St. Ciarán's Community School - Prospectus by The Examcraft Group

Pursuing Excellence Together

PRINCIPAL’S WELCOME We wish to extend a very warm welcome to those students who are considering attending St Ciarán’s Community School. We are cognisant that identifying the right secondary school for your child is one of the most important decisions that you will make in terms of his/her education. This prospectus seeks to portray the broad curriculum, excellent facilities and many curricular and extra-curricular activities available to students. We hope that on watching our promotional video and reading this prospectus, it will help you make that choice. Our aim in St Ciarán’s Community School is to provide a high quality learning environment. We constantly strive for excellence in learning and teaching by providing a rich and diverse curriculum that caters for the needs of each individual. St Ciarán’s Community school is a community of students, staff and parents. We believe in empowering and equipping students to achieve their potential. We are committed to the development and care of each and every student. A strong emphasis is placed on the personal and social development of all our students. We are very aware of the importance of a smooth transition for prospective students from primary to secondary school. In this regard, first year students are supported from their first day in school by a dedicated and committed staff. Easing the transition of all students from Primary to Post-Primary School is of paramount importance to our team of teachers and staff. Our staff will strive to help your son or daughter integrate fully into our school community and achieve their full academic and personal potential. We have Transition and Wellbeing Programmes in place to ensure your child has a positive and enjoyable transition. We strive every day to maintain a happy, caring and respectful atmosphere where all students and staff can achieve their full potential. We believe that every student is unique and that it is our task to enable all students to reach their potential as an individual whilst also encouraging them to respect the differences of others in the community. We seek to do that in as caring a manner as possible. We will always be available to discuss your concerns and to help students and we look forward to working with you in the future.

Cara McLoughlin Principal

Angela Flanagan Deputy Principal

WHERE OUR STUDENTS COME FROM

WHERE OUR STUDENTS GO

Here at St Ciaran’s Community School we pride ourselves in providing support and encouragement to all our students to achieve success in whatever career path they chose. Our students have gone on to excel in sport, science, religion, education, medicine, art, broadcasting, music, construction, engineering, aviation and many more careers. Here is a little taste of what some of our recent graduates are up to:

Conor Molloy

My journey at St. Ciarán’s began when I left a small primary school in Kilbeg to come here. I found the transition, from a class of four, into St. Ciarán’s was made easier due to the efforts of the school to orientate us into secondary school through the open days and information evenings. The broad range of subjects on offer gave me the opportunity to sample a range of option subjects and allowed me pick my favourites. I felt there was a positive attitude and atmosphere in the school and all staff were extremely dedicated. Teachers encouraged me and my fellow students to reach our full potential- whether than was in academic, sporting or business pursuits. I was encouraged to make positive contributions to the school and the wider community through Green-Schools, Student Enterprise Awards and Student Voice. I will use these skills I have learned in St Ciaran’s as I continue my education in Queens University Belfast. In Queens I will pursue a Degree in Accounting.

James Lynch I enjoyed my six years at St Ciaran’s Community school, so much so that I am now entered my first year studying to become a post primary teacher of English and Religion at DCU. My transition from St Ciaran’s Community school to university was seamless, due to the growing independence and determination that was instilled in me by fellow classmates and the school staff. In my own opinion, this was achieved by the wide variety of subjects and extra-curricular activities provided by the school. I had a very positive working relationship with the teachers who encouraged me to always reach my full potential. I think the most positive aspect of life in St Ciaran’s Community school was found in Transition Year, where I learnt communication skill, organisational skills, and teamwork skills, through the Student Enterprise Programme and other activities hosted by the school. It is down to these valuable skills that has enabled me to find my feet in DCU.I will be forever grateful for the experiences and relationships I have gained from my time spent at St Ciaran’s Community School.

Arthur Murphy My name is Arthur Murphy , and I graduated from St Ciarán’s Community School in the summer of 2019. During the final months of my school life I was unsure of where my career would begin, and I was wary of which industry I would enter . It was with the guidance and support of the team in the school that allowed me to set and confirm my career path. I decided I wanted to become a commercial Pilot . In April of 2019, I was lucky enough to have passed the interview and assessment phase with the Atlantic Flight Training Academy, based at Cork airport for their Ryanair Mentored Cadet Pilot scheme. After completion of the Leaving Certificate and graduation from Secondary school I obtained a part time job before I commenced my Flight training in November of that year. The flight training course was compiled of a mixture of both ground theory segments , and physical flight training both in real world aircraft and full flight simulators.

