FAQs

We understand that our approach might feel a little different from the traditional idea of primary education in Ireland, and perhaps even from the schools many of our students' parents attended as children.

However, we have far more in common with other schools than you might think! To help you learn more about our approach and answer any questions you may have, we’ve provided answers to some of the most frequently asked questions below

Question 1:

What curriculum do Educate Together Schools teach?

Educate Together Schools teach the primary school curriculum just like any other primary school in Ireland. However, what makes us unique is our Learn Together Curriculum, which replaces traditional religious education with a focus on values, equality, belief systems, and the environment.

Question 2:

What is the Learn Together Curriculum?

The Learn Together Curriculum helps children explore important values and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. It has four strands

The Learn Together Curriculum has four strands.

Values and Ethical Perspectives - For example, junior and senior infants learned about their new school community and how to treat their classmates.
Equality and Justice – For example our fourth class learned about our political system and even had a TD visit their classroom to speak to them.
Belief Systems – For example our fifth and sixth class learned about Rosh Hashanah. Our first and second class learned about Christmas.
An Ethical Approach to the Environment – For example our second and third class learned about recycling and visited Holmestown Recycling Plant in Wexford.

Question 3:

My family is Catholic and I want my child to make their sacraments of first confession, communion and confirmation. Is this possible if I send my child to an Educate Together school?

Yes. Your child can absolutely prepare for their sacraments of first confession, communion, and confirmation. Preparation happens outside of school with the parish of New Ross, and we encourage children to share their experiences with their classmates

Question 4:

Do Educate Together School’s celebrate Christmas?

Educate Together School’s learn about different religious celebrations and festivals throughout the school year. They learn about Christmas as a Christian celebration. At New Ross ETNS, we celebrate the season with an inclusive and joyful Winter Assembly in December. Families are warmly invited to join us for this special occasion and it is one of the highlights of the year.

Question 5:

Will my child be in a multigrade classroom (1st and 2nd for example)?

In our small and friendly school, multi-grade classrooms are possible but they come with fantastic benefits. Children become more independent in multi-grade classrooms and form friendships with children in different classes. Multi-grade classrooms are part of small schools. Teachers are trained in multi-grade teaching. Generally when there is multi-grade classrooms it means everyone in the school knows each others names.