Become a primary school teacher, online
Posted: September 21st, 2003 | Author: antoin | 146 Comments »Now you can study to be a fully qualified Irish primary school teacher on the Internet with Hibernia College. It only takes 18 months and the degree is recognised by the Irish government. If a company like Hibernia College with very few employees and no campus of its own can set up and offer courses leading to professional qualifications, then what hope is there for bloated universities and colleges, with thousands of staff and expensive buildings?
Aloha Antoin, I was curious what the reputation of this school is, if you have any knowledge. I noticed they are developing a BA program in Irish Studies, and am intrigued.
Mahalo and go raibh maith agat!
I don’t know what the reputation of it is. The background of the founder (Sean Rowland) is in Irish Studies, so that isn’t too surprising.
The most worrying thing is that the College does not appear to have full-time staff with knowledge of the courses they teach (i.e., primary school teaching) listed on the website. Neither do they have any details about their library facilities. Normally these things are required to get HETAC accreditation for a course, and I don’t know how this requirement has been fulfilled or circumvented in this case.
Mahalo (thanks)! Good to know.
HOW MUCH DOES THE PRIMARY TEACHING COURSE COST WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED AND HOW DO I GO BOUT APPLYING
hmmmm this is very interesting. but i dont understand how this works.
THIS IS A LOAD OF CRAP! I DONT THINK THIS IS TRUE!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
What Qualifications do I need?
When does the course start?
How much does it cost?
is this too good to be true?wat qualifications are needed?do i need to have honours irish?how do i apply?
is this too good to be true?wat qualifications are needed?do i need to have honours irish?how do i apply?
This is definitely a great idea. How many points and how does this operate? thanks
Why don’t you try http://www.hiberniacollege.com/ ?
Antoin.
Most of the postgrads run for this course provide experience in schools teaching, which from my own experience is essential. Does this course offer this? Also when your finally qualified and apply for a job in a school are you going to be discriminated against because you haven’t gone to a recognised college.From what I’ve heard primary teachers are not one bit happy about this online thing, either are students who are currently studying to become teachers.If these are teachers are going to be your future collegues, where does that leave you?
Hibernia College’s web address is http://www.hiberniacollege.net NOT .COM. It wrong in all your links.
What do I need to apply and how and when can I apply? What is the cost?
Firstly, i would like to congratulate on the success of such a fantastic idea…..the introduction of an online professional qualification…….emphaises should not be placed on the irish language as much and more on the individual in question. I myself went for interview and unfortuently did not get a place. Hopefully this year will bring more luck?
I think Minister Dempsey has made a fundamental mistake in sanctioning this Hibernia course. I believe, that because of this course, the future quality of Primary School Teachers has been put in jeopardy. I am a qualified Primary School Teacher in the Republic Of Ireland.
This certainly sounds interesting, i’m not to sure about it though,do i need the same number of points(450-465) to apply for this course? Does this course offer work experience on the job like the colleges. more information needed!!!!
PLEASE TELL ME HOW DO I GO ABOUT APPLYING FOR THIS COURSE, ITS NOT FAIR I HAVE A FIRST CLASS HONOURS DIPLOMA IN MONTESSORI AND SOMEHOW i FEEL THIS HAS GOT ME NOWHERE. IS THERE ANYWAY I CAN CONTINUE TO GO ONTO A DEGREE PLEASE HELP.
I am currently taking part in the second intake of this Hibernia course. You apply by going to the college’s web site and filling out a form. There are approx. 200 students on each course. I began in Feb ‘O4 and will hopefully qualify in Aug ‘05. Leaving cert points are not an issue as this is a post-graduate course. You must have a primary degree and have leaving cert honours Irish, similar to the St. Patrick’s 18-month post-grad. The cost of the course is about 5,500 euro, which is also similar to the St. Pats course, and as with that course, previous teaching experience is a major advantage for being accepted. You are interviewed in English and Irish. During the 18 months you go on three practical Teaching Practice blocks of 4wks, 5wks, and 5wks, also, as it is part-time, most students are constantly doing sub work if they dont already work as full-time teachers. You also spend 3 weeks in the Gaeltacht during the summer. All the curricular subjects are covered and then some. This course, like the Pats course, is very intensive because of its brevity and needs a lot of commitment. Because it is part-time, Saturdays and evenings are often taken up with onsite days, held in Education Centres around the country and online tutorials (using headphones and microphone). I understand why the other teacher training colleges would be opposed to this course, and of course it will have initial teething problems and have to prove itself, reputations only come with time, but I dont see how the quality of primary teaching will be downgraded. If we are not good enough, in a competitive market, we will not get jobs. I personally achieved 560 points in my Leaving (some people seem to think that we are doing this course as a back door because we didnt get the points initially). I have a BA and an MA and have worked for 3 years in publishing. Most of the people doing the course are similar, coming from a wide spectrum of backgrounds from which they will bring valuable life experience to the teaching profession. Many have families, mortgages, etc. and have moved on from a time when they could attend a full-time course in Dublin or Limerick. We have all chosen to do this course after time spent in college and in the world of work, not simply because we got the points. Most of the people on the first two intakes of the course are already working full time as teachers, some for a number of years, so it is not true to say, as the colleges are, that we will add greatly to the number of teachers looking for work next year. Some traditional colleges are protesting that we will be taking their jobs. No one is entitled to any job. Its a free market. What are they afraid of? If we are as poorly qualified as they say we are then they have nothing to fear, the best person, surely, will get the job. I think the huge number of applications Hibernia has received has shown how popular this innovative course is. There was obviously a niche waiting to be filled. If you think that this course involves paying the money, sending off a few e-mails, and being handed a certificate after 18 months, as the traditional teaching colleges would have you think, dont bother to apply. Sorry for the rant, and I know some lovely people from the other colleges, so I dont mean to paint them all with the same brush, but I and my fellow students are working extremely hard to gain a qualification in a profession we are all committed to, so it is hard to watch protests on the streets of Dublin, as there was this week, looking for Hibernia to close.
Can you tell me excatly how this course works and what qualifications are needed?
Like they’ve all said, is this to good to be true? Please let me know where to go from here to apply and how much it costs!!!
I have a degree in business studies I have completed the ECDL successfully. I really want to become a primary school teacher please let me know what i have to do. I want to start this year.
Jenny, I agree with you. There are alot of people who want to do Primary School teaching in this country and it is very competitive. I have looked into the Hibernia course and think it looks excellent. I have an honours degree in Irish, as well as a masters and I just wouldnt be able to take another 18 months off work to study. And I agree that so much emphasis should be placed on Irish – have you people no national pride?! If Irish isnt thought in priamry school then it will disappear forever. I would be interested in hearing from people who have completed the course to see if they have found employment
Caoimhe,
Sorry to say this but hopefully you will not get a position as a primary school teacher. You can’t spell English words, our first language, never mind Irish….(Please see your note – If Irish isn’t thought! Should be – taught!!!) English, both spoken and written, is very important in our day to day lives and if you can’t provide that in primary school then what chance do these children have?
Regards,
Joanne
Hey, I have heard so much about this course and I’m eager to learn more. I had planned to apply for Primary school teaching as soon as I finished travelling (taking 18 months to travel around the world starting in January). I just turned 24 and by the time I come back I will be close to 26, is this too late to start a new career? I completed my primary degree in Recreational Management and then went on to do a H-Dip (business studies being my primary subject). I found it close to impossible to find a teaching job when i finished in UCC, so I chose to work with children with special needs instead. I currently tutor children with Autism. Is my backround sufficient for this course? I didnt do honours Irish for my leaving cert. Where can I complete an Irish course?
what are the requirements to becoming a primary school teacher. i would like to work in AUS but i need to know what course to take.
hi my name is chris and i am a year ten student at corby community college. i am writing this note in hope to recieve a reply as i lpea for information on what it takes to be a primary school teacher as it has been my life long ambition to do this. can you please e-mail me on clm31791@myway.com if you would like too help me. thankyou very much
chris macinnes
Can you please let me know how do i apply for this course, what qualifications do i need and how much it costs. thanks.
Can you please let me know how I can apply for this course, which qualifications I need and how much it costs. Thank you.
Hello,
I am interested in finding out more about this course. Could you please tell me what level Irish i need, what level of a degree i need, what the recommended hours per week are, could I complete it in a year if I wanted to? How much are the fees? Also any other relevant information would be much appreciated,
Hi there catriona, all.
Check
http://www.hiberniacollege.net/Default.aspx?tabid=382
for details about this course.
Be interested to hear how you all get on!
Best,
Antoin.
I have done my leaving cert in 1989. I do not have honours Irish. I haven’t got a degree. I was wondering how long it would take to become a national school teacher.
Would it be possible to do it by correspondence. I would attend an Honours Irish class here. Thanks
Hi there, can anyone tell me how much Irish is required in the interview, what type of questions were asked & how long did it take?
