Largy College 2023 Prospectus

WELCOME

Largy College is a co-educational school delivering educational excellence to the community of Clones and surrounding areas.

Our school is committed to delivering a high quality education and adopts a holistic approach to the education of each student in our care.

Largy College offers a wide and varied range of programmes at both Junior and Leaving Certificate level. Alongside the traditional Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate, at which we excel, we offer both LCA and JCSP programmes to those who wish to pursue an alternative path.

A committed and dedicated staff encourages every student to reach his/her full potential in every aspect of school life. In addition, students are encouraged to take as many higher level subjects as appropriate.

Largy College is a thriving centre for education. We work closely with the local community and other agencies to foster the development of the individual and collective talents of all students and staff. This is achieved in a safe, state of the art and nurturing environment with the aim of developing each student into a well rounded, responsible and educated individual.

Sharon Magennis Principal

Our Mission

In order to meet the needs of our diverse student population, our school strives to attain high academic achievement and personal, spiritual growth.

This is accomplished through cooperation between school, community, parents, teachers and students. We foster a school climate that is safe and supportive of individual students, enabling them to succeed in our ever-changing world.

“Nurturing the Individual.”

Pastoral Care

Largy College supports the contribution made by each member of the school community in helping us to realise our school mission. We:

• place a particular emphasis on valuing and developing the talents of every student under our care, in particular the disadvantaged and marginalised.

• acknowledge and support each person’s role in the school community.

• promote an environment which nurtures the learning and teaching relationship between student and teacher.

Largy College views the development of positive self-esteem as essential for students. The care and wellbeing of students is supported by our Pastoral Team which includes the Chaplain and the HSCLO.

The role of the school Chaplain is to create an environment within the school where the student's spiritual and emotional well-being is cared for.

Our Home-School Community Liaison Officer HSCLO promotes the active co-operation between home school and the local community. Education can thrive when everyone works together.

Supporting Our Students

Largy College recognises the importance of assisting students in making smart choices –choices that will affect their futures. The Guidance Counsellor works with all year groups and is involved in classroom activities, one-to-one counselling, career planning, assessment of educational and vocational abilities, alongside other related supports.

The Guidance Counsellor works with all senior students on an individual basis, working on study plans, college applications and access programme applications.

School Functions and Meetings

Meetings are held for all year groups. There are various functions and meetings during the year for parents/guardians and good advance notice is given for such events.

The following are examples of what can take place during the year:

• Open Evening for prospective parents

• Parent/guardian – teacher meetings

• Information Evening on Senior Cycle options

• Careers Information Evening for 6th Year students and parents/ guardians

• Graduation Ceremony

School Curriculum

Largy College follows the curriculum set down by the Department of Education & Skills, which may be amended from time to time in accordance with the Education Acts 1998 & 2000.

Junior Cycle – 3 Years

English Engineering

Irish Wood technology Maths Graphics

Science History

French Geography

Home Economics Art

Business Studies Music

Wellbeing Digital Literacy/ I.T

Religious Education (non-exam)

Physical Education (non-exam)

SPHE (non-exam)

CSPE (non-exam)

“A Positive Learning Community.”

Transition Year - 1 Year

Transition year is a compulsory programme for students entering senior cycle. There is a good balance in the programme between the academic and the practical dimensions.

In recent years, our students have experienced the following:

• Young Social Innovators (Y.S.I)

• Concern Debating competition

• Outdoor pursuits (activities)

• Links with community and voluntary organisations

Additional Education Needs

While our mainstream teachers hold responsibility for the learning and teaching within the classroom, the Special Education Co-ordinator and her team have additional resources available to offer more specialised support when needed.

This support can be offered on an individual, smallgroup, in-class or whole-class basis. Special Needs’ Assistants offer other support to individual students and are an important part of the learning support team.

