St Aidans Comprehensive School

St. Aidan’s Comprehensive School

Principal’s Welcome

Welcome to St Aidan’s comprehensive school prospectus.

It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that we extend a warm welcome to all prospective students, parents, and guardians to our school. At St Aidan’s, we believe in fostering an environment where academic excellence, personal growth, and holistic development are at the forefront of our endeavours. We are dedicated to promoting, in cooperation with parents and guardians, the religious, spiritual, moral, academic, aesthetic, cultural, physical, emotional and social development of all the students committed to our care. Our school, as a Christian school, aims to provide an education of the highest quality within the context of shared Christian and human values.

As Principal and Deputy principal, we are committed to providing a nurturing and supportive learning environment that encourages curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. Our dedicated team of teachers is passionate about inspiring and empowering every student to reach their fullest potential, both academically and personally. At St. Aidan’s basic values such as respect, humanity, tolerance, and cooperation are promoted. Responsibility is at the core of our school spirit. We foster initiative, integrity and excellence in an environment of inclusion and mutual respect.

Our school aims to provide an education, which will prepare students for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life while promoting an active partnership between the school, the home and the community. we recognize that each student is unique, with their own strengths, interests, and aspirations. Through our comprehensive curriculum, extensive co-curricular activities, and personalized support systems, we strive to cater to the diverse needs of our students, helping them discover their talents and passions while preparing them for the challenges of the future.

We take immense pride in our vibrant school community, where mutual respect, empathy, and inclusivity are celebrated. Through collaboration, teamwork, and a shared sense of purpose, we aim to instil in our students the values of integrity, resilience, and social responsibility, empowering them to become compassionate and principled global citizens.

As you peruse through this prospectus, we hope you gain insight into the rich tapestry of opportunities and experiences that await you at St Aidan’s. Whether you are embarking on your educational journey with us or considering joining our community, we look forward to welcoming you and supporting you every step of the way.

Together, let us embark on a transformative educational journey, where dreams are nurtured, potentials are realized, and futures are shaped.

Warm regards

Principal Angela Flanagan Deputy Principal Niall McGee

Ethos and Philosphy

The aim of St. Aidan’s is to provide an enriching environment for the academic, moral, spiritual and social education of our students to nurture the growth and development of all students.

The school ethos is Christian and inclusive where every individual is respected.

The curriculum is designed with the modern world in mind ad students are equipped with the necessary life skills.

The school is managed by a Board of Management and offers a Christian environment, fostering the emotional, moral and social development of students.

Where Our Students Come From

Where Our Students Go

Here at St Aidan’s 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.

List Of Scholarships St. Aidan’s Students have availed of:

Naughton Scholarship

CAO Performance Points Scholarships

Society pf Vincent de Paul Education and Training Bursary

Credit Union Plus member Scholarship Scheme

Sports Scholarship

Elite Sports Scholarships

Creative Arts Performance points

Excellent Scholarship

The 1916 Bursary Fund

DKIT &Dundalk FC Soccer Scholarship

Civic Engagement Scholarship

Pursuing Excellence Together

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.

Digital Learning

Here at St. Aidan’s 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.

Our teachers also use the platform Tyro, 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 view timetables & school events, and take attendance. 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. Aidan’s Comprehensive.

The use of technology has endured that all of our students were supported during the periods of remote learning in 2020/2021.

Transiiton From Primary School To First Year (Graphic Organiser/Display)

• The Cairde Programme

• Primary School Visis

• Open Night

• Information Ngiht

• Subjet Option INformaiton

• Help with Tyro and Office 365

• SEN Visits with primary school

• Cat 4 Testing

• 3 / 4 day school induction programme onf the first week

• National School Blitz Tournamtent

• Invited to school musicals

• Cairde Programme

Curriculum

Our curriculum adapts to meet the changing needs of our students here at St. Aidan’s Comprehensive. Presently we offer the following offers programmes; Junior Cycle, Level 2 Learning Programme (L2L) Transition Year (TY), Leaving Certificate Vocational programme (LCVP) Leaving Certificate, Leaving Cert Applied (LCA).

