Lough Allen College Drumkeerin, Co.Leitrim.
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL I extend a warm welcome to everyone, and I hope you enjoy this introduction to our school. At Lough Allen College we have a strong tradition of students, teachers and parents working together to enable students to reach their full potential. A comprehensive academic curriculum is promoted; we have a strong tradition of students achieving academic excellence. In addition to the academic curriculum, we have a wide-ranging programme of extracurricular activities, which include Arts, Drama Music, and Sport. The mission statement of our school promotes inclusiveness, and we support the principles of partnership, equality of access and participation in our school. As a small school, we foster close working relationships between students and their teachers. Our pastoral care system ensures that student wellbeing is fundamental to education. Our focus is on our students achieving and being successful in all their endeavors. Our goal is to provide a quality education for the youth of the community which we serve. I look forward to working with you all in supporting and nurturing the young people who attend Lough Allen College.
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Principal Ms FIona Kuehl
‘The school shows an openness to innovation and an eagerness to be at the forefront of educational developments’ Whole School Inspection Evaluation Report 2012
OUR MISSION Lough Allen College provides a learning environment which aims to nurture and support each individual with respect for their needs, talents, and abilities. In partnership with the whole school community, we aim to provide equality of opportunity for all students while fostering a spirit of service, responsibility, and selfdiscipline.
HISTORY OF OUR SCHOOL Lough Allen College is a mixed vocational school located in Drumkeerin, Co. Leitrim. Our school overlooks the beautiful Lough Allen and is nestled among the mountains which forms the landscape of Drumkeerin. We offer our students a broad, holistic education set against the atmosphere of mutual respect and dignity for all. We strive to help all our students reach their full potential both academically and in the context of extra-curricular activities. We welcome students of all abilities and very much value our position at the heart of the community of Drumkeerin. There are presently approx. 180 students enrolled in our school. This number is increasing, and we expect the numbers to reach a capacity of 200 students by 2023. This increase in due in no small part
to our highly qualified and dedicated staff and our muchlauded success on the local and national stage in terms of academic performance and extracurricular activities. In the past number of years, students in our school have received numerous J.P Mc Manus Awards for academic excellence along with national best student awards in a variety of subject categories. Parents are most welcome to visit our school to see and sense for yourselves our progressive and positive learning environment.
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TRANSITION TO LOUGH ALLEN COLLEGE We understand how difficult the transition from primary to post-primary can be for our First Years. With the correct support structures, we enable them to make this transition. To alleviate stress, our First Years are invited on an induction day in May where they have the opportunity to see teaching and learning in Lough Allen College. Throughout the day, they meet the principal, deputy, and many of their teachers.
learn about the importance of organisation, lockers, room changes and much more. When settled into the rhythm of school life in LAC, Amazing Brains delivered by Inspire Education come to visit our First Years and direct them in their study skills. Mentors are trained and regularly check-in with their groups. Finally, First Year will commence in late August, before the other year groups start back.
Upon entry, the induction programme carried out allows First Years to get to know their timetable,
Application Process for incoming 1st Years Application forms and information regarding our Admission Policy will be delivered by representatives of Lough Allen College to our local primary and feeder schools. Alternatively, information is available directly from the school and via the school website loughallencollege.ie
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SCHOOL CURRICULUM Junior Cycle Students enrolling in Lough Allen College will follow the Junior Cycle Programme for their first three years. Junior Cycle students typically study 9-10 subjects for their Junior Cycle exams. English, Irish and Maths are assessed at both Higher and Ordinary level. All other subjects are now common level under the New Junior Cycle.
‘Class sizes are often small, an aspect of the school that is favoured by parents, students and teachers alike’.
