Active Citizenship and Democratic Action · 3rd Year · The Machinery of Democracy · Autumn Term

Our School Leaders: Principal and Teachers

Learn about the roles of the Principal and teachers in our school, how they lead, and how they help make decisions for our school community.

• NCCA Curriculum Specifications
• NCCA: Primary - Myself and the Wider World - People in the Community
• NCCA: Primary - Myself and the Wider World - Rules and Laws

About This Topic

This topic focuses on the President of Ireland (Uachtarán na hÉireann) as the Head of State and the guardian of the Constitution. Students explore the unique nature of the Irish presidency, which is a non-political office that represents all citizens. Under the NCCA Democracy in Action strand, this unit helps students understand the checks and balances within the Irish state, particularly the President's power to refer a bill to the Supreme Court if it appears to conflict with Bunreacht na hÉireann.

Students also examine the symbolic and representative role of the President in promoting Irish culture and values at home and abroad. They learn how the President acts as a unifying figure during times of national significance. Students grasp this concept faster through structured discussion and peer explanation of the President's constitutional 'discretionary powers.'

Key Questions

1. What jobs do our Principal and teachers do in the school?
2. How do they help make important decisions for everyone?
3. How can we share our ideas with our school leaders?

Learning Objectives

• Identify the primary responsibilities of a school Principal and teachers within the school community.
• Explain how the Principal and teachers contribute to decision-making processes affecting the school.
• Analyze the methods through which students can effectively communicate their ideas to school leaders.
• Compare the leadership styles of the Principal and teachers in managing school operations.

Before You Start

Rules and Laws in the Community

Why: Students need a basic understanding of rules and authority figures to grasp the roles of leadership within the school.

People in the Community

Why: Familiarity with different community roles helps students understand the specific functions of school leaders within their immediate environment.

Key Vocabulary

Principal	The head administrator of a school, responsible for overall management, leadership, and decision-making.
Teacher	An educator responsible for planning and delivering instruction, supporting student learning, and contributing to school policies.
School Community	All the people who are part of a school, including students, teachers, staff, parents, and administrators.
Decision-Making	The process of identifying problems or opportunities and choosing a course of action to address them.
Communication	The process of sharing information, ideas, and feelings through speaking, writing, or other means.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

The President of Ireland has the same power as the President of the USA.

What to Teach Instead

The Irish President is a non-executive head of state, whereas the US President leads the government. Using a Venn diagram comparison in class helps students distinguish between these very different roles.

Common Misconception

The President can refuse to sign a bill just because they don't like it.

What to Teach Instead

The President can only refuse to sign a bill if they believe it is unconstitutional, and usually only after consulting the Council of State. Peer-led case studies of past bill referrals help clarify these legal boundaries.

Active Learning Ideas

Role Play: The Council of State

Students simulate a meeting of the Council of State where the President must decide whether to refer a controversial bill to the Supreme Court. Participants take on roles like the Taoiseach, Chief Justice, and former Presidents to offer advice.

50 min·Small Groups

Gallery Walk: Presidential Themes

Display quotes and initiatives from past Presidents (e.g., Mary Robinson's light in the window or Michael D. Higgins's ethics initiative). Students move around the room to identify how each President interpreted their role as a representative of the people.

30 min·Whole Class

Formal Debate: Political vs. Non-Political

Organize a debate on whether the President should have more executive power or remain a symbolic figure. Students must use evidence from the Constitution to support their arguments about the stability of the state.

40 min·Small Groups

Real-World Connections

• Similar to how a mayor leads a town council, a school Principal guides the school's staff and implements policies for the student body. For example, the Principal of St. Mary's National School might consult with the Board of Management to decide on new playground equipment.
• Teachers, like project managers in a company, organize daily tasks and guide their teams (students) toward specific goals. A science teacher might collaborate with other teachers to plan a school-wide science fair, coordinating resources and timelines.

Assessment Ideas

Discussion Prompt

Facilitate a class discussion using these prompts: 'What is one important job the Principal does that helps you learn? Name one way a teacher makes decisions that affect your class. How could you share a good idea for the school with your Principal?'

Quick Check

Provide students with a worksheet containing two columns: 'Principal's Jobs' and 'Teacher's Jobs'. Ask them to list at least three responsibilities under each heading. Review responses to gauge understanding of roles.

Exit Ticket

On a small piece of paper, have students write down one question they would ask the Principal if they had the chance, and one suggestion they have for their teachers. Collect these to assess their engagement with the topic and their ideas for communication.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main powers of the President of Ireland?

The President's powers include signing bills into law, appointing the Taoiseach and other ministers (on the advice of the Dáil), and supreme command of the Defence Forces. Most importantly, the President acts as a guardian of the Constitution, with the power to refer bills to the Supreme Court to check their legality.

Who can become President of Ireland?

Any Irish citizen who is at least 35 years old can be nominated for the presidency. Nominations must come from at least 20 members of the Oireachtas or at least four local County/City Councils. This ensures the candidate has significant public support before the national election.

What is the Council of State?

The Council of State is a group of advisors that the President must consult before exercising certain discretionary powers, such as referring a bill to the Supreme Court. It includes high-ranking officials like the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, and the Chief Justice, as well as seven people appointed by the President themselves.

What are the best hands-on strategies for teaching the Presidency?

Mock 'Council of State' meetings and constitutional case studies are highly effective. By placing students in the position of the President facing a difficult legal decision, they learn to navigate the Constitution. These active strategies help students move beyond seeing the President as a purely ceremonial figure to understanding their vital role in protecting Irish democracy.