EPV Days

Participation in this course will empower teachers to move beyond using digital tools for administrative tasks, shifting their practice towards meaningful pedagogical integration. In line with Looking at Our School 2022, the course focuses on enhancing the "Learner Experience" by making it more active, collaborative, and tailored to individual needs.

Specific Skills and Practices to be Developed or Strengthened:

Adaptive Teaching through AI Literacy: Teachers will develop the skill of Prompt Engineering to generate differentiated reading materials, scaffolded worksheets, and individualised learning plans (IEPs/PLPs) in seconds. This strengthens the practice of Differentiation, allowing teachers to support the "Continuum of Support" without increasing workload.

Formative Assessment with Digital Tools: Participants will master tools such as Seesaw, Google Workspace for Education, or Moly, focusing on "Assessment for Learning" (AfL). They will learn to provide audio and video feedback, which research shows is more impactful for primary pupils than written comments alone.

Digital Portfolio Management: Teachers will strengthen their practice in capturing "Evidence of Learning" over time. They will learn to facilitate pupil-led digital portfolios, empowering students to reflect on their own progress—a key tenet of the Primary Curriculum Framework (2023).

Computational Thinking and Problem Solving: The course will introduce practices for embedding unplugged and plugged coding activities into the SESE and Mathematics curricula. This develops the teacher’s skill in fostering higher-order thinking and logical reasoning in pupils.

Data-Informed Decision Making: Teachers will learn to use digital quiz data (e.g., from Microsoft Forms or Kahoot) to instantly identify gaps in class knowledge, allowing for immediate "re-teaching" and intervention during the lesson.

Participation in this course will empower teachers to move from being "functional" users of technology to "efficient" digital leaders. The course focuses on three core pillars: Workflow Automation, Pedagogical Innovation, and Evidence-Based Assessment.

Enhancing Teaching and Learning
AI-Assisted Lesson Design: Teachers will develop the skill of using Gemini (Google’s AI) to differentiate reading materials instantly. For example, a teacher can take a complex text on the Famine and use AI to generate three versions: one for the general class, one for EAL pupils with simplified vocabulary, and one with high-support questions for SEN pupils.

Collaborative Learning Environments: Participation will strengthen the practice of using Google Sites and Shared Drives to create "Living Classrooms." Teachers will learn to facilitate real-time collaboration where pupils peer-edit Docs or co-create Slides, fostering the "Communication" and "Working with Others" competencies of the Primary Curriculum.

Refining Assessment Practices
Streamlined Feedback Loops: Teachers will master Google Classroom Rubrics and Forms with Quizzing, moving away from manual correction. A specific practice developed will be the use of "Conditional Formatting" in Sheets to identify pupils who require immediate intervention after a formative assessment.

Digital Portfolios: The course will equip teachers with the skills to use Google Sites as a repository for "Learning Stories," enabling a more holistic, longitudinal view of pupil progress aligned with Aistear and the Primary Language Curriculum.

Professional Efficiency (Cosán Alignment)
Administrative Automation: Teachers will learn to automate repetitive tasks—such as meeting minutes, parent communication via Google Forms, and resource organisation in Drive—thereby reducing administrative burden and supporting teacher well-being.

Data-Informed SSE: Participation will strengthen the school’s School Self-Evaluation (SSE) process by teaching staff how to gather, visualise, and interpret digital data regarding pupil attitudes and attainment.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed—and to feel they truly belong.”

In today’s diverse and dynamic classrooms, creating an inclusive environment is more important than ever. This engaging online course is designed specifically for primary school educators in Ireland who want to support every child in their care confidently.

Through practical, classroom-ready strategies, you’ll develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to foster inclusive learning spaces where all pupils—regardless of background, ability, culture, language, or need—can thrive. The course places a strong emphasis on well-being, belonging, and equity, helping you build a classroom culture where every child feels valued and supported.

You will also explore the evolving landscape of diversity and inclusion in Irish primary schools, gaining insight into the opportunities and challenges presented by cultural, linguistic, and socio-economic diversity. Aligned with department guidelines and the Looking at Our School (2022) & Cosán framework, this course supports you in translating policy into meaningful everyday practice.

Whether you are a Mainstream Class Teacher, Special Education Teacher (SET), or Special Needs Assistant (SNA), this course will equip you with practical tools, adaptable strategies, and useful resources to enhance your teaching and better support the holistic development of all pupils.

Join us to build inclusive classrooms where every child can belong, learn, and truly thrive

Sensory Smart Classrooms: Sensory Strategies for Self-Regulation
Helping the overwhelmed child find calm in the classroom

Are you looking for practical, meaningful ways to support children who struggle with regulation, focus, or sensory needs? This engaging and highly practical course is designed to support primary school educators in creating calm, inclusive, and responsive learning environments where every child can thrive.

