Junior Cycle Talks

Arts in Junior Cycle in conversation with film producer John Kelleher

22 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Film producer and former official film censor John Kelleher discusses his career, shares insights into films that have inspired him and explains w...

Arts in Junior Cycle in conversation with Composer Elaine Agnew

20 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we discuss how Elaine became a composer and music facilitator, she talks about her work in healthcare and education settings, the impo...

JCT English in Conversation with English Teacher, Patricia Carlos

08 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This episode of 'Conversations from the Classroom' features English Teacher, Patricia Carlos from St. Colman's Community College, Co. Cork...

Arts in Junior Cycle in Conversation with Author Dave Rudden

15 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Bestselling author Dave Rudden tells us about how he wants to ‘demystify writing’, his writing process and what inspires him. Dave Rudden is...

JCT English in Conversation with English Teacher, Niall Daly - Part 2

22 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This two-part episode of 'Conversations from the Classroom' features English teacher, Niall Daly, from Belmayne Educate Together Secondary School, Dub...

JCT English in Conversation with English Teacher, Niall Daly - Part 1

19 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This two-part episode of 'Conversations from the Classroom' features English teacher, Niall Daly, from Belmayne Educate Together Secondary School, Dub...

Arts in Junior Cycle and JCT English in conversation with comic book artist, Will Sliney

12 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Will Sliney, a native of Ballycotton, Co. Cork, is a comic books illustrator. He currently works with Marvel Comics. A graduate of Multimedia in Cork ...

Arts in Junior Cycle in Conversation with Writer and Poet Colm Keegan

19 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Colm Keegan is an award-winning writer and poet. He is also an experienced creative writing teacher and facilitator, passionate about empowering new v...

Arts in Junior Cycle in conversation with composer Colm Mac Con Iomaire

07 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A Dublin native, Colm Mac Con Iomaire is a composer, performer and film-score arranger. Colm’s father came from the Connemara Gaeltacht and Colm’s...

In Conversation with... Exploring Heaney's 'The Burial At Thebes'

14 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, JCT English chat with Kathyrn McCance, from the Listen Now Again Seamus Heaney exhibition curated by the National Library of Ireland....

JCT English in Conversation with Gemma McGill

18 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of 'Conversations from the Classroom,' we speak with English teacher, Gemma McGill. Gemma discusses how she uses drama in the classroo...

Arts in Junior Cycle and JCT English in Conversation with Novelist Peadar O'Guilín

11 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Peadar Ó Guilín is an Irish novelist whose novel, The Call, is a new addition to the list of prescribed texts for Junior Cycle English for stud...

JCT English in Conversation With Sonya Kelly

18 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This podcast was created by the JCT English team for the Junior Cycle Talks podcast channel. In this episode, Irish playwright and actor Sonya Kelly t...

Arts in Junior Cycle in conversation with Architect Eric Nay

17 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Architect Eric Nay joins us on the podcast to speak about where his interest in architecture began, where his inspiration comes from and the importanc...

JCT English in Conversation with Joe Rolston - Part 2

28 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This two-part episode of ‘Conversations from the Classroom’ features English teacher Joe Rolston from The Presentation Secondary School in Wexford...

Arts in Junior Cycle in conversation with Mezzo-Soprano Sharon Carty

29 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Irish mezzo-soprano Sharon Carty is a singer who has firmly established a reputation as a respected interpreter of both early and contemporary works, ...

JCT English in Conversation with Joe Rolston Part 1

14 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This two-part episode of 'Conversations from the Classroom' features English teacher Joe Rolston from Presentation Secondary School, Wexford. In Part ...

Step Up Project | A School Excellence Fund Project

09 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Participating schools from the Step Up Project share their Step Up stories. The podcast aims to help school leaders, SSE leaders and teachers interest...

Arts in Junior Cycle with Barry Morgan and Cathal Thornton | Tailtiu Theatre Company

08 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Tailtiu Theatre Company is a joint venture by Barry Morgan and Cathal Thornton, currently based in Droichead Arts Centre, Drogheda. Former members of ...

Arts in Junior Cycle in Conversation with Nadine O'Regan

08 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In our conversation we discussed Nadine’s busy work life, working as an editor, a columnist, a podcaster and radio presenter. We talked about how sh...