Senior Cycle – 2 Years

Art, Craft & Design Home Economics

Biology Maths Business Physics Chemistry Geography

Construction Studies Design & Communication Graphics

English Music

French Engineering

Gaeilge Physical Education (non-exam)

History Religious Education (non-exam)

“Excellence in Teaching and Development.”

Extra-Curricular

Largy College provides a wide range of extracurricular activities for all our students. These include:

• Girls’ and Boys’ Gaelic Football

• Athletics

• Futsol Blitz

• Basketball

• Handball

Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme

This is an enhanced programme offered alongside the traditional Leaving Certificate. The programme combines the virtues of academic study with a new and dynamic focus on self-directed learning, enterprise, work and the community. It is a two-year programme, and it is offered as a subject in Largy College.

In recent years, the status of this programme has been enhanced as it is now accepted by the NUI and the Institutes of Technology towards the awarding of college points.

“Creating a caring community.”

• Charity Fundraising

• Various Subject Competitions

• School Tours

• Public Speaking and Debating

• Annual Christmas Concert

• Whole School Table Quiz

Parents’ Association

The Parents’ Association is an active and vibrant feature of the school community. Membership of the association is open to the parents/ guardians of all students attending the school.

State of the Art Facilities

Students at Largy College benefit from modern, educational and recreational facilities including:

• 2 multi-media rooms (computer rooms)

• 1 computer suite for CAD

• Comprehensive school library

• Fully equipped Home Economics kitchen

• Dress Design Room

• 3 Science Laboratories

Leaving Certificate Applied

The Leaving Certificate Applied is a distinct, self-contained, two-year Leaving Certificate programme aimed at preparing students for adult and working life.

The programme sets out to recognise the talents of all students and to provide opportunities for developing personal responsibility, self-esteem and self-knowledge.

The programme focuses on the talents of each student and helps students apply what they learn to the real world.

All LCA students benefit from the one day per week work experience programme.

Canteen

Largy College offers excellent canteen facilities with a wide variety of healthy eating options available.

• Career Guidance Office

• Fully equipped Art Room

• Resource Classrooms

• Sports’ Hall and refurbished Gym

• Choir Room with a stage

• Fully wheelchair accessible.

Students’ Council

Under the guidance of dedicated staff, who work closely with students, we promote the ability to think independently and to lead in our entire student body. We afford them the opportunity to become active citizens in their own school. The council gives students an active voice and platform in the decision making of our school.

Pedal Energy:

The school recently held a Pedal Energy day to build awareness of climate change, energy efficiency and sustainability in conjunction with the Green Schools Programme.

Green Schools

Largy College have recently achieved their first green flag. This was a mamouth feat as it required a whole school effort in the area of reducing litter and recycling. New bins are in place to facilitate the correct separation of waste and this process is monitored daily with the help and assistance of the student body and the caretaking staff.

Head Prefect, Sarah Tierney and Deputy Head Prefect, Dervla Flanagan

Transition Year Programme

Transition Year provides a unique opportunity for students to get a broad educational experience, with a view to increasing the students’ maturity before they proceed to further study and/or vocational preparation.

Traditionally, students have taken part in Young Social Innovators, BT Young Scientist, Scifest, Concern Debating, Gaisce, Architects in Schools’ Programme, Houses of the Oireachtas TY Work Experience Programme, Student Enterprise Awards, The Royal College of Surgeons, TY Mini-Med Programme, Road Safety Awareness Programme, RTÉ Transition Year Work Experience Programme, Largy College Dragons Den Competition, Solicitors of the Future, Work Experience Programme, TU Dublin Science of Food Camp, Peer Tutoring, The National Gallery of Ireland TY Work Experience Programme, Junk Kouture and GAA Future Leaders Programme.

School trips are organised to places like; Tanagh Outdoor Education Centre, Dundonald ice-skating & bowling, Cuilcagh and The Marble Arch Caves, Workshops at Microsoft Dream Space, Road Safety Awareness Programme hosted by Road Safety Ireland and an overseas trip.

