FAQs

The DCU Changemaker Schools Network is a professional learning community of schools in Ireland and Northern Ireland, who work within the DCU IoE to share and celebrate best practices, support education change, research, and engagement.

The DCU Changemaker Schools are schools which work within the DCU Changemaker Schools Network. They are all types of schools from all over Ireland. They are all primary schools.

There are currently 18 DCU Changemaker Schools, and we will have 50 by 2025

When you become a DCU Changemaker School, your school and staff are part of the DCU community. On your journey as a DCU Changemaker School, you will be provided with many exciting opportunities. We work together to share best practices, avail of CPD, discuss matters which arise and support each other. We also support the work of the DCU Institute of Education.

We don't however, provide sub cover for schools.

Initially there is some paperwork required. All schools are required to complete an application form and engage in the nomination process.

Once nominated, there is paperwork to ensure GDPR and ethical compliance.

We also require each school to write about their school for the website and other collateral.

After the initial paperwork is completed, schools are supported to develop a DCU Changemaker Schools plan with their staff and are invited to contribute to newsletters, conferences, and other opportunities within DCU.

Schools also engage with regular short questionnaires, to support the development of the Network.

Most of our CPD and meetings are online. The schools are invited to one Conference and Networking event at DCU per annum.

Schools can opt out at any time. We encourage schools to review their engagement, particularly if there are changes in the school that necessitate it. Schools also have the option to pause engagement.

No. Central to the DCU CSN is whole school engagement. While it is imperative that we collaborate with the school principal, we also collaborate with teachers and change leaders in each school. To mitigate against any issues which may arise, due to a change in leadership, a change team is central to the work of DCU Changemaker Schools. This team can be a community of practice, to support your work as a DCU Changemaker School