{"id":33417,"date":"2026-09-01T17:18:32","date_gmt":"2026-09-01T16:18:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kcetb.ie\/?page_id=33417"},"modified":"2026-09-01T18:59:07","modified_gmt":"2026-09-01T17:59:07","slug":"podcasts","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/kcetb.ie\/ga\/schools\/podcasts\/","title":{"rendered":"KCETB Podcasts"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>KCETB Schools Student Voice: A Shared Vision for Education<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/0346WfHyrWY2lC2QfoLHPO\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><iframe style=\"border-radius: 12px;\" src=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/embed\/show\/0346WfHyrWY2lC2QfoLHPO?utm_source=generator&amp;si=bf8998d868dd40da\" width=\"100%\" height=\"352\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-testid=\"embed-iframe\"><\/iframe><\/a><\/h5>\n<p>The Convention on Education is a once in a generation opportunity for children, young people, parents, educators and wider society to help shape Ireland\u2019s education system for decades to come. Earlier this year the Department of Education and Youth carried out consultations across the country to allow people to have their say on how education should evolve, through the National Conversation on Education.<\/p>\n<p>In May, Student Councils across all 13 Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board schools took part in their own focus groups bringing together their student voices and sharing their thoughts and ideas on education as it is now, and how it should be in the future. From these dynamic discussions, representatives from each school took part in recording these views that now form the KCETB Schools podcast series.<\/p>\n<p>Director of Schools at KCETB, Dr. Pauline Egan spoke of the idea behind bringing Student Councils together to discuss these pertinent questions with the results being brought together as a podcast: \u201c<em>\u201cBringing our Student Councils together in this way has been about more than capturing opinions, it has been about genuinely listening to young people and recognising them as partners in shaping the future of education. It reflects our commitment to ensuring their voices shape not only the national conversation on the future of education, but also on Kilkenny and Carlow ETBs strategic direction of our schools.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Students were given four prompts to discuss in their school groups and from there, brought those findings to studio. Students from KCETB schools were consistent in their views of the strengths, challenges, and future direction. While experiences vary slightly depending on larger, smaller or rural schools, the core messages are strongly aligned.<\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-33626 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/kcetb.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Schools-Podcast-1-819x1024.png\" alt=\"collage of 13 kcetb schools and the students\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kcetb.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Schools-Podcast-1-819x1024.png 819w, https:\/\/kcetb.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Schools-Podcast-1-240x300.png 240w, https:\/\/kcetb.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Schools-Podcast-1-768x960.png 768w, https:\/\/kcetb.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Schools-Podcast-1-10x12.png 10w, https:\/\/kcetb.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Schools-Podcast-1.png 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>The Purpose of Education<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Across all conversations, students clearly see education as broader than exams or academic achievement. At its core, education should prepare young people for life, including careers, independence, and participation in their communities and society, one student spoke of the purpose of education being about broadening <em>\u201cthe horizons of students by exposing them to new ideas, new subjects and new people so that we can become more understanding of people, ideas and cultures\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Students placed strong emphasis on developing life skills, such as communication, decision-making, financial literacy, and resilience. They also value the role of education in supporting personal growth and confidence.<\/p>\n<p>The social dimension of school is equally important. Students spoke of their time in school as a place to build relationships, understand others, and develop a sense of belonging.<\/p>\n<p>Overall, there was a clear preference for a holistic model of education, where academic learning is balanced with wellbeing, life skills, and personal development.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What is working well in schools today<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Students consistently highlight the importance of positive relationships with their teachers. Across all groups, supportive, respectful, and approachable teachers are seen as key to successful learning environments. Students value being listened to and having their views taken seriously and considered.<\/p>\n<p>There is also strong appreciation for active and engaging teaching methods. Practical subjects, group work, and varied teaching strategies make learning more meaningful and accessible to different types of learners. Students spoke of being met where they are in their learning pathways,<em> \u201cteachers supporting students with different learning techniques\u2026 a lot of teachers are very accommodating and there\u2019s a level of understanding between the teachers and the students\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Another strength is the sense of community and belonging within schools. Extracurricular activities, sports, and social interaction are repeatedly identified as essential to student wellbeing and development. Students also recognised improvements in student voice and participation, with councils, surveys, and more open dialogue allowing them to shape aspects of their school experience.