JCt4 in Conversation with GMIT Letterfrack Head of Department, Paul Leamy (Part 2).

07 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Head of Department at GMIT Letterfrack, Paul Leamy talks to us about the need for responsible use of wood, developing transferable sk...

JCt4 In Conversation With Paul Leamy | Part 1 Of 2

24 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Head of Department at GMIT Letterfrack, Paul Leamy talks to us about the joy of designing and making with wood and the importance of ...

JCT English in Conversation with Emer Whyte

19 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of 'Conversations from the Classroom', English teacher, Emer Whyte from Galway Educate Together Secondary School talks about h...

Arts in Junior Cycle in conversation with musicians Zoë Conway and John McIntyre

18 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast Zoë Conway and John McIntyre, husband and wife duo, join us to discuss their roles as fiddle, voice and guitar duo performers, c...

Arts in Junior Cycle in Conversation with writer Sean Farrelly

11 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In our conversation Sean speaks about his creative process as a writer of both fiction and plays, his experience of Fighting Words as a participant an...

Hands On - JCt4 in Conversation with Ronan Murray and Bruno Donatti

10 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ronan and Bruno discuss the experiences that they offer on their courses in CNC, CAD and Cobotics. They also chat about Junior Cycle Engineering and t...

Tangents 'Bitesize' Episode 10 - Considering Habits In Teaching And Learning

07 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast you will hear from a number of teachers  discussing  the teaching habits that they use to support their students when ...

Tangents 'Bitesize' Episode 9 - Considering Strategies For Motivation And Perseverance

07 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast you will hear from a  number of teachers discussing their strategies and suggestions for motivating students in the maths c...

The STE(A)M Podcast - Episode 2

16 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we explore the main societal issues that young people today are concerned with, we consider which junior cycle subjects might support ...

The STE(A)M Podcast - Episode 1

16 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we explore the acronyms STEM and STE(A)M, how they are interpreted and how they may throw up barriers and challenges. You will  h...

Arts in Junior Cycle and JCT English in Conversation with actor Siobhán O'Kelly

07 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In our conversation, Siobhán O’Kelly chats about her experience of acting today and her varied career in theatre, film and tv. She shares her love ...

JCT English in Conversation with Patricia Wall

07 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of ‘Conversations from the Classroom,’ English teacher Patricia Wall from Scoil Chaitríona in Dublin talks about the power of the...

Arts in Junior Cycle in conversation with Creative Director Chantal McCormick

23 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In our conversation Chantal speaks about combining aerial work and dance. She also talks about the impact of those who have inspired her in her career...

Open for Business - Episode 1. A Conversation with the CCPC

17 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This is the first episode in the JCT Business Studies 'Open for Business' Podcast Series. In this episode we speak with Muriel Dolan, Deputy Head of C...

Open for Business - Episode 2. A Conversation with the Student Enterprise Programme

17 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This is the second episode in the JCT Business Studies 'Open for Business' Podcast Series. In this episode we speak with Caroline McHale of the Studen...

Arts in Junior Cycle in conversation with furniture maker Daniel Gill

16 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Daniel speaks about his influences and how he incorporates them into his contemporary designs. He also speaks about his passion for hi...

Arts on Junior Cycle in conversation with spoken word artist Adam Mohamed

09 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In our conversation Adam talks about what inspires him, how he crafts his work and the importance of collaboration with others. He also discusses the ...

JCT English in Conversation with Patrick Huff

08 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of ‘Conversations from the Classroom,’ English teacher Patrick Huff from Ardscoil Mhuire, Limerick talks about using a wide variet...

Arts in Junior Cycle in Convesation with actor Éanna Hardwicke

19 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Cork actor Éanna Harwicke chats to us about his journey into acting, his creative process and what it was like to be part of the glo...

Arts in Junior Cycle and JCT English in conversation with Inua Ellams

12 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Born in Nigeria, Inua Ellams is a poet, playwright, performer, graphic artist and designer. Now based in London, Inua spent his early childhood in Nig...