Grounded in key national frameworks — including the Wellbeing Specifications (2025), Inclusive Education Framework (2011), Guidelines for Supporting Children with SEN in Mainstream Classes (2024), and the NCSE Relate–Regulate–First approach — this course bridges theory and practice in a clear and accessible way.

Throughout the course, you will:

• Build a deeper understanding of sensory processing and sensory differences
• Learn how to recognise and respond to a wide range of sensory needs
• Explore practical, classroom-ready strategies to support self-regulation, well-being, and engagement
• Gain child-friendly language and tools that can be used immediately in your teaching

Designed with busy educators in mind, the course offers realistic, easy-to-implement approaches that align with School Self-Evaluation (SSE), Looking at Our School (LOAS), and the Cosán Framework. Every strategy is focused on supporting inclusion, participation, and positive learning experiences for ALL pupils.

Whether you are a Mainstream Class Teacher, Special Education Teacher (SET), or Special Needs Assistant (SNA), you will leave with a toolkit of adaptable strategies and resources to confidently support the holistic development of every child in your care.

Join us and take the next step toward building a calm, supportive classroom where all children feel understood, regulated, and ready to learn.Top of Fo

This introductory level Online German course has been designed to:

•  develop teachers’ basic German vocabulary and grammar (suitable to teach at Stage 4) by immersing teachers in the language and providing opportunities to speak and listen to the language.

• enthuse teachers to continue to learn German after the course with examples of how they can do so

• engage teachers to be able to support children to develop positive dispositions toward German language and culture as outlined in the Primary Languages Curriculum for L3 at Stage 3

• equip teachers with the skills to help assess children’s varying needs so that they may access and progress in their learning of German-develop teachers’ understanding of MFL as part of the new Primary Language Curriculum and what they are expected to teach at Stages 3 and 4

• provide teachers with ideas and resources that will engage and excite language learners at different ages

• strengthen teachers IT practices to enhance their own and their pupils’ fundamentals skills and knowledge of German language and culture

• provide teachers with the opportunity to look at the SSE process and complete a school improvement plan for MFL
• provide teachers with the opportunity to look at how they would write an MFL policy for their school

This introductory level Online Italian course has been designed to:

•  develop teachers’ basic Italian vocabulary and grammar (suitable to teach at Stage 4) by immersing teachers in the language and providing opportunities to speak and listen to the language.

• enthuse teachers to continue to learn Italian after the course with examples of how they can do so

• engage teachers to be able to support children to develop positive dispositions toward Italian language and culture as outlined in the Primary Languages Curriculum for L3 at Stage 3

• equip teachers with the skills to help assess children’s varying needs so that they may access and progress in their learning of Italian-develop teachers’ understanding of MFL as part of the new Primary Language Curriculum and what they are expected to teach at Stages 3 and 4

• provide teachers with ideas and resources that will engage and excite language learners at different ages

• strengthen teachers IT practices to enhance their own and their pupils’ fundamentals skills and knowledge of Italian language and culture

• provide teachers with the opportunity to look at the SSE process and complete a school improvement plan for MFL
• provide teachers with the opportunity to look at how they would write an MFL policy for their school

We are delighted to introduce a new course this summer, "Dyslexia and ADHD- Supporting Learning for ALL". This course aims to address the unique educational needs of pupils presenting with diagnoses of Dyslexia and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). In addition, the course explores the theories, presentations, learning styles, behaviour management strategies, digital technologies and interventions to enable educators to acquire a deeper, more insightful understanding of these conditions. Furthermore, one of the core objectives is to provide educators with practical, evidence-based teaching strategies to create a supportive learning environment that promotes engagement and participation for ALL pupils. It empowers educators to feel confident and flourish teaching students with ADHD and Dyslexia.

Additionally, the course aims to increase teachers' understanding of Dyslexia and ADHD and the importance of wellbeing. It helps create a more inclusive school environment as set out in the Looking At Our School Document (2022) and helps integrate Department of Education best practices into everyday classroom routines. Furthermore, throughout the course, participants will gather and analyse evidence for the review and analysis stages of the SSE process regarding the Inclusive classroom and children presenting with Dyslexia and ADHD. By sharing practical tips and best practices, we aim to empower teachers to foster an inclusive atmosphere where every student can thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

This course is ideal for Mainstream Class Teachers or Special Education Teachers (SET) at the primary school level who are committed to supporting the learning, inclusion and overall holistic development needs of children with Dyslexia and ADHD. By the end of this course, you will be equipped with a diverse toolkit of strategies and knowledge to support children with Dyslexia and ADHD in the classroom and empower them to reach their full potential in a happy, safe learning environment.

