COLÁISTE AN OILEÁIN. St. Patrick s Secondary School Castleisland PROSPECTUS

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1 COLÁISTE AN OILEÁIN St. Patrick s Secondary School Castleisland PROSPECTUS

2 Our History Coláiste an Oileáin, St. Patrick s Secondary School for boys was opened in the Carnegie Library, Castleisland in September 1939 by Seán Prendiville. Seán continued until 1945 and then Timothy Kerrisk took over the school and it remained in the Carnegie Library until 1962 when it moved to the old boy s national school in college road, its current location. Timothy Kerrisk continued the school until 1986 when it was taken over by Dan O Connor until St. Patrick s Secondary School is now under the management of the current school Principal Denis O Donovan. Our Vision To educate and develop a generation of young people for the challenges of tomorrow. Our Values Our core values are those which are to support and nourish the lives of the people that are at the heart of our school- students, staff and parents, respecting the rights of each other, being responsible in our actions thus promoting the holistic development of each person. Our core value is respect for all and the nurturing of individual potential, academically, spiritually and culturally as a member of the school community and in the spirit of the Catholic Ethos. Our Mission By working together, the school community of St. Patrick s Secondary School strives to ensure that everyone Is challenged to be the best they can. Is proud of their achievements. Is given the opportunity to flourish.

3 St. Patrick s Secondary School RESPECT Be considerate and respect the rights of others. CHARACTER Good character is about doing the right thing, great character is doing the right thing when nobody is watching. INTEGRITY If it s not right, do not do it, if it s not true do not say it. STRENGTH Tough times don t last, strong people do. PERFECTION Almost everything can be done better.

4 School Evaluation The following are extracts from a whole school evaluation and various subject inspections carried out by the Department of Education and Skills Inspectorate. The Inspectorate evaluates many aspects of the school under the headings of Management, Leadership, Teaching and Learning. St. Patrick s is a very good school which has a highly committed Management and Staff exhibiting a clear dedication to their work and to the welfare of the students in the school. The school s senior management team exhibit excellent leadership and management skills. The staff of the school demonstrate high levels of professionalism and a real sense of a shared vision and commitment to excellence. The quality of teaching and learning observed is very good. A very positive, professional atmosphere is evident in all interactions between teachers and students throughout the school. The students are interested, well engaged and active participants in their learning. There is a healthy provision of extra-curricular and co-curricular activities for all the students. The school provides a comfortable, well-resourced learning environment for students and teachers and general maintenance of the school is excellent. The views of Parents. Strongly Don t Know Disagree/Strongly Agree/Agree Disagree Discipline is good in the school 98% 1% 1% I have been informed of school rules 98% 1% 1% A good atmosphere in the school 96% 3% 1% The school is well run 98% 1% 1% My child was made feel very welcome 99% 1% 0% My child feels safe & well looked after 99% 0% 1% My child is treated fairly 98% 1% 1% Teaching is good in the school 95% 4% 1% My child is doing well in school 85% 14% 1% I am happy with amount of homework 92% 5% 3% I know who to talk to re any problem 99% 0% 1% Overall I am very happy with school 97% 2% 1%

5 The views of our Students. Strongly Don t Know Disagree/Strongly Agree/Agree Disagree I am proud to be in this School 92% 6% 2% I feel safe and cared for in school 91% 7% 1% I get on well with other students 94% 4% 2% I understand the school rules 96% 3% 1% There is a good atmosphere in the school 89% 10% 1% I have to use my Journal for homework 100% 0% 0% I am getting on well in school 90% 6% 4% Teachers encourage me to do my best 92% 5% 3% All students are treated fairly 81% 11% 8% My Classes are interesting 81% 12% 9% I enjoy going to my classes 83% 12% 5% The views of the Inspectorate from some subject inspections. ENGLISH. The standard of teaching and learning was good with examples of very good practice. Classroom management was very good and was built on a foundation of good relationships with students. The use of humour was a frequent feature of lessons, and teachers displayed an enthusiasm and interest in their subject which was communicated to the students. GEOGRAPHY. The quality of teaching and learning was very good. At leaving certificate level, engagement with topics that challenged students to move beyond understanding to higher-order thinking and analysis, was a key strength. The quality of feedback provided to student to both affirm and develop their learning was excellent. Levels of uptake of higher level Geography, and achievement at all levels in certificate examinations, are significantly strong. HISTORY. Teachers are highly commended on the manner in which they establish an easy rapport with students. It s is fair to say that the good humour and banter which teachers engage in with students on numerous occasions were the most significant elements in creating a pleasant working environment in the history classrooms. A very important feature of good history teaching which was observed was the degree to which teachers sought to make the lesson content relevant to students whenever possible. GUIDANCE. An environment of positive relationships has been established in the school. Discussions with teachers, with students and with senior management revealed similar courtesy, respect and communication to those experienced in the classroom. It is clear that these characteristics have been used effectively in the supports available to students on a whole school level. The disciplinary process is well complimented by the supportive environment in which it is situated.