Junior Cycle Subjects Core Subjects English
Irish
Maths
History
Other subjects Science
Assessment Geography
Option Subjects Home Economics
Engineering
Wood Technology
Business Studies
French (Modern Foreign Language)
Visual Art
Whole School Inspection Evaluation Report 2012
Graphics Music
The Junior Cycle is assessed using a combination of continuous and final assessments. This means that during 2nd and 3rd year, pupils complete a series of Classroom Based Assessments and Assessment Tasks. Student’s achievements are recorded on their Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement, and this is presented to pupils on completion of the Junior Cycle Programme. 5
Senior Cycle
‘Education is the wonderful weapon you can use to change the world’.
Transition Year Programme Transition Year provides a bridge to help pupils make the transition from the highly structured and dependent environment of Junior Cycle to one where they will take greater responsibility for their own learning and decision making at Senior Cycle. TY encourages independence and responsibility and provides our students with the time to mature and develop resilience and confidence to face Senior Cycle, third level education and life in the working world. Creativity and Entrepreneurism are nurtured in TY within our caring and considerate community where students can become articulate and confident young people.
Nelson Mandela
Transition Year is compulsory in Lough Allen College, and it is an excellent bridge between Junior and Senior Cycle. It is a highly structured programme that is designed to develop academic, social, and personal skills. Students benefit from the opportunity to sample a wide range of subjects, free from the pressure of State Examinations. Students participate weekly in work experience, educational outings, volunteering, fundraising, as well as a variety of local and national competitions.
Transition Year Programme Rationale; •
To promote maturity and personal character building
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To embark on new projects and interests both inside and outside of school
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To help young people prepare for adult life
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To contribute to society in a positive and socially responsible way
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To be a good citizen
To embark on a journey of self-development in a caring, positive, and motivating TY programme and encourage their development as a person
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To assist students to meet and accept new challenges
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To encourage students to become independent and self-directed learners
Some of the activities our students may experience as part of Transition Year are as following
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Forensics
Music Technology (Music Generation)
Sci-_Fest
Film Studies
Gaeilge24
Animation workshops
Slam Poetry
‘Be Well’ Programme
Gaisce
Road Safety
Student Enterprise Programme
Kayaking/Olympic Handball
Work experience
Safe Foods Certificate
Charity and fundraising events
Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship Programme
Drama workshops/performances
International Academy of Computer Training Course
‘Use Your Brains, not your Fists’
First Aid
Future Leaders
Sports Leadership (Level 1)
CPR 4 Schools Programme
Leaving Certificate In 5th and 6th Years, students begin working towards their Leaving Certificate Examinations. Students choose on average 7 subjects, which must include Irish, English and Maths. Additionally, students have classes in PE, RE and Career Guidance. Students with the qualifying subjects can also select the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP) as an additional subject. Option Subjects French
Home-Economics
Agricultural Science
Music
Engineering
Biology
History
Art
Construction Studies
Geography
Physics
Business
Design and Communication Graphics
Achievements Lough Allen College has a long tradition of providing excellent education and boasts many achievements: •
All Ireland Mental Health Public Speaking Champions (2012)
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Strong links with Parents, past pupils, and industrial organisations
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Semi-Finalists of National Poetry Aloud (2019, 2015)
Enterprise All Ireland Finalists (2021)
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Participants of the Entrepreneurship, Creativity, & Innovation Summer School (2020)
National Winners of the NUI French Film, ‘La Belle et les Bêtes’
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Winner of the Post Primary Young Writers Competition Leitrim Guardian (2020, 2018)
ETTA Gold Medal All Ireland Metalwork Awards (2010)
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Regional Winners of Leaving Certificate Engineering Project (2018)
All Ireland Young Enterprise Ireland Competitions
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Part of the Pilot Programme for JCT