Did the leaving cert in 1989 have an honour in Irish. Also have a diploma from DIT. Would I be eligible
Hi,
I am interested in getting into primary school teaching and I would like to know details regarding requirements, time the course takes and the fees involved. Is it accepted to get into primary school teaching all over Ireland. I have a chemistry backround from U.C.C.
Regards.
Eamonn
hi all,
just a quick note, am actually enrolled in the course at the moment and love it. It is incredibly time consuming though and if you teach while you study( as most people do) be prepared for an exhausting 18 months!
having said that it is really rewarding and a progressive way to study- the standard of irish expected is leaving cert honours irish oral level -to the grade of a c and upwards ,so quite high.
Good luck to everyone, the last round had over 1,000 applicants and approx 200 were accepted, so study,listen to radio na g,tg4,read irish newspapers, do whatever you can!
Good Luck!
Hi guys
Was just wondering if your irish initially needs to be up to scratch or if they would accept you on the condition that you study irish along the way.
Would really love to know what i would have to do as I am desperate to become a primary school teacher.
Thanks
It is obvious to anybody with even a fragment of common sense that this course was given the go-ahead by a man who did more damage to the primary education system than good. Teaching is a profession that requires intensive training and supervision, and it is a well known fact amongst schools who have had Hibernia students that their level of supervision is way below the standards set by other teacher training colleges. Where I come from in the East Clare, many of the principals there refuse to allow Hibernia students to do teaching practice in their schools, mainly due to the faulty principles from which this course is structured upon. The supervision is not organised in a way which would give a clear indication of how adept the teacher trainee actually is. Grades are given generously, and when you consider the difficulty in obtaining a similar qualification from Mary Immaculate College for instance, it is obvious that this so called teacher “training” programme should be stopped before it damages the already fragile primary school system. If the medical or law profession were to experience a similar programme, an national outcry would occur. Regardless of what people say about this course, it is fundamentally wrong for it to exist in the first place, and I hope that Noel Dempsey realises the damage he will have on generations of young children for years to come.
I have heard about this site from my friends. I am confused in how it works though. What qualifications are needed, whats the cost and can you attend straight after your leaving cert at 17 years of age???????? Is honours irish necessary?
The course is for graduates so you need to have a degree already. There is also the requirement, as for all primary teachers, to have an Honour in Leaving Cert Irish.
I’m doing the Hibernia Course at the moment and have a close friend doing the Mary I course so can compare the two. Both courses have similar core subjects and course outlines although we, in Hibernia, seem to have more emphasis on Gaeilge and a lot more emphasis on ET – Educational Technology (using technology for education). Both courses are very intensive, both have Irish College as compulsary during the summer, both need a lot of time and dedication, but essentially both courses turn out excellant teachers of our children.
Hi there, im thinkin of doin the online hibernia course. i have a degree in marketing but am currently doin some substitute work in a primary school, also have a C1 in hons irish leaving cert. just wondering if anybody knows wat would b my chances of gettin into the course and when the closing date is for the next applications? Thanks!!
a C1 in hons irish leaving cert. just wondering if anybody knows wat would b my chances of gettin into the course and when the closing date is for the next applications? Thanks!!
Is this course recognised by the irish education system?? Wht do i need to qulalify for the course? When does it start and how much does it cost??
I am disgusted at this course, which undermines the teaching preaching profession. I have never heard of doctors training online or being allowed to work as doctors and get paid for it during their training. I have experience of Hibernia teaching practice-3 lessons/day and about a weeks notice prior to inspectors visit, and getting to pick what subject to be seen.What a joke!
I have a first class honours diploma in Montessori teaching.Where do I go from here?, How can I do this course what do I need? Please help me?
Hi
I am 27 years old and have a primary degree in french and sociology… I have a B in pass Irish in my Leaving Cert but am going back next year to sit the hons exam and then hopefully do the 18 months in Hiberbia… My question is I am working full-time at the mo but would like to start primary school teaching in Sept (obv unqualified at the mo but with a view to being qual), where do I begin to look for work as a sub/ full time teacher… Is this possible?
Thanks
I am currently doing a 3year degree in Montessori Education. Can you do this course with a pass degree or will i have to do the 4th year to get my honours degree. please advise me
Hi.
I dont have Irish, what qualifications do i need, how much does it cost & when does it start?
Thanks.
I dont have Irish, but would like to become a primary school teachers, what qualifications are needed? Could you please forward me more info on this course.
Thanks.
I have been onto the hibernia site but it doesn’t give alot of information. What qualifications do you need. Could you send me information with more detail on how to go about applying.
Many thanks
Sheena
hello
i was just woundering what point and subjects do you need to become a primary school teacher
I am a qualified B.Ed grad from Mary I of several years and I totally agree that it IS ridiculous how unqualified and qualified staff can work in the same role i.e mainstream teaching.There is no comparison between the high quality of education received by Mary I,Pats,Marino grads.and that of those who “attend” Hibernia.we’ve had parents complain that they don’t want their children taught by a Hibernia “graduate”.Also the Irish requirement in the Hibernia interview is very poor.
I have a pgce, Uk equivalent of this Hibernia course. I wonder if this will qualify me to taech in Ireland, as I want to move home. For the record, I don’t feel these courses are a very good way of becoming a teacher. They cannot possibly prepare you in such a short space of time, for such a demanding and responsible job.
Here are a few reasons why you SHOULD take the Hibernia College:
1) This course has undergone an exhaustive accreditation process including scrutiny by an international panel of experts. Can the same be said for any other courses available? No.
And finally here a list of items that are SAVED by students who study with Hibernia College – travel time, printed paper, accommodation costs in Dublin or Limerick, forward thinking in education and approx 12,000 euro per student (paid by the Department of Education to other Colleges of Education for every teacher they train – in addition to the course fees!)
2) If you think Teaching Practice is a doddle at Hibernia College – think again. Hibernia College students must load up their lesson plans for every single lesson to a private area which can be viewed by teaching practice supervisors. This means that in addition to the normal visits to the school, the work of Hibernia College students can be scrutinised at any time by any number of supervisors and the course faculty team.
3) The level of competence in the Irish language of Hibernia College graduates is higher than that of graduates in any other College of Education. The Gaeltacht component in particular has been repeatedly praised by Department of Education inspectors.
4) Much of the Teaching Methodologies component of the course was designed and developed by highly experienced teachers who are or were seconded to the Primary Curriculum Support Programme. This programme is reponsible for teaching teachers about the revised Primary School Curriculum. Therefore, Hibernia College students receive the most up to date tuition from the most experienced teaching professionals.
5) The course places more emphasis on the use of information technology in the classroom than any equivalent course. Furthermore this element of the course was designed by leading educational technologists from Trinity College Dublin. If you want to be able to harness the opportunity offered by technology in the classroom, then the Hibernia College course is the best option.
6) Hibernia College graduates and Hibernia College faculty are innovative educationalists who believe that models of education should be challenged and re-apraised in order to have the best chance of providing superior quality education to Ireland’s primary school pupils. If you would prefer to be part of a student cohort that marches through the streets with banners saying “No to the Internet”, then St. Pat’s is the College of Education for you – and good luck.
7) Hibernia College students are all postgraduates. This means they are able to arrive at a mature decision regarding their desire to be a primary school teacher, and that they bring with them the benefit of several years of experience from other professions.
hey, am really interested in doing primary school teaching, am currently studying for my degree in early childhood studies, iv got my c3 in honours irish. Was wondering would it be easier to get accepted for a post graduate course in st.pats or with the hibernia course?? Where do i find information on when the interviews etc… are?? really grateful if someone could help me on this…
Well,
Just wondering if there are any graduates from Hibernia out there who could let us know how they got on with seeking employment???
Am seriously considering Hibernia.
hi am very interested in hearing more information from /about hibernia graduates. . could some one maybe let me know how they got on ??and did they seek work??, also is it recongnised worldwide???
thanks a mill
Evil
I was wondering is it hard to become a teacher
i think that this is a fantastic idea, and im only 15. i think that there should be more of these adds especialy if people can be a teacher with pride. good on ya!
Hi i just wanted to askabout the teaching course. I have completed a computer degree last year and would love to do primary teaching but hear that that it is very difficult to get into this course. I am thinking of applying , i have honours irish but have no previous teaching experience. I know it says that this is not essential but have heard that without it it is unlikely i would get the course. Can you please let me know what u feel about this. Also can you tell me when i would want to get my application in for the next round which is in Oct i think?
