top of page

Websites & Resources

Below you will find some of the links that might be of use to parents at home. Please feel free to share any that you have found useful with us on Twitter (@ArdaghNS) or via the school email (ardaghnationalschool@gmail.com)

General (links to websites with content for multiple subject areas)

Scoilnet  is an Irish website run by the Department of Education. It has a multitude of subject and class specific pages shared by educators. The quality varies but there are some quality resources available.
https://www.scoilnet.ie/go-to-primary/
Seomra Ranga is another Irish website designed for and by Irish educators. It has a considerable array of resources and ideas for all ages. Parents of children in infant classes or in preschool might like to  look at the 'Aistear' resources.
https://www.seomraranga.com/
Twinkl is a multi resource website used by schools and parents alike. They have created/ collated a range of class and subject specific resources. There is a paywall but the site are offering free membership during the current closures.
https://www.twinkl.ie/resources/roi-resources/school-closure-republic-of-ireland
BBC Bitesize is an extensive education based website full of games and subject specific links. Topics are designed for pupils up to the age of 15 and is designed to be aligned with the curricula of  GB and Northern Ireland. Explore the NI links initially as they are  closest aligned to ourselves.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/primary
 
School on The Television
 
RTE Home School Hub: broadcasts daily at  on RTE2 television with a follow up episode each afternoon. Aimed primarily at  pupils in 1st to 6th class it presents a variety of interesting and curriculum based themes and topics in 3x20min sections. It is definitely worth checking in with. Alternatively you can catch up on  every day's lesson on the RTE Player
https://www.rte.ie/player/series/rt%C3%A9-home-school-hub/SI0000006854?epguid=IP000065950 
Publishers of School Texts.
(* Update Jan 2021: We are awaiting confirmation of these company's intention to again grant access and will update lists and passwords accordingly)
In solidarity with the efforts of schools and parents to maintain some semblance of routine in the learning lives of the pupils all  Irish publishers of educational text books have made their web resources free and open to the public. Just to note however that while text books will give a chance to explore and discuss familiar topics and concepts we do not expect parents to become full time teachers and we can assure you that whenever we do reconvene we will catch up and pupils wont lose out!!!
Here are the login directions for
 
 
Folens:

Parents and teachers can follow the steps below to get access:

 

  1. Go to FolensOnline.ie and click register

  2. Select Teacher

  3. Fill in a username, email and password

  4. For Roll Number use the code:  Prim20

CJ Fallon
Access all resources and filter according to your child's age/ ability.
https://my.cjfallon.ie/dashboard/student-resources/?levels=0&classes=0&subjects=0&serieses=0&booktitles=0&types%5B0%5D=Book+Sample

Edcolearning -  Go to https://edcolearning.ie/login Use the following usernames and passwords: 

Primary level: Username - primaryedcobooks, Password - edco2020

Junior Cert: Username - jcedcobooks, Password - edco2020

Leaving Cert: Username - lcedcobooks, Password - edco2020

 
Reading
Libraries Ireland allow library members to borrow ebooks and eaudiobooks to read and enjoy. If you don't have a library card then never fear you can sign up online too . So get borrowing. (A free reader app such as Borrow Box will be required to read the book on your device)
https://www.librariesireland.ie/
Storyline Online is a website where celebrities read childrens books aloud. It works very well as a model for young readers who need to practice reading with expression but its also just a very enjoyable experience to have stories read to you.
https://www.storylineonline.net/
Oliver Jeffers the  ever popular children's author and illustrator  plans to read and discuss his work each weekday during the course of the next few weeks  https://twitter.com/OliverJeffers/status/1239069008378220546

Teach Your Monster to Read is an app designed  to help younger readers practice the basics of reading, as a result of school closures  the developers have just launched an app promo for a limited time, hoping to help children continue learning to read while at home. Please note the app is free for IOS but there is a small charge for Google Play.

