THE Christian Brothers are setting out to make learning more rewarding in their primary schools, tackling pupils' specific problems with schemes such as homework clubs. They also plan to employ teaching counsellors and run primary school attendance drives.
The programme, funded by the Combat Poverty Agency and developed by 10 groups from Belfast, Cork, Dublin, Derry and Limerick, will be expanded to more of the order's primary schools.
Some initiatives are aimed at raising the self esteem of pupils in disadvantaged areas. For example, at An Chroi Ro Naofa junior school in Killinarden, Dublin, a teaching counsellor was employed to welcome the children, give them attention and "good listening" and encourage healthy, co operative play.
Children from junior and senior infant classes who are not settling well take part in the programme at the request of their teacher or parent. Teachers typically refer children who are disruptive, withdrawn, lacking in concentration or going through some trauma or trouble.
At St Lelia's Primary School in Limerick, the 3 O'Clock Club has been set up with parents who have become more closely involved in their children's education.
The group began by identifying its own educational needs; from this grew a network of morning and evening adult education classes. The club then helped children and parents work together after school hours.
