St. Laserian’s has been awarded €5,000 as part of the Féilte Bursary Scheme to collaborate with SETU Ireland, Scoil Aireagail and Duiske College to form a regional professional learning community focused on inclusive practice, wellbeing, creativity, and sustainability among teachers of Home Economics.
Teachers will engage in evening workshops on felting and creative textiles, fast fashion and the circular economy, nutrition and wellbeing, financial literacy, inclusive teaching, and developing new culinary skills. The project also aims to strengthen cross-curricular links with Business, Economics, Science, Art, and Physical Education, culminating in a digital Padlet and reflective video showcasing professional learning in action.
School's reflection
The Féilte Bursary project was a very positive experience and successfully supported the development of a regional Professional Learning Community for Home Economics teachers across Carlow–Kilkenny. The project brought together teachers from post-primary, special education and higher education settings, creating valuable opportunities for collaboration, shared practice and professional dialogue.
Across three evening workshops, teachers engaged in practical professional learning focused on culinary skills, nutrition and wellbeing; textiles, sustainability and circular fashion; and financial literacy with inclusive practice. The hands-on nature of the evenings was particularly valuable, as teachers experienced approaches and resources that could be adapted directly for classroom use.
The project strengthened teacher confidence in areas such as practical cookery, sustainable textiles, financial literacy, L1LP/L2LP pathways and inclusive practice. It also encouraged cross-curricular thinking, linking Home Economics with Physical Education, Art, Business, Economics and wider life skills.
The impact on students will be seen through more practical, relevant and inclusive classroom experiences. Teachers left with new ideas, resources and professional connections that will support their ongoing practice. Importantly, the project has helped establish a sustainable network of Home Economics teachers who can continue to collaborate, share resources and support professional learning beyond the life of the bursary.