App Store (FREE):

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/teach-your-monster-to-read/id828392046

 

Google Play ($0.99/£0.99)**:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.teachyourmonstertoread.tmapp

 

Amazon Appstore (FREE, starting Thu 19 Mar):

https://www.amazon.com/Teach-Your-Monster-to-Read/dp/B01HDXUH0O/

 

News Magazine Media publish monthly magazines for primary school aged children. The magazines are interesting and entertaining. They are making the full online version of their magazines available for this month: 

https://www.newsmagmedia.ie/ 

Writing
Fighting Words is an Irish  volunteer organisation that promotes writing for children and teenagers. Resources and ideas aplenty here on their website.
https://www.fightingwords.ie/
Story prompts from Sarah Webb and Museum of Literature Ireland (connected to Fighting Words)
  https://twitter.com/sarahwebbishere/status/1238521677467791361
 
The 100 Word Challenge sets a daily prompt for young writers and encourages them to write 100 words max based on the prompt.The work is then submitted and responded to by moderators (positive feedback only)
https://100wc.net/
Audible: is an huge online library of audio books. For the duration of these closures it is free to access/download. Again audio books might offer the key to unlocking a love of books and reading in a pupil who finds the challenge of reading to be too much. Books can be listened to  on a variety of devices. https://stories.audible.com/start-listen
 
 
Gaeilge
TG4 and its dedicated children site Cuala4 is a treasure trove of cartoons, programmes and activities as Gaeilge. Pupils should listen and focus on the words and phrases they understand.
 TG4 https://www.tg4.ie/ga/player/seinnliosta/?plid=6028527668001&ptitle=Do%20na%20P%C3%A1ist%C3%AD!
 Cuala4 https://www.cula4.com/en/
FútaFata is a publishing company for childrens books as Gaeilge. Each Day they are hosting a book reading aimed at children. Unfortunately they seem to be only sharing these videos via Facebook and Instagram which may limit its accessibility.The stories are entertaining however and give pupils a chance to listen to the language.
https://www.facebook.com/futafata/videos/645620496214815/
Duolingo  is  a world famous language learning app.Its gaeilge version is an ideal tool/ challenge / practice framework for  pupils from 3rd class to adult.
Assessing as you progress this app engages and develops to match the learners needs.
https://www.duolingo.com/
Maths
Kahn Acadamy is website that demonstrates key maths concepts and allowd pupils opportunities to  practice  and test themselves using online challenges
https://www.khanacademy.org/
 
Scratch is a  wonderful entry point into the world of coding and computational thinking. It is free to access and the learning potential is vast if pupils take time to explore and experiment. Again scratch is something we would love to give more time to ordinarily in class but its just not feasible.
https://scratch.mit.edu/
 
Target Boards: Mathsweek.ie have some great puzzles and activities. Target boards are a great challenge that older children and parents alike might enjoy.
https://www.mathsweek.ie/Maths-at-Home/targetboards/#/targetboard/Maths-at-Home
Mathsframe is a website with lots of simple but enjoyable maths games that engage and educate. Topics covered span the full range of the curriculum. Although this site is primarily aimed at  2nd to  6th you will definitely find some games suitable for younger learners.
https://mathsframe.co.uk/
Science
 Science Foundation Ireland have a great range of experiment ideas and lesson plans. Although the search page is a little dull and minimalist the experiment ideas are tried and tested. Most materials that are required  will be readily available around the house. If you are doing any science at home we'd love to get pics  for our  SFI Plaque of excellence! If though its parents at home doing the work we'll  happily take the credit!!

https://www.sfi.ie/engagement/discover-primary-science-and-maths/activities-search/

History
 
Horrible Histories is a series of books and videos aimed at children. Historically accurate but focusing on the more extreme and disgusting aspects of the topic, this series is both educational and entertaining. Find the books through Irish Libraries or their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUNYSwNARexFwxXp3oPAtvg
 
