if required). If an emergency arises, please inform us ASAP (cpdcancellations@fess.ie) as we operate a waiting list system and if time allows, we can offer your booked place to another person. |
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Further Information, Dates and Times | |
Thursday, 29th February 2024 - 14.00 to 16.00 A link to this online event will be emailed in advance. |
Many Providers in FET are struggling to develop and promote RPL as a mainstream offering in their ETB. Patsy Hogan, QA Officer with Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, will explain how RPL has grown from small discrete projects in Limerick and Clare ETB to widely offering RPL as a mainstream strand of provision through policy development, staff training and promoting awareness. The session will focus on broadly answering the following questions: There will be time for Q&A and group discussion on these topics during the session and the session is intended to be informative, supportive and interactive. The target audience for this event is: FET staff members, especially those in a management/co-ordination and/or quality assurance role who have a particular interest in RPL promotion and/or development in their ETB. Facilitation: Patsy Hogan, Quality Assurance Officer, Limerick and Clare ETB. Patsy has been actively involved in the RPL space for a number of years. She has been instrumental in placing Limerick and Clare ETB at the forefront of RPL practice in Ireland. Patsy has developed a RPL professional development course which is run internally in her ETB and has also been attended by colleagues from other ETBs. She has also taken a lead role in RPL policy development, promotion, support and awareness both in her own ETB and in national and European projects. Please note: Pre-booking is essential. Please do not book onto this session unless you are sure that you will attend / have approval to attend (if required). If an emergency arises, please inform us ASAP (cpdcancellations@fess.ie) as we operate a waiting list system and if time allows, we can offer your booked place to another person.
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Further Information, Date and Time | |
Wednesday 6 March 2024 - 10.00 to 12.00 A link to this online event will be emailed in advance. |
Executive functioning skills include our ability to plan, to manage our time, to be organised, to prioritise and to maintain motivation and persistence, amongst lots of other things. Do you have learners who just can't seem to get work completed, or in on time. Do they find it difficult to prioritise? Are they struggling with meeting deadlines in their daily lives or in your classroom? These skills do not always come easy to everyone. However, these skills are exceptionally challenging for many learners who are neurodivergent. Although this workshop is not only for those working with neurodivergent learners, it will examine the importance of scaffolding and teaching executive functioning skills to neurodivergent learners. In the true spirit of UDL, creating an environment supportive of neurodivergent learners with executive functioning challenges, will create an environment that is supportive of all. Through a Universal Design for Learning lens, by the end of this hands-on and interactive workshop, participants will be able to: Target audience: All FET educators (including but not exclusive to those working with neurodivergent learners). Facilitation: This session will be facilitated by Carrie Archer. Carrie lectures on postgraduate programmes for FET specifically in the area of Diversity and Inclusion. She is a qualified special education and inclusive education teacher and has worked in the FET sector for the past 15 years. She is a qualified education leadership coach and specialises in the area of ADHD. She is a keen advocate for the use of UDL in education, from classroom to staffroom to boardroom and beyond to meet the needs of all. Please note: Pre-booking is essential. Please do not book onto this session unless you are sure that you will attend / have approval to attend (if required). If an emergency arises, please inform us ASAP (cpdcancellations@fess.ie) as we operate a waiting list system and if time allows, we can offer your booked place to another person. |
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Further Information, Date and Time |
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Monday 11 March 2024 - 14.00 to 16.00 A link to this online event will be emailed in advance. |
The Science of ‘Bouncibility’ – How to Build Resilience within Ourselves |
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Life is an imperfect journey and crisis is guaranteed. There will always be setbacks and misfortunes. Resilience is the ability to adapt to the challenges of life. It’s about bouncing back rather than falling apart. If you are strong in resilience you have this ‘bouncibility’ and can harness your inner strengths and coping mechanisms. Others need to learn the skills at the heart of resiliency. If life is full of challenges then we need to know how to not only withstand the pressure but to thrive in adversity. If you are low in resilience, you will focus too much on your problems and deficits and be overwhelmed during challenges. You will be drawn towards unhealthy conclusions and become more vulnerable instead of stronger. Becoming more resilient will not mean that problems disappear. It does not mean that you have to become ‘as hard as nails’. Resilience is more about learning how to cope – tapping into our own resources and fostering inner-strengths in order to stay ‘standing’ during and after crisis. Science has uncovered specific traits/factors that can be utilised at work and in our lives in general. This seminar outlines evidence-based strategies linked to greater outcomes during challenge and change. The target audience for this event is: All FET staff members. Facilitation: Shane Martin C.Psychol.Ps.S.I., Chartered Psychologist of the Psychological Society of Ireland Please note: Pre-booking is essential. Please do not book onto this session unless you are sure that you will attend / have approval to attend (if required). If an emergency arises, please inform us ASAP (cpdcancellations@fess.ie) as we operate a waiting list system and if time allows, we can offer your booked place to another person. |
