Theme 5: Partnership & Stakeholder Mobilisation

Mary Immaculate College (MIC) has played a pivotal role in shaping national education policy in Ireland, particularly in the areas of initial teacher education (ITE) and the professional development of teachers. With a long-standing tradition as a centre of excellence in education, MIC’s contributions to policy formation have had a transformative impact on the quality and direction of Irish education. 

MIC’s role in policy formation (including both curriculum configuration and State examinations reform processes) is amplified through its partnerships and engagement with national stakeholders, including the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA), the Teaching Council, the Department of Education, and various professional bodies. By combining its core competencies in research, pedagogical expertise, and practical insights (generated by a long-standing commitment to working at the vanguard of delivery in schools and in community-based settings), MIC has ensured that national education policies are informed by evidence and grounded in best practices. 

This collaborative approach underscores MIC’s commitment to shaping an inclusive, dynamic, and forward-looking education system, reinforcing its position as a key driver of educational innovation and reform in Ireland.

MIC delivers structured outreach initiatives that inspire environmental awareness and sustainable practices among children, educators, and the wider public. These initiatives are facilitated through partnerships with Taighde Eireann local education centres, and community organisations.

Tipperary Festival of Science

MIC collaborates annually with Taighde Eireann and TUS to organise this festival. Events take place in diverse community venues, including schools, libraries, art galleries, and theatres. Workshops, talks, and seminars focus on themes like Climate Change and Environmental Awareness, engaging schools and families across the region.

One World Seminar Series

This annual spring initiative raises awareness on sustainability and climate justice through lunchtime seminars open to students, staff, and the public. Supported by the Youth Council of Ireland and Taighde Eireann, it reflects MIC’s commitment to fostering informed, active citizens.

DICE (Development and Intercultural Education) Project

Each year, the DICE Project hosts climate change education events targeting primary and secondary school teachers. These events strengthen the link between teacher training and sustainability education, ensuring educators have the tools and confidence to address climate action in the classroom.

MIC’s commitment to partnership extends to the cultural sector, where it works with institutions like The Hunt Museum to promote dialogue and action on climate issues:

Culture and Climate Action Conference 2024

Co-hosted with The Hunt Museum, this conference brought together academics, cultural leaders, policymakers, and the public to explore Ireland’s pathways to climate resilience. It exemplifies how MIC mobilises expertise to foster societal awareness and collaborative solutions to climate challenges.

MIC’s ability to mobilise stakeholders for climate action is perhaps most evident in its outreach to children and young people, providing opportunities for meaningful engagement:

• Participation in structured events like Climate Action Week and Science Week ensures that environmental education remains accessible, engaging, and impactful.
• Partnerships with schools for projects like the Tiny Forest Initiative foster environmental stewardship and hands-on learning experiences for young learners.
• Outreach activities through CRAFT (Creative Arts/Future Technologies) engage students in STEAM-based workshops that address sustainability themes in creative, dynamic ways.
• Collaborations with external partners have provided structured professional development for staff, resulting in key resources like 'Teaching the Sustainable Development Goals to Young Citizens'. These initiatives ensure that MIC’s educators remain leaders in embedding sustainability into their teaching.

1. Expand Cultural and Interdisciplinary Initiatives

• Co-develop cultural events and conferences (e.g., “Culture & Climate Action”) with municipal cultural and educational partners (like the Hunt Museum) to engage wider audiences on sustainability.
• Strengthen interdisciplinary teaching and research across MIC’s faculties, integrating arts, science, and education in climate-related initiatives.
• Mobilise external experts to contribute to events, seminars, and workshops that raise awareness and inspire action on sustainability.

2. Leverage Digital Platforms for Engagement

• Create an online resource hub that shares MIC’s research, educational materials, and tools for teaching sustainability and the SDGs.
• Develop multimedia content (e.g., videos, podcasts, and webinars) to engage teachers, students, and the wider public in climate and environmental themes.
• Promote MIC’s sustainability efforts and success stories through enhanced communication and digital outreach strategies.

Scale Up Community Engagement Strategy with Focus on Climate Action & Sustainability

Expand the Green Campus Programme across all MIC campuses, integrating students, staff, and community members in sustainable projects and leadership roles.

Strengthen MIC’s role as a community hub for environmental engagement by delivering events like Climate Action Week, One World Seminars, and Culture and Climate Conferences annually.

Increase outreach through initiatives like CRAFT by offering tailored STEAM-based sustainability workshops for schools, families, and the wider public.

Partner with public (including hinterland Local Authorities), statutory, private and community-based organisations for ‘joined-up’ initiatives.

4. Foster Future-focused Leadership

Empower students to act as sustainability ambassadors through leadership roles in campus and community projects.

Support teacher training and student placements that focus on environmental education and outreach in local schools and community organisations.

Organise annual student showcases to present innovative climate action projects and celebrate MIC’s contributions to a sustainable future.