 The Background
The Challenger Programme was established in 1995 to tackle the chronic under representation of the Dublin 17 area in third level education. Research has shown the link between areas of social disadvantage and low levels of participation in third level education. Despite improvements over the last decade, the Dublin 17 geographical area has the second lowest rate of participation in third level education in Dublin at a mere 16% compared to the national average of 54%
The Objective
The Challenger Programme encourages the participation of young people from the Dublin 17 area (Darndale, Priorswood and Bonnybrook districts) in education to the highest levels possible. It achieves this by supporting students from Dublin 17 to remain in mainstream education and promoting achievement in the Leaving Certificate, as well as progress to Third Level.
We believe that the students of Dublin 17 are as talented and skilled as those in other parts of the country and therefore should be represented on an equal footing at 3rd Level.
A committee made up of representatives of the Northside Partnership, Third Level Colleges, local Primary and post-Primary schools, parents and students manage the programme. The project targets two key groups - parents and children, recognising the key role that a parent plays in helping a child to identify and realise their potential.
The Programme
The programme interviews every November for 30 new students, from the 6th classes of
- St Francis Senior School, Priorswood
- St Joseph's National School, Bonnybrook
- Our Lady Immaculate Senior School, Darndale
And then works with these students all the way through to the Leaving Certificate, regardless of which second level school they choose to attend. All supports are outside of school hours and they include:
- Reading and Math's Clubs (6th Class & 1st Years)
- Visits to Colleges and Universities (6th Class & 1st Years)
- Cultural Programme (6th Class)
- Speech and Drama Classes (1st & 2nd Years)
- Trip to the Gaeltacht (2nd Years)
- Grinds Programme (3rd & 6th Years)
- Study Support (6th Years)
- Guidance Service (3rd & 6th Years)
- End of Year Trips
- End of Year Presentation
Importantly, the Challenger Programme recognises the key role, which parents play in education and we therefore run a Parents In Education programme for the parents of 6th class students. This programme is FETAC accredited and awarded through the National College of Ireland and gives parents an insight and understanding of the education system that their children are working within.
Academic Year 2007/8:
- We are supporting 210 students on the Challenger Programme
- Continuing to provide a range of activities for all our students, based on the list above
- 14 parents successfully graduated in National College of Ireland from the Parents in Education programme
- We were awarded a grant by the Department of Education and Science of €20,000
If you require any further information about Challenger, please contact any of the following people:
Jeanette Beirnes - Challenger Co-ordinator:
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Mark McDonald - Education Programme Manager:
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Linda Shanley - Administrator:
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