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Further Information, Date and Time |
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Thursday 14 March 2024 - 10.00 to 12.00 A link to this online event will be emailed in advance. |
Rapid advances in generative AI present significant opportunities and challenges for society and for education providers. In FET the opportunities include harnessing AI to support planning and teaching and utilising AI tools to support learners throughout their learning journeys. Challenges include addressing concerns about academic integrity and developing a strategic approach to AI use which focuses on ethics and criticality. In this workshop we will detail how the TEL and QA support services in LCETB College of FET came together to develop a coordinated strategic approach to the adoption and use of AI. The approach adopted involved initial awareness raising, the development of guidelines on AI use in assessment, and the rollout of CPD initiatives focused on AI and assessment and the critical exploration of AI tools.
Target audience: All FET educators and particularly those involved in assessment of learners includinf QA staff. Facilitation: Máire Lynch and Dr Brendan Ryan Máire Lynch is a QA Officer with Limerick and Clare ETB with responsibility for curriculum development and review, new programme development and quality assuring teaching, learning and assessment across the organisation. Máire previously worked in industry before taking up a teaching position with the former VECs and worked extensively in classroom and co-ordination roles before moving into the area of quality assurance. She was part of the national working group responsible for the development of the FET Referencing Handbook and Academic Writing Handbook for Learners. Areas of particular interest include incorporating UDL Principles into teaching, learning and assessment at all NFQ levels, use of Plain English tools and facilitating AI practices to enhance teaching, learning and assessment. Dr Brendan Ryan has worked in Adult and Further Education for over thirty years and as a Learning Technologist for over twenty of those years. In his role with Limerick and Clare ETB Further Education and Training (FET) Division he leads up the Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) Support Service. Brendan has extensive teaching and research experience and recently completed a PhD study focused on embedding criticality in Learning Technology Professional Development. Please note: Pre-booking is essential. Please do not book onto this session unless you are sure that you will attend / have approval to attend (if required). If an emergency arises, please inform us ASAP (cpdcancellations@fess.ie) as we operate a waiting list system and if time allows, we can offer your booked place to another person. |
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To register please click on the link below |
Further Information, Date and Time |
Thursday 11 April 2024 - 14.00 to 16.00 A link to this online event will be emailed in advance. |
Machine Vs Machine - AI and Assessment |
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In this professional learning session for teachers, we'll delve into the fascinating realm of AI in assessment. Together, we'll examine its utilization and effectiveness, uncovering both the challenges it faces and the areas where it excels or falls short. Our exploration will commence with an in-depth look at the essence of AI and its various applications in assessment. From the rigidity of closed, proctored exams to the flexibility of open-book assessments, we'll dissect examples that span the spectrum. We'll delve into critical questions: Can its presence be easily identified? These inquiries will guide our discussion as we dissect the nuances of AI detection and explore the evolving strategies students employ to evade detection. Join us as we navigate the complexities of AI in assessment, equipping ourselves with the knowledge and insights necessary to adapt and thrive in an increasingly technologically driven educational landscape. Target audience: All FET educators, particularly those who are involved in the assessment of learners as well as QA staff. Facilitation: This session will be facilitated by Dr Keith Quille who is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Enterprise Computing and Digital Transformation in TU Dublin. Keith's' primary area of research is in Computer Science Education (with an emphasis on inclusion) which spans third, second and primary levels. The main focus of Keith's' research at third level (including my PhD) was the early identification of students who were at risk of failing or dropping out of Computer Science (using machine learning techniques), as well as interventions