An Exploratory study of the ways in which the guidance counsellor can support second year female students to enhance their social development in a single-sex post-primary school in Ireland.

This research explores how the guidance counsellor can support second year female students in enhancing their social development in a post-primary school. Adolescence is viewed as a period of opportunities and vulnerabilities that can have lifelong consequences for young peoples’ wellbeing (Barker 2007). It is during this time of heightened self-focus that early adolescents enter post-primary school, which makes the school environment a pivotal place to promote and support their wellbeing (Fraiser 1993; DES 2018). Using a qualitative approach, the research gathered an in-depth understanding of the participants own lived experiences. One focus group with seven second year students and one-to-one semi-structured interviews with one member of management and six staff members were conducted. Key findings identified that the school community’s negative perception of second years can impact their self-esteem and their feeling of school connectedness. Class tutors were also found to be best placed to support the social needs of students, if they have the appropriate training in how to manage the potential social issues that may arise. The research concludes by making recommendations to guidance counsellors about the importance of generating an awareness with staff, students and parents about social influences which can impact second years social development

Facile Synthesis and Proposed Mechanism of α,ω‐Oxetanyl-Telechelic Poly(3-nitratomethyl-3-methyl oxetane) by an S_N2(i) Nitrato Displacement Method in Basic Media

<p>The synthesis of a novel heterocyclic–telechelic polymer, α,ω-oxetanyl-telechelic poly(3-nitratomethyl-3-methyl oxetane), is described. Infrared spectroscopy (IR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy have been used to confirm the successful synthesis, demonstrating the presence of the telechelic-oxetanyl moieties. Synthesis of the terminal functionalities has been achieved via displacement of nitrato groups, in a manner similar to that employed with other leaving groups such as azido, bromo, and nitro, initiated by nucleophiles. In the present case, displacement occurs on the ends of a nitrato-functionalized polymer driven by the formation of sodium nitrate, which is supported by the polar aprotic solvent <i>N,N</i>-dimethyl formamide. The formation of an alkoxide at the polymer chain ends is favored and allows internal back-biting to the nearest carbon bearing the nitrato group, intrinsically in an S_N2(i) reaction, leading to α,ω-oxetanyl functionalization. The telechelic-oxetanyl moieties have the potential to be cross-linked by chemical (e.g., acidic) or radiative (e.g., ultraviolet) curing methods without the use of high temperatures, usually below 100°C. This type of material was designed for future use as a contraband simulant, whereby it would form the predominant constituent of elastomeric composites comprising rubbery polymer with small quantities of solids, typically crystals of contraband substances, such as explosives or narcotics. This method also provides an alternative approach to ring closure and synthesis of heterocycles.</p