Geography
 
World Book is an unbelievable resource for learners young and old. You must  enter  via the Scoilnet web page but this tool is essential for all research projects for every age: 
https://www.scoilnet.ie/scoilnet-services/world-book/
Geoguesser  has fun investigation games based on Google Steetview. The basic package is free but it  does require users to sign up using an email address. 
https://www.geoguessr.com/ 
 
 
SPHE
Talking to your Child about Covid 19 is  a document released by the Dept. Of Education in colaboration with the HSE and NEPS. It gives practical advice on how to handle chatting to younger children about the Covid virus.
https://www.education.ie/en/The-Department/Announcements/talking-to-children-and-young-people-about-covid-19-coronavirus-advice-for-parents-and-schools.pd
 
 
Webwise: is the internet safety and training website run in conjunction with the Dept. of Education. Their programme HTML Heroes is aimed at pupils in 3rd and 4th class. This full scheme  can be used at home but parents should  follow the teacher guidelines in order to best achieve the learning  objectives. 
https://www.webwise.ie/html-heroe
P.A.W.S. (Primary Aquatics Water Safety)  is  and initiative by the Water Safety Council to teach primary school children how to stay safe around water. Although designed to be taught in the classroom this free resource is well worth dipping into at home. It is all dry land based and very interactive and fun.
https://www.teachpaws.ie/
Physical Education
 
Ardagh NS Skipping Challenges​:
Click here to find out more about our Skipping Challenges.
10@10 is a series of 10 minute workouts by RTE these are easy to follow and fun for all the family. https://rtejr.rte.ie/10at10/
 
 
Go Noodle: Is an american website and app that hosts a huge variety of movement breaks. There is a pay wall but there are also lots of free dances and activities to try here: https://family.gonoodle.com/
 
The Body Coach is a celebrity coach who will be broadcasting a child friendly workout every morning @ 9am on his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAxW1XT0iEJo0TYlRfn6rYQ
 
GAA Coaching The  GAA have a huge range of resources, games and coaching videos designed to help teachers teach the skills of our national games. Parents and older children might find hours of skill practice while the Fundamental Movement skills  coaching tips are fantastic for younger pupilshttps://learning.gaa.ie/primaryresources
Skipping: Skip Hop is a fantastic site for skipping skills tutorials, skipping games and rhymes. 
https://skip-hop.co.uk/skipping-workshop-video-ireland/
 
 
SkipnRope has a YouTube channel hosting tutorials on basic and more complicated individual and group skipping skills.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChv0GUoeif1tHONdgg_bthQ
 
Art

The Animation Challenge for Kids from Jane Lee of Fighting Words Cork - a daily challenge using free animation software: 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2622866517949804/members/

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5jyFlxIVY7Ja0zjmNj26E6EsjLsZ079c

 
I am an Artist: is a lovely website mirroring the Visual Arts Curriculum with ideas for primary pupils of all ages. While there are some resources required there is also plenty of scope to adapt  activities for the kitchen table.
http://www.iamanartist.ie/
Music
Dabbledoo Music is  an interactive website designed for  the Irish  primary curriculum. It has a huge range of engaging lessons for pupils of all ages and comes highly recommended.It is offering free access to families for the duration of the closures and even has a set 4 week challenge for each class level.
https://dabbledoomusic.com/
 
Religion

Grow in Love is the prescribed learning scheme for Religion in all Catholic Schools. They have a huge range of  resources  including slideshows, songs and cartoons. To help teachers, students and parents during these closures they are granting free access to the Grow In Love online series.

Simply go to www.growinlove.ie 

Use the following details to login: 

Email (username): trial@growinlove.ie

Password: growinlove

Please note songs from the series are also available on Spotify!
IMG_20240320_125626_resized_20240320_125720289.jpg

Junior Classroom making use of our Sports Equipment on a Sunny Break Time. Yard markings have proved to be masterful when providing us with ideas for Active Breaks.