Among the many achievements of our Transition Year Students at national level:

• Concern Debating National winners x 2 (Finalists – 3 times)

• Young Social Innovators – Gold Award winners in 2015 & 2017 / Silver award winners in 2019

YSI 2021, winners of the Making Our World Fair and Just award, pictured with their international cookery book called, ‘A Taste of Humanity’.

Transition Year Students Ice Skating

Transition Year Students 2021/2022 at Delphi outdoor Centre

Road Safety Awareness

Transition Year Students on Outdoor Pursuits

Largy College PE and Sport Dept.

The PE department in Largy College offers pupils the opportunity to experience a diverse range of activities which enables pupils to fully develop their range of physical, analytical and social skills.

Over the course of their school life students will develop lifelong skills and a knowledge in all strands of PE. These include: • Gymnastics, Dance, Net and Field Games, Invasion Games, Outdoor Adventure and Athletics.

Boys’ Football

5km Run

Largy College organises an annual 5km Run which is always a huge success, giving great enjoyment to both staff and students. Money raised from the 5km runs has regularly been invested in upgrading our gym facilities to reflect the most modern practices. This new equipment will enhance all aspects of fitness, including strength and conditioning.

Basketball

Largy College has a strong history of success in Boys’ Gaelic Football. The 2021/22 season was a very successful year for the U-15.5 team who beat many strong teams in the Ulster Schools’ competition to reach the Ulster final. This U-13.5 team reached the Ulster semi-final where they lost out to St Joseph’s of Crossmaglen. With the experience and talent available , we aim to develop these teams further as they progress through Largy College. The boys have regular training sessions in addition to a strength and conditioning session organised in conjunction with Monaghan GAA. The upgrading of our sports facilities and the addition of the new handball wall are an excellent asset to all sports students in the school and in their PE classes.

Handball

The addition of Handball to the programme of Sport in Largy College has proved popular with our students. 1st and 2nd Year Boys and Girls have competed in various competitions in the Cavan and Monaghan schools’ region.

Basketball enjoys a high participation rate in Largy College. The success of recent years has continued with the progress of the various age groups in the respective Boys and Girls categories.

Boys’ Basketball

The boys in Largy College compete in the North East Regional Basketball competitions in a number of age groups - 1st, 2nd Year, U-16 and U-19. The under 16 team reached the quarter final stages of the competition which they showed great courage and determination in the game.

Girls’ Basketball

The girls compete in the North East Regional Basketball competitions in a range of age groups, including: 1st, 2nd, Cadette and Senior. Last year our Senior team reached the quarter finals while the 2nd year team won all their group games in reaching the semi-final. This years’ teams are well placed for success in the academic year and we look forward to nurturing the emerging talent in the respective age groups. Our teams are competitive and regularly reach the finals of their respective competitions. We look forward to nurturing the emerging talent in the various age groups.

Senior Boys’ Team

2nd Year Girls’ Team

Ladies’ Football

Largy College has a strong tradition of Ladies’ Football in the school, competing at Ulster level in grades: U-14, U-16 and U-20. The 2019/2022 season was a very successful year for our girl’s teams. Our U-20 team reached the Ulster C Championship. The girls narrowly lost out in the final in a titanic game with Virginia College. This occasion brought great excitement to both school and community. We are very proud of them and are excited to see how they progress this year.

Our U-16 girls’ team also had huge success in reaching the Ulster quarter-final. The weekly training sessions since September are primarily focused on skills and the development of teamwork – adding to the enjoyment.

We have a huge panel of excellent players. This high standard was evident as the U-14 girls reached the Ulster semi Final. This year the U-14 Girls’ Football League will commence in February.

In Largy College we have a high calibre of talented Sportswomen many of whom are part of the Monaghan County Underage teams. It is great to see our girls representing the school at this level. This year, the Monaghan Minor Ladies won the Ulster Final. That successful team had the following Largy players; Sarah Tierney, Shannon Murphy and Bronagh McPhillips. Congratulations to all our team members for making such a positive contribution to the sporting legacy of Largy College.

