Teaching chemistry – an Irish viewpoint

By Maria Sheehan2014-05-08T00:00:00

Maria Sheehan looks at the current key issues in chemistry education in Ireland

At present the entire Irish education system is in a state of change. While on one hand this is incredibly exciting, on the other, teachers are justifiably overwhelmed.

In Ireland, second level (post-primary) education comprises two cycles: junior cycle (two years) and senior cycle (two years), which culminates with the Leaving Certificate examination at age 17/18. The results of this exam determine if students are accepted onto their preferred course of study at third level.

Maria Sheehan considers the good, the bad and the murky for chemistry education in Ireland.

Thanks for using Education in Chemistry. You can view one Education in Chemistry article per month as a visitor.

A photograph of a teacher standing in a white lab coat, speaking with a class of children in a laboratory, is superimposed on a colourful background. Text reads "Teach Chemistry means support for classroom and staff room".

Register for Teach Chemistry for free, unlimited access

Registration is open to all teachers and technicians at secondary schools, colleges and teacher training institutions in the UK and Ireland.

Get all this, plus much more:

unlimited access to resources, core practical videos and Education in Chemistry articles
teacher well-being toolkit, personal development resources and online assessments
applications for funding to support your lessons

Set up your Teach Chemistry account

Already a Teach Chemistry member? Sign in now.

Not eligible for Teach Chemistry? Sign up for a personal account instead, or you can also access all our resources with Royal Society of Chemistry membership.