Thanking You for your help in advance
I AM ATEACHER WITH MANY YEARS EXPERIENCE AND A GRADUTE OF M.I.C.E (HONOURS DEGREE.IF ANYONE INTRESTED).TEACHING IS INTUITIVE.IT’S A VOCATION NOT STRICTLY ACADEMIC.I HAVE SEEN BRILLIANT TACHERS WITH GREAT SKILLS IN MANAGING CHILDREN.I HAVE SEEN HIGH POWERED ACADEMICS RUINING CHILDRENS LIVES. M.I.C.E. IS OVERATED AND ACADEMIC WITH SNOBS LOOKING DOWN THEIR NOSES AT HIBERNIA.I AM HORRIFIED AT THE HYPOCRITICAL SHENNIGANS OF SUCH GRADUATES.TEACHING IS ALL ABOUT JOINING AND BEING AT ONE WITH CHILDREN. IT’S ABOUT BEING EMOTIONALLY INVOLVED WITH CHILDREN.IT’S ABOUT ENABLING CHILDREN TO LEARN AND FULFILLING THEIR THEIR POTENTIAL.IT DOESNT MATTTER WHERE THE DEGREE COMES FROM.IN FACT I DONT THINK TEACHING NEEDS A DEGREE LIKE MDICINE AT ALL.TEACHING IS AKIN TO BEING A MOTHER.ITS ABOUT NURTERING .JUST A MORE FORMAL VERSION OF MOTHERING .
I am amazed at some of the above comments from people who have attended m.i.c.e. etc, I too attented M.I.C.E for four years and i now intend to do the Hibernia course. With such an increase in the cost of living i think it is pathetic that others would begrudge individuals who want to further there education without landing themselves in massive debt. Yes m.i.c.e. is a good college but i firmly agree with Helen, i think we have all come across teachers who are not at all suited to the profession and have been doing it badly for years. It appears that the majority of negative comments are from people who think thay are above Hibernia when in fact graduates of Hibernia will have a Primary degree and a post graduate study completed. Is that not dedication? is that not hard work? So the impresion of a Hibernia qualification being an easy option really needs to be reviewed!
Hey…if anyone has any information on what cao choices would help me become an Irish secondary teacher. I’ve been interested in doing this for years and I’m due to sit my Leaving Cert in June….any advice??
Hi, I am also a mother and hope to do the Hibernia college postgraduate course. I have the interview for the course shortly and Iam wondering if anyone out there with some examples of interview questions that have come up in the past? Particularly the more recent round of interviews. I am more worried about the questions that could arise in the Irish part of the interview so examples of past questions asked in IRish would be most welcome!
Thanks
I don’t know anything about the course, but I got here via a search.
I do know this – a lot of you haven’t the sense to do five minutes of research on basic issues such as cost, standard of Irish required etc. Or maybe it’s just laziness.
Either way, I hope my kids will not be taught by anyone with such lack of initiative, online trained or not.
I am a qualified accountant with an excellent leaving cert, an honours degree and first time passes in my professional examinations with training in the big 6 and successful but hugely demanding career and I find some of the comments about the hibernian college above extremely negative almost smacking of sour grapes. I really really want to become a teacher, I know it could be a vocation for me , all my family are teachers and when I taught in schools when studying I absolutely loved it so please dont try and look down on us as we are both highly qualified and obviously looking with a mature eye on perhaps the career we should have pursued if there was adequate career counselling in our schools. Can I ask is there much prejudice experienced by teachers who have qualifed through Hibernia?
How do i apply etc???
@ Helen: “IN FACT I DONT THINK TEACHING NEEDS A DEGREE LIKE MDICINE AT ALL.TEACHING IS AKIN TO BEING A MOTHER”
It´s twits like you that are keeping our pay down, saying stupid things like that. It´s ok for people like you who have husbands and your pay is only a second income. Of course teaching requires a degree.
But I do also partially agree with your other comments. Bedside manner is just as important, for both doctors and teachers, as it were. But Hibernia is, and always will be, inferior.
So that is the problem Conor? There is an issue around pay? You feel you should be paid more. And Hibernia is the scapegoat? I hope you are not bitter and perhaps this might take away from what you class as youre ‘ bedside manner’ in the classroom. No Irish prople or Hibernian graduates need apply……!!!!! is youre philosophy?I thought we had all grown up
At the end of the day, we are moving towards a society where more and more learning and business will be conducted on line. Come back to this message board in ten years and I believe the way things are done will be changed dramatically. Think ten years ago and today. This country was practically bankrupt 15 years ago!And for the begrudgers if they are there, remember , this course is only part internet , it has been approved by the DOE which has taken advice from international impartial bodies , and as we all agree is it the bedside manner and the commitment the inspired nurturer of our future generations as all teachers hope to be…
how much does it cost to become a teacher? i really want to be a primary school teacher!
heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeelp me!
As someone else said:-
for all of you looking for information:-
You already know the name of the college
You obviously have internet access, so why don’t you just google it & find out for yourself!!!!!!
For Hibernia Prost Grad.
You MUST already have a degree. (which must be at Level 8 of the NFQ (Google it!!!)
You MUST have Honours Irish (or an equivalent Irish Uni qualification)
It is not necessary to have previous teaching experience. I have heard of many who have been accepted without. It would definitely help though, but voluntary work with children outside of school would also help (i.e. sports coaching etc)
You get interviewed in English & Irish. Your Irish MUST me at the Leaving Cert Oral Exam level.
It currently costs approx €8000
Approx 1000 apply for each intake. There are 200-250 places.
There are two sittings each year. One in Oct, one in Feb.
Applications are accepted all year long.
There is less snobbery towards Hibernia graduates now, as they have proven themselves time & time again.
I’m currently repeating my Irish leaving exam. (I’m 27) I’m doing it myself. You don’t need to register with any college. Even if you did, you still have to register with the department yourself to sit the actual exam.
hi Boozybabe.
what do you mean you have to register with the dept yourself to sit the exam even if you register with a college? what if you are doing an irish course at a college? wouldnt they do all that for you just like when we done our leaving cert in school?
Hi Boozybade,
Can you tell me how i can register to re-sit my leaving cert irish – I have checked the departments website and I have had no luck.
I think this is brilliant! I am a mother with a primary degree working in local government – I would love to be a teacher, I have got to that stage in life where I want to make a diffence. I am not in a position to give up work to do a full-time course but I am willing to put all my spare time into achieving my dreams. Well done Hibernia!
Hey everyone,
I just finished my exams this week with Hibernia college. I think everyone is different and different colleges suit different people. All the fulltime colleges are superb, I’m sure, but Hibernia college has a lot to offer and the academic standard is extremely high. Anyone who thinks that it is an easy ride will be sadly disappointed.
I have been working as an SNA in a school and did my three teaching practices during that time too. I worked damn hard and earned my good grades. The negative comments were to be expected in 2003, but now, in 2007 when Hibernia students and graduates have proved time and time again to be equal to colleagues from other colleges, I am shocked to see the negative comments above about Hibernia.
Conor, I apologise for getting personal but really? It is hardly mature professional teacher behaviour to call others who express their opinions “twits”. I hope that is not the practice in your classroom.
Everyone who graduates from Hibernia, has at least one degree. They have life experience, they are not just out of college. I myself, have many qualifications including Montessori. This all on top of my pending Hibernia qualification.
It is perhaps easy to scapegoat Hibernia because it is regarded as “not a real” course, despite the fact that a lot of us work in schools, we have to travel to areas over the country for lectures and onsites (without complaint I might add!) and we work really hard. During teaching practices, daily extremely detailed lesson plans, modular lesson plans, integrated flow charts, weekly plans and assessment records are all part of it.
The Hibernia interview is not a doddle and you must prepare for it. Boozy Babe gave all the necessary details about it further up. You have to keep up with the work load and your work must be of a high standard or you will not do well. it is as simple as that. Of course, Hibernia has its’ problems and students have a lot of issues with the admin sometimes. It is not easy to do an online course when you cannot get face to face conferencing a lot of the time. But what college doesnt have its’ problems.
I am a single girl in my late twenties who does not have a husband or want a second income “cos I’m bored”. I know that teaching is my vocation and I know that this was the right move for me as it will be for others. This will be my career for life. I paid for everything myself through a loan, which I might not have been able to pay back if I wasn’t also working.
Hibernia gives people who might not financially get the chance to study, to do so. It totally depends on the person. I would not dream of being so rude as to knock any of the other colleges as I think they are all wonderful.Choose whichever is right for you as an individual.
I would hope, that most people out there, would have the maturity, professional courtesy and open mindedness which is necessary in this job, to be of the same mind. If you don’t have the above traits, I would question why you are in the teaching profession – that is dangerous to the young minds of today – to be under the influence of narrow mindedness. While constructive criticism is necessary sometimes, blind negativity is not common sense.
I appreciate that financial security is important, it certainly is to me, but I doubt Hibernia has anything to do with anyone having a low pay packet.
The comments about parents not wanting Hibernia graduates to teach their children is just very sad, but hardly surprising if all they hear is negativity. I have never met one parent who had a problem. If a teacher can teach, he/she can teach, regardless of where they got their qualification. External inspectors from the Department of Education come to see Hibernia college students during Teaching Practice and are as strict on them as others. I wouldnt have it any other way, how else would you learn?
It would also be foolish to assume that there have been no substandard or “inferior” teachers graduating from other colleges. Hibernia is certainly not inferior. It, like other colleges, has a lot to learn, but it also has a lot to offer. I really don’t mean to rant, but I feel it necessary to reply. I wish you well in your future careers everyone
Take care,
Kate
Just leaving another comment to see that my mature professional opinion affirming the college that I attended (Hibernia) was deleted by who ever is in charge here. I was not rude to anyone and gave good information. obviously freedom of speech is not welcome here.