to try and reduce attrition rates. Keith's' research also focuses on gender and inclusion, with an aim to reduce stereotypes and promote the Computer Science discipline across all levels of education. Keith's primary area of teaching is in Software Development, (CS1 and CS2) and Applied Machine Learning with Artificial Intelligence. Keith is the program coordinator of TU862 Computing with AI and ML undergraduate. Keith has also developed, delivered and coordinated a wide range of other modules. To complement Keith's' Computer Science Education research at third level, Keith has also been significantly involved in primary and second level Computer Science Education, from the Governmental level to formal and informal teacher professional development, to leading a large-scale national, primary and second level Computer Science outreach and research programme (http://CSinc.ie). Keith was also a secondary school and further education teacher for 7 years in St Conleth's Community College, in Newbridge, Co Kildare. Keith is also a part time software developer in webuildweb. Please note: Pre-booking is essential. Please do not book onto this session unless you are sure that you will attend / have approval to attend (if required). If an emergency arises, please inform us ASAP (cpdcancellations@fess.ie) as we operate a waiting list system and if time allows, we can offer your booked place to another person. |
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To register please click on the link below |
Further Information, Date and Time |
Monday 15 April 2024 - 10.00 to 12.00 A link to this online event will be emailed in advance. |
Active Teaching and Learning
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This online workshop will introduce some visual thinking tools and techniques to support FET learners develop ideas for projects, reports and presentations e.g. map initial ideas, research a topic, find relevant keywords etc. The workshop is hands-on and will take participants through the process of selecting and using different tools, and exploring possible uses and applications.
The target audience for this event is: FET staff members, especially those in a management/co-ordination and/or quality assurance role who have a particular interest in RPL promotion and/or development in their ETB. Facilitation: Miriam is an independent facilitator, trainer and consultant with a strong background and experience of working in Education both nationally and internationally that includes teaching, lecturing and training roles at Primary, Post-primary, Further Education and Training, and Higher Education (Teacher Education) levels. Miriam has also held senior management roles in Curriculum Development, Professional Development and Education Support Services. Please note: Pre-booking is essential. Please do not book onto this session unless you are sure that you will attend / have approval to attend (if required). If an emergency arises, please inform us ASAP (cpdcancellations@fess.ie) as we operate a waiting list system and if time allows, we can offer your booked place to another person. |
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To register please click on the link below |
Further Information, Date and Time |
Monday 15 April 2024 - 14.00 to 16.00 A link to this online event will be emailed in advance. |
Unlocking the Potential of Rubrics in Teaching, Learning and Assessment |
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Please note: This event is a repeat of a previous FESS PD event on 'Unlocking the Potential of Rubrics in Teaching, Learning and Assessment' first delivered online in Spring and Autumn/Winter 2022 and 2023. This online event aims to assist FET staff in the development and use of rubrics to support teaching, learning and assessment activities. This is an interactive event where participants will be provided with information, have the opportunity to engage in discussion and participate in a rubric development workshop. This event will:
Learning together in this event will help us to consider the range of possibilities rubrics can bring to teaching, learning and assessment. The target audience for this event is: FET staff including teachers, tutors, trainers, programme co-ordinators and QA staff. Facilitation: This event will be facilitated by Mary Sheehy (FESS). Please note: Pre-booking is essential. Please do not book onto this event unless you are sure that you will attend / have approval to attend (if required). If an emergency arises, please inform us ASAP (cpdcancellations@fess.ie) as we operate a waiting list system and if time allows we can offer your booked place to another person. |
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Further Information, Date and Time | |
Tuesday 16 April 2024 - 10.00 to 12.00 A link to this online event will be emailed in advance. |
Enhancing Our Sense of Team: An Evidence-based Approach |
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Working with other people doesn’t mean that you’re working as a team. Real teamwork implies collaboration, communication, and acknowledgment of a common purpose. Grouping people together doesn’t mean you have a team. Teams are, in fact, a very particular kind of group in that they’re interdependent and focused on structure and activities. At a minimum, a team should be a cooperative unit and, at its best, a team is a collaborative unit. How can we harness an authentic sense of team? How can we initiate and sustain a sense of team? Are there any scientifically proven strategies that can make teams better at teamwork?