JUNIOR CYCLE

First year students study all of the core subjects. Students also 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.

St Aidan’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.

Core Subjects

C.S.P.E.

Level 2 Learning Programme (L2LP)

The Level 2 Learning Programmes (L2LPs) is a qualification targeted at a very specific group of students who have general learning disabilities and the junior cycle programme would not suit them. The students are small in number (one or two in a typical school) and all have Student support Plans (SSPs). The L2LPs are built around Priority Learning Units (PLUs) that develop the basic, social and pre-vocational skills of the students involved. Students following L2LPs can also undertake short courses.

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

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. The rationale for the programme is:

• To provide a learning structure which promotes maturity

• To develop a wide range of cognitive and emotional skills

• To be learning led rather than exam driven·

• To ensure breadth and balance in the curriculum

• To provide experiential learning

• To challenge students in all areas of development

• To facilitate interdisciplinary and cross-curricular teaching and learning

• To develop life skills

• To learn through networking with other schools and social agencies

• To encourage variety in teaching and learning styles

• To enable students to become independent, selfdirected and self-regulated learners

Currently we offer an extensive range of modular/rotating options which include all our Leaving Certificate subjects as well as non-exam tasters. All students get to “sample” these subjects for approximately 7-8 weeks throughout the year. This is of huge benefit in terms of making wise subject choices for Senior Cycle.

There are many possible TY projects/activities such as:

• GAA Coaching programmes

• Active Schools programme

• Young Social Innovators

• Mental Health Matters

• St. Vincent de Paul Youth for Justice Project

• “Dragon’s Den” type business competition

• John Paul II Awards

• Mini-Med (online medical studies

• Work experience placement

• Visiting speakers

• Field trips e.g. Ploughing Championships

• European Trip (voluntary)

• Outdoor trips/bonding activities e.g. Carlingford, Causey Farm

• Trade fairs

• Fundraising activities

• Fun Run/Wellfest

• First Aid training

• Peer Education training.

LEAVING CERTIFICATE

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:

LCVP -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

LEAVING CERTIFICATE APPLIED

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

Sport Over

St. Aidan’s Comprehensive School sports ethos is intrinsically linked to our Mission Statements aim of supporting development makes available as many sports as possible 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 inter-county recognition and provincial medals.

Student Supports

In St. Aidan’s a strong emphasis is placed on the importance of wellbeing among our students. Pastoral care activities in our school include:

Mental Health Awareness Talk

Internet Safety Awareness Week / Cyberbullying Talks

Wellbeing Talks and Walks

Healthy Eating programme Active Week

Study Skills Workshops

Dance Classes

Anti-Bullying Week / Stand Up Awareness Week

Sports Day

These school initiatives help promote the six indicators of Wellbeing; (Active, Responsible, Connected, Resilient, Respected and Aware). They encourage a positive and enriching school environment fostering resilience, confidence, the importance of good physical and mental health which will assist students to face any challenges that may arise in the future.

WELL-BEING

Being healthy, creative and staying connected with the community is vital for positive development. Participation builds resilience, pride and a sense of shared responsibility.

During themed weeks students engage with social issues, from anti-bullying initiatives to well-being. Student Voice, Gaisce and the John-Paul II awards facilitate leadership development. Our students partake in specific programs such as the Cairde Programme as well as having opportunities to become Well Being Ambassadors which fosters leadership, resilience, gratitude and mindfulness.

TUTOR

Each class is assigned a Tutor. The role of the Tutor is primarily a pastoral one. The class tutor gets to know all the students in the class; observes any signs of need for help or attention; is open to approaches from students in the tutorial class; and, as necessary consults with other relevant members of staff (Chaplain / Guidance Counsellor / Year Head) about them. They keep in close contact with the class to ensure that the students are settling in satisfactorily and that the class works well together.

