This episode looks at DCU’s Changemaker Schools Network which is a collaborative, professional, learning network of 19 primary schools from all over the island of Ireland who are creating systemic change in education.

Louise hears from Fiona Collins, the network coordinator. She tells her the network aims to support teachers to lead programmes of change in their schools and to support schools to address society's most pressing challenges such as mental health, inequality, and climate change.

The work is grounded in the four pillars of empathy, creativity, leadership and teamwork and Fiona says, “our overall ambition is to transform and reimagine the education system and to empower our students to thrive in this ever-changing world.”

Louise then chats to Frank Keane who is principal of Scoil Bhríde Shantalla in Galway City which is one of the Changemaker Schools. He tells her that joining the network, “was like finding your own tribe.”

Louise hears about Creative Nation, Sea Schools and a Mentoring Programme that have been introduced to the pupils and he says, “it's the fact that it's child led that inspires us every day.”