6 Subjects Available The school offers a broad curriculum preparing students for a variety of options following on from their second level education. JUNIOR CYCLE SENIOR CYCLE Irish English Mathematics French History Geography Science Business Studies Technical Graphics Materials Technology Wood Civic, Social & Political Education (CSPE) Social, Personal & Health Education (SPHE) Religious Education Physical Education Spanish, Home Economics and Art are available to our students in The Presentation Convent through our educational partnership. Under the Department of Education & Skills guidelines students will only be allowed to study 10 subjects for the Junior Cycle. Irish English Mathematics French History Geography Chemistry Physics Biology Agricultural Science Accounting Business Engineering Design Communication Graphics (DCG) Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme Home Economics Art Career Guidance Religious Education Physical Education

7 Educational Programmes TRANSITION YEAR PROGRAMME. Our Transition Year Programme is a joint collaboration between our school and the Presentation Convent where both schools come together and provide a programme during which students are given the opportunity to mature, develop new skills and take responsibility for their own learning through the various activities which they engage in as well as through study of academic subjects. Transition Year is a one year programme. It provides a bridge to enable students to make the transition from junior to senior cycle. It encourages personal and social development and recognises the need for students to grow independence. Transition Year also fosters academic achievement. Benefits of Transition Year Recognise & develop personal strengths. Develop maturity & self-confidence, promote responsibility & initiative. Build interpersonal & team skills, improve self -esteem. Extend the learning experiences beyond the classroom. Develop entrepreneurial skills & appreciate community spirit and work experience. SUBJECTS & MODULES CORE: Irish, English, Mathematics. MODULES: Tasters in each of; Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Ag. Science. Business & Accounting. French, German, Spanish, Chinese History, Geography, PE. DCG & Engineering. Information Communication Technology. Work experience is an integral part of TY.

8 LEAVING CERTIFICATE VOCATIONAL PROGRAMME. (LCVP) LCVP is a Senior Cycle Programme of the Department of Education and Skills, designed to give a strong vocational dimension to the Leaving Certificate (established). This programme combines the virtues of academic study with a new and dynamic focus on self-directed learning, enterprise, work and the community. LCVP is a two year programme. Young people taking the LCVP have a unique opportunity to develop their interpersonal, vocational and technological skills. These skills are equally relevant to the needs of those preparing for further education, seeking employment or planning to start their own business. Students follow two Link Modules over the course of the two years. LINK MODULE 1 Preparation for the World of Work. Students will research and investigate local employment opportunities, develop job seeking skills such as CV presentation, interview techniques, gain valuable experience of the world of work, work shadow a person in a career area that interests them. LINK MODULE 2 Enterprise Education. Students will be involved in organising visits, meeting enterprising people on site and in the classroom. They will also be planning and undertaking various activities that will build selfconfidence, creativity, initiative and develop teamwork, communication and computer skills.

9 Guidance and Counselling The School has a fully qualified Guidance Counsellor whose remit is to help students make informed personal, educational and career decisions. The Guidance Counsellor will offer students help and support in coping with personal difficulties and academic concerns. The Guidance & Counselling service provides an open door policy to students and all students are informed of the service provided at the beginning of the school year and encouraged to avail of it. The School s Guidance and Counselling service offers a range of interventions and activities which help the students make choices about their lives. As students go through second level education they will make significant choices related to personal issues, social issues, educational issues and career issues. The Guidance Counsellor is a trained professional with the expertise and knowledge to help students make choices in these three important areas. Guidance and counselling is available to all students from first year to sixth year. The Guidance Counsellor will provide help and assistance through; Consultation Assessment Information Guidance activities Referrals