<\/p>\n<p>Supports such as guidance counselling, SEN supports, and wellbeing initiatives are valued, particularly where they are accessible and responsive.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What is not working well in schools today<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Despite these strengths, several challenges emerged, and through identifying those challenges, it allows for the education system to evolve which is the purpose of the Convention. The most prominent issue is pressure from the assessment system. Students from KCETB schools described the Leaving Certificate, its points system, and the heavy workload as stressful and overly focused on memorisation rather than understanding.<\/p>\n<p>There are also widespread concerns about curriculum overload and relevance. Students feel there is too much content, too many subjects, and not enough emphasis on practical or real-life skills.<\/p>\n<p>Mental health and wellbeing are key concerns. Anxiety, fear of judgement, and pressure to perform academically affect participation and engagement, with some students citing that <em>\u201cyou could have a bad day\u201d<\/em> when it comes to exams. Students also highlighted social pressures, and the need for stronger in-school supports with suggestions as to how this might work.<\/p>\n<p>Issues of equity and access are also significant. Differences in resources such as facilities, subject choice, technology, and supports create inequalities between schools and between students.<\/p>\n<p>Lastly, students point to inconsistencies in teaching and support systems, including outdated methodologies.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What schools of the future should look like<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Students present a clear and practical vision for the future of education.\u00a0 A central priority is assessment reform. Students want reduced reliance on high-stakes exams and greater use of continuous and varied assessment methods.<\/p>\n<p>There is also a strong call for more flexible and personalised learning, with greater subject choice and pathways that reflect individual interests and strengths.<\/p>\n<p>Students emphasised the need for greater focus on real-life skills, including financial literacy, problem-solving, and practical learning. Wellbeing must be central. Schools of the future should provide strong mental health supports, safe environments, and a better balance between school and life.<\/p>\n<p>Technology will play an important role, but students stress the need for balance using digital tools and AI responsibly while maintaining human interaction and core skills.<\/p>\n<p>Finally, there is a clear call for greater equity, ensuring all students regardless of their school, background, or ability have access to the same opportunities, with one student saying: <em>\u201cUnless you have grinds, or online resources \u2013 not everyone has the money to spend\u2026 It should be more accessible to everyone, it should be an even playing field for the Leaving Cert, it shouldn\u2019t be about the amount of money that you have\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Across all KCETB schools, the message from students is consistent and constructive. They value the strong relationships, support systems, and opportunities that already exist. However, they are calling for a more balanced system one that reduces pressure, reflects real-world needs, and supports all learners equally.<\/p>\n<p>Their vision is not for radical change, but for thoughtful reform; a system that is more flexible, inclusive, and focused on preparing young people not just for exams, but for life.<\/p>\n<p>For KCETB, this collective project feeds into the National Conversation on Education, aligning our ETB with national reform and policy development. By capturing our student voice, KCETB supports planning and systemic improvement, positioning ourselves as forward thinking and showing engagement at national level. KCETB values the student voice being at the centre of thought development decision making. For KCETB, this work provides a clear, evidence-based direction to shape a more balanced, inclusive, and future-focused education system grounded in what students themselves are saying they need.<\/p>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/0346WfHyrWY2lC2QfoLHPO\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Listen to our Series<\/a><\/h5>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>KCETB Schools Student Voice: A Shared Vision for Education The Convention on Education is a once in a generation opportunity for children, young people, parents, educators and wider society to help shape Ireland\u2019s education system for decades to come. Earlier this year the Department of Education and Youth carried out consultations across the country to&hellip; <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/kcetb.ie\/ga\/schools\/podcasts\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">KCETB Podcasts<\/span><\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"author":34,"featured_media":33431,"parent":26,"menu_order":6,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-33417","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","entry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>KCETB Podcasts - Kilkenny and Carlow ETB<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"KCETB Schools Student Voice: A Shared Vision for Education The Convention on Education is a once in a generation opportunity for children, young people,\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/kcetb.ie\/ga\/scoileanna\/podcasts\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"KCETB Podcasts - 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