Yoga Techniques for Mental and Physical Health and Agility – How Yoga can be utilised to enhance the Primary School Curriculum.

Our innovative Yoga course allows participants to discover the essence of yoga philosophy and techniques and prepares them to make it part of their own lives and the lives of their students.

Participants will engage in and experience guided yoga practices, prepare to integrate all aspects of yoga into their SPHE and P.E. lessons, and acquire some wonderful child friendly yoga breathing techniques and exercises to explore in the classroom.

Participants will acquire a set of positive, empowering skills and techniques to integrate yoga practices in their everyday lives. Subsequently, the pupils will also be introduced to the benefits of yoga, meditation and mindful breathing techniques in the classroom. This course offers a range of ideas, concepts and suggestions for practical use in the classroom.

History of Art & the application of Visual Arts in the Classroom.

This course aims to stimulate a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the various media within the Visual Arts curriculum as well as foster an appreciation for the History of Art through the ages. It aims to provide teachers with a solid framework towards planning a visual arts lesson within each of the six strands, highlighting process over product. We will encourage the participant to reflect on their current approach to the various strands of the visual arts.

The aim of this course is to provide a clear comprehensive set of positive strategies and techniques for teachers in relation to Art History and Visual Arts practices and the application of these techniques in the classroom.

This introductory level Spanish course has been designed to:

•  develop teachers' basic Spanish vocabulary and grammar (suitable to teach at Stage 4) by immersing teachers in the language and providing opportunities to speak and listen to the language in a small group setting 

• enthuse teachers to continue to learn Spanish after the course with examples of how they can do so 

• engage teachers to be able to support children to develop positive dispositions toward Spanish language and culture as outlined in the Primary Languages Curriculum for L3 at Stage 3

• equip teachers with the skills to help assess children's varying needs so that they may access and progress in their learning of Spanish-develop teachers' understanding of MFL as part of the new Primary Language Curriculum and what they are expected to teach at Stages 3 and 4 

• provide teachers with ideas and resources that will engage and excite language learners at different ages

• strengthen teachers IT practices to enhance their own and their pupils' fundamentals skills and knowledge of Spanish language and culture

• provide teachers with the opportunity to look at the SSE process and complete a school improvement plan for MFL

• provide teachers with the opportunity to look at how they would write an MFL policy for their school

This introductory level French course has been designed to:

•  develop teachers’ basic French vocabulary and grammar (suitable to teach at Stage 4) by immersing teachers in the language and providing opportunities to speak and listen to the language in a small group setting

• enthuse teachers to continue to learn French after the course with examples of how they can do so

• engage teachers to be able to support children to develop positive dispositions toward French language and culture as outlined in the Primary Languages Curriculum for L3 at Stage 3

• equip teachers with the skills to help assess children’s varying needs so that they may access and progress in their learning of French
  

• develop teachers’ understanding of MFL as part of the new Primary Language Curriculum and what they are expected to teach at Stages 3 and 4

• provide teachers with ideas and resources that will engage and excite language learners at different ages

• strengthen teachers IT practices to enhance their own and their pupils’ fundamentals skills and knowledge of French language and culture

• provide teachers with the opportunity to look at the SSE process and complete a school improvement plan for MFL

• provide teachers with the opportunity to look at how they would write an MFL policy for their school

This is a unique, highly informative, contemporary course aimed at Newly Qualified Teachers. This course aims to provide in-depth information, ideas and practical tips for NQT’s as they embark upon their first years as a classroom teacher or SET. This course explores Droichead, examples of planning, ways in which ICT may be incorporated within the classroom, assessment and differentiation guidelines as well as tried and tested tips ideas from experienced practitioners. This course aims to equip participants with an overall view of the Primary School Curriculum and address the demands teachers face within the busy classroom environment. This course also looks at the element of pupil and teacher self-care and well-being as an area of importance and teachers will be encouraged to engage with and participate in online discussions and forums with fellow NQT’s and experienced practitioners. This course is a one-stop shop for any NQT or primary teacher new to teaching in Ireland and upon completion, teachers will feel confident, excited and ready to face the demands and challenges of their NQT year!

Create your own blog from scratch even if you are not technically inclined. Learn the basics of Blogging with WordPress and how you can successfully create a blog in your school. Areas covered include multimedia content creation, including videos, audio & images. Learn about post creation, publishing content, class participation & a myriad of other ingredients that go into creating a successful educational blog.