A general view of a busy yard at Break Time

IMG_20240320_125630_resized_20240320_125720081.jpg

GYMNASTICS

In Ardagh N.S. we enjoy flexing our muscles and stretching our minds. We might n't be the next Simone Biles or Rhys McClenaghan but we realise the importance of balance, forward rolls and bridges to build up our cores.

IMG_7137.jpg
IMG_7138.jpg
IMG_7141.jpg

Outdoor activities and Adventure games underline the importance of teamwork and cool minds!

IMG_7146.jpg

In Ardagh N.S. we love to try new sports. Based on the same concept of Rounders we tried our hand at Cricket. Watch out The Oval, Lords and Old Trafford Cricket Grounds

IMG_20240319_121053_resized_20240320_094358808.jpg

ACTIVE WALKWAY

Our Active Walkway has been given a new lease of life over the last few years!

As part of our Spring Clean 2024 we have polished up and straighten the signs! Pupils partake in numerous activities such as Maths, English, Geography and even Well Being!

Our walkway measures 250 metres from start to finish and forms an integral trail for our Daily Mile!                    Squatting, burpees, planks and press ups are regular sights on a Monday morning!

IMG_20240319_122050_resized_20240320_094052521.jpg
IMG_20240319_121958_resized_20240320_094052763.jpg
IMG_20240319_122134_resized_20240320_094052309.jpg
IMG_20240319_122111_resized_20240320_094052418.jpg
IMG_20240319_121439_resized_20240320_094

ATHLETICS

With so many devices and apps dominating pupils' attention these days, it can be a challenge to tempt them out of their bedrooms and into the fresh air.

That said, it might surprise you to learn that running and athletics is the third most popular sporting activity in 7-11 year olds after active play and team sports. And it’s the fourth most popular among 11-16 year olds.

But children’s activity levels dropping to the tune of 15% over the last few years since the Covid-19 pandemic, it might be time to help them rekindle their love of exercise.

We all know about the health benefits of running for adults, from improvements in productivity to better mental health and a healthier diet – and kids are no different.

IMG_20240319_114335_resized_20240320_095538864.jpg
IMG_20240319_114509_resized_20240320_095538769.jpg
IMG_20240319_114201_resized_20240320_095

We enjoyed hopping, skipping, dodging, sidestepping and relay races to help us develop our athletic skills. We worked as a team as we successfully passed the batons. It is important to focus on our running technique so as to minimise our energy usage whilst being efficient on our distance travelled.

IMG_20240319_120352_resized_20240320_094440176.jpg
image_50425345.jpg

Our Active Slogan
 
 








Dancing



 

IMG_20240321_142859_resized_20240321_022917141.jpg

We had a brilliant get together to celebrate our national saint-Saint Patrick. We donned plenty of green and showed our moves on the dance floor!

IMG_20240315_121844_resized_20240315_122021033.jpg
IMG_20240315_121850_resized_20240315_122020660.jpg
IMG_20240315_121608_resized_20240315_122022066.jpg

Swimming







Senior Classes refreshed after a lesson in Ballina Swimming Pool

We enjoyed learning about Jamaican Athletics and our Hero











 

20240320_150304.jpg
IMG_20240322_105444_resized_20240322_105
IMG_20240322_120649_resized_20240322_120746666.jpg

Anyone see a "BOLT" of Lightening??

Getting Active for those Rainy Days

IMG_20240322_115358_resized_20240322_115532642.jpg
IMG_20240322_115423_resized_20240322_120819374.jpg

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We encourage our classes to partake in as many sports as possible

DAILY MILE

8 laps of our Active Walkway was the equivalent of one running  whole mile. We encouraged all pupils to jog the distance and were free to walk/jog/walk at first to build up their stamina. We went easy on our Junior Classroom who had to navigate a route of 1km! 