Athletics

Students in Largy College participate in both cross country and track events throughout the school year.

We participate in the ETB Sports’ Day each year competing against all other Monaghan ETB schools. Largy College won the ETB Senior Shield this year for the 3rd year in a row. 2017/18/19

Amy Jo Kierans – Irish International

Largy College is extremely proud of our 6th year student Amy Jo Kierans, on being selected as part of the Irish team for the Summer European Youth Olympic Festival which took place in Slovakia – July 2022. Amy Jo represented Ireland in the Medley Relay. Congratulations Amy Jo on your achievement.

Amy Jo is pictured competing for Ireland in the International relay.

Senior Girls’ Team 2021/22

Sarah Tierney, Amy Jo Kierans, Laura Mc Farland and Lily Monaghan – Ulster U-16 Championship medal winners 2021.

Additional Achievements

Leo Kelly Scolarships

Adrian Kelly, left in picture, recently presenting scholarships to three of the 2022 Leaving Certificate students.These scholarships provide valuable assistance to their 3rd level education.

On behalf of all recipients, we thank both Leo and Adrian for their continued support of our students.

Pictured: (L to R) Adrian Kelly, Ms Goff, Hannah Cooper, Chloe Brady, Yasmin O’ Leary, Ms Magennis and Mr Killen.

All-Ireland Concern Debates - National Champions 2019

Largy College achieved national success in the Concern Schools’ Debating Competition in May 2019. Opposing the motion, “China in Africa is more monster than Messiah”, the team were victorious against Sandford Park School, in Dublin at the final in The Helix. In July 2019, the team travelled with Concern to Sierra Leone where they witnessed, first-hand, Concern’s fieldwork.

BT Young Scientist Competition 2022

Congratulations to our current students, Donna Burns, Rebecca Murphy and Karolis Rute, who were successful in getting through to the national stage of the BT Young Scientist 2022 competition. Their project was entitled ‘Which hand sanitiser is best for you?’ The project explored the effectiveness of spray, wipes and gel sanitiser.

Ruth Madden wins Gold Award for Physics and Engineering at Global Youth Science and Technology Bowl 2020

Representing Largy College Clones, Scifest and Ireland, Ruth showcased her invention, “The Microplastic Filter - A small solution to a global problem”. Ruth also won the 2019 ASM Materials Education Foundation Award for her project. ASM International based in the Unites States, is the world’s largest association of materials engineers and scientists.

‘Promoting Excellence’

Best Overall Project in TY – 2022

Top Achievers in Leaving Certificate 2022 (500 + points)

Pictured are some of the 2022 class who achieved over 500 points.

(L to R) Ciara Gavan, James O’ Harte, Aidan Leonard, Keelan O’ Grady, Tadhg Cosgrove, Chloe Brady.

Front row: (L to R) Megan Agnew, Hannah Cooper, Hanna Gorynska, Leah Cosgrove and Alicia Greenan.

Best Leaving Certificate Result - 2022

Rebecca Murphy

Tadhg Cosgrove

Thomas is presented with the Project Award by Mr Brendan Jenkins and Natasha O Connor, Clones Credit Union, Ms Sherry, TY Programme coordinator and Year Head, Mr Lynch.

Clones Credit Union kindly sponsor the Annual prizegiving in Largy College.

Tadhg is pictured on results day with School Principal, Ms Magennis.

Student of the Year - 2022

TYP Student of the Year - 2022

Tadhg is presented with the Student of the Year Award by School Principal, Ms Magennis and Year Head, Ms Goff.

Rebecca is presented with the Transition Year Award by Mr Brendan Jenkins, Manager of Clones Credit Union and Year Head, Mr Lynch.

Tadhg Cosgrove