Learning Local on KCLR
A 10-part series exploring real issues in education, from pre-school through junior and leaving certificate, apprenticeships to third level education and beyond, each episode features expert interviews and insights, tips, tricks and practical advice, pointing you towards supports and resources that will help you to take the opportunities, and navigate the challenges, within our education system. Presented by Úna ní Mhaoldhomhnaigh and supported by Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board.
Learning Local S01 E08: Seachtain na Gaeilge; Advice ahead of the Irish orals, Third Level Options through Irish, student voice on compulsory Irish for Leaving Cert and the introduction of an Irish oral exam at Junior Cycle.
The Irish language takes centre stage on this week's episode, as we celebrate Seachtain
na Gaeilge, on Learning Local. We get tips from a muinteoir
Gaeilge, ahead of the upcoming Irish orals. We hear student voice on Irish
being a compulsory subject for Leaving Cert, and we get feedback from
students who have chosen to study their degrees through Irish. MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú talks us through career opportunites in the European Union for those with Gaeilge, we meet
three TY students who are lobbying for the introduction of an Irish oral for
Ju...
Learning Local S01 E07: Overcoming Literacy Challenges and STEM Racing Ireland Competitors
On tonight’s programme, we hear the story of Brian O’Donnell who, aged 45, reached out for support with reading and writing. He shares how life-changing taking that first step proved to be. We’re also joined by Deirdre Geoghegan Regional Literacy Coordinator with Kilkenny Carlow ETB who highlights the local supports available for adults who would like to strengthen their literacy, numeracy and digital skills.
And we meet students from two local schools, who are taking part in the exciting STEM Racing Ireland competition, a competition which challenges students to form a Formula One team, design, build...
Learning Local S01E06: A Whole School Move and A Tour of the Mayfair Library
On this week’s episode we're out and about with thanks, as always, to KCETB. First stop is Presentation Secondary School in Kilkenny who moved into a brand-new building in September last. Pupils and staff give us a sense of what’s involved in such a move, and share how they’ve settled in. Then we’re off to Mayfair Library to take a tour of their beautiful building and learn more about their many resources, and services, that support local learning.
Learning Local S1E05: Adult career, education and guidance supports, Post Leaving Cert courses and just how good are we are recognising AI?
We’ve reached the halfway point of Learning Local. In episode five, we meet Orla Reddy, Guidance Co-ordinator with the County Kilkenny Adult Guidance Service, who talks us through the career, education and guidance supports available locally.
We also hear from local student Grace Clune, who has been working on a social innovation project, exploring how well we recognise AI. She shares her research findings, along with practical tips for spotting AI-generated content.
David Forde, Principal of Carlow Institute of Further Education, gives an overview of the wide range of courses on offer, and shares de...
Learning Local S01E04: Apprenticeship Expo, Grounded In Nature Forest School
On episode four of Learning Local, we head back to Paulstown, to Grounded in Nature Forest School, to continue our exploration of outdoor learning.
And we turn our focus to the world of apprenticeships — the programmes that blend hands-on training with classroom study. KCETB held their annual Apprenticeship Expo in Carlow last Thursday at Carlow Institute of Further Education. Learning Local was there to meet the businesses, educators, and job seekers in attendance, and to explore the wonderful career possibilities available through apprenticeship programmes.
For more information on apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeship.ie or www.KC...
Learning Local S01E03: Primary school conversations, outdoor learning & more
Learning Local, our education series, with thanks to Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board, continues with episode three of ten.
On this evening's programme, we pay a visit to a local forest school to find out more about outdoor learning.
We highlight some upcoming local learning events and key dates.
And we chat to the principal of Kilkenny's biggest primary school, St. Canice's, to find out what the main topics of conversation are in primary schools today.
Learning Local S01E02: From Transistion Year to Youthreach education services
We start episode two of Learning Local in Transition Year - an optional one-year programme taken after the Junior Cycle. Two local fifth-year students, Caoimhe Fitzgerald and Annabel Coonan, find out what their classmates, Amelia Wemyss, Elise Dooley, Kathy Phelan and Orla Greene, made of their Transition Year experience.
We also hear from the TY coordinator in Loreto, Marguerite Kehoe, who shares her insights into the benefits of TY.
We meet three Youthreach students, Rosie Ryan, Emily O’Brien Dunne and Abbie McDonald who share with us, the challenges they faced during their time at sch...
Learning Local S01E01: Paths to education, nutrition advice, CAO, mock exams tips & more
On the first episode of Learning Local on KCLR with thanks to Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board
We hear from Waterford-native Dr. Lindsay Malone, who took up her role as Chief Executive of the Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board in late 2025. Dr. Malone discusses her own journey through education, along with some of the services offered through KCETB. Linda Murray of Beoga Nutrition joins the conversation to discuss nutrition in education, exploring the hot school meals programme and whether it's helping or hindering parents, fuelling your learning through college and more. And Eoin Houlihan, ca...