JCT English In Conversation with Teacher Kevin Dowling

11 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of 'Conversations from the Classroom', JCT English talk to English teacher Kevin Dowling of St Joseph's Secondary School, ...

Arts in Junior Cycle in Conversation with James Bingham

05 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, James Bingham, Studio and Outreach Producer at Irish National Opera, talks to us about how he got involved in classical music and ope...

JCT English in Conversation with Author, Patricia Forde

04 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

JCT English in conversation with author Patricia Forde about her passion for writing, the power of language and her children's novel 'The Wordsmith'

Arts in Junior Cycle and JCt4 in Conversation with Studio Red Architects

28 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Studio Red architects Nicola Ryan and Gráinne Dunne set up Studio Red Architects in 2008. In our conversation, Nicola and Gráinne share their insigh...

Arts in Junior Cycle in Conversation with Kit de Waal

21 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Bestselling author Kit de Waal tells us about her favourite classic novels, her writing process and why she loves audio books. Episode Web Page: www.a...

Arts in Junior Cycle in conversation with Sandra Gibney

01 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Sandra Gibney describes the work of a breakdown artist and her role at the Abbey Theatre. Sandra reveals the fascinating ins and outs...

Arts in Junior Cycle in conversation with Leonie Cornelius

27 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, award winning interior architect and garden designer Leonie Cornelius chats to us about her love of designing spaces and gardens that...

Spinning Stories Out of Light - 05 The Light Devine

25 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This podcast was created by the JCT English team for the Junior Cycle Talks podcast channel. Spinning Stories Out of Light is a series of podcasts exp...

Spinning Stories Out of Light - 04 Colour in Conversation

25 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This podcast was created by the JCT English team for the Junior Cycle Talks podcast channel. Spinning Stories Out of Light is a series of podcasts exp...

Tangents Episode 8 with Dr Niamh O' Meara

24 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Niamh O’ Meara is a Lecturer in Mathematics Education based in EPISTEM, the national centre for STEM education housed in the School of Education,...

Arts in Junior Cycle in conversation with Tolu Makay

18 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Tolu Makay chats about her inspirations as a songwriter. Having moved to Ireland from Nigeria at the age of 5, Tolu chats about her i...

Arts in Junior Cycle in conversation with James Crombie

11 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In our conversation, sports photographer James Crombie shares with us the story of how he got into sports photography and what a match day looks like ...

Arts in Junior Cycle in conversation with Sinéad Lawlor

05 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Sustainable fashion designer Sinéad Lawlor tells us about working in New York as a fashion designer, the importance of using sustainable fabrics and ...

Tangents Episode 7 with Feargal Máirtín

30 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Is múinteoir Mata agus Eolaíochta é Feargal Máirtín i nGaelcholáiste Cheatharlach.  Déanann sé iarracht atmaisféar ranga a chruthú a ch...

Arts in Junior Cycle in Conversation with Niamh Regan

27 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In our conversation, Singer-Songwriter, Niamh Regan tells us about her journey as a songwriter and musician as well as what sparks her curiosity. She ...

Arts in Junior Cycle in conversation with Colm O'Regan

20 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In our conversation, author, comedian and broadcaster Colm O’Regan, tells us about how he got into comedy and broadcasting and how that has led to a...

Arts in Junior Cycle and the JCT English Team in conversation with Alicia McGivern

13 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Alicia McGivern, Head of Education at the Irish Film Institute, joins Arts in Junior Cycle and The JCT English team as part of the Sp...

Arts in Junior Cycle in Conversation with Clare Blackwell

23 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In our conversation, Artist Clare Blackwell tells us how she makes her colourful screen prints and why, as a social being, she loves being part of a s...

Arts in Junior Cycle in Conversation with Maeve Higgins

16 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In our conversation, comedian, writer and podcast host Maeve Higgins, tells us about how she got into comedy and how that has led to a wide and varied...

Arts in Junior Cycle in Conversation with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra

09 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In our conversation, Mia Cooper (first violin and leader of the orchestra), Stephen Kelly (percussionist) and Michael Seaver (clarinet and saxophone p...

Arts in Junior Cycle in Conversation with Tom Sullivan

02 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In our conversation, actor and director Tom Sullivan tells us about the importance of the landscape in his latest film Arracht, what sparked his inter...

