The Fundamentals Workshop focuses on key areas of personal development for Transition Year Students, particularly the areas of individual and team leadership, team-building and goal setting. Throughout the workshop, the students engage in a variety of reflective, physical and mental activities.
Early in the workshop, David engages the students through various fun and inclusive team-building activities. This was great for our students to enable them to break out of their comfort zone and bond with their classmates. Communicative, Co-operative and Collaborative skills are worked on throughout the day, which equips students with many useful skills that they will need for senior cycle and beyond. These skills are examined and compared to skills of highly effective teams from the world of sport, entertainment and business to analyse the functions and dysfunctions of teams.
The outdoor team building games proved a huge hit here in Castletroy College. The students thoroughly enjoyed these Co-operative games whilst also putting the learnings of the workshop into practice. These games presented students with various mental and physical problems, which allowed them to develop their problem solving and communication skills.
The Fundamentals Workshop provided students with excellent frameworks for goal-setting, be it inside or outside of the school setting. Students engaged in conversations around self-awareness and the difference between a growth and fixed mindset.”
The Fundamentals Workshop is a key programme as part of our TY programme here in Castletroy College. The student feedback has been fantastic, and we look forward to seeing David again in the future.
Geraldine McGrath, TY Yearhead and Co-Ordinator, Castletroy College
Our Transition Years benefited hugely from The Fundamentals Programme. They assessed their values, culture and goals as a TY year group and deepened their reflective practice around the area of Leadership. David (from The Fundamentals) adapted his approach to include specific areas of interest for our students which led to greater engagement from these students and served to make the programme accessible to a wider range of students with diverse interests. Overall, David was a pleasure to work with, he was approachable and had an engaging presentation approach which encouraged participation even from the shyer students. The Fundamentals is a well developed and insightful programme and I would have no hesitation in recommending it to other schools ( I already have).
Michele Daly, TY Co-ordinator, Coláiste Iósaef Kilmallock
“One of the best workshops we have completed within the TY Programme. I would highly recommend The Fundamentals workshop for TYs and any group in general. The class loved the 3 workshops and looked forward to them each Friday. David focused on leadership skills, the process of setting and aligning goals and importance of teambuilding. These are integral skills to the Transition Year Programme. The content of the workshops was relatable to the students and also very interactive. Thanks a million David. We look forward to meeting you in person and having you to our new school here at Ennis Community College/Gaelcholáiste an Chláir.”
Martina McNamara, TY Co-ordinator, Gaelcholáiste an Chláir
“I would highly recommend incorporating ‘The Fundamentals’ workshop into your TY Programme. It helps students to set clear and achievable goals that allows them to maximise their TY experience. David also helps students to build self-confidence, create bonds and develop a positive culture within the group through his active and engaging workshop. ‘The Fundamentals’ will be a mainstay in our TY programme going forward.”
Alan Curran , TY Co-ordinator, Colaiste Mhuire Johnstown, Kilkenny
“David was relevant and relatable for the students who responded well to him. David appealed to all students drawing from his sporting and academic background. David kept the workshop fun and engaging and had a variety of activities suitable for the socially distanced classroom. The video clips and leaders David showcased were modern and recognisable to students.
The feedback from students was very positive and the template provided allowed for a follow up with students on their goals. I would highly recommend the workshop and look forward to having him back.“
Mary Gorey, TY Co-Ordinator, St. Joseph’s College Borrisoleigh
“David presented an excellent, engaging workshop. He uses concrete examples of people who model leadership skills which assists the students to visualise and embrace leadership. David encourages the students to identify how they may develop, enhance and show their own leadership skills.”
Glenda Groome TY Coordinator, Cross & Passion College, Kilcullen, Co. Kildare
“David was really engaging and authentic. Overall, it was an interesting workshop. This workshop was extremely motivating, it helped me to realise the effect you can have on the people around you. I learned a lot that I can carry with me for the rest of school.”
TY Student Feedback, Cross & Passion College, Kilcullen, Co. Kildare
“I highly recommend The Fundamentals workshop for TYs and other groups. David covered Personal Development, Leadership, Team Building and Goal Setting. There was excellent content in the workshop and TYs were fully engaged. David had fantastic use of examples that students could relate to. He was able to get the students thinking and discussing. I found the workshop interesting and thought provoking for both students and adults. Well done David. We look forward to welcoming you back to Ashbourne Community School in 2021.”
Caroline Mathews, Programme Coordinator, Ashbourne Community School
The workshop David delivered was very appropriate for our TY students, he was very engaging and the students participated throughout which is a great sign of success.
Colin Ryan, TY Co-Ordinator, Salesian College Pallaskenry
“I felt the activities outside made me part of a team but I am not as much part of a team inside the classroom.”
“I benefited greatly from the teamwork because I was with people that I am not so close to and it worked better than I thought for me.”
“‘ I learned about teamwork and David’s workshop helped me on how to pick my subjects which is good for me because I haven’t a clue what I want to do.”
Student feedback, Méanscoil Nua an Leith Triúigh, Castlegregory