DDLETB has publicly declared its support for and adoption of ALTITUDE – the National Charter for Universal Design (UD) in Tertiary Education. The ETB joined today’s national call to action for institutions and agencies to work towards a more universally designed tertiary education system.DDLETB strongly believes that ‘inclusion is everyone’s business’, and that all staff play a role in creating an environment in which the diversity of learners in our community can thrive. Universal design is central to our efforts to make that statement a reality. By adopting the ALTITUDE Charter, we have committed to work collaboratively across the organisation to embed a UD approach more firmly. This will build on the good work we have already achieved in this area.
Commenting on the organisation’s adoption of ALTITUDE, Siobhan Lynch, Director of FET in DDLETB, welcomed this landmark development:
‘DDLETB has been promoting Universal Design for Learning (UDL) as part of inclusion over the past few years. Since 2022, many DDLETB staff have completed the UDL badge and the UDL Beyond the Classroom badge, with support from DDLETB facilitators.
In 2025, DDLETB organised an online workshop titled “Introduction to UDL,” which was open to all staff. The workshop was facilitated by Lisa Padden and Kathryn Orr from UCD and was well attended.
Additionally, many DDLETB staff members have completed various courses on Diversity and Inclusion on LinkedIn Learning.
Universal Design is a significant component of our strategic efforts to continue meeting the needs of our learners. We need everyone to work together in creating an inclusive experience where all can learn, achieve and succeed. Embedding a UD approach can help us achieve this goal.
We fully support this important initiative for the tertiary education sector and will continue to progress the actions outlined in the ALTITUDE Charter in the years ahead.’
Following our adoption of the ALTITUDE Charter and our public support for the national call to action today, DDLETB established a Universal Design/ALTITUDE steering committee and working group utilising the model of committee membership/leadership proposed within the Charter. This standing committee will now collaborate in the years ahead to progress the actions and goals outlined within the Charter.
The learner population in tertiary education is becoming increasingly diverse, and students’ lives are also increasingly complex. The responsibility on educational institutions to provide equitable access for all is now strongly embedded in Irish legislation, and national tertiary education strategies contain more specific goals to implement a Universal Design approach, (SOLAS, 2020; Higher Education Authority, 2022).
The aim is to move towards a system where ‘Inclusion is Everyone’s Business’, where all staff play their part in delivering an inclusive educational experience.
Universal Design, or UD for short, offers us an evidence-based approach to engender this mindset, and is increasingly seen as a central tenet of our response to rising diversity, (Centre for Excellence in Universal Design, 2022). But how can we embed a UD approach in our institutions?
That’s where ALTITUDE – the National Charter for Universal Design in Tertiary Education – comes in to play.
Funded by the HEA under PATH 4, the ALTITUDE Project was an extensive cross sectoral collaboration involving six national agencies, fifteen higher education (HE) institutions and six Education and Training Board (ETB) representatives, nominated by Directors of FET to represent the Further Education and Training sector. The Charter was launched in Spring 2024, alongside an accompanying technical report and implementation toolkit.
The vision of the project looks to a future in tertiary education where ‘all learners are transformatively included through universal design in education’, deriving the name ALTITUDE. It seeks to move us in that direction by supporting HEIs and ETBs to make sustainable progress towards systemically embedding a UD approach…. – one which places human diversity at the heart of tertiary education design, and fosters student success for all learners.
The ALTITUDE Charter, and the associated toolkit and technical report, build on significant existing work on UD in the Irish tertiary education landscape (Kelly & Padden, 2018), and through these outputs, provides a clear roadmap for institutions to make progress.
Drawing from national and international literature, the Charter recommends key strategic enablers, which institutions should put in place over time to support the sustainable implementation of UD, and proposes collaborative action to work towards goals under 4 key pillars of our institutions:
Learning, Teaching & Assessment;
Supports, Services & Social Engagement;
the Physical Environment;
and the Digital Environment
Institutions who adopt it will over time benefit from:
a more unified language of and commitment to a universal design approach in their institution
a greater culture of shared responsibility for UD, access, and inclusion, operationalising the ‘Inclusion is Everyone’s Business’ mindset.
a more effective and learner-centred approach to compliance with national legislation and policy
and most importantly, the iterative development of programmes, services, and environments that enable equitable opportunities for all learners to thrive and be successful.
The cross-sectoral development of the ALTITUDE Charter represents a landmark moment for the tertiary education sector, signalling its intent to place human diversity at the heart of its design and delivery.
https://www.ddletb.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/DDLETB-AltitUDe-Featured.jpg757958Jennifer Farleyhttps://www.ddletb.ie/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/logo-1-1.pngJennifer Farley2025-04-14 15:50:512025-04-14 15:52:44DDLETB Shares its Adoption of the ALTITUDE Charter & Joins the National Call to Action on Universal Design
The DDLETB Ethos Ambassador Programme was launched earlier this year. A transformative initiative empowering our students to bring positive change to their schools and communities. This year, 24 schools have joined the programme, with 120 dedicated student Ambassadors stepping up to lead the way.
Through engaging workshops, these young leaders will explore the core values at the heart of their schools, gaining the tools and confidence to actively promote and embody them in daily school life. More than just a learning experience, this initiative is a movement—one that fosters respect, inclusion, integrity, and a deep sense of community.
As they implement their learning, these ambassadors will lead projects, spark important conversations, and inspire their peers, staff, and school communities. Their commitment will help shape a stronger, values-driven environment where every student can thrive.
We look forward to seeing the impact of their work and celebrating their successes throughout the year. Stay tuned for updates as these ambassadors make a real difference!
DDLETB Launch of ETHOS Ambassador Programme students
We extend our thanks to the students and teachers for getting involved in the programme and a huge thank you to our colleagues at Baldoyle Training Centre for welcoming us and supporting the first session.
Caroline Daly, DDLETB Ethos Coordinator.
https://www.ddletb.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/DDLETB-Launch-of-ETHOS-Ambassador-Programme-students-with-logo.jpg757958Jennifer Farleyhttps://www.ddletb.ie/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/logo-1-1.pngJennifer Farley2025-04-11 07:54:372025-04-15 08:04:07Exciting Launch of the Ethos Ambassador Programme!