Spinning Stories Out of Light - 02 The Lost Boy

24 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This podcast was created by the JCT English team for the Junior Cycle Talks podcast channel. Spinning Stories Out of Light is a series of podcasts exp...

Spinning Stories Out of Light - 01 The Empathy Machine

24 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This podcast was created by the JCT English team for the  Junior Cycle Talks podcast channel. Spinning Stories Out of Light is a series of podcas...

Hands On – JCt4 in conversation with Keith Geoghan

24 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this Junior Cycle Talks Podcast episode, owner of Glengowla mine in Connemara, Keith Geoghan, talks about mining technology, principles and the app...

Arts in Junior Cycle and JCT Music in Conversation with Strung

23 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Strung are a contemporary Irish music ensemble comprising Maria Ryan (violin/vocals), Lucia Mac Partlin (violin), Séan Warren (cello) and Aonghus McC...

Tangents Episode 6 with Niall McCarville, Margaret Barrett & Keith Howley

10 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we talk with Niall McCarville, Margaret Barrett and Keith Howley. Some of the topics discussed include active learning pedagogies, tec...

Arts in Junior Cycle in Conversation with John McLoughlin

09 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

John McLoughlin is a professional guitarist and classical guitar teacher from Dublin. He has played with a huge range of artists in his career, includ...

Arts in Junior Cycle in Conversation with Kíla

02 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Two members of Kíla, Rónan Ó Snodaigh and Brian Hogan, join us to chat about the history of Kíla and their ever evolving sound. The episode also i...

Arts in Junior Cycle in Conversation with Saileóg O'Halloran

26 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this week’s episode we chat to Saileóg O’Halloran, a Costume Designer based in Dublin. Her work in film and theatre has travelled worldwide, w...

Arts in Junior Cycle in Conversation with Sinéad Crowley

19 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Sinéad Crowley has published three crime novels in the DS Claire Boyle series, Can Anybody Help Me? Are You Watching Me? and One Bad Turn, all of whi...

Tangents Episode 5 with Claire Cooper and Dr Aibhín Bray

18 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we talk with Dr Aibhín Bray and Claire Cooper. Aibhín is an Assistant Professor in Mathematics in the School of Education, Trinity C...

Arts in Junior Cycle in Conversation with Ruth Medjber

22 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we chat with Dublin-born and globally based photographer Ruth Medjber. Her portfolio includes portraits of Grace Jones, Hozier, Metall...

Arts in Junior Cycle in Conversation with Sophie Doyle

15 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this week’s episode we talk to Sophie Doyle, Education Assistant at the National Library of Ireland. In our conversation, Sophie shares her exten...

Arts in Junior Cycle in Conversation with Felicia Olusanya

08 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Felicia Olusanya, better known as FeliSpeaks was born in Nigeria and moved to Ireland when she was eight years old. Known primarily as a poet, ...

Arts in Junior Cycle in Conversation with Sarah Crossan

01 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

For this episode, we spoke to YA and Adult author Sarah Crossan. Sarah has lived in Dublin, London and New York, and now lives in East Sussex. She gra...

MFL Shoptalk Episode 2

27 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we asked teachers to discuss the challenges they face in supporting oral communication in the physically distanced MFL classroom and d...

Arts in Junior Cycle in Conversation with Myra Zepf

24 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Sa phodcraoladh seo, labhair muid le Máire faoin a próiseas cruthaitheachta agus an grá atá aici don Ghaeilge. Máire has written 11 books for chi...

Arts in Junior Cycle and JCt4 in Conversation with Jonathan Lynch

17 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we talk to UI Designer Jonathan Lynch. He talks to us about his journey in the games industry, his process in developing and designing...

Science Snippets Series One Episode 3 Capturing Learning and Effective Feedback

10 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, teachers talk about how they are capturing student learning and effective feedback in the pandemic classroom.

Arts in Junior Cycle in Conversation with Oran Leong

10 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Oran gives us a fascinating insight into his life as professional dance artist telling us what inspires him, about his creative proce...

Arts in Junior Cycle and JCt4 in Conversation with Dominic Dolan

03 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this Junior Cycle Talks Podcast episode, Dominic talks to us about the creativity of his work, his ability to bring design ideas to realisation and...