After 7 months of classroom oriented training, I obtained first time passes in the theoretical segment, which allowed me to advance to the hands on flight training itself . I flew solo for the first time in November of 2020, and received my Private License in the New Year of 2021. I transitioned to the twin engine aircraft for the Commercial / All Weather training, and was awarded with my Commercial/ Multi Engine rating licence in May of this year. I completed my training in June after a condensed Multi Crew course on a Boeing 737-800 simulator, and I was delighted to have made it to the end of the course given the circumstances of the pandemic . I can confidently state that, without the ongoing guidance and mentorship from the team at St Ciarans , I would have lacked the skillset and knowledgebase required to become a commercial Pilot . The wide array of subjects available to students , along with the continuous guidance process allowed me to fine tune my career path in a way that worked for me . Having not followed the conventional CAO/ Third level route, St Ciarán’s were very understanding and accommodating of my personal career route. This allowed me to advance swiftly through my training, with a successful outcome after months of hard work. The school gave me the confidence, self-esteem and social skill set required to advance in my life after school, and these attributes will benefit me for years to come

Emma Coughlan

Eloise Newman I am currently studying Biology and Science in my 3rd year of the Bachelor of Science Degree in Maynooth University and I am looking to pursue a career in farming and agricultural advisory. During the six years I spent in St. Ciarán’s I met some great people and had some truly impeccable teachers. The cups of tea and chats, encouragement and support I received in St. Ciarán’s really gave me the confidence in my capabilities and I loved my time spent there.

I began my time at St. Ciarán’s in 2015, and from then to the abrupt end due to the pandemic last year, I made some of my favourite memories and best friends, ate too many wedges from the amazing canteen, and most importantly was always supported by the wonderful staff there. From the most understanding of teachers, to the Chaplain, a guidance counsellor, and caring management, there is always going to be someone there to support you no matter what the worry. My time there is what made me realize that I too would like to go into the teaching profession and hope to be as wonderful as my teachers had been, and I am now currently in my 2nd year in Dublin City University studying a Bachelor of Education with German & Gaeilge. 5

Students who received over 500 Points in their Leaving Certificate Exams

PURSUING EXCELLENCE TOGETHER OMNES VIRTUTEM SEQUENTES Our school supports and encourages the academic, spiritual, moral and physical development of all students. We strive to create and maintain a strong work ethic and an ethos of cooperation and mutual respect in a caring and inclusive environment.

Tacaíonn ár scoil le forbairt acadúil, spioradálta, morálta agus fisiciúil na ndaltaí uilig a chothú. Cothaítear spiorad oibre láidir agus cleachtas comhoibriú agus measa i dtimpeallacht atá tacúil do chách.

Leaving Certificate Results day

Digital learning

Here at St. Ciarán’s CS we recognise and appreciate the importance of technology in teaching and learning. Technology is used in our school to develop a wide range of critical skills such as digital literacy, creativity, innovation and collaboration. Our school utalises Microsoft Office 365 Education. Each student is given a school office 365 account. Teachers can create a Team for each of their classes. This will allow teachers to communicate, share resources, assign work and offer feedback to students. As well as being able to submit work, students also have the ability to communicate and collaborate with each other. All teachers in our school actively use Microsoft Teams to set homework, correct assignments and engage with our students. The school has invested in the provision of technology within our school to promote high quality teaching and learning. In our school we have portable laptop trollies that can be moved to any classroom and are used across a wide range of subjects. Our teachers also use the platform SchoolWise, which is a virtual learning environment to support teachers and schools in planning as well as facilitating collaboration and communication with teachers and students. Teachers can plan collaboratively, view timetables and school events, and take attendance. This digital platform also allows teachers to post materials, resources, notes, homework and educational links that students can access at all times. In order to equip our students with the esssential skills needed to become digitally literate and confident we offer a short course on Digital Media Literacy to all of our Junior Cycle Students. Here they learn how to effectively use the technology that will assist in their learning journey here at St. Ciarán’s Community School. The use of technology has ensured that all of our students were supported during the periods of remote learning in 2020/2021.

Our curriculum adapts to meet the changing needs of our students here at St. Ciaran’s Community School. Presently we offer the

CURRICULUM

following programmes; Level 2 Learning Programme, Junior Cycle, Transition Year (TY), Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP) Leaving Certificate, Leaving Cert Applied (LCA).

JUNIOR CYCLE Option Subjects

First year students study all of the core subjects. They will also get an opportunity to sample the option subjects during the first term. Students will then choose their three optional subjects to study alongside their core subjects for their Junior Cycle programme. Students are surveyed on their subject choice and every effort is made to ensure student preference is met.

Art Material Technology (Wood) German Business Studies Science

St Ciarán’s operates a system of ‘mixed ability’ in Junior Cycle classes, as almost all subjects in the Junior Cycle will be examined at a common level with the exception of; English, Irish and Maths which will have Higher Level and Ordinary Level Exams.

Short Courses P.E

Core Subjects English Irish Maths Religious Education

French Home Economics Material Technology (Metal) Technical Graphics

Digital Literacy

History Geography C.S.P.E. S.P.H.E. BEING LITERATE COMMUNICATING

WORKING WITH OTHERS

MANAGING MYSELF

KEY SKILLS

BEING CREATIVE

The eight key skills of junior cycle are embedded into all aspects of the curriculum here at St. Ciarán’s

MANAGING INFORMATION & THINKING BEING NUMERATE

STAYING WELL

LEVEL 2 LEARNING PROGRAMME (L2LP) The Level 2 Learning Programmes (L2LPs) and qualification are targeted at a very specific group of students who have general learning disabilities in the higher functioning moderate and low functioning mild categories. The students are small in number (one or two in a typical school) and all have Individual Education Plans (IEPs). The Learning Programmes are built around Priority Learning Units (PLUs) that develop the basic, social and pre-vocational skills

TRANSITION YEAR - TY The Transition Year Programme is a unique one-year programme that promotes the personal, social and educational development of students and prepares them for their role as autonomous, participative and responsible members of society. T.Y. enables students to make the transition from the more dependent type of learning associated with Junior Cycle to the more independent learning environment associated with Senior Cycle and equips them with the skills necessary to achieve their full potential in the Leaving Certificate exam.

of the students involved. In addition, students

Overall Aims of Transition Year:

following L2LPs undertake 2 short

• Education for maturity with the emphasis on personal development

courses which have also been

including social awareness and increased social competence

aligned to Level 2 of the NFQ.

• The promotion of general, technical and academic skills with an emphasis on interdisciplinary and self-directed learning • Education through experience of adult and working life as a basis for personal development and maturity • T.Y. encourages the development of a wide range of transferable critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills. In addition to traditional subjects • Transition Year Students participate in a wide range of interesting modules such as:

Core Subjects ICT Film Studies YSI Digital Media Mini Company Future leaders Enterprise Education Forensic Science Art Yoga

Drama DCG Home Mindfulness French/German Music Construction Economics Engineering Work Experience Science

LEAVING CERTIFICATE

LEAVING CERTIFICATE APPLIED-LCA

All students study the core subjects, English, Irish, Mathematics, Physical Education & Religious Education. In addition to the core subject’s students choose four other subjects from the following options: Accounting Art Biology Business Chemistry Applied Maths Construction Studies Engineering French

Geography German Economics History Home Economics Physics Technical Drawing Agricultural Science

This is a distinct, self-contained, two year Leaving Certificate Programme. It is designed to help students develop practical skills and to prepare for the world of work and offers alternative methods of learning and assessment for students. Work experience forms a key part of this programme. The fundamental goal of the Leaving Certificate Applied is to prepare Leaving Certificate participants for transition from the world of the school to that of adult and working life. It is essential that the talents of all Leaving Certificate participants are recognised and that they are afforded an opportunity to develop in terms of responsibility, self-esteem and self-knowledge. Participants should also develop communication and decision-making skills so as

LCVP The Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme is a Senior Cycle Programme, designed to give a strong vocational dimension to the 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. 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 commence their own business sometime in the future. 10

to achieve a more independent and enterprising approach to learning and to life.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION Physical Education encourages physical activity for life, it helps to prevent sickness and disease, provides an outlet for creativity and selfexpression and develops co-operation and teamwork. All students will study PE as a short course in Junior Cycle where students learn to appreciate the importance of regular health-enhancing physical activity and to make informed choices about how to include physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle. Such informed choices are key to the development of lifelong habits of physical activity. There are four strands to the PE Short Course: Physical activity for health and wellbeing; Games; Individual and team challenges; and Dance and gymnastics. Students will demonstrate their learning by completing a CBA project on one aspect of the PE course.

“Intelligence and skill can only function at the peak of their capacity when the body is healthy and strong.” John F. Kennedy

SPORT St. Ciarán’s Community School’s sports ethos is intrinsically linked to our Mission Statements aim of supporting student development. Our aim is to make as many sports as possible available to as many students as possible. The school is proud to see the development and success of many past and present students who have gone on to win intercounty recognition, provincial and even All Ireland medals. The school also has teams participating in Leinster Soccer Schools Competitions at Under17, Under-15 and Under-13. Indeed, a number of our students have won soccer scholarships to American Colleges.

STUDENT SUPPORTS

Mentor/ Prefect In addition, each class is assigned a Senior Mentor who helps the First Years integrate into the life of the school. They play a key role in facilitating

Well-Being

the transition from primary to secondary school

Being healthy, creative and staying connected with the community is

and the school invests greatly in their formation as

vital for positive development. Participation builds resilience, pride and a sense of

mentors and prefects. These students receive specific

shared responsibility.

training in mentoring and in listening skills and take

During themed weeks students engage with social issues, from anti-bullying initiatives

up leadership positions within the student body.

to well-being. Student Voice, An Gaisce and J.P. II facilitate leadership development. Our students partake in specific programmes such as Friends for Life and Nurture for Wellbeing (Junior) and Elevate You (Senior) which fosters leadership, resilience, gratitude and mindfulness.

Tutor Each class is assigned a Tutor. The role of the Tutor is primarily a pastoral of need for help or attention; is open to approaches from students in the tutorial

Learning Support & Special Educational Needs

class; and, as necessary, consults with other relevant members of staff (Chaplain /

Students with specific learning difficulties are catered

Guidance Counsellor / Year Head) about them. They keep in close contact with the

for through the provision of a Resource Teaching

class to ensure that the students are settling in satisfactorily and that the class works

service in the school. Specialist help is available for

well together.

students with general learning difficulties through

one. The class tutor gets to know all the students in the class; observes any signs

the Learning Support Team, working in co-operation with subject teachers. This support can be offered on

Year Head

an individual, small group, in- class or whole class

There is also a Year Head and he/she meets First Year students

basis. Special Needs Assistants offer other support to

individually to get to know them. The Year Head works with the Class Teacher to try

individual students and are an important part of the

to make each student’s experience of life in St Ciaran’s a productive and happy one.

Learning Support team.

The Year Head also deals with matters of discipline.

Guidance Counsellor

Chaplain

The Guidance Counsellor works with the school Pastoral Care Team to

The Chaplain encourages and fosters

assist all students to develop to their full potential. As part of their work they see

an awareness of spirituality within the school

them on an individual basis to help them with personal, social and educational

and provides the students with an opportunity to

problems. The Guidance Counsellor is also available to meet parents/guardians to

express their own religious identity. The Chaplain

ensure that students are able to make the best possible choices for their futures.

endeavours to be available “any time, any place,

During the school year there will be

anywhere” to all members of the school community

a number of opportunities, facilitated

– students, staff, parents and develops an open

by the school, for students to attend

and trusting relationship with all those whom he

College Open days.

Mr. David Oates (Guidance Counsellor) and Mr Sean Wright (Chaplain)

comes into contact.