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Business & Professional Women’s Public Speaking Finalists (2016)
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Numerous IMTA Awards
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NUI School of Business & Economics
Participants in the Health & Wellbeing Category of the Annual MSLETB Awards
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All Ireland Scholarships in the J.P Mc Manus Awards (2018, 2017)
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Winners of the Garda Siochana Youth Awards (2020)
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My Entrepreneurial Journey National competition (2020,2021)
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School Bank
Speech & Drama Seachtain na Gaeilge
Basketball
School Bank Gaelic Football Soccer
School Bank Public Speaking/debating
GAISCE
Gaisce
Basketball
Gaisce
Girls Active
Speech & Drama
Poetry Aloud
School Bank School Choir
IMTA Maths
School Choir
Basketball
IMTA Maths
Speech & Drama
School Bank
POETRY
Gaisce
Basketball Seachtain na Gaeilge Gaisce ALOUD
Girls Active
School Choir
TRADITIONAL IRISH Public Speaking/debating MUSIC GROUP Gaisce
Enterprise Awards
Gaisce CREATIVE WRITING
Cookery Competitions
Girls Active
Seachtain na Gaeilge
School Choir
Creative Writing
Awards
School Bank
School Girls Musical Active
Gaisce Basketball Girls Active IMTA Maths School Choir SCHOOL BANK
Public Speaking/debating
POETRY
ALOUD
Gaisce Enterprise
School Choir
Girls Active
Traditional Irish Music Group Gaisce ENTERPRISE AWARDS
Speech & Drama
Traditional Irish Music Group
Gaisce School Bank
Girls Active
IMTA Maths
Enterprise Awards Speech & Drama IMTA Maths
PUBLIC SPEAKING/DEBATING
Traditional Irish Music Group
SPEECH & DRAMA Girls Creative Writing
Active
BEYOND THE CURRICULUM Extra-Curricular Activities Extra-Curricular activities have always been an integral part of school life here in Lough Allen College. With the emphasis being on participation rather than competition, all students are encouraged to partake in at least one activity.
‘Education isn’t just about feeding the brain. Art and music feed the heart and soul.’
Lough Allen College produce a musical every alternate year.
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Creative and Performing Arts
Art
Music, song and dance are an integral part of cultural life of our school. Music is not just for enjoyment, but it is a means of self- expression and linked to wellbeing. In Lough Allen College, students are provided with many opportunities to explore and nurture their musical and performance skills. Our annual Talent Show and Christmas Carol Service offer our students a platform to showcase their musical talents. All students are encouraged to participate in the biennial school musical. Auditions are held for the various dancing, singing and acting roles. Months of rehearsal culminate in a production of the highest standard showcasing the wealth of talent in our school.
Students experiment and explore creatively through Art. Students who study Art and Visual Art explore a variety of different crafts such as print, poster, sculpture and lettering. Our school community benefits greatly from the students’ work which is displayed and exhibited throughout the building
Julie Garwood
SUPPORTING OUR STUDENTS Wellbeing
Care Team
In line with our Mission Statement the care of our students permeates all of our practice. We endeavour to create a school community where all members feel a sense of belonging and are respected and valued.
We have a Care Team who meet regularly to support our student’s needs. The Care Team comprises of the Principal, Deputy Principal, Guidance Counsellor and SENCO. The Care team works closely with teachers, students and parents to ensure everyone benefits from a positive and safe learning environment.
Support Services Ensuring student wellbeing is our primary concern here in Lough Allen College. We have an extensive support system built around each student where we strive to build compassionate young adults.
Year Head and Tutor Each Year Group has a specially designated Year Head and Junior groups have a Tutor who takes responsibility for the welfare of the students in their year/class group.
Special Educational Needs In keeping with the ethos of Lough Allen College, we have a learning support team who identify and support all students with Additional Educational Needs. Our SEN Support Teachers work closely with students, their parents/guardians, other teachers, the SENO, educational psychologists and other professionals and agencies. The provision for students includes individual tuition, small group tuition in the Lough Allen Learning Hub, or in class support (Team/Co – teaching). We aim to offer reduced class size in English and Maths (where feasible).
Guidance Counsellor The Guidance Counsellor provides support for all students throughout their time in Lough Allen College. •
Individual counselling and support, students can avail of this through self-referral, teacher referral or parental/outside agency referral.
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Small group work where students learn about themselves, provide support to each other.