The target audience for this event is: All FET staff members. Facilitation: Shane Martin C.Psychol.Ps.S.I., Chartered Psychologist of the Psychological Society of Ireland Shane Martin is a psychologist dedicated to teaching the very best evidence-based psychology to help people protect their mental health and enhance the quality of their lives. Please note: Pre-booking is essential. Please do not book onto this session unless you are sure that you will attend / have approval to attend (if required). If an emergency arises, please inform us ASAP (cpdcancellations@fess.ie) as we operate a waiting list system and if time allows, we can offer your booked place to another person. |
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To register please click on the link below |
Further Information, Dates and Times |
Wednesday 24 April 2024 - 10.00 to 12.00 A link to this online session will be emailed in advance. |
FESS PD Calendar Autumn/Winter 2024
- Details
- Written by: Mary Sheehy
- Hits: 3718
The Further Education Support Service has put together a calendar of events for Autumn/Winter 2024 to support those working in the FET environment for SOLAS and DES funded providers. We have focused on offering on-line webinars and workshops across a range of topics. Those who register for a place on one of the on-line events will receive a link, via e-mail, that will allow them access the event on the given date and time. We will be adding more events as we finalise the details of the events, but as a start we have the following events available.
The following is a list of the current series and themes on the PD calendar - please click on the highlighted headings below for further information:
How to Maintain Wellbeing this Academic Year
Assessment - A self-directed online course on Locally Devising Assessment plus follow-up assessment clinics:
- Assessment Clinic 24 September 2024
- Assessment Clinic 9 October 2024
- Assessment Clinic 24 October 2024
- Assessment Clinic 5 November 2024
- Assessment Clinic 20 November 2024
- Assessment Clinic 5 December 2024
What do we mean by Recognition of Prior Learning
Artificial Intelligence (AI), What is it and what are the opportunities and challenges for FET?
Unlocking the Potential of Rubrics in Teaching, Learning and Assessment
Creating Connections: Effective Check-In Activities for FET Learning Environments
Special Educational Needs in Further Education
Differentiation in the mixed ability classroom
Planning for Authentic and Inclusive Assessment in FET
Positive Behaviour Management for the FET classroom
Relating Transversal Skills to FET
Please note: If you would like further information about a PD event, please contact FESS at cpdbookings@fess.ie. If you would like to cancel a place at a PD event, please contact FESS at cpdcancellations@fess.ie. To ensure that the maximum number of people get the opportunity to attend a FESS PD event, please give a minimum of four working days notice when cancelling attendance.
Please also note: In response to the fact that a number of people previously booked an online place at a PD event that they subsequently didn't log into, FESS took the decision to allow more people book a place at an event than there are places for. Those who log in first at the designated time for a live online event will be those who will be accommodated with a place. We hope that by taking this action, we will be able to maximise the number of people who are getting to log in to our PD events.
In a world with many stresses and weapons of mass distraction, wellbeing and self-care needs to be part of your every day. Wellbeing is about being happy, healthy and comfortable in who you are. This course will introduce you to 3 key practical tips that you can easily implement in your daily life to help you create and maintain strong wellbeing this academic year and beyond.
The session will cover: In this session, participants will: 2. Gain an understanding of the different pillars of wellbeing and how to strengthen them. 3. Access a menu of different tips to help them effectively manage stress and lead lives with the right work life balance for them.
The target audience for this session is: FET staff including management, teachers, tutors, trainers, programme coordinators, guidance counsellors, learning support staff and wellbeing officers. Facilitation: This session will be facilitated by Calodagh McCumiskey. She is an accredited master practitioner in Wellbeing and Coaching. Clients include the County Wexford Chamber Skillnet, Wexford Co. Council, WWETB, Integer, Danone, The Riverside Park Hotel and various Education Centres from around Ireland. She has a background in Aid Work and worked in high stress environments in the aftermath of man-made and natural disasters for 14 years. Calodagh won the solo businessperson of the year in the Network Ireland Wexford Awards in 2023 and was runner up in the National Competition. For more information, visit: www.spiritualearth.com. Please note: Pre-booking is essential. Please do not book onto this session unless you are sure that you will attend / have approval to attend (if required). If an emergency arises, please inform us ASAP (cpdcancellations@fess.ie) as we operate a waiting list system and if time allows, we can offer your booked place to another person. |
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Further Information, Date and Time | |
Thursday 19 September 2024 - 10.00 to 12.00 A link to this online event will be emailed in advance. |
Assessment - A self-directed online course on Locally Devising Assessment |
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NEW!
FESS has developed this new resource to support new assessors to navigate their way through assessment for the first time. The resource focuses on the assessment of learners who are following further education and training programmes or FET programmes that lead to QQI certification at NFQ levels 1 to 6. The specific focus of the resource is on summative assessment in a locally devised assessment process which means that the detail in the resource is targeted towards assessors who are tasked with devising their own assessment briefs, examination papers and related documentation so that they can assess learners for certification purposes. The resource is divided into five modules. Each module is divided into a number of units, and each unit is divided into sections. The five modules are:
To access the course, click here A tutorial document to help you create your account, enrol on the course, complete the course and download your digital certificate can be downloaded here A short video tutorial to guide you through the process of creating an account and enrolling yourself in the course can be accessed here, it is slightly over 5 minutes long Please Note: The content of this course is similar to the content delivered previously online on the Assessment Suite that was offered as 5 x 2 hour online sessions. The target audience for this series is: Assessors new to the area of FET and engaged in a locally devised assessment process. However, the sessions may also appeal to those who wish to refresh their understanding of assessment and/or those tasked with supporting/informing the assessment process locally. Facilitation: This course has been developed by FESS to provide participants with the opportunity to engage in a self-directed online course that can be undertaken at the participant's own pace and at a time that is convenient to them. Assessment clinics to support those participating on the online course will be provided by FESS. Please note: To access the course, you will have to follow the steps in the tutorial:
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Further Information, Dates and Time | |
Assessment Clinic This one hour online clinic is designed as a follow-up support to allow participants who are completing or have completed the online Locally Devised Assessment course to pose any questions and queries that they may have as a result of engaging with the online course. An informal approach will be adopted for this session where the clinic will be participant-led, which will allow for the sharing and discussion of ideas. These clinics will be hosted on Zoom and the link will be emailed to participants in advance of the event. Tuesday 24 September - 16.00 to 17.00 |
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Assessment Clinic This one hour online clinic is designed as a follow-up support to allow participants who are completing or have completed the online Locally Devised Assessment course to pose any questions and queries that they may have as a result of engaging with the online course. An informal approach will be adopted for this session where the clinic will be participant-led, which will allow for the sharing and discussion of ideas. These clinics will be hosted on Zoom and the link will be emailed to participants in advance of the event. Wednesday 9 October - 16.00 to 17.00 |
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Assessment Clinic This one hour online clinic is designed as a follow-up support to allow participants who are completing or have completed the online Locally Devised Assessment course to pose any questions and queries that they may have as a result of engaging with the online course. An informal approach will be adopted for this session where the clinic will be participant-led, which will allow for the sharing and discussion of ideas. These clinics will be hosted on Zoom and the link will be emailed to participants in advance of the event. Thursday 24 October - 16.00 to 17.00 |
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Assessment Clinic This one hour online clinic is designed as a follow-up support to allow participants who are completing or have completed the online Locally Devised Assessment course to pose any questions and queries that they may have as a result of engaging with the online course. An informal approach will be adopted for this session where the clinic will be participant-led, which will allow for the sharing and discussion of ideas. These clinics will be hosted on Zoom and the link will be emailed to participants in advance of the event. Tuesday 5 November - 16.00 to 17.00 |