Student Mental Health In association with Jigsaw, St Ciarán’s is involved in an initiative providing a mental health service specifically aimed at young people. Jigsaw projects bring people and services together to give young people somewhere to turn to and someone to talk to in their community

STUDENT LEADERSHIP & STUDENT VOICE Here at St. Ciarans, we offer our students every opportunity to grow and develop on a holistic level. Students have opportunities to take on leadership roles as prefects and mentors at senior cycle and to represent their peers and the student voice by being elected to the Student Council. Our holistic approach to student development here at St. Ciarán’s allows our students to build life skills and discover their strengths and talents outside of the classroom.

Student Council The Student Council, comprising of representatives from each year group, provides a forum to discuss and debate student issues on behalf of the student body on matters concerning them. The student works in conjunction with the Board of Management, staff and students as a line of communication between school decision makers and students. It encourages students to raise their voices, to be able to work together to solve problems and to work with stakeholders in their school and community.

Members of the student council visiting St. Colmcille’s Nursing home to sing Christmas carols during the Covid-19 pandemic

Prefect system Leadership capacity is developed through the election of 6th year prefect students. These students are representatives for our school, they help out both teachers and students in daily activities and act as buddies for our incoming first year students to help them to settle into life at St. Ciarán’s.

Prefect system

Student Council

Leadership capacity is developed through the election of 6th year

The Student Council, comprising of representatives from each year

prefect students. These students are representatives for our school,

group, provides a forum to discuss and debate student issues on behalf

they help out both teachers and students in daily activities and act as

of the student body on matters concerning them. The student works

buddies for our incoming first year students to help them to settle into

in conjunction with the Board of Management, staff and students as a

life at St. Ciarán’s.

line of communication between school decision makers and students. It encourages students to raise their voices, to be able to work together to solve problems and to work with stakeholders in their school and community.

Green Schools Students

have

Gaisce the

Gaisce –The President’s Award is a self-

opportunity to join our

development programme for young

Green Schools Committee

people aged 14 -25 which has been proven to enhance confidence and wellbeing through

where they have the

participation in personal, physical and community challenges. Life skills such as resilience,

opportunity to promote

self-awareness and assertiveness can be developed through the Gaisce programme. To

long-term, whole-school action for the

achieve a Gaisce Award, participants need to complete activities for at least one hour a week

environment. Green-Schools is a student-led

in each of the three challenge areas which include Personal Skill, Community Involvement

programme with involvement from the wider

and Physical Recreation. Participants must also undertake an Adventure Journey. Gold

community.

participants are also required to complete an additional Residential Project and Portfolio.

CREATIVE AND PERFORMING ARTS We have a strong tradition of

Music, song and drama are an integral part of cultural life here at St. Ciarán’s.

musical and dramatic talent

school events such as First year mass, Graduation and our Christmas Carol

here at St. Ciarán’s!

Students of all year groups are encouraged to join our choir who perform at service. They are also known to make special appearances for Carol singing in the community during the holiday season. In transition year our students are encouraged to take part in the TY Play, where they can be involved in the acting, production, set design and direction of the production. Months of hard work, dedication and rehearsals culminate in amazing nights in the theatre not to be missed!!

BEYOND THE CURRICULUM At St Ciarán’s Community School, all our students have the opportunity to learn lifelong skills through our extra-curricular activities, teams, clubs and groups. These events take place during lunchtime or after school. From the illustration below you can see that our students are encouraged to participate in and get involved with the school community. These activities help our students to grow and flourish into young

TY D JournalismFriend Peer Mentors John P European Trips Exchange Equine Team Erasmus Project Equin Junk Kouture Animation Friendship Keepers Fundraising Art Competitions School Tours G Animation John Paul II Awards S Comórtas Díospóireachta an Phiarsai First Aid Zambia Immersion Project TY Drama Young Social Innovators Entrerprise Aistritheoirí Óga Comórta GAA Future Leader Sc Exchange programme Frien SciFest Bake OFF Inspireland Fu Rooted in Reading Jo SKI Trip Scientist School T Gaisce Friendship Week European Build a Bank Art Peer Mentors Erasmus Junk Kouture Bake O Young Social Inno adults, building lifelong skills and learning about team-work, organisation, communication, resilience, leadership, society and culture.

St Ciarán’s Community School

office@stciaranscs.ie www.stciaranscs.ie / stciaranscs @stciaranscs