YEAR HEAD

There is also a Year Head and he/she meets First Year students individually to get to know them. The Year Head works with the Class Teacher to try to make each student’s experience of life in St Aidan’s a productive and happy one. The Year Head also deals with matters of discipline.

CAIRDE

In addition, each class is assigned Cairde mentors who helps the First Years integrate into the life of the school. They play a key role in facilitating the transition from primary to secondary school and the school invests greatly in their formation as mentors and prefects. These students receive specific training in mentoring and in listening skills and take up leadership positions within the student body.

CHAPLAIN

The Chaplain encourages and fosters an awareness of spirituality within the school and provides the students with an opportunity to express their own religious identity. The Chaplain endeavours to be available “any time, any place anywhere” to all members of the school community –students, staff, parents and develops an open and trusting relationship with all those whom he comes into contact.

GUIDANCE COUNSELLOR

St. Aidan’s supplies a comprehensive Career Guidance and Counselling service to all its students. It helps students to grow in selfknowledge and self-esteem by providing professional expertise and information to enable them make constructive life choices. These choices are focused on the areas of personal, educational and career issues.

LEARNING SUPPORT & SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS

Students with specific learning difficulties are catered for through the provision of a Learning Support Teaching service in the school. Specialist help is available for students with general learning difficulties through the learning support team, working in co-operation with subject teachers. This support can be offered on an individual, small group, 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.

Student Leadership and Student Voice

Here at St. Aidan’s, 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 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

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.

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 voice, be able to work together to solve problems, and to work with stakeholders in their school and community.

Green Schools / Sustainability

Students have the opportunity to join our Green Schools Committee where they have the opportunity to Promote long-term, whole-school action for the environment. GreenSchools is a student-led programme with involvement from the wider community.

Gaisce Check With Gabriel

Gaisce –The President’s Award is a selfdevelopment programme for young people aged 14 -25 which has been proven to enhance confidence and wellbeing through participation in personal, physical and community challenges. Life skills such as resilience, self-awareness and assertiveness can be developed through the Gaisce programme. To achieve a Gaisce Award, participants need to complete activities for at least one hour a week in each of the three

challenge areas which include Personal Skill, Community Involvement and Physical Recreation. Participants must also undertake an Adventure Journey. Gold participants are also required to complete an additional Residential Project and Portfolio.

The Merit System

St. Aidan’s values the importance of rewarding positive behaviours and the achievement of success. Pupils are therefore awarded bronze, silver and gold merits throughout the year according to their levels of achievement. There are prizes awarded at the end of the academic year for pupils who have accumulated the most merits.

Creative and Performing Arts

We have a strong tradition of musical and dramatic talent here at St. Aidan’s!

Music, song and drama are an integral part of cultural life here at St. Aidan’s. Students of all year groups are encouraged to join our choir who perform at school events such as First year mass, Graduation and our Christmas service. They are also known to make special appearances for Carol singing in the community during the holiday season.

Beyond The Curriculum

At St Aidan’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. Students are encouraged to participate in and get involved with the school community. These activities help our students to grow and flourish into young adults building lifelong skills and learning about team-work, organisation, communication, resilience, leadership, society and culture.

Meaning of the Crest

The School Crest of St. Aidan’s is contained in a circular structure, the circle itself representing continuation. Within the circle, the main motifs are the key, which suggest that education is a key which has the potential to unlock the unknown. To enhance this notion it overlaps and connects with an open book, a symbol of learning. Combined with these two symbols are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet 0 Alpha and Omega – from the first to the last. To complete the classical reference the Roman numerals have been used to denote the year 1966, the year in which the school opened its door for the first time.

P: 049 5552161

E: office@staidans.ie

W: www.staidans.ie facebook.com/staidanscootehill @StAidansCootehi