IMG_20240320_130009_resized_20240320_010101081.jpg
IMG_20240319_122522_resized_20240325_020410676.jpg

Easter EGG HUNT

IMG_20240322_115648_resized_20240322_120818675.jpg
IMG_20240322_115619_resized_20240322_120819117.jpg
IMG_20240322_115638_resized_20240322_120818900.jpg
IMG_20240322_121013_resized_20240325_021914743.jpg

Burning calories as we set off and succeed in finding those hidden Easter eggs. When can we enjoy them now??

Getting Ready for Active Schools Week 23/24

IMG_20240322_133228_resized_20240325_021

Playground Leaders

Our 6th Class helping our Infants master the various skipping skills










After a tough battle in the Ballina Area Semi Final v Breaffy N.S.
Unfortunately we fell short by 2 points






Success in Ardagh/Crossmolina/Kilfian/Ballycastle section







Enjoying our annual Book Character Parade 23
https://twitter.com/i/status/1718286206645973233


Girls enjoying the Mini 7s Blitz in Crossmolina








Junior Classroom on tour in Belleek Woods







Celebrating Success with our Local Ladies Club-McHale Rovers









We look for any excuse to be active!!
















Getting Ready for the Thrills and Spills of Ballina Area Cross Country Sept 23 
 
 

Having a Mini Table Tennis Tournament for European Week of Sport 2023









Building up those arms and legs muscles on School Tour









Getting Ready for a Fun Day at Enniscrone Beach 23








Some useful Websites we have communicated with:

https://www.mayo.ie/sportspartnership
https://www.facebook.com/MoyValleyAthleticClub/
Lands Paw Water Safety Programme      https://www.teachpaws.ie/ 














 

IMG_20240320_110416_resized_20240320_110924895.jpg
IMG_20240320_105920_resized_20240325_024252011.jpg

<img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F-k8jPPWsAA8DFB?format=jpg&name=small" alt="Image"/>

image.png

<img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F-bTBJRWMAAPeNC?format=jpg&name=small" alt="Image"/>

image.png
F9UOMc3WAAAA4SX.jpeg
F81AaHRWQAAnJWn.jpeg
F8lRKHwW4AATE72.jpeg
F8lRKW6XsAA7QGR (1).jpeg
GEEqiyzW8AAn2gu.jpeg
F7M5klXXYAE48cv.jpeg
FzpEKhLXwAQvKUk.jpeg
FzOhkw3X0AEJjSZ.jpeg
FynZTyuWIAAvHF8.jpeg

Taking a time-out to relax our minds and bodies before school activities commence...

FyGlKTjWYAIemZm.jpeg

Giving our GAA Boys Team a joyous send off before they head for McHale Park for the Div 3 County Final 2023

Looking forward to the Kenny Cup 2023 Belleek Park

Active Sports Week 22/23

Fyv4u6HXsAIeOhr.jpeg
FzFZnzHWwAEW2kH.jpeg
FzFZsjcWAAoRmSm.jpeg
FzFfEotWAAU6XnP.jpeg
Fzc-HWVWAAMEk2K.jpeg

 

 

Past Puils visiting us during Active Schools Week 2023 with the All Ireland U14 LGFA Cup

Junior Infants to 2nd Class enjoying their School Tour in the Dome at the Connaught GAA Centre in Bekan

FxEoAVmWAAcs1hS.jpeg
FxFJOaSWwCoBxRy.jpeg
FxFJOaEWwBcBq0Z.jpeg
FwVUGSeXwAY66WD.jpeg

Ardagh N.S. Girls Team who lost the County Semi Final by 1 point    May 2023

FwUWSpbWIAAksDq.jpeg

Ready for Action at the Anthony Golden Hurling Blitz 23

More Pictures from ASW 23

FvRgibYWcAE1XTP.jpeg
FvRghYeXwAMNeRp.jpeg

Out in the Fresh Air for a Nature Walk 23

FuuWN9MWIAADKAN.jpeg
FuuWQn2XgAEht6y.jpeg
bottom of page