Getting a good nights sleep

For most students, school is officially back in session. Our children arrive at school in new classrooms ready to learn new material. It may seem like a long time ago for most of us, but learning science, math, English, history and a host of other subjects is a lot for kids to take in. One very important thing that is commonly overlooked that can make a world of difference in your child’s performance at school is getting a good night’s sleep.

Getting a good night’s rest is important for all of us to perform our best throughout the day. This is especially true for growing children who need even more rest than adults. Their brains are not fully developed, they are in a constant state of learning and they need the proper rest to help their brains absorb more.

So, how much sleep should your school-aged child be getting a day? The number of hours of sleep varies per child’s age, so it’s helpful to know the recommended amount.

For children ages 3 - 6, it is recommended that they get 10 - 12 hours of sleep per day.

For children ages 7 - 12, it is recommended that they get 10 - 11 hours of sleep per day.

For children ages 12 - 18, it is recommended that they get 8 - 9 hours of sleep per day.

If getting your kids to sleep is an uphill battle, you are definitely not alone. Here are some tips to help you prepare your child for sleep. Consistency is key for developing children. Erratic sleep patterns make getting the correct amount of sleep difficult. Keeping the bedroom dark and quiet is important for children to sleep. Children are easily stimulated by light and sounds, making it difficult for them to sleep. If the sun is still out around their bedtime, consider darkening curtains to keep a proper sleeping atmosphere.

Cool air helps kids go to sleep faster. Discomfort from heat slows down the process for kids to fall asleep.

Sugar and caffeine can really alter your sleep cycle when consumed in the evening. That burst of energy can affect the amount of sleep your child is receiving, making the next day at school challenging.

Last, but probably the most important, is keeping computing devices out of their hands. Watching TV, playing video games, or chatting with their friends online can be very stimulating and keeps even disciplined adults from getting to bed at a normal hour. While computers, smartphones and other electronic devices can be handy, they can also be an obstacle for sleeping. These suggestions are easier said than done, but they can make a huge difference in your child’s emotional and academic development. Getting the ageappropriate amount of sleep helps enable your child to perform their best during this important stage in their life. It’s a key step in helping your child be the best they can be at school.

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The TY programme started in 20 , with Must one student signed up to take part. Since then, the programme has become a popular choice among students with Overstock Ireland welcoming nineteen TY’s to the company in 2022.

There is no sitting around or filing for these TY students! The programme has been designed to immerse the students in a real software engineering environment. Students get to build an application from scratch using agile practices such as planning session, daily stand ups, retrospectives, while the running app is demonstrated to the whole office at the end of the week. It works to dispel any myths or preconceived notions that the students may have about software development.

‘The students learn that software development isn’t like Excel and 3ower3oint and it’s not about being glued to your desk every day,’ said /ucia Macari, Director of Operations. ‘At Overstock, the environment is collaborative.

The programme showcases what it’s like to work in software development. Students are encouraged to be curious and to problem solve, both independently and collectively as a team,’ said /ucia, ‘The students learn to see education as something that you take charge of.’

+owever, students are never on their own and help is always on hand if they need it.

Volunteers from our engineering team act as team leads for each group of students; without them it would not be possible to run the programme. There has been an ama]ing response so far, with 23% of employees choosing to take part this year.

They facilitate informal discussions with the students where they discuss their roles within software development and address any questions that the students may have. 5ecent graduates on the Overstock team have also made a huge impact on the students, as they can speak to the students on a peer to peer level.

The success of the programme is evident in hearing the stories of previous TY students.

Many of the students who have taken part in the programme have reported such a positive experience that they have decided to pursue computer science in third level education.

Aoife Maher, who took part in the TY programme in 20 , is now studying computer science at 8niversity College Dublin. ‘The TY programme was my first exposure to computer science and had I not done it I doubt I’d be studying it in college right now,’ said Aoife. ‘Everyone working there was so friendly and enthusiastic, and it made the whole experience really enMoyable.’

Michael Munnelly, a TY student who had no prior experience with software development, found the TY programme illuminating. didn’t know much about software development,’ said Michael. ‘I thought it was something that only a select group of people could do. I also thought it was niche and quite difficult, but I did find it interesting. Doing the TY programme at Overstock helped me understand how software development works.

I found out that it was very collaborative which I really liked.’ Michael has Must completed his third year of Computation Social ‘I

Science in 8niversity College Dublin and is back at Overstock on his month work placement.

Our teams are looking forward to welcoming a new group of students in 2023!

Atlantic Technological University (ATU) was established in April 2022 following the merger of three institutes of technology – Galway-Mayo (GMIT), Letterkenny (LYIT) and IT Sligo.

With over 22,000 registered students across eight campuses stretching from Galway to Donegal, the university offers 600+ academic programmes from pre-degree to doctoral level including postgraduate, employee upskilling and apprenticeship courses.

At Atlantic TU, students will develop as global citizens recognizing and building awareness of the opportunities and roles they can play in developing sustainable global economies. From collaborative international research to overseas study and work placement opportunities, ATU students will be part of a global community with a mindset that reaches far beyond the west and northwest.

Atlantic TU 3resident Dr Orla Flynn says students will experience a very welcoming and supportive community with an excellent quality of life surrounded by stunning natural amenities along the Wild Atlantic Way: “ATU is not just a change of name but a change of the educational landscape offering a rich combination of academic and research excellence, quality of life and opportunity, all of which can be experienced in the most beautiful part of Ireland.” “If you join the ATU family, we will provide you with all the guidance and support you need to fulfil your potential. We deliver practice-oriented study, and research that seeks to address the major challenges facing society and the world. We are dedicated to preparing learners for the future of work. “

The largest proportion of registered students are studying courses in science, mathematics, computing, engineering, manufacturing and construction. Demand for courses in these disciplines is continuing.

Students, teachers, parents and guidance counsellors are welcome to visit ATU campuses. Teachers and guidance counsellors wishing to plan and book visits can contact ATU¶s School (ngagement Team. For information and contact details, please visit www.atu.ie/study-at-atu/schools-engagement

A wide range of onsite and virtual open events take place throughout the academic year from

TY Taster Days, to Campus Tours, Open Days and subject-specific workshops. For more information on these events please visit www.atu.ie/ search?keywords=open+days

For information about ATU, its courses and campuses please visit www.atu.ie

For information about ATU undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships, see: www.atu.ie/ scholarships. Scholarship are awarded to students who achieve the highest points in the Leaving Certificate in their chosen programme of study in ATU. In addition to academic scholarships there are also cultural and sporting excellence scholarship opportunities.

A limited number of places are available at Atlantic Technological University to start an undergraduate programme this September.

This is an ideal route for applicants who didn¶t receive a CAO offer, were not happy with the offer they received, or have since changed their mind on what they would like to study.

There are many pathways to the dream career. Many routes will get students to the same end goal, often within the same length of time. Many Level 6 higher certificate and Level 7 bachelor degree programmes can lead students to the exact same Level honours degree. They can graduate within the same length of time and cost, but provide greater flexibility to change paths along the way.

9isit www.atu.ie/available-places to discover the programmes available across Atlantic Technological University. Applications should be made through the CAO for available places courses. 9isit www.cao.ie for more information. You do not need to have an existing CAO application to apply.