Owenabue Educate Together National School, Carrigaline, was awarded €2,000 to collaborate with Carrigaline Educate Together National School and Douglas Rochestown Educate Together National School to strengthen inclusive teaching and learning through a Peer Observation for Inclusion project. Teachers engaged in a structured programme of peer observation, reflection, and collaboration.
Through school visits, shared reflection, and collaboration, teachers deepened their understanding of inclusive pedagogy. The project aimed to build a sustainable professional learning community across the three schools, a shared “Inclusion in Action” digital resource, and enhanced teacher confidence in inclusive practice.
School’s reflection
Participating in the Féilte teacher professional learning project was an incredibly valuable experience. Having the opportunity to observe teachers in two different primary schools allowed us to step outside our own classrooms and see a range of teaching styles, classroom environments and approaches to learning. It was inspiring to see how different teachers fostered engagement, built positive relationships and adapted lessons to meet the needs of their pupils.
The experience also provided many practical ideas that we could bring back to our own classrooms, from new resources and teaching strategies to different ways of organising learning activities. Most importantly, it reminded me of the creativity involved in teaching. After several years in the profession, it is easy to fall into familiar routines or to teach in ways that reflect the established practices of your own school. Observing colleagues helped me to challenge these habits, reflect on our own practices and recognise that there are many effective ways to create meaningful learning experiences for children.
The project had a positive impact on both teachers and pupils. It encouraged professional dialogue, reflection and collaboration among staff, while the new ideas and approaches introduced into the classroom increased pupil engagement and enriched learning experiences. Overall, the experience reinforced the importance of continuous professional learning and the value of learning from one another.
