posted 31 Jan 2012 06:00 by Angela Keegan
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updated 31 Jan 2012 06:08
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It is always a joy to see students doing well after they qualify, especially when they are actively working in the vocational area they chose, but it is even better to see such students producing professional work of such a high standard in public spaces for all to enjoy.
Three of our past students Bernie Torpey, Marion Keogh and Úna Thomas combined their enthusiasm, talent and skill when they met at CFE Dundrum. In 2010, having qualified with their FETAC Level 5 qualification in Garden Design, Bernie, Marion and Úna formed a company called “3D Design”. In 2011, in collaboration with Róisín de Buitléar, well-known Irish Artist, they designed a garden titled “Beauty and the Bees” for entry to Bloom 2011. This stunning garden sponsored by Burts Bees highlights the vital role the urban gardener can play to ensure the survival of the honeybee. They were awarded a Silver Gilt medal, a “Best” in Category and the “Landscapers Choice” garden. The event attracted almost 90,000 visitors to the visitors centre in the Phoenix Park Dublin over the June Bank holiday weekend. It has become Ireland's largest gardening, food and family event This was such a Boost for the 3D Design Team that they decided to bring “Beauty and the Bees” for permanent display at the National Garden Exhibition Centre in Kilquade. This venue also hosts “Water’s Edge”, a garden designed by Bernie Torpey and built by the students of CFE Dundrum
We congratulate Bernie, Marion and Una on their wonderful achievements to date. We wish them every success for the future as they continue to inspire our students with their creativity, commitment, talent and enthusiasm.
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posted 13 Jan 2012 05:44 by Michael Foley
Welcome to our tour of CFE Dundrum.
View here...
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posted 11 Jan 2012 07:08 by Michael Foley
CAO (www.cao.ie) deadlines are fast approaching. Remember, there are two schemes available to FETAC (www.fetac.ie) students to facilitate greater progression to third level programmes, the 'Higher Education Links' and the 'Pilot Programme'. Some programmes link directly to year two for certain degree programmes. See the following information:
There are two schemes available to FETAC students to
facilitate greater progression to third level programmes. Applicants must have obtained a full FETAC
award. For information check www.fetac.ie
1.
The
Higher Education Links Scheme (HELS) links specific FETAC level 5 awards to
reserved places on a variety of higher education courses.
2.
Pilot
Scheme: The Pilot Scheme allows you to progress from most FETAC Level 5 courses
to most Higher Certificate (Level 6) and Ordinary Degree (Level 7) courses and
to some Honours Degree (Level 8) courses in the participating institutions.
The Central Applications office (CAO) processes applications
to undergraduate courses in Higher Education Institutions (HEI’s). For information on the CAO process check www.cao.ie
Applicants submit their third level applications to the CAO
by 1st February (1st May for late applications). In July FETAC results are issued to the CAO
and the participating institutions/universities.
Research is key to making the correct course choice:
1. Search courses of Interest on www.careersportal.ie, www.qualifax.ie or www.cao.ie
2. Use the FETAC section of the CAO website to check individual colleges
to see if your FETAC award is accepted (and if you need to pass certain
modules). www.cao.ie
3. Contact colleges individually to see if they have additional entry
requirements
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posted 19 Dec 2011 02:34 by Angela Keegan
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updated 19 Dec 2011 04:28
]
In November I was lucky enough to participate in a Leonardo Mobility International study visit to Florence to observe first-hand The Tuscan Approach to childcare. The trip was organised by Early Childhood Ireland in consultation with the host organisation Istituto Degli Innocenti, Florence.
The study group were treated to a tour of the Innocenti and its facilities, which included a museum, an archive which contained documents dating back to the 15 century and childcare centres situated within the Istituto Degli Innocenti. Prof. Enzo Catarsi from the Università di Firenze gave a presentation on the Tuscan approach to childcare.
The group visited some quality childcare services in Pistoia and San Minato. In Tuscany there is twice as much space allocated to each child as in Ireland. Those studying Montessori will be interested to note that most of the equipment and resources were made from natural materials. The environment was aesthetically pleasing; the walls painted in neutral colours providing a canvas for the children’s photographs and work. Some of the services had outdoor equipment similar to that seen in Ireland, however there were lots of green areas which contained trees and plants. In one of the services the manager explained that they had visited Finland and appreciated the outdoor equipment but felt it was very expensive and the garden is a ‘sacred place’ with lots of interesting things for children to do and learn about. Contemporary artists have been asked to come up with alternative ideas for the garden; these ideas will be embodied in the garden.
Art is a very important part of children’s education in Tuscany. One of the art facilities available to children of all ages and their families was decorated with a fresco, not of cartoon characters but depicting biblical stories. Here children are taught how to go about producing a masterpiece. Another art facility which is used by many different schools in the area provides a large space and a copious supply of materials for the children to use. The children’s art is treated with great respect, often framed in oak frames, protected with Perspex and hung at the child’s level (about two feet from the floor).