On March 26th, as part of ETB Week celebrations, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th class students from our Community National Schools gathered at DDLETB Head Office for the highly anticipated annual CNS Quiz Quest. The event brought together bright young minds from across DDLETB for a day filled with excitement, fun, teamwork, and a shared love of learning.The Quiz Quest has become a beloved annual tradition, where students put their general knowledge to the test in a thrilling table quiz format. The competition was fierce, but the atmosphere was all about fun and camaraderie. Between challenging rounds, students enjoyed lively dance breaks, delicious treats, and plenty of laughter. High spirits and enthusiasm were evident throughout the day, making it an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
Congratulations to all the students who participated and demonstrated their impressive knowledge and teamwork skills. A special shoutout goes to the winning teams, whose quick thinking and collaboration earned them well-deserved recognition. Well done to the teams from 3rd and 4th classes: Lucan CNS (runner-up) and Citywest and Saggart CNS (winning team) and from 5th and 6th classes: Scoil Ghráinne CNS (runner-up) and Scoil Choilm CNS (winning team).
Quiz Quest CNS
The CNS Quiz Quest is a shining example of the engaging and supportive learning environment fostered by our Community National Schools. Thank you to the school leadership teams and teachers for their support and thank you to DDLETB Development Team for hosting this fantastic event and to everyone who helped make it a success.
We look forward to another exciting Quiz Quest next year!
https://www.ddletb.ie/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/logo-1-1.png00Jennifer Farleyhttps://www.ddletb.ie/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/logo-1-1.pngJennifer Farley2025-04-06 08:00:252025-04-04 11:08:29CNS Quiz Quest 2025: A Celebration of Learning and Fun!
Dublin & Dún Laoghaire Education & Training Boards (ETBs) scooped a national award, a runner up prize and the judges praise at this year’s ETB Excellence Awards, held in Croke Park [27th March] as part of ETB Week 2025, which showcases Ireland’s sixteen ETBs and the services they provide to learners of all ages.
Two students from Coláiste de hÍde in Dublin & Dún Laoghaire ETB (DDLETB) scooped the national 2025 excellence in Irish language Education award for an after-school Irish language club they set up in a Tallaght primary school where 40% of the school population was born outside of Ireland. Greenhills Community College Teacher and AEN Co-ordinator, Ciaran Stone was a runner-up in the Excellence in Equality category for his project to further support students with additional needs and former Adamstown Community College learner and human rights activist Grace Oladipo was also shortlisted for the ETB Hero award and praised by the judges.
Grace Oladipo
The Awards, hosted by former ETB learner and RTE Newsreader Ray Kennedy and featuring a special musical performance by former ETB student and singer-songwriter Tolü Makay, highlighted learner and staff excellence across primary, secondary, further education & training, and youth services.
Opening the event and addressing over 200 staff and learners from across Ireland’s ETBs, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD said: “Congratulations on winning an ETB Excellence Award. Your dedication reminds us that education is not just about what we learn, it is about what we become. It is about pushing limits, breaking barriers, and striving for excellence every single day. My department is committed to removing barriers to education and ensuring that opportunities are available to all — regardless of background, age, or circumstance. Education changes lives, and through your efforts, we are ensuring that more people in Ireland have access to learning opportunities that empower them to reach their full potential. True excellence can only be achieved when everyone has an equal chance to succeed.”
The Excellence Awards were the flagship event for ETB Week 2025, which also included :
the launch of a landmark book on ETBs edited by former Education Editor of the Irish Independent Katherine Donnelly: Education & Training Boards: Shaping the Future, leaving no one behind;
Muintearas’25: a groundbreaking event bringing ETB Irish-medium schools together for the first time to celebrate and commit to inclusive Irish medium education; and
events across the 16 ETBs to promote their services.
Education & Training Boards Ireland (ETBI) also highlighted the sectorial core values of equality, community, respect and care throughout the week. Speaking at the awards, Paddy Lavelle, ETBI’s General Secretary stated: “These core values are not a given in today’s world, indeed they are increasingly contested. ETB Week and these ETB Excellence Awards provide an opportunity for us to champion them: we’re proud of our inclusive approach to education which reaches beyond the ordinary, and brings teaching and learning into communities, to people of all ages and abilities, including the most marginalised groups in society.”
Don’t forget you can purchase the newly released book by ETBI:
Education & Training Boards: Shaping the Future, leaving no one behind is available for sale on independent Irish owned book marketplace https://www.buythebook.ie/etb
DDLETB ETB Week 2025 Winners
https://www.ddletb.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/DDLETB-ETB-Week-2025-Winners.jpg757958Jennifer Farleyhttps://www.ddletb.ie/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/logo-1-1.pngJennifer Farley2025-04-04 10:54:402025-04-04 11:49:31DDLETB Scoops Awards and Praise at National Education Event
Rath Dara Community College was thrilled to be awarded Champion School of Sanctuary status at a ceremony held at TU Dublin, Grangegorman, in February.
At the ceremony, nine students showcased a unique cultural fusion, blending performances of bodhrán, African drums, Irish dancing, and a group dance incorporating elements from five different countries. Additionally, 19 students contributed to a video that was featured during the ceremony.
A 3rd-year student captured a stunning aerial shot of the school with a drone, while 12 students greeted the audience by saying ‘hello’ in various languages and six students each recited a stanza from a Séamus Heaney poem in their native language.
This event was a true reflection of our ETB Core Values and the spirit of our school motto, ‘ní neart go cur le chéile’ (‘there is no strength without unity’). We are immensely proud of all the students and staff who contributed to this whole-school initiative.
Donabate Community College
On Tuesday February 11th the Donabate Community College School of Sanctuary club gathered with 9 other schools from around the country for a national award ceremony in T.U.D. Grangegorman, where all 10 schools officially received their “Champion School of Sanctuary” award.
DCC students presented a poem about sanctuary and how this is valued in our school. DCC student Nikolai Polnis-Borzyk spoke on behalf of Medina Salihovic, who could not be there on the day and talked about the lessons and values that inspired the posters which are on the corridor walls. One poster entitled ‘EVERYBODY IS WELCOME’ celebrates diversity and inclusion. It was inspired by Medina’s belief of creating a space where everybody is equal and valued. The second poster entitled ‘ANTI-RACISM’ highlights the importance of activism in the ongoing fight against racism. Medina is very passionate about this subject and sees her art as a way to showcase her message of inclusion.
We were presented with the award from the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Emma Blain who gave a short speech on the values and importance of sanctuary in schools and the wider community. She stated that “These Champion Schools of Sanctuary are beacons of hope for the whole country, now and in the future. I commend the students and teachers for setting standards of excellence in their commitment to welcoming and including newcomers and minority groups, and I look forward to seeing more and more schools learning from their shining example.”
Another guest speaker was woman’s empowerment and health campaigner, Aishah Akorede. While the public might know her best for her appearance on Dancing with the Stars or her victory in Miss Universe Ireland 2023, In everyday life Aishah dedicates much of her time to her efforts to fight discrimination and promote diversity.
Alihah believes that the ceremony “is about recognising the impact that motivated students can have on creating school cultures that celebrate and champion inclusivity. It has been a real pleasure to get know some of these creative and empowered students and I look forward to celebrating their day with them”.
We had a wonderful day celebrating our Award and we were delighted to bring it back to Donabate CC and display it proudly for our school community.
By Nikolai Polnis-Borzyk (Student Donabate CC)
https://www.ddletb.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/0001_DDLETB-Rath-Dara-CC-School-Of-Sanctuary.jpg757958Jennifer Farleyhttps://www.ddletb.ie/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/logo-1-1.pngJennifer Farley2025-03-31 18:27:302025-03-31 18:29:44Rath Dara CC and Donabate CC Awarded Schools of Sanctuary Status
Success of Deansrath Community College TY students at the Adventures in Cyberland Awards at UCD
November 2024 was a hugely successful month for TY students Emily Pesak, George Hurst and Piotr Zawierta, who submitted their project “The Lost Soul: Revealing Hidden Depths in Cybersecurity” for the Adventures in Cyberland Awards, organised by Marelle Rice of Cyberwise under the leadership of Dr. Rachel Farrell.
Cyberwise, under the UCD Centre for Cyber Resilience Education, enhances cybersecurity education across Ireland. Over 300 students attended the awards at O’Reilly Hall, University College Dublin, on December 10, 2024. The event celebrated advancements in cybersecurity education, promoting inclusivity and challenging gender bias.
The students’ project showcased a brilliant, from-scratch animation and included a thoughtfully written piece exploring addiction to cyberspace and its profound impact on our mental well-being. For their fantastic work, they were awarded the Gold Medal of the prestigious UCD Centre for the Advancement of Wellbeing in Education Award and won the Best Presentation Award.
The event featured experts from Microsoft, the National Cyber Security Centre Ireland, and leading universities, giving students a chance to connect with their peers from other schools as well as with potential mentors and industry leaders.
Hear directly from the students:
What made you choose to explore the link between cybersecurity and mental health in your project?
Emily: Mental health is one of the most important topics of our current age and another one is the internet/cybersecurity. Both of these topics are massively debated and have many overlaps and relations that made it easy to explore as a topic. Because the internet is still quite new – and it’s not something we as a species were designed for – we are witnessing and studying the effects the internet has on the human psyche in real-time. What we have found is that the internet can bring addiction and grief to many. Addiction is a very misunderstood topic in my opinion, and we are seeing now more than ever (thanks to the addictiveness of the internet) that it’s a pitfall anybody can fall into. We felt that was a topic worth exploring – even briefly.
How did you work together as a team to create your project, and what part did each of you play?
Peter: It all began with brainstorming. Discussing stories, tales, recalling fables we were told as children. We wanted to raise awareness through these stories that we were so invested in, the ones that really resonated with us. We then discussed mythology, and we settled on the perfect choice, the Myth of Narcissus. And that’s where it really got up and running. We began creating storyboards, concept sketches of the characters while also figuring out how we will shape the story to fit our themes and topics we wanted to portray. We settled on roles; I worked on Narcissus, how to bring him to life and how to picture his health deteriorating as his addiction grew. George worked on the art of Psyche and how to illustrate her change in emotion. And Emily, who I believe worked the hardest as she was not only our background designer but also our animator! But I think the most important part of working together was communication, looking out for each other, giving each other help, suggestions, and support all throughout the process of bringing this project to life.
What do you hope other students and teachers will learn from your project about the effects of cyberspace on mental health?
George: We hope they learn that while having an escape from reality is perfectly okay, losing yourself in these escapes can become dangerous and lead to harm, either physically or mentally. This is illustrated in the perspective of Narcissus, as time passes, he deteriorates more and more until he’s nothing but a husk. Of course, this is exaggerated to fit the story, but the meaning is still present.
What advice would you give to teachers who want to encourage their students to participate in the Awards in the future?
Emily: I want teachers to encourage students to use their unique skillsets for their projects. We were very lucky that one, we were all artists and fans of animation and two, that our teacher was so supportive of these interests. Had we just written an essay or made a PowerPoint we would’ve been bored to death. Yeah, we would’ve still put the effort in, but the fact we were given the opportunity to use our own skills made it a more enjoyable experience and resulted in a more memorable project. Also, let the students explore their own ideas! Teachers should be allowed to pitch in and help point in the right direction, but students should pick their own themes and a topic they’re interested in. Again, it just makes for a more memorable project that had love and passion put into it, rather than a project that felt more like a mountainous task than anything else. Obviously, the student still must stay within the guidelines and themes of the competition, but you get what I mean. Let students express themselves and their interests.
Well done to Emily, George Hurst and Piotr for their hard work and dedication to the project.
https://www.ddletb.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/0001_DDLETB-Deansrath-CC-Cyberwise-4.jpg757958Jennifer Farleyhttps://www.ddletb.ie/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/logo-1-1.pngJennifer Farley2025-03-27 17:53:302025-03-31 18:08:57Cyberwise At Deansrath Community College
DDLETB is the proud patron of 9 Community National Schools (CNS) and 3 Community Special Schools (CSS), providing high-quality, inclusive, and student-centred education at primary level.
But what exactly is a Community National School, and what makes it unique?
Community National Schools are state-funded, co-educational, multi-denominational primary schools that welcome all children of all backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs. Established in 2008 to reflect modern Ireland’s diversity, CNS schools provide a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive environment, fostering a sense of belonging for every child.
They give equal opportunities to all children in the communities they serve and strive to provide high-quality education through respectful, positive, supportive and responsive learning environments. They were established in 2008 and are managed by the designated Education and Training Board in each area.
What is the CNS Ethos?