That is a great pity
apologies, discard last comment everyone!! I am a bit cranky today!! sorry to all!!
Hi!
I am really interested in doing the Hibernia teaching online course, I have a first class honors degree in applied social studies in social care and have been working in the social care field for over a year now, however primary school teaching has always been my dream job but I never got the required points in the leaving cert, while I have honors Irish I cant speak a word of it and its holding me back from doing the course, could someone out there give me examples of questions asked in the interview and also if anyone knows of a good irish course around the cork area it would be a great help.
hi,
do i need honours irish..
where do i find out more bout course..
is it 2late to apply….
what qualification do i need?
how much it cost me ?
Hey Lisa,
if you got honours Irish, I’d say you can speak the cupla focail so don’t let under confidence hold you back. The interview is usually half and half (English and Irish). The irish part would be similar to some questions in the Irish leaving cert oral. Not sure about courses, but a good Beal scrudu book (school book) would be perfect practice for this. obviously if you can talk as gaeilge with someone, it would be better. Just think general conversation…what your name is, what you do, why you want to be a teacher, etc. I think the October 07 course is full, but you could check that out and apply for the Feb 08? Good luck.
Em, yes I do think you need honours Irish but check it out.If you read through the information in the above posts, you’ll find what you need. You have to have a primary degree to do this course and all in all, it can cost up to 10 thousand euro by the time you have finished. look up HIBERNIA COLLEGE on the internet. I do think that perhaps that is the place to be looking and asking the questions, not here where there isn’t much help to be found!!
best of luck,
Kate
Hi everyone
Can someone please tell me some of some of the questions both in Irish and English they were asked this year. Also if someone can give me a great answer as to why they chose the course woudl be a great help. i just need some impressive descriptive words.
Hi…I am a third year Arts student and I was wondering if it is possible for me to apply for the H-Dip this year pending my degree result or do I have to have my Degree completed? I would appreciate any reply on this matter!!! Thanks…
Hi everyone,
For my interview with Hibernia, here are some of the questions I was asked:
In English:
Have I any paid work experience in a primary school?
Why do I want to become a teacher?
What did I study during my degree and what have I learned from it?
Did I know anyone who has done the course before?
What would I do if the principal told me my class weren’t disciplined enough?
Do I think music is an important part of a child’s education?
How would I balance working, studying and resting at the same time?
What do I think of the IT aspect of the course?
What attracted me to the Hibernia course?
In Irish:
Have I much Irish?
What TV programmes do you watch?
Have you been anywhere on holidays recently?
Have I read any good books recently?
Had I been to any Irish colleges when I was in school?
There were three people on the panel and were all very friendly and helpful, especially with the Irish part.
Good luck!
I was just wondering how many points do you need in the Leaving Cert to become a primary school Teacher.
Hi
I have just read all the comments posted over the last four years and I am shocked at some of the very negative ones left by other teachers.
I am seriously considering applying for the Hibernian course next year.
I am 25 years old and have worked extremely hard over the last few years. I graduated from college with a first honours business degree and various awards. A fact that I am very proud of considering I also had my daughter, who is 6 now, 2 years into my dgree.
I went on to work in a big 4 accountancy firm and have since qualified as a Chartered Accountant and a member of the Tax Institute of Ireland.
People like myself applying for this course are giving up careers that we have worked hard in for years because we feel that this is what we truly could make a difference doing.
If I get accepted into the course next year I will have to struggle financially for the course duration as I don’t believe I could hold down full time employment and completely dedicate myself to my studies. Even after graduation my starting salary would only be half of what I earn now.
Please tell me how is this an easy route into primary school teaching!! Does this not show enough dedication?
As a mother myself I would be happy in the knowledge that my child was being taught by someone who had put so much effort and dedication into working with and teaching children, whether this be at the age of 17 or 27!
I would like to hear from people who have been successful in their application to the Hibernian course.
Unfortuntely I will not be in a position to get paid work experience prior to applying but I am teaching swimming lessons voluntarily and have also done some unpaid voluntary work in a primary school. Do you think this will be enough experience to apply?
If I get accepted I plan to give up my job and do resource teaching for the duration of the course.
I would love to get advice from anyone who has done the course on whether they think I should be doing anything else to improve my chances of being accepted.
My major issue is with the Irish. I understand from other comments that the level of Irish is on par with that of honours oral leaving cert. Can anyone confirm this?
Look forward to hearing from (postive!) teachers and Hibernian students.
Hey
i was jus wondering could anyone tell me the requirements for entering this course,i have an ordinary degree in computers,but i have recently decided i would rather go down the path of being a teacher.i was basically wondering if i would eligable for this course with my ordinary degree,really appreciate any reply’s
Cheers
Wow!! What bitter people ex MIC people are!And why is that? Because u only did primary teaching because u got the points in your leaving cert and and it would be great for mommy and daddy to tell all the neighbours that little Mary is going to be a teacher regardless of the fact that little Mary couldnt teach a dog to sit still let alone an aimsir chaite to a bunch of 8 year olds?Or because most of you cant stand putting up with the kids who lets face it arent much younger than you and you would much rather be doing the gold coast of Australia or trekking in thailand??
let me just open your tiny little institutionalised minds and explain the reasons why this course is a breath of fresh air:
1)It is mainly mature educated working professionals who are applying for it not little Mary who is more interested in what time happy hour is on in the local than why the disruptive child in the classroom is missing from school that day again-could it possibly be because he has a learning diability and is playing up to a teacher who has recieved practically NO training on how to deal with children with INTELLECTUAL and LEARNING disabilities but who can recite every verb in every tense from the amisir chaite to the aimsir Fhaisneach!!! The same child will go on to be the thief of tomorrow and just like 7 children in the 90’s who didnt get into a secondary school due to poor reading and writing skills will end up in prison or dead. 4 our of 7 of those kids are dead, the other 3 in prision.
People like myself who have years of working in “The real world” (yes it does exist other than the year abroad in Australia most people under 25 have experienced) have vast amounts of knowledge and experiece that would be extremely valuable in a classroom situation-dealing with parents, interperonal and communication skills, public speaking IT skills the list goes on. We are the people who have seen enough of the world to know that our talents are waisted if they are not used to HELP people, TEACH children, give them confidence in themselves, beleve that they are worthy, that they can make a difference, that they have a VOICE, that their dreams can come true. What would a 21 or 22 year old just finished in Mary I or St Pats know about life or teaching anyone? are they not children themselves without any life experience??Please do not knock or make JUDGEMENTAL comments and make sweeping statments about people you know nothing about. It was not our fault we had no proper guidance in the first place from teachers and guidance councillors to follow a path that we would all have been perfect candidates for but then again like everything else in life this is something we had to learn by ourselves.Due to morgages, children or other financial commitments we cannot all return to 18 months full time education and nor should we have to considering we have all spent a minimum of 4 years already in a third level institution.
for the record I got a B3 in honours Irish and love the subject but my french friends can speak better english than i can speak Irish even though they have only be learning english for 5 years while i learnt Irish for 12 years.. there was no emphasis on oral Irish when I was in school only written Irish. No wonder everyone hates the thought of an oral interview even though we all learned the language for 12 years!! go figure.In any case having brillant Irish is really not the issue for teachers today as alot of children in today’s multicultural Ireland can barely speak English let alone Irish so perhaps you should re examine your priorities as a teacher if Irish is at the top of your list in a requirment to be a teacher..
Finally I would like to point out to the begrudgers of this course I am working FULL TIME and will be for the duration of this course IF AND WHEN I get it…I will be paying TAX and guess where that tax money will be going?? You guessed it!!! It will go towards paying the fees to train the countries future primary teachers at colaiste Mhuire gan smal and the likes so I hope you put my money to good use cos I will be seeing you in the staff room at lunch times when I am a QUALIFIED PRIMARY TEACHER IN MAINSTREAM EDUCATION!!!!!!!!!!!
well said caoimhe! jaonne who left that insulting reply for u needs to grow up and find something better to do wit her time.
Reading this site would seriously turn mew off this course!
Are these the people i would work with?? Is there really any need to slate those who havent held down a fantastic job since the age of 20 and who have taken time out to travel. Seems some people could do with the adventure. might broaden their little minds slightly! (which would indeed benefit all those kids in the classroom!!!)
Hiyaa .. !
Im In Year 11 In School Doin GCSE’S I Wana Be A Primary School Teacher And Im Going On To College To Do My A – Levels .. What Are The Best Subjects To Pick For A-Levels To Become A Teacher .. ?
Could Any1 Help .. ?
x x x x
only got a d2 in honours irish, have a degree in bachelor of business, can i apply for this course, only can do online as i cannot afford to give up work
can you tell me what I need to qualify for ths course, how much it costs and when it begins it sounds too good to be true
hi, i am going to take my year 9 options soon and really want to become a primary teacher. can anyone give me any advice as to what i should take?
thanks!
x
what a load of codswallop, what are all you so called qualified teachers afraid of, is it the experience that older mature student have or are you threatened , if given a choice give me a Hibernia student any day they have gained their mastery on the ground
Good luck to all Hibernia Students go teach em how to teach!!!!
I am very angry about the introduction of the hibernia on-line primary teaching diploma. As a result of Noel Dempsey giving dept. of ed. recognition to this course, my son is suffering in such a graduate’s class.As a B.Ed myself, I spent many,many hours taking notes on teaching studies and classroom management.I see no mention of such modules on the scant hibernia website. My son,who has mild A.S.D.,was coping very well in the mainstream until this year.His 1st class report ticked the ‘very good’ box for classroom behaviour at the end of June ‘07. Now, 6 months on, his hibernia ‘trained’ teacher can’t handle & has let his behaviour deteriorate dramatically. I am up the walls with worry.I am left to deal with the situation as best I can alone, as the school will only sing the dept recognition line. I am appalled that this so called diploma in primary teaching was rushed through to meet teacher shortages. I am dismayed at the number of “hibernates” being churned out of this milking machine of Sean Rowlands… into the 1000’s! God help the children of Ireland.
I am a qualified school principal with a first class honours degree in education from T.C.D. I am currently completing my M. Ed.
As a school principal, i sit on interview panels and i can honestly say that I would never entertain a hibernia student or give them an interview.
I regularly go on the education posts website and read the comments that have been posted on it by “students” wishing to go on on the Hibernia course and I am disgusted by what I read. Comments by people on the course clearly show how relaxed the course is.
I would love to know how many of the current studnts would have the points to get onto the B. Ed. course in a proper college of education such as MICE, St. Pat’s, Church of Ireland College and Froebel.
I am aware that there are students on the course who are very highly qualified and will make excellent teachers. I hate tarring everyone with the same brush.
The D.E.S. praise the course because it is so cost effective and a very cheap way to train teachers. There is no way that an 18 month stint on the Internet is adequate for delivering the primary school curriculum from infants to 6th class with all the current challenges that our education system has.
I have evidence of students from Hibernia who were very unsatisfactory on T.P. but it didn’t matter because the “college” supervisior only visited twice and this was a retired teacher. Many of Hibernia’s supervisors are X-teachers who can earn extra money travelling around visiting hibernia students on T.P.
Many hibernia students rant about life experinece being what they can bring to the classroom this is something we all have, they are no different. How can someone that has studied business for example go on the Internet and qualify as a primary teacher in just 18 months. If you calculated the exact length of the course I don’t think it even takes 18 months. Students from Froebel, Marino and the Church of Ireland College all achieve at least a grade C3 in honours Irish and then go on to study Gaeilge as part of their degree for three years while attending courses in Modhanna muinte Gaeilge. This is why teachers from these colleges are sought after.
I am 32 and working currently a QS. I have an honours degree. While I am more than compotent at my job, I would rather teach. In order to do so, on a traditional route I would need to give up work. This is not a viable option. Therefore an online option while it may not be the best training available remains the best option for me.
It may be true that this online course is inferior in quality, but I think that, it is only truly in a class room that a teacher is found to be good or bad. As a child I have had both and though I am an adult now, I still remember. Both good and bad teachers came from the traditional route.
I am undecided about my future. However I think this online course looks like a good option to me.
Slán.
Principal.. What a load of crap? What planet are you on? Have you actually read the requirements for gaining a place on the Hibernia post-grad?. I suggest you take a look, that’s of course if you know how to use the internet. After all you sound a bit backward and maybe the internet is beyond your capacity.
P.S I am honours psychology graduate, fluent in Irish currently on Hibernia course.
My friend ( a Hibernia graduate) got a permanent job on her first year out. Are you ok? Feeling sick yet?
To the other wan who posted m Marie your son sounds the product of a poor, unstable home environment where bad behaviour sounds and is probably the normal. I suggest you take a good look at your home situation, parenting and TEACHING style before you point the finger at the “Hibernia” graduate.
To Catherine,you say you have a degree in psychology- therefore you should have knowledge about both basic & educational psychological assessments. You should have learned about autism.Your comments are both ignorant & irrelevant. If this is your attitude towards parents & teaching professionals, I suggest you take a long hard look at your choice of career i.e. your suitability for teaching.
Catherine,
You are clearly unsuitable for the teaching profession infact I would wonder about your suitablility for any profession. I am currently sitting on interview panels to appoint teachers to mainstream positions for the coming school year and I have to say what a pleasure it would be to grill you in an inteview situation. You can rest asured you wouldn’t get the job. If you have a degree in psychology why don’t you go and do something with it or was it a waste of time.
I am very familiar with the requirements for the Hibernia course but let’s be realistic the one requirement is an ability to pay the fees.
Wow, I’ve just read this thread and had no idea there were such mixed views about the Hibernia course. I have a 2:1 degree in Psychology, a postgrad certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills and currently work as a home tutor for children with autism. I am currently looking into doing the Hibernia postgrad, as going back to do 18 months full time isn’t an option financially as I have a mortgage to pay. I ultimately want to work as a special needs teacher. However, reading some of the comments on here from professionals in the area has given me some concern. Is it really true that Hibernia graduates are discriminated against when it comes to trying to find employment? I thought the Hibernia course was the answer to all my prayers but I certainly don’t want to commit to 18 months hard work, along with the guts of 10k only to discover that I can’t get a job.
F.A.O Catherine.M Marie and Principal Teacher(March 16, 2008)
I chanced upon this site quite by accident and am apalled by the negativity on both sides of this arguement.
Some of the comments left by current and past pupils of Hibernia do little to enhance the college’s reputation. As a Hibernia student teacher myself I feel you do no justice to Hibernia or yourself and I am quite embarrassed at the display of bad manners. You are certainly not representative of the majority of people on this course.
The principals comments, on the other hand are unresearched and display a thorough lack of understanding regarding the entry requirments,content, calibre of student and intensity of this course. Whether this lady or gentleman is in actual fact a principal is dubious as I doubt very much whether a person of education and character would put in print such narrow minded and insulting words. I, as a teacher would certainly not be willing to work in a school where such an ethos was tolerated. My goodness, I feel I would be much too good a teacher and would have way too much to offer to be associated with such a school.
For the record I am a (quite!) mature student who tries to emulate the best practice from all the great teachers I have seen. It would never occur to me to ask them where they have studied.
I could write tomes more on this subject but I am much too busy dealing with my class and their work which are the only issues of any importance in this debate.
Thank you.
hi umm my name is stephanie and i was wandering if anyone can help me decide what subjects to take in yr 12 to become a primary school teacher i know i have a long way as i am only in yr 8 but i would like to be prepared on what to take in yr11
Hi there – you all seem to be very passsionate about teaching which is good. D’ont forget the main colleges do 18 month courses also. I did one – it’s ok but one is definitely ‘pushed’ through and not really that well trained – although we has 3 x 3 weeks TP we only had ’supervision’ – which is judgement not help for about 7/8 hours in all that time – everything else is just essay writing skills – I will be ‘training’ myself at work which I am prepared to do.
THIS MESSAGE IS GEARED AT MOTHERS WHO HAVE STARTED THE HIBERNIA COURSE AND WORK FULL TIME, IS IT MANAGABLE OR DID YOU GIVE UP WORK, I am starting in October and am wondering what to do.
Mara, I don’t know whether or not you are a parent.When it comes to your own children, I don’t see why any parent should be forced to accept substandard teachers.I see no proof that this hibernia course meets any standard. Secondary teachers who do the hibernia may be satisfactory but after that I think the hibernia in no way prepares people adequately for teaching.
Hi Karen,
As per my entry on 28/ 05 I am a mature student teacher with Hibernia currently awaiting exam results. I would have no hesitation in advising you to complete Hibernia’s H.Dip in Primary Education. I have yet to come accross the negativity displayed in this thread in the real world.
I believe that there were many sceptics when the course went online a few years ago but the calibre of the course and students now speaks for itself.It is really up to the dedication of the individual how he/she uses the course time and content.
I attended four interviews over the course of 3 days and was offered 2 of the positions. There are few personalities of the “principalteacher” type above sitting on any interview panel (of worth)thankfully and I know that many many more of my group already have jobs so really there is no cause for concern.
I too had a mortgage to pay so I did work 4 days a week. I also have children so if this is the case with you, prepare yourself for lots of weekend and holiday classes!! It is very busy but worthwhile. The best of luck if you do decide to pursue same. Above all, ignore some of the more absurd comments which are not based on any experience or research
how do i go about doing this course. what qualifications do i need to enter.?
Is this vitreole something that Hibernian teachers experience in the staff room. Is there much bullying of Hibernian graduates becuase if tge predjudice?. Do teachers from Hibernia consistently have to justify their qualifications and existance in this way in a working environment? I am a born teacher, its in my blood and in my nature but all this is putting me off doing the training.
