PROSPECTUS - Ardscoil Rath Iomgháin - 2023/24

Ardscoil Rath Iomgháin

Welcome to Ardscoil Rath Iomgháin

Selecting the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you have to make. We hope the information in this prospectus will give you a flavour of our school and help make this an easier decision.

We are a dedicated and hardworking school community who believe that students will learn and develop into responsible human beings when taught within a positive and safe atmosphere, and where every individual is valued and nurtured.

Achieve, Respect and Develop is at the heart of all we do in Ardscoil Rath Iomgháin.

We look forward to welcoming you to our school on Open Night and invite you to contact the school if you wish to discuss any issue relating to the information in this prospectus.

Achieve RespectDevelop

Mission Statement

This school, being a source of pride in the community aspires to the holistic development of its students, embracing the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual dimensions of their lives. Students will be challenged and encouraged to achieve their full potential through the recognition and reward of their effort and responsibilities, allowing them to feel confident in their ability to take their place as valued members of our society. Cultural differences will be respected. The good name and reputation of the school as an institution must be nurtured and protected for the benefit of all pupils. Each of the partners, teachers, parents and students have roles and responsibilities which must be fulfilled if successful educational outcomes are to be achieved.

Parents

Parents of students in the school are very supportive educational partners. We work together to ensure that every student entrusted in our care will achieve their full potential.

The school also has an active Parents Association.

Staff communicate with parents and guardians by means of the school website , letters, phone calls, texts, and more recently the VSware App.

ParentTeacher meetings are organised during the year to give parents an opportunity to discuss their children’s progress in different subjects with teachers.

Ethos

Ethos is how we live, work, and relate to each other in our school community. While it encompasses the curriculum and how it is taught, ethos is broader than this. It also relates to shared core values, to the hidden curriculum, to decision making processes and to the relationships that underpin the daily life of school.

Facilities

Ardscoil Rath Iomgháin has 46 classrooms including specialist rooms for Art, Home Economics, Metalwork/Engineering, DCG, Technical Graphics and Construction/Materials Technology (Wood). The school also has three science laboratories, a computer room, large gymnasium, a library, a tiered demonstration room and a canteen.

Each classroom has a computer, data projector or 75” interactive TV. In addition teachers have their own devices to support teaching & learning and all students will have a Chromebook.

Library

The newly refurbished library has a wide selection of general reading material for students of all ages. There are also specialist books and magazines for those involved in project work. It is also a quiet space for students at lunch time.

Future expansion

The Department of Education has approved an extension to the school. The extension will include 4 general classrooms, 4x AEN room, 1x Art room, 1x Music room, 1x Multimedia room, 3x Science labs and prep area, 2 ASD classes.

Canteen

All our food is freshly prepared on site and students can pre order to avoid long queues.

We are able to subsidise lunches in the canteen for students. Breakfast is free for all students where they can get cereal, toast and juice and pancakes on a Friday.

Both cash and card can be used by students and parents can pre order online.

The Curriculum

Junior Certificate

Core Subjects

English Mathematics Irish Physical Education

Geography History Science SPHE

CSPE Religious Education Wellbeing Career Guidance

Optional Subjects (Choose 3)

French Visual Art Graphics

Music German Wood Technology

Engineering Home Economics Business Studies

Leaving Certificate

Core Subjects

English Maths

Irish Ethics

Physical Education Career Guidance

Optional Subjects (Choose 4)

French Biology Music

Economics Accounting Geography

German Chemistry

Agricultural Science Home Economics

Business History Art DCG Engineering

Religious Education Physical Education (LC)

Construction Studies

Transition Year

In Transition Year we focus on developing all aspects of a student, from academic, to social to extra curricular. Students are encouraged to give back to their community in a real way. The various initiatives that Transition Year students get involved in allow them the opportunity to fulfill their potential. Having a positive attitude is central to everything undertaken in Transition Year.

In May students have a foreign trip, and they will explore the Irish country, for example Belfast or Glendalough on overnight adventures!

The TY Show is an all singing, all dancing, acting master class that culminates in a performance over 2 nights!

TY Students also get the opportunity to immerse themselves in experiences that will stay with them for life, such as reptile workshops, birds of prey demonstrations, circus skills, poetry workshops, self defense classes, drug awareness and movie making workshops to name a few!

Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP)

This is an optional programme which may be pursued by Leaving Certificate students. Students study computer applications and they complete two Link Modules: Preparation for the World of Work and Enterprise Education. There is an attractive scale of extra 3rd level entry points for those who achieve a pass, merit or distinction in the LCVP examination.

Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA)

This is an alternative Leaving Certificate programme developed by the Department of Education and Skills which emphasises personal development and transferable skills. It is more practically based than the traditional Leaving Certificate. Students study a variety of subjects including English and Communication, Mathematical Applications, Information Technology, Vocational Preparation and Guidance, Music, Science, Leisure & Recreation, Social Education, Religious Education, Communicative Irish and a modern language.

School Books

Textbooks are provided to students through the book rental scheme.

Homework Club

Homework Club is provided for 1st and 2nd years and is supervised by teachers with the help of TY students.

Supervised Study

Throughout the year supervised study is organised after school, Monday to Friday for 3rd and 6th years and where possible 5th years. Study runs for a twohour period and is supervised by teachers. The school believes that supervised study provides a valuable opportunity for students to complete homework assignments and to study.

Chromebooks

All first year students will be required to purchase a chromebook from the school nominated supplier. This should last the students their six years in school and help them with research, online study and their CBA’s.

Additional Educational Needs

At Ardscoil Rath Iomgháin we provide a positive learning environment, which fosters the academic, social, and emotional development of all students with Additional Educational Needs. Each student is valued for their unique qualities and abilities and our focus is primarily on the strengths of our students and providing them with opportunities to realise their individual potential. Additional educational needs are not viewed in isolation within our school environment. Everyone in our community develops our ethos of inclusion in a respectful and positive way. We welcome and encourage the involvement of parents in the support of their son or daughter’s education. Our team of AEN teachers and SNA’s are dedicated to providing daily support to our students with additional needs. Team teaching and small group assistance in literacy, numeracy, organisation, and communication ensures academic achievement for all students.

Guidance

A guidance and counselling service is provided for all students which includes educational, vocational, personal and social guidance. They advise students on programme and subject choice at school. They also provide information and advice in relation to careers, further education/training and higher education. During the school year the Guidance Counsellors are available to see students on a one to-one basis for individual educational, vocational and/or personal guidance.

Students who are experiencing difficulties which are preventing them from studying or participating fully in school life are encouraged to make an appointment. Parents are also welcome to contact the guidance team.

Student Support

The school operates both a Year Head and a Tutor system. Additional supports are provided by our Guidance Teacher, Meitheal Leaders, the Pastoral Care Team, HSCL Coordinator, and School Completion Programme staff.

Physical Education

We offer an extensive programme in physical education which is compulsory at both junior and senior level.

A well equipped gymnasium, outdoor tennis and basketball courts and a sports ground which includes a walking track are available to students.

We also have a full size soccer pitch, Gaelic pitch and an Astro pitch.

 Am I a confident and skilled participant in physical activity?

 Do I actively engage?

Responsible

 Do I take action to protect and promote my wellbeing and that of others?

 Do I make healthy choices?

 Do I know where my safety is at risk and do I make right choices?

 Do I believe that I have the coping skills to deal with life's challenges?

 Do I know where I can go for help?

 Do I believe that with effort I can achieve?

Indicators of wellbeing

Respected

 Do I feel that I am listened to and valued?

 Do I have positive relationships with my friends, my peers and my teachers?

Resilient Active Aware

 Do I show care and respect for others?

Connected

 Do I feel connected to my school, my friends, my community and the wider world?

 Do I appreciate that my actions and interactions impact on my own wellbeing and that of others, in local and global contexts?

 Am I aware of my thoughts, feelings and behaviours and can I make sense of them?

 Am I aware of what my personal values are and do I think through my decisions?

 Do I understand what helps me to learn and how I can improve?

Sports

The following sports and sporting activities are available to students:

Athletics Football Basketball Soccer

Other Extra-Curricular Activities

Board Games

Sketching Club Green Schools

Table Tennis

Music Generation Dungeons & Dragons School Trips

Yarn Club

Student Council

The student voice in the school is through the active student council which meets regularly with the coordinating teacher. The council gives students a chance to collaborate with others to impact their school environment as well giving students opportunities to experience leadership. The representatives are voted in by their class group.

Meitheal Programme

Meitheal encourages people to look at themselves and to believe they are worthwhile and that they have a special contribution to make. The Meitheal Youth Leadership Programme will give the students all the skills they need to work as a Meitheal team in the school.The 6th year students will work with school management to help the new 1st Years make an enjoyable transition from primary to secondary school.

Home School Community Liaison Scheme

The underlying policy of the scheme is one that seeks to promote partnership between parents and teachers. The purpose of this partnership is to enhance students’ learning opportunities and to promote their retention in the education system. In addition, the HSCL Scheme places great emphasis on collaboration with the local community.