At the heart of every CNS are the 5 ETB core values of Community, Care, Excellence in Education, Respect and Equality. CNS are committed to:
✅ Inclusive Education – Recognising and celebrating the identity of every child.
✅ Respect for All – Fostering an environment where every belief and culture is valued.
✅ Excellence in Teaching and Learning – Providing high-quality education for all students.
✅ Community Focused – Working alongside the community and encouraging parental involvement in all aspects of school life as well as benefiting from the support and expertise of the wider community
✅ Democratic and Student-Centered environments – Encouraging student voice, well-being, and active citizenship.
The CNS Ethos ensures that all students are equally respected and included, regardless of their faith or non-religious backgrounds.
DDLETB CNS Two Students Garden
What is Goodness Me, Goodness You! (GMGY)?
A key feature of Community National Schools is the Goodness Me, Goodness You! (GMGY) curriculum. GMGY is a unique, ethical and multi-belief and values-led education programme, designed to:
📌 Support children’s moral and spiritual development
📌 Teach empathy, understanding, and respect for all beliefs and worldviews
📌 Encourage critical thinking and ethical decision-making
The programme was developed for Community National Schools in collaboration with children, parents and teachers of the schools, the local Education and Training Boards, the Education and Training Board of Ireland, the Department of Education and Skills and assisted by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment. GMGY ensures that all children feel valued and represented, supporting their sense of identity while fostering a respectful, diverse, and inclusive school culture.
Why Choose a Community National School?
Parents choose CNS schools because they offer:
⭐ A welcoming and inclusive environment
⭐ Excellence in teaching and learning
⭐ A strong focus on well-being and student voice
⭐ Recognition and respect for all beliefs and cultures
⭐ A balanced and modern approach to education
As a proud patron, DDLETB is committed to the continuous growth and success of our CNS and Community Special Schools, ensuring all children receive the best possible start in life.
https://www.ddletb.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/DDLETB-CNS-Two-Students-Garden.jpg757958Jennifer Farleyhttps://www.ddletb.ie/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/logo-1-1.pngJennifer Farley2025-03-21 10:26:202025-03-18 10:45:45DDLETB Community National Schools: Inclusive, Innovative, and Inspiring
The 7th February will be remembered as a historic day for Ardgillan College, marking a momentous victory for the Senior Boys GAA team. All roads led to Darver, where the Ardgillan squad faced off in an intense battle to claim the title of Leinster GAA champions. The team’s journey to this achievement was paved with dedication, resilience, and sheer determination under the guidance of their coaches, Mr. McBearty, Mr. Collins, and Mr. O’Shea.
DDLETB Ardgillan Community College Leinster Champions
In the highly anticipated Leinster Final, Ardgillan College went head-to-head with formidable opponents, Bush Post-Primary School. The Ardgillan team showcased their skill, teamwork, and unwavering commitment. Despite immense pressure from their rivals, the players remained resolute, demonstrating exceptional sportsmanship and a deep passion for the game. Every pass, tackle, and score reflected the countless hours of training and preparation invested by the squad.
The core value of Community was evident by the sheer number of Ardgillan supporters. Staff, parents/guardians, students, past-students and local GAA team members came out to cheer the lads on. Team captain Jack acknowledged how much this support meant on behalf of the whole team.
Following their hard-fought triumph, the team returned to Ardgillan College as champions, proudly presenting their well-earned trophy to Principal Ms. Ní Mhurchú as the latest edition to our trophy cabinet.
Congratulations to the entire team and coaching staff for bringing home this remarkable achievement—Leinster Champions 2025!
On Thursday, 13th February, the annual National Ethos Symposium in Portlaoise marked an exciting milestone with the official launch of the new Patrons’ Curriculum: Identity, Multi-Belief, and Values Education (IMBVE). The event brought together 200 ETB teachers and leaders, all eager to explore this innovative approach to values-based education.
In her keynote address, Anne Marie Kavanagh from DCU praised the IMBVE curriculum, highlighting its role in fostering inclusion and representation in education. She emphasised that both IMBVE and GYMG “offer tangible opportunities for teachers to redress curricular imbalance, to communicate to students from all backgrounds that their knowledge, identities, perspectives, and experiences count, that they are valuable, that they matter.”
DDLETB was proudly represented in the IMBVE Teach Meet by Damien Lee, a teacher from Greenhills Community College, who shared his experiences of teaching the curriculum. He spoke passionately about the positive impact IMBVE is having both inside and outside the classroom, helping students engage in meaningful discussions, reflect on their values, and develop a greater understanding of diverse perspectives.
This launch represents a significant step forward in promoting inclusive, values-driven learning experiences for students. We look forward to seeing the impact of this curriculum in classrooms across the country.
https://www.ddletb.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/DDLETB-New-Patrons-Curriculum-Launched.jpg757958Jennifer Farleyhttps://www.ddletb.ie/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/logo-1-1.pngJennifer Farley2025-03-15 08:07:212025-04-15 08:12:31New Patrons’ Curriculum Launched At National Ethos Symposium
Members of DDLETB schools, colleges and centres recently attended the annual BETT Conference in London, the world’s largest EdTech event, bringing together over 30,000 educators, policymakers, and industry changemakers from 130 countries. With more than 500 EdTech exhibitors and 300 expert speakers, BETT continues to be a game-changing event, highlighting the future of education through technology and innovation.
For Team DDLETB, BETT is always a unique opportunity to connect with global educators, explore cutting-edge educational technologies, and exchange ideas on best practices. The event showcased a vast array of advancements, from Literacy and Numeracy supports to SEN and STEM, E-Sports, Interactive Learning, and the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality in the classroom.
One of the key themes at this year’s conference was the role of AI in education, with thought-provoking discussions on how artificial intelligence can be leveraged to enhance learning experiences, provide personalised instruction, and support both students and teachers in efficient and meaningful ways. Similarly, Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) were highlighted as powerful tools for immersive learning, allowing students to engage with content in ways never before possible—whether through virtual science experiments, historical recreations, or simulated real-world problem-solving.
BETT 2025
Another major focus was EdTech solutions for Special Educational Needs (SEN), with a growing number of technologies designed to support differentiated learning and accessibility. From assistive reading tools to adaptive learning platforms, the emphasis was on making education more inclusive and ensuring that all students, regardless of their learning needs, have access to high-quality education.