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Assessment Clinic This one hour online clinic is designed as a follow-up support to allow participants who are completing or have completed the online Locally Devised Assessment course to pose any questions and queries that they may have as a result of engaging with the online course. An informal approach will be adopted for this session where the clinic will be participant-led, which will allow for the sharing and discussion of ideas. These clinics will be hosted on Zoom and the link will be emailed to participants in advance of the event. Wednesday 20 November - 16.00 to 17.00 |
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Assessment Clinic This one hour online clinic is designed as a follow-up support to complement the recently delivered suite of 5 PD sessions focusing on locally devised assessment. This clinic will provide an opportunity for FET practitioners to pose any locally-devised assessment questions and queries that they may have. An informal approach will be adopted for this session where the clinic will be participant-led, which will allow for the sharing and discussion of ideas. These clinics will be hosted on Zoom and the link will be emailed to participants in advance of the event. Thursday 5 December - 16.00 to 17.00 |
Recognition of Prior Learning may be perceived as being ‘new’ and difficult to implement. This session will challenge these perceptions by providing: Facilitation: Martina has more than 20 years’ experience with the Further Education and Training (FET) sector in Ireland. As Adult Education Officer with Donegal Education and Training Board (ETB), validation or recognition of prior learning (RPL) was a key feature of her work in supporting lifelong learning and social inclusion. She worked on a number of validation projects and initiatives including: the TOBAR project (Defence Forces), validation of transversal skills for low qualified employees in the food processing industry, and supported individuals and groups through the validation process. Martina worked to ensure that RPL provision was underpinned by quality processes and was involved with the development of a toolkit of resources to support the FET sector implement RPL as a part of their provision. Martina was a member of the RPL Practitioner Network National Steering Group and, more recently, a member of the organising committee for the 5th VPL Biennale which was held in Kilkenny in May. She currently provides support, training and guidance to providers who wish to embed validation of non-formal and informal learning as part of their provision. |
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Further Information, Date and Time | |
Tuesday 1 October 2024 - 10.00 to 14.00 A link to this online event will be emailed in advance. |
Unlocking the Potential of Rubrics in Teaching, Learning and Assessment |
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Please note: This event is a repeat of a previous FESS PD event on 'Unlocking the Potential of Rubrics in Teaching, Learning and Assessment' first delivered online in 2022, 2023 and 2024. This online event aims to assist FET staff in the development and use of rubrics to support teaching, learning and assessment activities. This is an interactive event where participants will be provided with information, have the opportunity to engage in discussion and participate in a rubric development workshop. This event will:
Learning together in this event will help us to consider the range of possibilities rubrics can bring to teaching, learning and assessment. The target audience for this event is: FET staff including teachers, tutors, trainers, programme co-ordinators and QA staff. Facilitation: This event will be facilitated by Mary Sheehy (FESS). Please note: Pre-booking is essential. Please do not book onto this event unless you are sure that you will attend / have approval to attend (if required). If an emergency arises, please inform us ASAP (cpdcancellations@fess.ie) as we operate a waiting list system and if time allows we can offer your booked place to another person. |
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Further Information, Date and Time | |
Thursday 3 October 2024 - 10.00 to 12.00 A link to this online event will be emailed in advance. |
Creating Connections: Effective Check-In Activities for FET Learning Environments |
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Check-in activities serve as a bridge between social interactions, discussions, and shared experiences, playing a crucial role in shaping students' perspectives, beliefs, and understanding of contexts around them. The target audience for this session is: FET staff including management, teachers, tutors, trainers, programme coordinators, guidance counsellors, learning support staff and wellbeing officers. Facilitation: This event will be facilitated by Miriam O’Donoghue. Miriam is an independent facilitator, trainer and consultant with a strong background and experience of working in Education both nationally and internationally that includes teaching, lecturing and training roles at Primary, Post-primary, Further Education and Training, and Higher Education (Teacher Education) levels. Miriam has also held senior management roles in Curriculum Development, Professional Development and Education Support Services. Please note: Pre-booking is essential. Please do not book onto this session unless you are sure that you will attend / have approval to attend (if required). If an emergency arises, please inform us ASAP (cpdcancellations@fess.ie) as we operate a waiting list system and if time allows, we can offer your booked place to another person. |
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Further Information, Dates and Times | |
Thursday, 10 October 2024 - 10.00 to 12.00 A link to this online event will be emailed in advance. |
Special Educational Needs in Further Education |
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Accommodating special educational needs in further education is a crucial aspect of our education system: it is important that our educational institutions ensure that every student, regardless of their abilities, has equal access to opportunities for learning and personal growth.
Key Areas 1. Application Process:
2. Assessment and Identification of Needs:
3. Organising Supports:
4. Case Studies and Best Practices:
Our overall aim is to equip you with the knowledge to enhance the educational experiences of students with special educational needs in Further Education with the hope that you will have a deeper understanding of the processes involved, as well as practical insights into creating a supportive and inclusive educational environment. The target audience for this session is: FET staff including management, teachers, tutors, trainers, programme coordinators, guidance counsellors, learning support staff and wellbeing officers. Facilitation: This event will be facilitated by Maureen Lynch, Assistant Principal in Cavan Institute and Faela Heavin, Special Educational Needs Teacher in Cavan Institute. Please note: Pre-booking is essential. Please do not book onto this session unless you are sure that you will attend / have approval to attend (if required). If an emergency arises, please inform us ASAP (cpdcancellations@fess.ie) as we operate a waiting list system and if time allows, we can offer your booked place to another person. |
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Further Information, Dates and Times | |
Wednesday, 16 October 2024 - 14.00 to 16.00 A link to this online event will be emailed in advance. |
Differentiation in the mixed ability classroom |
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Whether it is Youthreach or adults returning to education, the Further Education classroom presents tutors/teachers/instructors with a diverse cohort of learners with a wide range of learning needs. This session offers teachers an opportunity to reflect on how to differentiate their teaching to respond to this challenge. It includes: The target audience for this session is: FET staff including management, teachers, tutors, trainers, programme coordinators, guidance counsellors, learning support staff and wellbeing officers. Facilitation: Facilitation: Harry Freeman currently works as an independent education consultant. From 2002 – 2015 he worked with the Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST), where his primary role was that of national advisor to the Leaving Certificate Applied Programme. Harry has delivered CPD to school leaders and teachers in over 450 post primary schools and FET centres across Ireland. The numerous workshops he has facilitated include: Middle Leadership, Positive Behaviour Management and Active Learning Methodologies. He was also strand leader of the Master in Education degree course in Positive Behaviour Management in Trinity College Dublin from 2009 to 2022. Previously, Harry taught Mathematics and Information Technology in Marino College, Dublin 3. His website can be accessed at www.harryfreeman.ie Please note: Pre-booking is essential. Please do not book onto this session unless you are sure that you will attend / have approval to attend (if required). If an emergency arises, please inform us ASAP (cpdcancellations@fess.ie) as we operate a waiting list system and if time allows, we can offer your booked place to another person. |
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Further Information, Dates and Times | |
Thursday, 17 October 2024 - 10.00 to 12.00 A link to this online event will be emailed in advance. |
This hands on and interactive workshop will invite participants to explore what it means to plan for authentic, inclusive assessment in their FET setting. The objective of this session is to challenge, encourage and empower educators to embrace the variability of learners. They can do this by offering choice in assessment and providing opportunities to learners to showcase their knowledge and skills to the best of their ability.
The target audience for this session is: FET staff including management, teachers, tutors, trainers, programme coordinators, guidance counsellors, learning support staff and wellbeing officers. Facilitation: This session will be facilitated by Carrie Archer. Carrie's pronouns are she/her. She is a qualified special education teacher who has been working in Further Education and Training for 15 years. Her interests are coaching, leadership, Communities of Practice, Universal Design for Learning and championing belonging, equity, inclusion, and diversity. She was a part of the design team with City of Dublin ETB and Trinity College Dublin who developed a master’s course in Diversity and Inclusion in FET. She currently lectures on Postgraduate and master’s programmes in the National College of Ireland on diversity and inclusion, and on assessment and feedback for educational practice. Please note: Pre-booking is essential. Please do not book onto this session unless you are sure that you will attend / have approval to attend (if required). If an emergency arises, please inform us ASAP (cpdcancellations@fess.ie) as we operate a waiting list system and if time allows, we can offer your booked place to another person.