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In class topics relevant to a whole year group, typical topics covered could be subject choices, resilience, lifestyles, friendships, multiple intelligence, personal development etc.
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Informing students about their future career choices/options, work conducted includes Psychometric tests (Aptitude and Interest Inventories), individual careers interview and classes relating to careers research, CAO, UCAS, PLC’s, apprenticeships, traineeships etc.
The Guidance Counsellor is a qualified and accredited Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist, and as such offers a unique mindset when supporting and helping students overcome individual issues they need to deal with. The Guidance Counsellor collaborates with various external agencies to provide students at Lough Allen College with both the understanding and skills relevant to young people as they prepare to enter adult life.
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HYLS
Digital Learning
As part of our student support service, we have a Home Youth Liaison Officer who visits our school weekly. Our Liaison Officer aims to provide confidential support to young people should the need arise during their time in secondary school.
Here at Lough Allen College, we recognise and appreciate the value technology has in teaching and learning. The use of technology in our school develops a wide range of critical skills such as digital literacy, innovation, and collaboration. Microsoft Office 365 and the suite of apps within it is our online learning platform.
HYLS work may involve: •
Transfer Programme from Primary to Secondary School
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Student Council Training
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Family bereavements
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Interschool Council Workshop
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Mentoring for first Years
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Relationship and sexuality workshops
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Anti-Bullying
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Peer relationships and support awareness
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Cyber aware workshops
Each student is given a school Microsoft Office 365 account and through this, they have access to a number of apps such as Class Notebook, Power Point, One Drive and Microsoft TEAMS. Microsoft TEAMS for education is a learning platform that enables teachers to create an online classroom space. All teachers in our school actively use MS TEAMS for Education to set homework, share resources, monitor student assignments, and connect with our students. In challenging times, the online platform has proven invaluable in allowing students to keep up to date with teaching and learning in Lough Allen College.
The school has also substantially invested in the provision of technology within our school to promote high quality teaching and learning. School devices are used across a wide range of subjects and have become a central component of our learning experience. Junior Cycle students engage in digital literacy classes where they learn how to effectively use technology to support their learning journey within Lough Allen College.
World Wise Schools Lough Allen College is developing its Global Citizenship Education (GCE) with the assistance of World Wise Global Schools (WWGS). GCE is a very important and relevant area by which we are all trying to understand the world we live in and take action to change it as informed global citizens. Students learn about the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and how being global citizens equips both educators and learners with the knowledge, skills, and values to act ethically and sustainably in a world that is both complex and highly interconnected.
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STUDENT VOICE AND LEADERSHIP
“The ability to learn is the most important quality a leader can have”
Student Council Lough Allen College has a strong tradition in the field of student leadership and our student voice is welcomed and encouraged in our school.
work closely with the school leadership team to ensure that our college is a safe and enjoyable place for all members of our school community.
The Student Council is a committee that gives a voice to our students. The Student Council is comprised of representatives from each year. This group of young adults meet regularly and
The student council strives to give students a voice to raise issues and implement positive change; they are also encouraged to make recommendations in relation to school policies.
Mentor Programme
Teaching and Learning in the 21st Century
Our well-established peer mentor programme for first year students sees all-first years paired with a fifth-year student. Their mentor helps then settle into school and offers friendly advice and guidance. During the course of the year, a number of social activities are arranged for the students involved in the programme. Our Student Mentors are committed to their role and alert staff if they have any concerns.
Lough Allen College have a highly committed teaching staff with a strong subject and pedagogical knowledge. Staff have a high level of interest in participation in on-going professional development programmes and initiatives such as Instruction Leadership, Wellbeing, Assessment for Learning and Train the Trainer Initiatives.
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‘The extensive collection of resources gathered and prepared by teachers is highly commendable’. Whole School Inspection Evaluation Report 2012
Lough Allen College Drumkeerin, Co.Leitrim. 071-96 48017 www.loughallencollege.ie