BETT 2025 also provided valuable insights into the increasing role of E-Sports in education, with discussions on how competitive gaming can foster teamwork, strategic thinking, and digital literacy and often improve participation. With many schools now integrating E-Sports into their curriculum and extra-curricular programmes, the conference explored ways to maximise its educational benefits while promoting student engagement and well-being.
In addition to exploring the latest advancements in technology, DDLETB representatives had the opportunity to network with global experts, attend interactive workshops, and discover best practices from leading education systems around the world. As education continues to evolve, the insights gained at BETT will help shape the future of learning within DDLETB, ensuring our schools remain at the forefront of innovation, accessibility, and excellence.
With so much inspiration and knowledge to take away, we look forward to seeing how these cutting-edge developments can be implemented within DDLETB schools, colleges and centres in the coming years.
https://www.ddletb.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/BETT-2025-Every-Student-Celebrated.jpg757958Jennifer Farleyhttps://www.ddletb.ie/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/logo-1-1.pngJennifer Farley2025-03-11 10:17:232025-03-18 10:24:10DDLETB Engages with Global EdTech Leaders at BETT 2025
DDLETB Shares its Adoption of the ALTITUDE Charter & Joins the National Call to Action on Universal Design
/in Corporate News, Front Page News /by Jennifer FarleyDDLETB has publicly declared its support for and adoption of ALTITUDE – the National Charter for Universal Design (UD) in Tertiary Education. The ETB joined today’s national call to action for institutions and agencies to work towards a more universally designed tertiary education system.DDLETB strongly believes that ‘inclusion is everyone’s business’, and that all staff play a role in creating an environment in which the diversity of learners in our community can thrive. Universal design is central to our efforts to make that statement a reality. By adopting the ALTITUDE Charter, we have committed to work collaboratively across the organisation to embed a UD approach more firmly. This will build on the good work we have already achieved in this area.
Commenting on the organisation’s adoption of ALTITUDE, Siobhan Lynch, Director of FET in DDLETB, welcomed this landmark development:
In 2025, DDLETB organised an online workshop titled “Introduction to UDL,” which was open to all staff. The workshop was facilitated by Lisa Padden and Kathryn Orr from UCD and was well attended.
Additionally, many DDLETB staff members have completed various courses on Diversity and Inclusion on LinkedIn Learning.
Universal Design is a significant component of our strategic efforts to continue meeting the needs of our learners. We need everyone to work together in creating an inclusive experience where all can learn, achieve and succeed. Embedding a UD approach can help us achieve this goal.
We fully support this important initiative for the tertiary education sector and will continue to progress the actions outlined in the ALTITUDE Charter in the years ahead.’
Following our adoption of the ALTITUDE Charter and our public support for the national call to action today, DDLETB established a Universal Design/ALTITUDE steering committee and working group utilising the model of committee membership/leadership proposed within the Charter. This standing committee will now collaborate in the years ahead to progress the actions and goals outlined within the Charter.
About the ALTITUDE Charter
Go to the Charter Launch page and download the Charter and Technical Report.
The learner population in tertiary education is becoming increasingly diverse, and students’ lives are also increasingly complex. The responsibility on educational institutions to provide equitable access for all is now strongly embedded in Irish legislation, and national tertiary education strategies contain more specific goals to implement a Universal Design approach, (SOLAS, 2020; Higher Education Authority, 2022).
The aim is to move towards a system where ‘Inclusion is Everyone’s Business’, where all staff play their part in delivering an inclusive educational experience.
Universal Design, or UD for short, offers us an evidence-based approach to engender this mindset, and is increasingly seen as a central tenet of our response to rising diversity, (Centre for Excellence in Universal Design, 2022). But how can we embed a UD approach in our institutions?
That’s where ALTITUDE – the National Charter for Universal Design in Tertiary Education – comes in to play.
Funded by the HEA under PATH 4, the ALTITUDE Project was an extensive cross sectoral collaboration involving six national agencies, fifteen higher education (HE) institutions and six Education and Training Board (ETB) representatives, nominated by Directors of FET to represent the Further Education and Training sector. The Charter was launched in Spring 2024, alongside an accompanying technical report and implementation toolkit.
The vision of the project looks to a future in tertiary education where ‘all learners are transformatively included through universal design in education’, deriving the name ALTITUDE. It seeks to move us in that direction by supporting HEIs and ETBs to make sustainable progress towards systemically embedding a UD approach…. – one which places human diversity at the heart of tertiary education design, and fosters student success for all learners.
The ALTITUDE Charter, and the associated toolkit and technical report, build on significant existing work on UD in the Irish tertiary education landscape (Kelly & Padden, 2018), and through these outputs, provides a clear roadmap for institutions to make progress.
Drawing from national and international literature, the Charter recommends key strategic enablers, which institutions should put in place over time to support the sustainable implementation of UD, and proposes collaborative action to work towards goals under 4 key pillars of our institutions:
Institutions who adopt it will over time benefit from:
The cross-sectoral development of the ALTITUDE Charter represents a landmark moment for the tertiary education sector, signalling its intent to place human diversity at the heart of its design and delivery.
Go to the Charter webpage and download the Charter, Toolkit and Technical Report.
Exciting Launch of the Ethos Ambassador Programme!
/in Corporate News, Front Page News /by Jennifer FarleyThe DDLETB Ethos Ambassador Programme was launched earlier this year. A transformative initiative empowering our students to bring positive change to their schools and communities. This year, 24 schools have joined the programme, with 120 dedicated student Ambassadors stepping up to lead the way.
Through engaging workshops, these young leaders will explore the core values at the heart of their schools, gaining the tools and confidence to actively promote and embody them in daily school life. More than just a learning experience, this initiative is a movement—one that fosters respect, inclusion, integrity, and a deep sense of community.
As they implement their learning, these ambassadors will lead projects, spark important conversations, and inspire their peers, staff, and school communities. Their commitment will help shape a stronger, values-driven environment where every student can thrive.
We look forward to seeing the impact of their work and celebrating their successes throughout the year. Stay tuned for updates as these ambassadors make a real difference!
DDLETB Launch of ETHOS Ambassador Programme students
We extend our thanks to the students and teachers for getting involved in the programme and a huge thank you to our colleagues at Baldoyle Training Centre for welcoming us and supporting the first session.
Caroline Daly, DDLETB Ethos Coordinator.