Any Hibernian teachers out there experience this in the work place ? Dont want to be bullied because of snobbery if I do this course
M marie,
What proof have you got that Hibernian teachers are substandard. Please give evidence of youre claims. I only did two years of law in college( BBS ,ACCA) but surely claims like that are similar to slander if not substantiated?
Hi,
When teachers from other courses (Pats, Mary I etc are doing their practice teaching, they are also unqualified at that stage. How do you expect a person to become qualified without getting practice teaching. Hibernian College would not be still going if it had not proved itself. I really don’t know why there is such prejudice to the course. Alot of teachers in primary schools today are not fully qualified and are just subbing, thats why colleges like HIbernia are needed. Don’t give an opinion unless you have researched it. You are insulting the college and the students who study there. Its no different from any other college at all, only 45% of course is online, You still have to work as hard.
I have just read a few of the comments listed above and everyone is entitled to their opinions. However I think really Hibernia bashing has come and gone fortunately.
From what I can see the negative comments above are from people who have not had a good experience with Hibernia grads-fair enough but really comments like that are few and far between. Since the course has started in 2004 there was so much negativity however this has dwindled because Hibernia grads have proved themselves to be excellent teachers.
Being a good teacher does not depend on your degree or where you went to College-its HOW you use it.
And again it does not depend on how many points you got in your Leaving Cert whatsoever that comment was actually funny to read it was so immature.
Anyway to sum up- I know of 3 Principals who regard this course very well and have hired Hibernia graduates and they are working out really well.
You will know the difference in training of teachers when it comes to your own children being educated. Introducing the hibernia course as a quick fix solution to the teacher shortage in Ireland is NOT the answer. It has downgraded the value of the B.Ed. Parents should be entitled to properly educated teachers.The I.N.T.O. want the pupil/teacher ratio down to 20/1. What answer has the government to this? If you were a patient in a hospital you are looked after by nurses who would have equal initial training. I can not understand why anything less would be accepted for the education of children. I’d be interested to see surveys done on the quality of primary education here since the introduction of the hibernia.
M Marie,
You really should research Hibernia’s programme as you appear to be quite misinformed regarding entry requirments, course content and general practice in teacher training. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing and you have, in your ignorance, completely misrepresented Hibernia students. It’s becoming a little boring!
Definately my last posting to this site. Best of luck to everyone embarking on course.
Updating on my post last year.
I repeated the Hons Irish LC Exam & got a B2. Sat the Hibernia interview & got offered a place. I start in Feb & I’m absolutely delighted.
For all the Hibernia bashing:- most of the concerns seem to be ‘who can you teach a 3yr course in 18 months’, which of course is valid, but why attack Hibernia in this regard? All the other colleges have postgrads of 18 months also. Why aren’t they being attacked?
& worse than that:- what about all the students who train in the UK because they don’t even have the Irish requirement, study a completely different syllabus & only for 9 months, which includes no Irish, & a lot of the time no religious studies. They come back & can get permanant positions whilst having no Irish whatsoever. Why aren’t there any complaints about these graduates? How are these graduates less damaging to pupils than Hibernia graduates?
Strange…
becoming a primary school teacher? surely peolpe who attended colleges like froebel and pats will have a better chance in employment??
What is a primary degree and an undergraduate?
Hi all, I am an Arts graduate with a Masters. I have not done any Irish since achieving a C3 at honours level in my Leaving Cert. I really want to become a primary school teacher, but I would like to know what my chances of acceptance are, and if the prejudice against Hibernia graduates is alive and well?
I am shocked at the comments of the principal above. “You can rest asured you wouldn’t get the job. If you have a degree in psychology why don’t you go and do something with it or was it a waste of time”
Is that how s/he speaks to vulnerable, impressionable young children? If s/he can make such comments to someone s/he doesn’t even know, someone who may infact make a remarkable teacher, I suspect s/he does. That to me is far more worrying than the perceived quality of any teacher training course.
Just finishing my final teaching practice. Hibernia college students are extremely highly regarded as they have made a mature decision about their future i.e. to become a teacher. This with the obvious life experiences make them much more desirable to employ than a fresh college graduate straight from leaving cert into Pat’s. Fact
There is a lot of food for thought in this discussion. I’ve just read through the whole thing and while I am shocked at some of what is included I feel I have also had my eyes opened.
I would really like to ask those of you in favour and those against to give me your views on the teacher training at Hibernia.
Back when I did the leaving cert I gave serious consideration to becoming a teacher. I decided I was not mature enough and would wait to gain more skills and confidence before going down that route. I completed a BA in Psychology and Communications in 2003, following which I did an internship in Youth Work and conflict resolution. In 2004/05 I did substitute teaching in both primary and secondary schools and loved the primary school setting. Since 2005 I have worked full time as a professional youth worker, dealing mainly with young people at risk in the 12-18 age bracket. In my free time I provide tuition at a homework club for 8 to 12 year olds. I have also gained post graduate qualifications in education and psychology of learning.
I have been looking into the options for persuing a post grad qualification in teaching over the past year and was quite interested in the Hibernian College route, until I saw this thread. Really what I would like to ask is have the opinions on this course changed at all over the past few years? What are its strengths and weaknesses?
I would appreciate any feedback, (though please lets not resort to petty insults).
Thank you very much!
During the course of my first TP with Hibernia the class teacher, who trained in St. Pats, gave me a tip: make sure you carry a good lesson for when an inspector comes in. I had to tell him that it wasn’t possible in Hibernia as we have to upload copies of our paperwork – lesson plans and timetables etc every night so the inspector can keep an eye on us long distance. Indeed when the inspector does set foot in the classroom they know everything that they are expecting to see – lesson, resources etc -they know in advance what you’re supposed to be doing and in my experience will callenge you on any discrepencies.
TP in Hibernia is tough. The standard of lecturing and lecturers is great. The online tutorials can be recorded and played back. The onsite meetings are exhausting (that’s how we spend our weekends) but well worth it. The Gaeltacht is great but demanding. As a college Hibernia is aware of the negative bullshit spouted by ingorant minds above and they really put their students to the test to counter it. There are generally no extensions on assignments, no doors to knock on with sob stories, etc. It is hard work…anyone who embarks on study there without realising that will get a kick up the arse pretty quick.
Anyone who did the 3 years of complete and utter hell in teacher training like i did will agree with me when I say what a disgrace this hibernia course is. “E-bay teachers” I call them. Would the government allow a nurse or doctor to train online.?I just qualified this year and I had a hibernia teacher on teaching practice in my class…who herself admitted “we’re not taught how to teach”. When she was on observation she couldn’t believe the basic methodologies I had and said she learned more watching me than she has done so far in the course. Now these were basic methodologies that were taught day one in mary i. She proceeded to teach everything from a book AND the inspector informed her when he was coming so that she had good lessons prepared for the inspector. This course underminds us as a profession. It was put in place when there was a lack of teachers, now there is a shortage of jobs it needs to be gotten rid of.
Dear all,
I am a fourth year B.Ed International Student. I did my leaving cert, I got 565 points and an A1 in Irish. I deserved my place in the B.Ed programme. If you want to become a teacher, follow my lead and do it properly. Do not support Hibernian college. “Graduates” cannot possibly be trained sufficiently in education when it takes three years (without chosen International year) to become a qualified primary school teacher with not only the knowledge and experience to work with children of any age, in any setting, but also a wide knowledge of the history, philosophy and sociology of education. If we must work hard for three years, why hand a degree to someone who does it in 18 months because they paid for it. We cannot pay to become lawyers or doctors or nurses, etc. Stop undermining our profession, in an economic climate which does not provide enough jobs for those who are properly and fully qualified. I do not mean to insult anyone by this comment, but I am voicing the opinion of the majority of students in recognised teacher training colleges.
Ester,
How young and silly you sound!!!
Well said Claire, and the very best of luck with the job hunt this summer.
You’re dead right Lara. I am young and silly. Sometimes I wonder how such a young and silly girl could ever achieve 565 points in her leaving cert, a first class honours degree with a medal for top marks and a teaching job with 35 6th class students. What has the world come to at all?
Claire, Hibernian students don’t “get” a degree-of course you must have a primary degree prior to taking the course. You are insulting in your suggestion that I have “paid” for my qualification. I have financed it certainly—was yours free????? Do a little research.
Esther, correction to my last posting. Young, silly and cringingly immodest. Can’t wait for your next posting…you’re very entertaining…a scream in fact!!!!!
The only reason why Hibernia is surviving is because it is cost neutral to the government. It produces “trained” teachers at no cost to the government. It’s a money making racket. I know you have to have a primary degree, but lets face it its possible for someone to barely pass their leaving cert, do any kind of degree for as little as 200 points and still obtain a place in Hibernia. I’m speaking from my experience; having a hibernia student teacher in with me for 5 weeks has really opened my eyes. Not only is the entry requirements unacceptable, the standard of training is inadequate. You may not agree with me, but the facts prove my point – most principals will not hire hibernia teachers, including my own principal and most if not all of our local schools. My inspector raised this interesting point recently in the staffroom – how can hibernia students possibly learn how to teach drama/p.e./music/art online?
I’m entitled to my opinion Lara, and there is absolutely no need to be insulting to someone you don’t even know. If the only way you can defend the college is by making personal insults, it doesn’t say much about the course. I have nothing personal against anyone doing hibernia, including you, it’s with the college and the system I have fault.
Well said Esther! If our “colleagues” have to turn to insults they are not welcome in any staffroom. Add that to the list of reasons you have already pointed out and anyone can see that Hibernia is a waste of time and an insult to our profession.
Sorry Lara, forgot to address your point on finances. Yes my degree was extremely expensive, particularly for four years worth of teaching practices. Something Hiberbnia students wouldnt have to break the bank for seen as you all do so little of that
Those people that are publishing their leaving cert results should try open their minds to new information. For YEARS non-hibernia colleges (St Pats, Marino, Froebel and Mary I) have been taking on people with degrees to study for a post grad in education that lasts 18 months. These colleges also take summer holidays. Hibernia works solidly for 18 months.
If you have jobs then why are you so threatened by this? If they are inferior they won’t get jobs… But they are getting jobs aren’t they… 
Regarding drama, PE etc we do them at onsites and in Gaeltacht. Im in my first year of Hibernia and so far I have had 12 hours of online lectures behind the theory of P.E and the strands and also 30 hours of face to face practical lessons in P.E. with a small group of 30 pupils. How many hours of P.E. did you have after 9 months of your course…
Don’t get me wrong Lara, I am also dead against the post grad course. Mary I only took in 60 post grads this year and it is unlikely that they will be taking in any more next year. However the post grad is full time and extremely intensive and they do 9-6 every day, unlike hibernia’s part time status.
Your the first hibernia student I know that doesn’t get holidays. In fact I am friends with a hibernia student who just completed her first year and she has her holidays now apart from an assignment due in July and her stint in the gaeltacht. If hibernia is claiming that they are working through the summer then I question if they are completing a full 18months of training.
Yes I learned about this whole “doing lectures” while in the gaeltacht this week. How innovative of hibernia!! So the time in the gaeltacht is counted as part of the 18 months. Incredible. A newly qualified hibernia teacher told me recently that they did their entire art lectures while in the gaeltacht and the art lecturer attempted to speak irish but failed miserably. So they taught art when they were supposed to be learning irish. No wonder hibernia students have such a poor standard of irish. Plus you tell me ye did PE in the gaeltacht too? Was there any irish learned at all? ALSO i learned that hibernia students share a house with each other, so there’s no obligation to speak gaeilge unlike living with a family.
Don’t even attempt the whole “we do more lectures than ye” argument. Your prospectus clearly states 14 hours of online lectures plus 2 hours of online tutorials, and a full day here and there. Ok so lets work out the statistics. So take away your 15 weeks of tp from the 18 months you are left with 14 months of lectures. Compare that to our 27 hours of lectures for 3 years, plus not to mention the hours we did outside of our timetable, extra SEN seminars, preparing for the profession seminars, 2 weeks extra tp in a special school which we did during our holidays, extra professional maths seminars, 1.5. hours of choir per week (counted as 10per cent of music) PLUS not to mention our trip to the gaeltacht…..during our HOLIDAYS
I am not one bit threatened by the course. I have my job. You are missing my point. I am annoyed that the government thinks so little of our profession that they allow people to obtain the same qualifications in such an inadequate setting.
Hibernia teachers getting jobs??? This opinion of yours will be very different this time next year when you will be looking for a job i’m afraid.
I’m started my M.ed in music education in a years time and i’m curious to know how the course conducts its drama and music lectures? Is it also during the gaeltacht?
I think your very misinformed about a lot of things.
The Gaeltacht – we have our normal classes of irish in mornings same as every other college then instead of going on a random tour of a church or playing Gaa we do art lessons/ IWB lessons etc. 14 hours of lectures a week isnt the same as 14 hours of “in class” lectures. There isnt pauses between slides, there isnt Q n A time at end etc, if you have questions you ring/email your tutor. One lesson that runs for an hour could take you twice that when you take notes and things for it.
I’m confident that my course is not inferior to yours. I’m also very confident that I’ll get a job next year as I and many others in my class already have a job this year (shock horror some principals would prefer to take on unqualified Hibernia trainees than Mary I grads)
Can I ask you about your 27 hours of lectures for 3 years?
Did you not take education subjects and one or two “arts degree” type subjects in first year, keep one for second year and specialise in education for third year so thats 1 year sept to june (8months) and a half a year (4 months) and a third (I’ll be generous and say 3 months) so you did 15 months of college…you think that you did more…but all us postgrads are doing 18…and we have more life experience and probably more subbing/classroom experience too.
I have friends who have done other postgrads and to be honest everyone has loved their college including myself. The only ones I have ever heard bad mouth their own college has been Mary I grads (calling it Mary dry and saying there was too much emphasis on academics instead of practical methods) I myself can’t comment on this as I am not on the course.
I don’t see why you feel you can comment on mine.
Oh and I forgot to take our your weeks for TP from the equation so maybe you could do that for me.
Where are you getting these ridiculous statistics “1 year sept to june (8months) and a half a year (4 months) and a third (I’ll be generous and say 3 months) so you did 15 months of college” from????? Why do you think our 2nd year and or 3rd year is so short? Yes we did an arts subject, but it was only 5 hours a week, so that equates to 22 hours of education subjects a week? When we were in first year the 2 arts subjects were 3 hours each a week. As for 15 months of college altogether I really don’t know how u managed to pluck this figure from. We started 1st week in september, worked until December (thats 4 months) Second semester is from 1st week in February to the end of may (4 months). Thats 8 months of lectures/tp for one year which is 24 months altogether for the 3 years. And our 24 months are full time, usually 9-6 every day with fully qualified lecturers who are experts in their field and practical lectures in drama/music/pe/ art every week. There’s no comparison, don’t even try. Also ye count your gaeltacht as a month of your course so really and truely your course is only 17 months.
If your course is so time consuming how is it that most people have part time jobs when doing the course?
Also you still havn’t answered my question regarding music and drama? Are they done in the gaeltacht also? I’m not talking about “theory” now, anyone can learn about the strands and strand units. (I can’t believe ye spent 12 hours learning about the theory and strands of PE). I want to know about how long ye spend doing practical workshops learning how to teach music and drama properly?
Hi guys sorry to butt in on your discussion but I would like to get both of your advise.. I have been accepted on the 18 month hibernia course and also the B.Ed and I’m totally confused as to what to do! I have read both your posts and agree and disagree with some things you have both said. Firstly I keep thinking hibernia 18 months it will be alot cheaper than the B.Ed and it is an accredited course but I just wonder at the end of the day would I have more chance securing a job through the B.Ed. Also I have been out of education for 5 years so I feel the B.Ed would be more hands on and would benifit me more as I have more time to become the best I can. I feel maybe my voice would be lost in hibernia… I am by no means putting either course down but I just want to know how would I be heard if I had a problem or needed to bounce ideas off someone is it always waiting for an email response? Any advice from both of you would be great.. alot of people I have met that are doing hibernia think I am crazy to consider the B.Ed but then alot of teachers and principles I have spoken too and worked with have said they would seriously consider someone from Pats/Mary I before someone from hibernia… I have heard so many different stories I dont know what to think anymore!!! Would it not come down to the day of the interview and who preformed the best would where you were qualified really matter? and after a few years experience would it matter at all where you qualified would principles not just look at your experience etc? I have until tues to decide!! one hour I am like wohoo I am going back to college (and by that i mean attending a college–i am not saying hibernia is not a college) and the next I am gearing myself up for e-learning…advise pleeeease!!
Hi Ellie!
Well you’ve obviously read my comments above so you’ll know I’m a big B.ed supporter! My advice to you is to do the b.ed. It’s only 3 years, and they absolutely fly. Make no mistake the 3 years are so so tough, there is a huge drop-out rate, but Mary-I/Pats push you to become the best possible teacher. I’ve just finished my first year teaching and I’m so grateful to the college for everything I’ve learned. When you leave the college you are well prepared and ready for every class and every possible situation.
I presume you will be a mature student? If so the B.ed always has a big group of mature students who work together and support each other. They are in the same class group and the lecturers always give them extra support and advice.
You are right, in such a climate principal’s are more inclined to take on hibernia teachers. That’s not to say hibernia teacher’s are not being hired, they are, but it’s usually when the principal knows the teacher or they’ve subbed in the school or whatever. If you do do the hibernia course it’s part-time so you can sub during the day so it has that bonus. But Ellie, from working in a school and from listening to the other teachers and inspectors the feeling is very anti-hibernia and I feel that in the next few years there will be a clamp down on principal’s hiring hibernia teachers. I may be wrong.