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Further Information, Date and Time | |
Wednesday 23 October 2024 - 14.00 to 16.00 A link to this online event will be emailed in advance. |
Positive Behaviour Management for the FET classroom |
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Working in the Further Education sector presents teachers/tutors/instructors with a broad range of challenges. Learners present with broad levels of motivation and a range of social, emotional and behavioural issues. These add to the complexity of the classroom context in which FE teachers practice. This session will offer practical strategies to help equip teachers to respond to the behaviours encountered daily. It will also give teachers an opportunity to share and learn from each other. The target audience for this session is: FET staff including management, teachers, tutors, trainers, programme coordinators, guidance counsellors, learning support staff and wellbeing officers. Facilitation: Harry Freeman currently works as an independent education consultant. From 2002 – 2015 he worked with the Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST), where his primary role was that of national advisor to the Leaving Certificate Applied Programme. Harry has delivered CPD to school leaders and teachers in over 450 post primary schools and FET centres across Ireland. The numerous workshops he has facilitated include: Middle Leadership, Positive Behaviour Management and Active Learning Methodologies. He was also strand leader of the Master in Education degree course in Positive Behaviour Management in Trinity College Dublin from 2009 to 2022. Previously, Harry taught Mathematics and Information Technology in Marino College, Dublin 3. His website can be accessed at www.harryfreeman.ie Please note: Pre-booking is essential. Please do not book onto this session unless you are sure that you will attend / have approval to attend (if required). If an emergency arises, please inform us ASAP (cpdcancellations@fess.ie) as we operate a waiting list system and if time allows, we can offer your booked place to another person. |
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Further Information, Dates and Times | |
Tuesday, 12 November 2024 - 14.00 to 16.00 A link to this online event will be emailed in advance. |
This session will address the growing importance of Transversal Skills as a positive means to navigate the impact of an ever-accelerating world. A transversal skills framework developed in conjunction with Leargas will be shared. This framework can be used as a guide to Transversal Skills for FET international work placements under Erasmus +. The framework can also act as a template for the exploration and identification of Transversal Skills by teachers and tutors. The session will present the outcomes of research identifying the priority Transversal Skills for the future of work and present an overview of a toolkit developed as a support resource to those facilitating learner acquisition of Transversal Skills within FET. The target audience for this session is: FET staff including management, teachers, tutors, trainers, programme coordinators, guidance counsellors, learning support staff and wellbeing officers. Facilitation: This event will be facilitated by Dr Marie Cleary. Marie is founder and director at ThirdSpace Consultants. She has extensive experience working with senior management and their teams to deliver strategic management interventions, facilitate change, develop leaders and build high performance teams. Before moving into Consulting, Marie was a teacher of Music and English at second level for 10 years. Her 20+ years Consulting career has spanned both public and private sector internationally. Her qualifications in Business, Education, Finance and Psychology, coupled with her previous roles in management of EU funding, gives her an expansive skillset to work in a variety of settings. Marie is a coaching psychologist with extensive experience as an executive coach and has worked at a senior level to assist clients resolve challenging issues, build resilience and enhance leadership capability. Marie is passionate about intercultural education and is closely connected to the work of Leargas across the fields of Youth, Further Education and School Education. Please note: Pre-booking is essential. Please do not book onto this session unless you are sure that you will attend / have approval to attend (if required). If an emergency arises, please inform us ASAP (cpdcancellations@fess.ie) as we operate a waiting list system and if time allows, we can offer your booked place to another person.
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Further Information, Date and Time | |
Tuesday 26 November 2024 - 10.00 to 12.00 A link to this online event will be emailed in advance. |