CNS Quiz Quest 2025: A Celebration of Learning and Fun!
/in Uncategorized /by Jennifer FarleyCNS Quiz Quest
On March 26th, as part of ETB Week celebrations, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th class students from our Community National Schools gathered at DDLETB Head Office for the highly anticipated annual CNS Quiz Quest. The event brought together bright young minds from across DDLETB for a day filled with excitement, fun, teamwork, and a shared love of learning.The Quiz Quest has become a beloved annual tradition, where students put their general knowledge to the test in a thrilling table quiz format. The competition was fierce, but the atmosphere was all about fun and camaraderie. Between challenging rounds, students enjoyed lively dance breaks, delicious treats, and plenty of laughter. High spirits and enthusiasm were evident throughout the day, making it an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
Congratulations to all the students who participated and demonstrated their impressive knowledge and teamwork skills. A special shoutout goes to the winning teams, whose quick thinking and collaboration earned them well-deserved recognition. Well done to the teams from 3rd and 4th classes: Lucan CNS (runner-up) and Citywest and Saggart CNS (winning team) and from 5th and 6th classes: Scoil Ghráinne CNS (runner-up) and Scoil Choilm CNS (winning team).
Quiz Quest CNS
The CNS Quiz Quest is a shining example of the engaging and supportive learning environment fostered by our Community National Schools. Thank you to the school leadership teams and teachers for their support and thank you to DDLETB Development Team for hosting this fantastic event and to everyone who helped make it a success.
We look forward to another exciting Quiz Quest next year!
DDLETB Scoops Awards and Praise at National Education Event
/in Corporate News, Front Page News /by Jennifer FarleyDDLETB ETB Week 2025 Winners
Dublin & Dún Laoghaire Education & Training Boards (ETBs) scooped a national award, a runner up prize and the judges praise at this year’s ETB Excellence Awards, held in Croke Park [27th March] as part of ETB Week 2025, which showcases Ireland’s sixteen ETBs and the services they provide to learners of all ages.
Two students from Coláiste de hÍde in Dublin & Dún Laoghaire ETB (DDLETB) scooped the national 2025 excellence in Irish language Education award for an after-school Irish language club they set up in a Tallaght primary school where 40% of the school population was born outside of Ireland. Greenhills Community College Teacher and AEN Co-ordinator, Ciaran Stone was a runner-up in the Excellence in Equality category for his project to further support students with additional needs and former Adamstown Community College learner and human rights activist Grace Oladipo was also shortlisted for the ETB Hero award and praised by the judges.
Grace Oladipo
The Awards, hosted by former ETB learner and RTE Newsreader Ray Kennedy and featuring a special musical performance by former ETB student and singer-songwriter Tolü Makay, highlighted learner and staff excellence across primary, secondary, further education & training, and youth services.
Opening the event and addressing over 200 staff and learners from across Ireland’s ETBs, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD said: “Congratulations on winning an ETB Excellence Award. Your dedication reminds us that education is not just about what we learn, it is about what we become. It is about pushing limits, breaking barriers, and striving for excellence every single day. My department is committed to removing barriers to education and ensuring that opportunities are available to all — regardless of background, age, or circumstance. Education changes lives, and through your efforts, we are ensuring that more people in Ireland have access to learning opportunities that empower them to reach their full potential. True excellence can only be achieved when everyone has an equal chance to succeed.”
The Excellence Awards were the flagship event for ETB Week 2025, which also included :
Education & Training Boards Ireland (ETBI) also highlighted the sectorial core values of equality, community, respect and care throughout the week. Speaking at the awards, Paddy Lavelle, ETBI’s General Secretary stated: “These core values are not a given in today’s world, indeed they are increasingly contested. ETB Week and these ETB Excellence Awards provide an opportunity for us to champion them: we’re proud of our inclusive approach to education which reaches beyond the ordinary, and brings teaching and learning into communities, to people of all ages and abilities, including the most marginalised groups in society.”
Don’t forget you can purchase the newly released book by ETBI:
Education & Training Boards: Shaping the Future, leaving no one behind is available for sale on independent Irish owned book marketplace https://www.buythebook.ie/etb
DDLETB ETB Week 2025 Winners
Rath Dara CC and Donabate CC Awarded Schools of Sanctuary Status
/in Corporate News, Front Page News /by Jennifer FarleyRath Dara Community College
Rath Dara Community College was thrilled to be awarded Champion School of Sanctuary status at a ceremony held at TU Dublin, Grangegorman, in February.
At the ceremony, nine students showcased a unique cultural fusion, blending performances of bodhrán, African drums, Irish dancing, and a group dance incorporating elements from five different countries. Additionally, 19 students contributed to a video that was featured during the ceremony.
A 3rd-year student captured a stunning aerial shot of the school with a drone, while 12 students greeted the audience by saying ‘hello’ in various languages and six students each recited a stanza from a Séamus Heaney poem in their native language.
This event was a true reflection of our ETB Core Values and the spirit of our school motto, ‘ní neart go cur le chéile’ (‘there is no strength without unity’). We are immensely proud of all the students and staff who contributed to this whole-school initiative.
Donabate Community College
On Tuesday February 11th the Donabate Community College School of Sanctuary club gathered with 9 other schools from around the country for a national award ceremony in T.U.D. Grangegorman, where all 10 schools officially received their “Champion School of Sanctuary” award.
DCC students presented a poem about sanctuary and how this is valued in our school. DCC student Nikolai Polnis-Borzyk spoke on behalf of Medina Salihovic, who could not be there on the day and talked about the lessons and values that inspired the posters which are on the corridor walls. One poster entitled ‘EVERYBODY IS WELCOME’ celebrates diversity and inclusion. It was inspired by Medina’s belief of creating a space where everybody is equal and valued. The second poster entitled ‘ANTI-RACISM’ highlights the importance of activism in the ongoing fight against racism. Medina is very passionate about this subject and sees her art as a way to showcase her message of inclusion.
We were presented with the award from the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Emma Blain who gave a short speech on the values and importance of sanctuary in schools and the wider community. She stated that “These Champion Schools of Sanctuary are beacons of hope for the whole country, now and in the future. I commend the students and teachers for setting standards of excellence in their commitment to welcoming and including newcomers and minority groups, and I look forward to seeing more and more schools learning from their shining example.”
Another guest speaker was woman’s empowerment and health campaigner, Aishah Akorede. While the public might know her best for her appearance on Dancing with the Stars or her victory in Miss Universe Ireland 2023, In everyday life Aishah dedicates much of her time to her efforts to fight discrimination and promote diversity.
Alihah believes that the ceremony “is about recognising the impact that motivated students can have on creating school cultures that celebrate and champion inclusivity. It has been a real pleasure to get know some of these creative and empowered students and I look forward to celebrating their day with them”.
We had a wonderful day celebrating our Award and we were delighted to bring it back to Donabate CC and display it proudly for our school community.
By Nikolai Polnis-Borzyk (Student Donabate CC)
Cyberwise At Deansrath Community College
/in Corporate News, Front Page News /by Jennifer FarleySuccess of Deansrath Community College TY students at the Adventures in Cyberland Awards at UCD
November 2024 was a hugely successful month for TY students Emily Pesak, George Hurst and Piotr Zawierta, who submitted their project “The Lost Soul: Revealing Hidden Depths in Cybersecurity” for the Adventures in Cyberland Awards, organised by Marelle Rice of Cyberwise under the leadership of Dr. Rachel Farrell.
Cyberwise, under the UCD Centre for Cyber Resilience Education, enhances cybersecurity education across Ireland. Over 300 students attended the awards at O’Reilly Hall, University College Dublin, on December 10, 2024. The event celebrated advancements in cybersecurity education, promoting inclusivity and challenging gender bias.
The students’ project showcased a brilliant, from-scratch animation and included a thoughtfully written piece exploring addiction to cyberspace and its profound impact on our mental well-being. For their fantastic work, they were awarded the Gold Medal of the prestigious UCD Centre for the Advancement of Wellbeing in Education Award and won the Best Presentation Award.
The event featured experts from Microsoft, the National Cyber Security Centre Ireland, and leading universities, giving students a chance to connect with their peers from other schools as well as with potential mentors and industry leaders.
Hear directly from the students:
What made you choose to explore the link between cybersecurity and mental health in your project?
Emily: Mental health is one of the most important topics of our current age and another one is the internet/cybersecurity. Both of these topics are massively debated and have many overlaps and relations that made it easy to explore as a topic. Because the internet is still quite new – and it’s not something we as a species were designed for – we are witnessing and studying the effects the internet has on the human psyche in real-time. What we have found is that the internet can bring addiction and grief to many. Addiction is a very misunderstood topic in my opinion, and we are seeing now more than ever (thanks to the addictiveness of the internet) that it’s a pitfall anybody can fall into. We felt that was a topic worth exploring – even briefly.
How did you work together as a team to create your project, and what part did each of you play?
Peter: It all began with brainstorming. Discussing stories, tales, recalling fables we were told as children. We wanted to raise awareness through these stories that we were so invested in, the ones that really resonated with us. We then discussed mythology, and we settled on the perfect choice, the Myth of Narcissus. And that’s where it really got up and running. We began creating storyboards, concept sketches of the characters while also figuring out how we will shape the story to fit our themes and topics we wanted to portray. We settled on roles; I worked on Narcissus, how to bring him to life and how to picture his health deteriorating as his addiction grew. George worked on the art of Psyche and how to illustrate her change in emotion. And Emily, who I believe worked the hardest as she was not only our background designer but also our animator! But I think the most important part of working together was communication, looking out for each other, giving each other help, suggestions, and support all throughout the process of bringing this project to life.
What do you hope other students and teachers will learn from your project about the effects of cyberspace on mental health?
George: We hope they learn that while having an escape from reality is perfectly okay, losing yourself in these escapes can become dangerous and lead to harm, either physically or mentally. This is illustrated in the perspective of Narcissus, as time passes, he deteriorates more and more until he’s nothing but a husk. Of course, this is exaggerated to fit the story, but the meaning is still present.
What advice would you give to teachers who want to encourage their students to participate in the Awards in the future?
Emily: I want teachers to encourage students to use their unique skillsets for their projects. We were very lucky that one, we were all artists and fans of animation and two, that our teacher was so supportive of these interests. Had we just written an essay or made a PowerPoint we would’ve been bored to death. Yeah, we would’ve still put the effort in, but the fact we were given the opportunity to use our own skills made it a more enjoyable experience and resulted in a more memorable project. Also, let the students explore their own ideas! Teachers should be allowed to pitch in and help point in the right direction, but students should pick their own themes and a topic they’re interested in. Again, it just makes for a more memorable project that had love and passion put into it, rather than a project that felt more like a mountainous task than anything else. Obviously, the student still must stay within the guidelines and themes of the competition, but you get what I mean. Let students express themselves and their interests.
Well done to Emily, George Hurst and Piotr for their hard work and dedication to the project.
DDLETB Community National Schools: Inclusive, Innovative, and Inspiring
/in Community National Schools News, Corporate News, Front Page News /by Jennifer FarleyDDLETB CNS Three Students In Classroom
DDLETB is the proud patron of 9 Community National Schools (CNS) and 3 Community Special Schools (CSS), providing high-quality, inclusive, and student-centred education at primary level.
But what exactly is a Community National School, and what makes it unique?
Community National Schools are state-funded, co-educational, multi-denominational primary schools that welcome all children of all backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs. Established in 2008 to reflect modern Ireland’s diversity, CNS schools provide a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive environment, fostering a sense of belonging for every child.
They give equal opportunities to all children in the communities they serve and strive to provide high-quality education through respectful, positive, supportive and responsive learning environments. They were established in 2008 and are managed by the designated Education and Training Board in each area.
What is the CNS Ethos?
At the heart of every CNS are the 5 ETB core values of Community, Care, Excellence in Education, Respect and Equality. CNS are committed to:
✅ Inclusive Education – Recognising and celebrating the identity of every child.
✅ Respect for All – Fostering an environment where every belief and culture is valued.
✅ Excellence in Teaching and Learning – Providing high-quality education for all students.
✅ Community Focused – Working alongside the community and encouraging parental involvement in all aspects of school life as well as benefiting from the support and expertise of the wider community
✅ Democratic and Student-Centered environments – Encouraging student voice, well-being, and active citizenship.
The CNS Ethos ensures that all students are equally respected and included, regardless of their faith or non-religious backgrounds.
DDLETB CNS Two Students Garden
What is Goodness Me, Goodness You! (GMGY)?