I know a recently qualified hibernia teacher who worked full time in another profession and decided after 10 years of it, she had enough and decided to do the hibernia course. She herself admits that the course is inadequate. She felt that the support isn’t there, she felt it was terribly isolated and that they just weren’t taught how to teach properly. She said they weren’t even given one sample lesson plan which is the basis behind all teaching. They were just told good websites to look up for resources and it was more or less left up to you. That was her experience that’s not to say other hibernia students have had better experiences. I would advise you to chat to someone who has qualified from hibernia and get their opinion.
It is up to you. This is just my opinion and advice to you. Hibernia is quick and handy and you will be qualified this time 2 years. However if you want to be the best you can be in your profession, please do the B.ed. It is longer and tougher and possibly more expensive but Ellie it will be worth it when you are qualified and looking for jobs. If you do do the course you will wonder how anyone could ever learn to become a teacher on-line.
aw thanks Esther.. I really appreciate your option.. I guess its the money thats really getting to me as I m 27 and I guess thinking how much its going to cost scares me as it would be a deposit on a house or could be used for something like that but I know education is invaluable and in the end I know I will be happy with my decision! Thanks so much
Hi Eillie. Made an entry to this discussion on July 28/2008 and thought you might find it helpful…….
” I am a mature student teacher with Hibernia currently awaiting exam results. I would have no hesitation in advising you to complete Hibernia’s H.Dip in Primary Education. I have yet to come accross the negativity displayed in this thread in the real world.
I believe that there were many sceptics when the course went online a few years ago but the calibre of the course and students now speaks for itself.It is really up to the dedication of the individual how he/she uses the course time and content.
I attended four interviews over the course of 3 days and was offered 2 of the positions. There are few personalities of the “principalteacher/Esther” type above sitting on any interview panel (of worth)thankfully and I know that many many more of my group already have jobs so really there is no cause for concern.
I too had a mortgage to pay so I did work 4 days a week. I also have children so if this is the case with you, prepare yourself for lots of weekend and holiday classes!! It is very busy but worthwhile. The best of luck if you do decide to pursue same. Above all, ignore some of the more absurd comments which are not based on any experience or research”
…………………I have been teaching since and have on average 32 children in multiclass settings. I have found the job difficult but my training has translated excellently to the classroom. Generally I have found that most people are more open minded and tolerant of different methods of teaching/training/education than Esther, which is really important as tolerance/acceptance is the cornerstone of teaching a roomful of very different personalities.
The very best of luck in your career. I think you will find the course best suited to your needs and whichever you choose you will get exactly the same qualification. Fortunately after a few years of teaching one proves him/herself regardless of where one trains and there would be no need to spout your grades/results/medals etc. The real proof is in the classroom.
On another note, Esther you really need to stop your virulence against members of your own profession, you are giving a poor show.
aw thanks mara.. I really apprieciate your opinion.. I think the hibernia is a great choice for people who are not able to go to full time college even though i m sure it feels like full time when doing hibernia also!! I hear it is tough going and I think fair play to anyone who does it and it really shows determination and as you say at the end of the day all the qualifications are the same.. its great to hear your working and got thru the course while working and raising a family.. thats dedication to the profession! I cant wait to be where you are now .. it wont be too long hopefully.. and I will enjoy the learning process:) best wishes and thanks again
Ellie,
Just a few things you may find helpful in cutting the cost of studying. I applied to my local Institute of Technology library and could study there, borrow a lot of the course books and use the net(which was poor where I lived)-all for 25 euros a year.I also worked in a temp position because I had to financially and although this was a huge strain it is doable. Before each period of T.P. I spent considerable time gathering resources(a lot of which were in the back of dusty school cupboards)and planning/printing/uploading all non-core classes in advance so that I’ d have breathing space to concentrate on Gael.Eng and Math during the 13 weeks of teaching practice .
I have no idea of the workload in any other college but I should give you a word of warning regarding Hibernia. In the 18 months of study, I rarely socialised and couldn’t commit to go to any family events as I genuinely did not do anything other than my 4 half days of work, study,assignments, and on weekends/holidays attend on-sites.I was lucky in that my husband looked after our little boy constantly while I was busy. I found it really tough but very worthwhile.
I hope you succeed in whatever course you choose.Best of luck
I am not surprised by many of the comments I have read on this sitein the last half an hour. It is obvious that thsoe who have taken the traditional route of training to become a primary school taecher through the BEd. will be opposed to those who have opted for the Hibernia course and vice-versa. However the truth is that the Hibernia course was designed to under cut the salaries and status of the Irish primary school taecher. It was introduced in 2003 during the peak of the Celtic Tiger and was afore-runner to the savage pay-cuts we experienced between 2008-2009. This was also supported by the huge ‘teacher-bashing’ campaign orchestraed by the media and supported by the government in the last two years (which has quietened down recently). The introduction of the Hibernia course, the anti-teacher media camapaign and the pay-cuts are all directly interconnected. The are all leading to the down grading of the primary school teacher’s professional status. That is why so many principals and teachers qualified through the traditinal route are so angry. I am a principal myself. I understand why people choose to complete the Hibernia course myself and I cannot say that all of the people who embark on the course are not worthy of becoming a primary school teacher , some are quite talented and have the right temperament for working with children. I also know many a primary school teacher qualified the traditional Bed route that do not have such a teamperament and should not be working with children. But on the whole I believe a lot of people out there want to be primary school teachers for the wrong reasons and the Hibernia course facilitates this move- they perceive it as a ‘handy job’, ‘long holidays, short hours, easy number dealing with children, good pay for short hours, bit of staus attached. It is only when they are in the profession they realise that not everything is as easy as they may have previously assumed. the comments posted on this site by aspiring, current and past Hibernia students supports my theory. Mothers awnting to go back and become primary school teachers, people who are aeking do you need Gaeilge or what are the requirements to get onto the course. It just apperas as though they see it as a ‘handy number’ and are not embarssed by the fact that they may not have the right qualifications for the occupation- they see a chance to get in the door and trying to grab it, with very little thought as to what it will entail and what they have personally to offer. I know that peolpe have mortgagaes to pay and families to rear which makes full time education very difficult and therefore the Hibernia is an easier option. But if that is the case you should have chosen this career when you were younger, straight out of school. or at least be prepared to make the sacrifice and undertake full-time study if you believe you only got your ‘calling’ to teaching at an older age. The truth is you do not want to make that sacrifice because you didn’t get any ‘calling’ to become a teacher at an older age- you just see teaching as ahandy number offering a very safe and permanent position. Most of these graduates chased the money jobs in the earlire days and when it didn’t go to their liking decide to go into teaching. And AS for the mothers many young teachers put being a mother on hold while they train full- time to become a teacher, then they start a family later on down the line. Most of these mothers only want to be teachers now because they see the local primary school teacher at the gate of the school welcoming in her class and say to themselves that job would suit me- short hours, can bring the kids to work, long holidays, ‘good pay’, status. They assume it is an easy job , that anybody can do it properly, including them, especially because they are a mother. They want to enter the profession for all the wrong reasons , that is why they did not receive their ‘calling’ at an earlier age. I think there is a lot of jealousy out there concerning thsoe that entered the profession the traditional way. The Hibernia course has been used to undercut the pay and staus of the profession. I do not view thsoe who have completed the 18 month full time pstgraduate course in primary school teaching at the recognised Irish training colleges who hold Arts, Music, Science, language degrees. As these graduates could of become secondary school teachers, their degrees offer something to the primary school child . And the 18 month full time course is extremely intensive and Gaeilge is covered in a full time capacity. In fact these students are interviewed on the basis of personality as well as qualifications to see are suitable for the profession and are they entering it for the right reasons. That is why so many are turned down and it is so hard to gain a place on the course.the interviewers see that many of teh applicants are trying to get onto the course for the wrong reasons and have not the personality for the job. My gripe is taht these applicants with ‘unsuitable’ personalities who are turned down then apply to Hibernia and are accepted. Because Hibernia wants to make as much money as possible and does have as a high a standard. Obviously there will always be the exception to the rule and I undersatnd how thsoe on teh course may resent such a view. bUT YOU HAVE TO LOOK AT FROM AN OBJECTIVE VIEW POINT. It is undercutting the status of our profession . Originally Hibernia graduates were not to be put on the same pay scale point as fill time graduates because they were part of a part-time course. That in itself highlights how the government viewed the status of Hibernia graduates and the course they had completed. This is not to be taken personally. But i do think a lot of Hibernia grduates entered the course for the ‘wrong reasons’ as outlined above. I will be attacked for saying so but I believe it is the truth. And Hibernia was the beginning of the end , five years after its introduction , we experienced massive public attack as a profession followed by pay-cuts and possibly future down-grading of working conditions. It is all part of a plan to bring primary school teaching down to the same status as working in a shop- ’sure anybody can do it’. Where does that leave the children? , the innocent victims in this cost cutting campaign!
P.S. I apologise in advance of any typing, spacing errors I may have amde in my last posting- I am in a rush and these are casual postings.
As I said I am actually on the go at the moment so any typing, spacing, reversal of letters errors are due to my current circumstances- so I do apologise in advance.