Publications

There have been a wide range of publications over the years created by prison teachers. These include an interactive multi-media reading pack for use in Literacy classes, a Pre-release course study and resource booklet and anthologies of creative writings and magazines featuring the work of prisoners who attend prison education centres.

A number of stories by students attending basic English classes have been produced as booklets and used as literacy readers.

It Could Be You

There are four elements in the package -
a. Three graded readers, b. Three audio tapes
c. Workbook and d. Interactive CDROM.

'It Could Be You' is an interactive multi-media reading pack, that has been designed and written by teachers from the CDVEC Educational Service to Prisons. It was officially launched by Dr. Michael Woods, Minister for Education & Science on 15th June, 2001 in Dublin Castle. Since its launch, the pack has been very well received and very much in demand. This multi-media package is an integrated set of materials presented in a variety of media.

All of the elements are inter-linked but can be used separately. However, students should use all four elements to maximise the learning potential and to add variety and interest to the learning process. Students can work with a teacher and also work independently because the elements are inter-linked. It Could Be You is a reading package rather than a reading programme. Students are introduced to a range of strategies for coping with reading and writing. Subtitled 'Basic Reading Skills for Adults', the pack is designed for adults who are basic readers, who wish to improve basic skills, who study in a variety of settings and who may have never used a computer.

Another Place

'Another Place' is an anthology of prison writings. It is the first comprehensive collection of poetry and prose from Irish Prisons and comprises a cross-section of material from eleven of the country's prisons. The volume has been compiled through the system of Prison Education Centres in operation countrywide and it reflects the authentic nature of writings in Prison.

"This is an excellent anthology, full of variety and vitality and it's clear that the writers put a great deal of thought and care into the writing" - Brendan Kennelly

Since its launch in 2001, Another Place has raised over €1,300 for the post-release centres - Pathways Project Centre, Dublin, Dillon's Cross and the 'Hope·' Project, Cork. Books are still on sale, priced €5, and are available from Jane, Portlaoise prison, Bernie in Castlerea and Margaret in Mountjoy.

Looking Forward

'Looking Forward' is a loose-bound resource materials pack intended for use by those delivering a Pre-Release Course. The pack was compiled and designed by the Pre-Release Course team in Arbour Hill Education Centre - Margaret Ryan, Jimmy O'Rourke and Áine Cowley. It contains materials and resources that they have found most relevant and useful over the past few years. The worksheets are divided into two sections.

Section 1, Pre-Release Issues, covers such areas as finding accommodation, claiming welfare benefits, renewing relationships, further education and preparation for work.

Section 2, Life Skills, covers such areas as money management, healthy eating, consumer rights, medical cards and personal hygiene.

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