2009 Press Releases
15.12.2009
The development of oral language at an early age is essential for literacy development. Pathways to Education, an innovative primary school programme in developing oral language has been launched at UCC.
Ten primary schools in the north west of Cork city will participate in this holistic initiative which is child centred and
reaches out to communities.The key concept of the programme is to add support to mainstream schooling. The principals, infant class teachers, learning support teachers and Home School Community Liaison Co-ordinators have embraced the programme with enthusiasm and unfailing commitment. “This initiative reflects best practice by complementing the formal education system through an integrated approach and shared vision”, explained Dr Tracey Connolly, co-ordinator of the programme.
The programme was established in collaboration with Mary Lenihan, Education Co-ordinator at Cork City Partnership, Ted Owens, CEO of the City of Cork VEC and the City of Cork VEC Adult Literacy Schemes and also has the support of Erica Mulholland of the Primary Professional Development Service under the Department of Education and Science and Anne Horgan, Speech and Language Therapy Manager, Health Service Executive (South).
The programme will comprise of sessions facilitated by speech and language therapists with infant class teachers and in the community with the City of Cork VEC Adult Literacy Schemes which will support parents.
The programme was launched by UCC’s Profession of Education, Kathy Hall whose research over the decades has focused on literacy policy and practice. Professor Hall emphasised the importance of oral language to enable progression through the education system.
Pathways to Education is a partnership between University College Cork and Cork Institute of Technology funded through the Strategic Innovation Fund. Pathways to Education aims to widen participation to education and is supported by the Access Offices at both colleges with the overall co-ordination of Martin Flynn. The programme has received tremendous support from both colleges and the communities that they serve.
See: http://www.pathwayscork.ie or email t.connolly@ucc.ie
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