Galway Advertiser 1970/1970_04_23/GA_23041970_E1_003.pdf 

Extracted text

Educating: for the F U T U R E
MR. JACK MAHON, headmaster of Gal way's new Technical School, (in Moneenageisha) is proud of its rapid development, and with reason. Mr. Mahon is conscious of the schools place within the community. He has tackled the problem realistically, applying common sense educational ideals to a field that is open for imaginative and intelligent thinking.
Education in our country is often criticised. And in some cases justly so. There is increasing stress laid on young people today and equiping pupils for survival is a more demanding and skilful business than ever before.
Mr. Philip Cribbin, who acts as Chairman of the Students Union, .-.kes a class in English with a group of apprentices from ANCO.

The Technical School opened in September, 1969, and now has 170 young students. The school is new. Bright class rooms, good technical facilities with a young and enthusiastic stalT. Increasing emphasis is laid on the pupils for self-discipline rather than an imposed standard. The Students Union is the best example of this. Each class is represented on the board, and a member of the teaching staff acts in an advisory capacity. The Union raises money to help finance functions for visiting teams and to cover small extras that help make the school more personal to the young students. The signing and lodging of cheques gives the pupils experience in business matters. The Union offer suggestions for the general running of the school. Asking for two periods a week of voluntary study surely reflects the success of this scheme.

Mr. Joe Rooney, the Woodwork teacher, illustrates a point to Frank Folan.

NIGHT SCHOOL So that more people might avail of the school's equipment, the school is open to the community. Night classes are very popular with 500 adults taking part in a variety of subjects, ranging from Art to Physical Education. Seven Trade Groups from the Industrial Training Centre and members of the Irish Army avail of the facilities and skills offered by the school and staff. It is hoped to have the Gym open to the public during the general free day in Galway. There is only a nom inal fee for these classes and it is no wonder they are so popular. But of course the young students come first. A small library has been started, and time allocated for small group project Mr. Noel Carpenter, has the rapt attention of his class as he demon work which will give the students the opportunity to explore strates a Science experiment. relationships and a topic together. Miss Dowling, the French teacher, took a group of children to Paris during the Easter vacation. The trip was thoroughly enjoyed by all. The Eiffel Tower was scaled, and once used to the food, French cooking was "terrific"! The children cheerfully agree to the success of the school. It is to be officially opened on May 4th, 1970. AND FOR THE F U T U R E As a community we are becoming more aware of the necessity for further education. With advanced techniques and more spare time, adult education is taking on a new and absorbing importance. The Technical School, aware of this, are launching an even more varied list of classes for next year. Amateur Photography, which is expected to attract a large number, will have one night a week devoted to the camera owner. The I.C.A. have requested woodwork classes for beginners, and this will be open to both male and female students. Under the general heading of 'HOBBIES' a specialist in a particular field will spend one evening a week lecturing on music appreciation, interior decorating, nature study, dieting and physical fitness, decimal currency and so on. Two nights a week will be given to people who wish to take the Leaving Certificate and thus gain entrance to University. But all this is to come. In one year, the following courses have been opened to all: Modern Mathematics for teachers, Typewriting, Art, Mechanical Drawing, Cookery, Physical Education for men and women, Elementary Mathe matics, Woodwork, Needlework, Pottery, Workshop Calcu lations, Crafts and Mechanical Drawing (Post Group Cert.).

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Mrs. Joan Ryan has her class of 1A girls busy sewing and dressmaking.

R.pe climbing here we go. Three exuberant and, as you can see, hfppy students. From left: Matthew Heaney, Cohe Conneely and ' Paddy Naughton.

James Walsh operates a centre lathe in the Metalwork room.

James Reid & Co.
Heating and Sanitary

Phone 2 9 9 3

Engineers

18 D o m i n i c k Galway

Street