A key feature of Community National Schools is the Goodness Me, Goodness You! (GMGY) curriculum. GMGY is a unique, ethical and multi-belief and values-led education programme, designed to:
📌 Support children’s moral and spiritual development
📌 Teach empathy, understanding, and respect for all beliefs and worldviews
📌 Encourage critical thinking and ethical decision-making
The programme was developed for Community National Schools in collaboration with children, parents and teachers of the schools, the local Education and Training Boards, the Education and Training Board of Ireland, the Department of Education and Skills and assisted by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment. GMGY ensures that all children feel valued and represented, supporting their sense of identity while fostering a respectful, diverse, and inclusive school culture.
Why Choose a Community National School?
Parents choose CNS schools because they offer:
⭐ A welcoming and inclusive environment
⭐ Excellence in teaching and learning
⭐ A strong focus on well-being and student voice
⭐ Recognition and respect for all beliefs and cultures
⭐ A balanced and modern approach to education
As a proud patron, DDLETB is committed to the continuous growth and success of our CNS and Community Special Schools, ensuring all children receive the best possible start in life.
For more information, visit www.cns.ie.
For a list of DDLETB CNS and CSS visit our Primary Schools page.
DDLETB CNS Two Students Playing
Well done to Leinster Champions, Ardgillan College!
/in Corporate News, Front Page News /by Jennifer FarleyThe 7th February will be remembered as a historic day for Ardgillan College, marking a momentous victory for the Senior Boys GAA team. All roads led to Darver, where the Ardgillan squad faced off in an intense battle to claim the title of Leinster GAA champions. The team’s journey to this achievement was paved with dedication, resilience, and sheer determination under the guidance of their coaches, Mr. McBearty, Mr. Collins, and Mr. O’Shea.
DDLETB Ardgillan Community College Leinster Champions
In the highly anticipated Leinster Final, Ardgillan College went head-to-head with formidable opponents, Bush Post-Primary School. The Ardgillan team showcased their skill, teamwork, and unwavering commitment. Despite immense pressure from their rivals, the players remained resolute, demonstrating exceptional sportsmanship and a deep passion for the game. Every pass, tackle, and score reflected the countless hours of training and preparation invested by the squad.
The core value of Community was evident by the sheer number of Ardgillan supporters. Staff, parents/guardians, students, past-students and local GAA team members came out to cheer the lads on. Team captain Jack acknowledged how much this support meant on behalf of the whole team.
Following their hard-fought triumph, the team returned to Ardgillan College as champions, proudly presenting their well-earned trophy to Principal Ms. Ní Mhurchú as the latest edition to our trophy cabinet.
Congratulations to the entire team and coaching staff for bringing home this remarkable achievement—Leinster Champions 2025!
New Patrons’ Curriculum Launched At National Ethos Symposium
/in Corporate News, Front Page News /by Jennifer FarleyDDLETB New Patrons Curriculum Launched
On Thursday, 13th February, the annual National Ethos Symposium in Portlaoise marked an exciting milestone with the official launch of the new Patrons’ Curriculum: Identity, Multi-Belief, and Values Education (IMBVE). The event brought together 200 ETB teachers and leaders, all eager to explore this innovative approach to values-based education.
In her keynote address, Anne Marie Kavanagh from DCU praised the IMBVE curriculum, highlighting its role in fostering inclusion and representation in education. She emphasised that both IMBVE and GYMG “offer tangible opportunities for teachers to redress curricular imbalance, to communicate to students from all backgrounds that their knowledge, identities, perspectives, and experiences count, that they are valuable, that they matter.”
DDLETB was proudly represented in the IMBVE Teach Meet by Damien Lee, a teacher from Greenhills Community College, who shared his experiences of teaching the curriculum. He spoke passionately about the positive impact IMBVE is having both inside and outside the classroom, helping students engage in meaningful discussions, reflect on their values, and develop a greater understanding of diverse perspectives.
This launch represents a significant step forward in promoting inclusive, values-driven learning experiences for students. We look forward to seeing the impact of this curriculum in classrooms across the country.
DDLETB Engages with Global EdTech Leaders at BETT 2025
/in Corporate News, Front Page News /by Jennifer FarleyBETT 2025 Every Student Celebrated
Members of DDLETB schools, colleges and centres recently attended the annual BETT Conference in London, the world’s largest EdTech event, bringing together over 30,000 educators, policymakers, and industry changemakers from 130 countries. With more than 500 EdTech exhibitors and 300 expert speakers, BETT continues to be a game-changing event, highlighting the future of education through technology and innovation.
For Team DDLETB, BETT is always a unique opportunity to connect with global educators, explore cutting-edge educational technologies, and exchange ideas on best practices. The event showcased a vast array of advancements, from Literacy and Numeracy supports to SEN and STEM, E-Sports, Interactive Learning, and the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality in the classroom.
One of the key themes at this year’s conference was the role of AI in education, with thought-provoking discussions on how artificial intelligence can be leveraged to enhance learning experiences, provide personalised instruction, and support both students and teachers in efficient and meaningful ways. Similarly, Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) were highlighted as powerful tools for immersive learning, allowing students to engage with content in ways never before possible—whether through virtual science experiments, historical recreations, or simulated real-world problem-solving.
BETT 2025
Another major focus was EdTech solutions for Special Educational Needs (SEN), with a growing number of technologies designed to support differentiated learning and accessibility. From assistive reading tools to adaptive learning platforms, the emphasis was on making education more inclusive and ensuring that all students, regardless of their learning needs, have access to high-quality education.
BETT 2025 also provided valuable insights into the increasing role of E-Sports in education, with discussions on how competitive gaming can foster teamwork, strategic thinking, and digital literacy and often improve participation. With many schools now integrating E-Sports into their curriculum and extra-curricular programmes, the conference explored ways to maximise its educational benefits while promoting student engagement and well-being.
In addition to exploring the latest advancements in technology, DDLETB representatives had the opportunity to network with global experts, attend interactive workshops, and discover best practices from leading education systems around the world. As education continues to evolve, the insights gained at BETT will help shape the future of learning within DDLETB, ensuring our schools remain at the forefront of innovation, accessibility, and excellence.
With so much inspiration and knowledge to take away, we look forward to seeing how these cutting-edge developments can be implemented within DDLETB schools, colleges and centres in the coming years.