10 The Resource Teacher & SEN Because every Student Matters.In our school the Resource Department provides assistance to meet the needs of students assessed as having special educational needs, learning difficulties or disabilities. The Resource Teacher provides additional support to students who have entered main stream schools and liaises with other teachers and parents in relation to the child s interests and needs. Support is offered in alternative ways. Worksheets and creative activities suited to the students ability are provided. This allows the resource teacher to focus on specific areas that need addressing. Computers are also used, there are numerous online resources that help improve and examine a student s level of knowledge. It is also important to include a fun element in learning, this helps to keep the students interested. Whether it is group work or poster making on a specific topic, these methods allow the lessons to be lively and student centred. There are numerous learning difficulties and disabilities such as ADHD (Attention Deficit Disorder), ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder), SEBD (Social Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties), Autism, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia and Hearing Impairment. Some of these disabilities will fall under the General Learning Disabilities category. The role of the Resource Teacher is assessing and recording a student s needs and progress. Keeping records helps in the processing and communicating the students understanding of the curriculum. It is important to set realistic targets over specific time periods. The process of setting goals allows students to choose where they want to go in school and what they want to achieve. By knowing what they want to achieve, they know what they have to concentrate on and improve. Goal setting gives students long-term vision and short-term motivation. Students are taught in a separate area. This allows them to be in a safe and comfortable environment which supports their needs. It provides a space where students can learn at a pace suitable to them. The role of the Resource Teacher is an important element within our school environment providing extra support and guidance to students during their time in our school. COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS 4 Term reports each year. Parent Teacher Meetings for each year group. Newsletters. Website. Text Messages. AFTER SCHOOL STUDY After school study is available to all students. Offered on a term by term basis. Monday to Thursday from 4pm to 6pm. Strictly supervised by teachers of the school.

11 An Educational Partnership St. Patrick s and Presentation Convent Secondary Schools; In September 2012 the Management, Principals and staff of both St. Patrick s Secondary School & The Presentation Convent under took an educational partnership which have seen both schools come together and offer a wider range of subjects, educational programmes, and extracurricular activities for the benefit of the whole school community going forward. Junior Cycle: St. Patrick s Students will have an opportunity to study Home Economics & Art at Presentation Convent. Presentation Convent students will have an opportunity to study Materials Technology Wood and Technical Graphics at St Patrick s This educational partnership will provide a platform to develop courses and modules which will provide the best educational and creative experiences and opportunities for students of both schools. Senior Cycle: A joint Transition Year programme is now an integral part of our partnership and is proving to be an outstanding experience and success for students of both schools. For the Leaving certificate, between both schools the following subjects will be offered to students wishing to study a particular subject area so as to provide the best possible career choices. Chemistry, Physics, Biology & Ag. Science. Design Communication Graphics & Engineering. Home Economics, Art, History & Geography. Accounting & Business. Extra- Curricular: Both schools come together each year and produce a musical or a talent show giving the students an opportunity to showcase their various talents in music, singing, dancing, and drama.

12 Physical Education Our school offers a broad and varied Physical Education Programme. The school provides opportunities for all students to participate in a number of sports; FOOTBALL RUGBY SOCCER BASKETBALL ATHLETICS Health & Fitness Programme. Each year students undertake a 6 week health and fitness programme which focuses on healthy eating and increasing fitness levels in an enjoyable and fun way. All students have timetabled classes of PE each week Junior Cycle PE: Senior Cycle PE: Thursday Afternoons Tuesday Afternoons

13 School Teams Dunloe Cup Football Team Junior Rugby Teams First Year Football Champions 2017

14 2 nd & 3 rd year Football Team st & 2 nd year Basketball Teams Munster Rugby Champions 2016

15 First Year Soccer Team 2017 Sky Sports for Living Programme with Darren O Sullivan

16 Extra- Curricular Activities

17 Music & Drama

18 Student Awards THE JIM LYONS AWARD This award was presented to the school in 2008 by the Lyons family in honour of Jim Lyons, a former teacher of English and Latin at the school and Principal of the school until his retirement in The award is presented to a sixth year student who has excelled at English during his time at the school Michael Courtney 2008 Denis O Connor 2009 Philip O Connor 2010 Jason Enright 2011 Joseph Healy 2013 Denis O Connor 2014 Eoin O Callaghan 2015 Ciaran Lane 2016 Art O Mahony 2017

19 STUDENT OF THE YEAR AWARD James O Donoghue 2013 Daniel Kearney 2014 Conor Browne 2015 Shane McGaley 2016 Padraig Broderick 2017 OUR COMMITMENT The whole school community of St. Patrick s Secondary School continuously work and strive to develop and achieve a standard of education that will effectively serve our students collectively and as individuals so that each one can achieve his full potential academically, socially and culturally. Our educational philosophy is based upon honesty, integrity, hard work, fairness and a respect for each other. We encourage each student to be the best they can be, the good to become better and the better to become the best. If you require any further information on what our school has to offer please do not hesitate to contact me where I will be very happy to discuss the needs and requirements of your son s education. Denis O Donovan (Principal)

20 St. Patrick s Secondary School, Castleisland, Co. Kerry Website: stpatscastleisland.com info@stpatscastleisland.com Tel: Mobile: