Scholars Ireland is an excellent opportunity for students to get an understanding of student life, gain confidence in written communication and resilience. St Joseph's links with TAP ( Trinity Access Programme) gives twelve Second Year students the opportunity to take part in this initiative.Scholars Ireland is designed to give young people an authentic experience of university. From being taught by PhD tutors, to studying undergraduate-style topics, it aims to break down barriers to university. Each programme includes 12 pupils and 1 PhD tutor. Pupils study the same course but are taught in two small groups of six. Students are supported by Ms O'Connor, the Scholars Ireland coordinator in St Josephs.
Pupils begin their Scholars Ireland journey with a Launch Event online in association with Trinity College Dublin, during which they learn about university life from university staff, hear keynote speeches, undertake a skills session, and take part in an introduction tutorial with their PhD tutor. Following the Launch Event, the PhD tutor conducts tutorials on a weekly basis.
There was a real taste of University style pedagogy including independent research, critical thinking and higher-order questioning. The tutorials culminated in students completing a challenging university -style assignment, which was marked by PhD tutors.
Second Year ,Year Head Ms Kiely joined the eleven students for the Graduation Ceremony took place in Trinity College on Tuesday April 23rd. The sucessful students Alison, Bartosz, Ciara, Conor, Faith, Joy, Muireann, Osasogienaga , Andrei, Ryan, Tara can be so proud of themselves, accepting and completing this challenge.