Below is a review of the Cumann na mBunscol Strategic Plan. The full review is available for download here.
Theme 1: Reflecting the New Ireland and Including Everybody
Targets achieved
- Céim ar Aghaidh to be used as resource to promote GAA
- Briefing brochure for schools( newsletter published in October edition of In Touch 2008 )
- A pilot programme (in five counties) is currently being run by with Irish Handball Council to develop handball in primary schools
- GAA to offer courses to teachers free of charge
- Summer Courses to be available in 12 counties in 2009.
- Funding available for Cumann na mBunscol coiste from Provincial Councils for teachers to attend summer courses (where a charge applies)
In Process
- Go Games model to be adapted to promote participation in schools
- Seek an input to Colleges of Education (meetings held with all colleges)
- Good practice guidelines for full time coaches being developed in conjunction with G O Maolmhichil (GAA Children`s Welfare officer.)
- Rounders Association are currently reviewing coaching resources
- Develop a strategy of recruiting female teachers to the work and management of Cumann na mBunscol
- Offer Full membership to Britain
Outstanding and Additional Targets
- Rounders as Part of PE programme
- Recruit ,Inform and Train new male and female teachers in all 4 provinces
- Involve parents
- Membership for Britain
- Recruit from graduate teachers as ambassadors to training colleges for Cumann na mBunscoil.
- Provide equipment grant aided and sponsored to all primary schools.
- Develop a Charter and communicate same to all teachers. Use INTOUCH. Adopt the PLEASED model for Children. Participation, Learning,Enjoyment,Attitude,Skill,Effort,Development, Include children from all schools and change policy to facilitate this
Theme 2: Making Gaelic Games Happen in Primary Schools
Targets achieved
- Leaflet outlining what Cumann na mBunscol does circulated in In Touch
- Recognition for Cumann na mBunscol (through tickets, exhibition games,provincial representation etc)
- Lobby Government to recognise Gaelic games on curriculum (meeting held)
- Coaching Courses held during summer holidays
In Process
- Collaboration between Coaching & Games and Cumann na mBunscol at local level
- Annual coaching template.
- Monitor content and quality of coaching .( seminar in Croke Park January 2011)
- A database of contacts has been drawn up at national level.
- Seek a dedicated notice-board in each school.
Outstanding and extra targets
- Update circular to all schools on function of Cumann na mBunscoil. Produce DVD and Powerpoint.
- Carry out facilities audit of in house and external . Produce data base and circulate to all schools.
- Work with county boards to ensure schoolâs needs are reflected in coaching strategies.
- Develop annual coaching template that is Timed, Educational, Resourced and Relevant .
- Dedicated notice board in all schools. N.B Allianz.
- All new pitches to accommodate cross field under age pitches.
- Lobby Govt to recognise significance of role played by C na mB volunteers in enthusing young people.
- Monitor content and quality of coaching delivered to schools from the outside to ensure its appropriateness to schools. N.B go Games and Charter.
Theme 3: Working Hand-In-Glove With The Wider GAA
Targets achieved
- Primary School slot at national conference
- Club/School Link: Information to be circulated in upcoming GAA Club Newsletter and GAA Games Development Newsletter highlighting the importance of the club/school link
- Mini Sevens review complete.
Outstanding and Additional Targets
- Full use made of County Committee representation on County Boards.Officer turnover,improved links, official slot on agenda.
- Each school to identify its Parent Club. Club /School liaison Officer.
- Direct support from club/ financial, coaching,facilities.
- Club and School to share its branding ie its markeability.
- Involve school pupils in projects and events/ open days/ registration etc
- School delegate to attend club AGM.
- Forge links with local Secondary Schools.
- Cumann na mBunscoil involvement in Provincial Coaching and Games initiatives/conferences and promotions.
- Continue to develop Mini Sevens concept at club , county, province and national level
Theme 4: Who We Are And What We Do: The Marketing Agenda
Targets Achieved
- Each primary school to hold an event to celebrate games (April 24th 2009)
- Re-Branding
- Guide to Marketing PR seminar Sept 2011. Increase awareness of games , activities and sponsor input
In process
- Sponsorship strategy currently under review.
- Schools Quality award to be reviewed in 2012.Recognition for ALL
- Seek a dedicated Cumann na mBunscol page in all Provincial and National Finals. Cumann na mBunscoil name must be included.
- Website redesigned/ county ,provincial and national links.
- Annual PR Plan
- From Cumann na mBunscol to Croke Park and Beyond in 2012
Outstanding and Additional Targets
- PR Plan/ Greatest challenge. Template for each county. Each county to provide a PR Plan.
- Sponsorship review at National and Local level. Maximum return for investment in Cumann na mBunscoil brand.
- School Mark Scheme/ Excellence Rewarded.
- The journey From Cumann na mBunscoil to Croke park. Highlight the historical trip of those who played in Croke Park in Mini games and returned as Adult Players.
- Visits from county players. Children to meet and greet county players in county grounds.
- 2021 will be 50th anniversary. Historical Publication.
Theme 5: The Governance of Cumann na mBunscol
Targets Achieved
- Good Practice for officers to be outlined at comhairle seminar.
In process
- Cumann na mBunscol to meet formally once a year (at least) with County Games manager
- Each County Coiste to draw up a short development plan
Outstanding and Additional Targets - National Constitution to take Precedence over County Constitution
- 5 year rule generally accepted/ Good use of new blood and use to be made of retired teachers.
- Consensus not to involve Non âPrimary School teachers refer to Involve Parents and Inclusiveness
- Template for Governance / minimum requirement of meetings.
- Model of good practice for each committee.
- Short A4 sheet of 5 year plan to be submitted by each county coiste.
- Input to GAA Annual Congress
- Each County Coiste to hold meeting with County Board Officers at beginning of each year.