MFL Shoptalk Episode 1

23 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of MFL Shoptalk Libby and Eileen caught up with MFL teachers to discuss how they support student engagement in the physically distance...

Science Snippets Series One Episode 2 Developing Skills of Investigating in the Pandemic Classroom

22 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, teachers talk about how they are developing skills of investigating in the pandemic classroom, where additional sanitisation measures...

Conversations Episode 1 Keeping the Learning Active in 2020 and Beyond

21 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast, we hear from four teachers who taught Junior Cycle students during the period of school closure in the last school year. They are dis...

Arts in Junior Cycle and the Visual Art Team in Conversation with Tina Byrne

20 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A Junior Cycle Talks podcast with ceramicist Tina Byrne. Arts in Junior Cycle and the Visual Art team talked to Tina about her creative journey, her c...

Arts in Junior Cycle and the Visual Art Team in Conversation with Blaise Smith

20 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A Junior Cycle Talks podcast with fine art painter Blaise Smith. Blaise shares with us some fascinating insights into his work, including the importan...

Arts in Junior Cycle in conversation with Garry McCarthy

13 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Garry McCarthy (GMCBeats) is a songwriter and music producer with a background in multimedia and IT. He runs creative workshops in songwriti...

Science Snippets Series One Episode 1 Promoting Social Interaction in the Pandemic Classroom

08 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Series One: Voices from a Community of Practice In this episode, we feature Irish science teachers sharing practice through discussions on overcoming ...

Arts in Junior Cycle and JCt4 in conversation with Aoife O'Dwyer

06 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this Junior Cycle Talks Podcast episode, UX Designer Aoife O’Dwyer talks to us about her journey into the design industry, her process in solving...

Arts in Junior Cycle and the JCT English Team in conversation with Elaine Feeney

29 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Galway-based poet, novelist, playwright and teacher Elaine Feeney has published three collections of poetry, Where's Katie?, The Radio was Gospel and ...

Arts in Junior Cycle with JCt4 in conversation with Willie Creighton

22 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this Junior Cycle Talks Podcast episode, Chair of the Irish Woodturners Guild Willie Creighton talks about his life and times, his passion for his ...

POW - Visions And Revisions , Meet The Volunteer with Caroline Heffernan.

18 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

POW! Portfolio of writing pilot project which took place in the 2019 - 2020 academic year, resulting in the publication of Visions and Revisions - A C...

POW: Visions And Revisions, Meet the Teachers.

18 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

POW! Portfolio of writing pilot project which took place in the 2019 - 2020 academic year, resulting in the publication of Visions and Revisions - A C...

POW: Visions and Revisions - Introduction with Dr Orla Lehane.

18 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

POW! Portfolio of writing pilot project which took place in the 2019 - 2020 academic year, resulting in the publication of Visions and Revisions - A C...

Arts In Junior Cycle In Conversation with Lenny Abrahamson

12 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A Junior Cycle Talks podcast with  director Lenny Abrahamson Dublin-born film director Lenny Abrahamson’s early films include Adam & Paul, ...

Arts in Junior Cycle in Conversation with Yvonne Cullivan

02 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A Junior Cycle Talks podcast artist Yvonne Cullivan. In our conversation Yvonne talks about her creative process, her commitment to public art and why...

Arts in Junior Cycle in conversation with Eileen O'Sullivan

15 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A Junior Cycle Talks podcast with artist Eileen O'Sullivan . In our conversation Eileen talks about her work, studio practices and what sparks her cur...

Arts in Junior Cycle in conversation with Luke Healy.

07 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast Luke Healy gives us a fascinating insight into his life as a cartoonist, telling us what inspires him and how he creates his cart...

Arts in Junior Cycle Podcast Series- An Introduction

07 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The Arts in Junior Cycle team are delighted to present a series of podcasts for teachers to support engagement with the arts and learning in Junior Cy...

Tangents Episode 4 with Dr Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin

28 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Aoibhinn is an Assistant Professor in the UCD School of Mathematics & Statistics where she is director of the BSc. Science, Mathematics & Educ...