Finally the group attended a two day conference entitled; ‘Looking at the Future with Children’s Eyes. Dr. John Bennett OECD presented a paper on; ‘Policies towards children in periods of crisis in a bigger and more different Europe.’ Dr Bennett discussed the difficulties faced by children in these difficult times. He noted that a report by the EU Commission proposed 8 measures for Member States to achieve which include;
· Promote developmentally appropriate programmes and curricula.
· Support the professionalism of ECEC staff.
· Support parents in their role as the main educators of their children.
For all of us working in childcare the path ahead is full of challenges with cuts to services and families experiencing economic pressures. Dr. John Bennett emphasised the need for children to be outdoors more than they are. Children need to experience the outdoors first hand as this will enhance their understanding of the world they live in and support language development. Prof. Enzo Catarsi reminds us all that; “In these times of economic crisis we must bring beauty and joy to parents and Children”. The people of Tuscany do this through appreciation of what the outdoor environment the ‘sacred garden’ and art have to offer.
Cindy Lawson, Montessori Tutor CFE Dundrum
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posted 14 Dec 2011 07:23 by Michael Foley
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updated 20 Dec 2011 06:31
]
We are delighted to announce the launch of our new website www.cfedundrum.com . The site allows
students access their emails, docs, Moodle, calendar and more. The ‘News Updates’ section will provide all the
latest College news. The login section
will bring learners and staff to our ‘Apps’ for all electronic services. Applications can
be made online through our site from Feb 1st 2012 for our full-time
day courses, or 16th December for night courses. Further additions and developments (such as
video tours and course road maps) will come on stream in the new year and as
the year progresses, so please return often to catch up with what is new.
As part of our online renewal, we have also launched a
social networking presence on Facebook (www.facebook.com/furthereducationdundrum)
and Twitter (www.twitter.com/cfedundrum
). We hope to keep all as up to date as possible on these pages, so that timely information is published in relation to any events or snow days, etc. We
would really appreciate your support
in making our Facebook and Twitter pages a success and if you already have or
intend to login to Facebook/Twitter soon please consider clicking the ‘Like’ or ‘Follow’ buttons on
our website or social networking pages.
Many of our students are here because they have received
information about courses through word-of-mouth. It has been said that the more recent forms
of media communication, especially social networks, are the new word-of-mouth (or word-of-mouse!). Please consider forwarding this email, or
mentioning us on Facebook, to someone you think may be interested in attending
the College in the next academic year. You may help build that bridge to a new
career…
Finally, a big thanks to our web development committee
(Catherine McNamare, Monica Alvarez, Paula Veale and Peter Lee) who gave so
much of their time to the project. |
posted 8 Dec 2011 06:27 by Angela Keegan
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updated 16 Dec 2011 01:26
]
Students pictured enjoying a recent visit to the Craft Fair at the RDS
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posted 6 Dec 2011 04:17 by Michael Foley
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updated 8 Feb 2012 02:22 by Angela Keegan
]
Time to Help
We remember with horror January 12, 2010, when an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.0 struck the Caribbean nation of Haiti. Buildings and homes were destroyed. An estimated 230,000 people lost their lives and approximately 2.1 million were displaced or left homeless. Many countries responded to appeals for humanitarian aid and individuals within their countries sought to support their local humanitarian groups through donations and volunteering to assist in the re-build.
One of our staff, Ken Earls, responded to an appeal launched by The Haven Partnership. He recognised the practical skills he had to offer in view of his previous experience working on building sites. Ken signed up with Haven with a goal to raise €6,000 With the help of local Dundrum sponsors such as Leo Burdock’s Fish & Chip Shop, Frank Mulvey Pharmacy, The Candy Store and Boots Chemists, Tesco Nutgrove as well as a local Pub Quiz and sponsorship cards he met his target.
On Sunday 30th October (as we began our mid-term break) Ken joined a team and flew from Ireland to Port au Prince travelling to Léogâne for Build Week. They had a target to build 50 houses in one week. Working in temperatures of 40o -48o they beat their target providing 55 houses. Ken described the atmosphere as brilliant and harmonious. They stayed on site in tented accommodation enjoying local food cooked and served by Irish volunteers. He describes the showers as quite an experience. “You stood under very cold water with a body that had been heated all day. It took your breath away. Sometimes you would see tarantulas scramble around at your feet”. Members of the team repaired and painted the local school, the orphanage and Church. During their free time the children enjoyed the extra attention as they brought a lot of fun and games to their playground
Ken returned after the break looking quite bronzed and although his arms are covered with mosquito bites he says he would do it all again. He recommends a short movie on the Haven website (www.havenpartnership.com) which carries as an introduction a quote by Victor Hugo “As the purse is emptied the heart is filled”
 
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