Coláiste Na Ríochta A Post Primary Co-Educational School www.colaistenariochta.ie
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Message from the Principal Dear Parent,
School Mission Statement Coláiste Na Ríochta is informed by a community service ethos and accordingly is open to all members of the community irrespective of age, gender, academic ability, class, creed or ethnic background. To this end the school continues to provide and develop, in collaboration with social and global citizen education partners, comprehensive programmes of post-primary, further and adult education. The school aims to provide a respect within the community for all types of learning and personal achievement and is committed to developing in its students the necessary skills to become responsible global citizens in a participative and pluralist society.
In Coláiste Na Ríochta, we offer students the highest quality of education in a safe, caring and stimulating environment. Every student is a valued member of our school and while your child is with us, he/she will develop into a mature, happy, responsible young adult who is prepared to face the future with confidence. Through the provision of a comprehensive curriculum, we ensure that each student is given every opportunity to develop to his/her potential. The level of care and support for students in Coláiste Na Ríochta is a key feature of our school. The school has an excellent reputation in a wide range of curricular and extracurricular activities, all of which are facilitated by the personal dedication of our teachers and staff who strive to provide an excellent holistic education. At Coláiste Na Ríochta we believe academic success is borne out of hard work, determination and effort and these key elements have ensured the attainment of consistently high results. We work together in partnership with you, the parents/guardians, to provide the best education for your child.
Kerry Education & Training Board Our school is under the patronage of Kerry Education and Training Board. Kerry ETB aim to provide the highest quality educational experience for all students in line with the Department of Education and Skills ‘Looking at our Schools Quality Framework for Post-Primary Schools’ and the DES Digital Learning Framework.
‘Our primary and post primary schools are mixed gender, multidenominational and community based. Our approach to education is informed by the following core values: excellence, care and equality’. www.kerryetb.ie
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| Coláiste Na Ríochta Prospectus
Stephen Goulding Principal
Iseult Glynn Deputy Principal
Our Junior Cycle Programme (Three Year Programme)
The school offers a comprehensive and varied curriculum which provides students with a range of subjects that meet their needs and interests whilst also building a solid foundation for subject selection at senior cycle and career choice in the future. Subjects Studies at JC include; Core
Optional Subjects
English
Metalwork
Irish
Woodwork
Maths
Home Economics
Science
French
PE
Spanish
CSPE
Technical Graphics
SPHE
Art
Digital Literacy
Business Studies
Religion
History Geography
BEING LITERATE
COMMUNICATING
WORKING WITH OTHERS
MANAGING MYSELF
KEY SKILLS
BEING CREATIVE
STAYING WELL
MANAGING INFORMATION & THINKING BEING NUMERATE
The Framework for the new Junior Cycle program developed by the NCCA contains 24 statements of learning, underpinned by eight principles and 8 Key Skills. In Colaiste na Riochta we aim to ensure that all statements of learning, alongside the key skills feature in the programmes of all junior cycle students. Our Students study 9 subjects and two short courses (Digital Literacy & CSPE) at level 3 on the National Framework of Qualification (NFQ) as well as PE, SPHE and Religion.
The Junior Certificate School’s Programme In addition to the Junior Cycle programme above our students also participate in the JCSP. The Junior Certificate Schools Programme aims to provide a curriculum framework that assists schools and teachers in making the Junior Certificate more accessible to those young people who may leave school without formal qualifications. It attempts to help young people experience success and develop a positive self-image by providing a curriculum and assessment framework suitable to their needs. On completion of the programme students receive a profile which is an official record of their achievements from the Department of Education and Skills.
3rd Year Students receiving their JCSP profiles May 2019
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Our Senior Cycle Programme (Two Year Programme)
The Leaving Certificate course contains an additional programme known as the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP). The LCVP is the same as the established Leaving Certificate, but with the addition of two extra modules linked to the world of work and enterprise. The primary goal of the LCVP is to prepare young people for adult life by ensuring that they are educated in the broadest sense, with an ability to cope and thrive in an environment of rapid change. Participants in the programme are encouraged to develop skills and competencies fundamental to both academic and vocational success. Subjects Studies at LC include; Core
Optional Subjects
Irish
French
Biology
Spanish
Agricultural Science
Engineering
Computer Science
Art
History
Construction Studies
Geography
Home Economics
Design & Communication Graphics (DCG)
English Maths PE SPHE Religion Guidance and the Link Modules in the areas of Preparation for the World of Work and Enterprise Education (LCVP)
All students study 7 subjects for their Leaving Certificate and the two Link modules as part of the LCVP programme. All subject options are offered at all levels of ability; higher, ordinary and foundation (in the case of Maths & Irish only).
‘The board of management and Kerry ETB have successfully promoted the development of high-quality teaching and learning and progressive pedagogical practices among teachers.’ WSE Report 2016 4
| Coláiste Na Ríochta Prospectus
Special Education Needs In Colaiste na Riochta we endeavour to provide an inclusive education environment where all students are supported to reach their full potential. The SEN Dept. at Colaiste na Riochta works collaboratively and in confidentiality with students, parents and the school community to provide equality of opportunity and access for all students with additional needs. The aim of the SEN Department is to identify and support all students who have additional needs in the school and to provide an appropriate, coordinated, continuous and caring response to these needs as students’ progress through the school
Supports for mainstream students with Learning Difficulties/Special Educational Needs include but are not limited to:
One-to-one teaching
Small group resource
Team-Teaching in core subjects (Maths & English)
Assistive technology (where applicable)
SNA support (where applicable)
Reasonable accommodation for state exams
For Students with more complex learning needs we provide; At Junior Cycle-The Level 2 Learning Program
At Senior Cycle- The Leaving Certificate Applied Program
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 Learning Programmes are built around Priority Learning Units (PLUs) that develop the basic, social and pre-vocational skills of the students involved. In addition, students following L2LPs undertake 2 short courses which have also been aligned to Level 2 of the NFQ.
The Leaving Certificate Applied is structured around three main elements – Vocational Preparation, Vocational Education and General Education - which are interrelated and interdependent. This programme is characterised by educational experiences of an active, practical and student-centred nature. The fundamental goal of the Leaving Certificate Applied is to prepare Leaving Certificate participants for transition from the world of the school/centre to that of adult and working life
Our ASD Class (Le Cheile) The school also has an ASD unit to cater for the needs of children with Autism who are capable of integrating into mainstream classes. This unit, which we call, Le Cheile, can accommodate a maximum of 12 students and has a sensory room.
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Teaching & Learning In Colaiste na Riochta we have a highly committed teaching staff with strong subject and pedagogical knowledge who on a daily basis use a variety of evidence-informed methods and approaches to learning, including group and pair work and practices involving peer and self-evaluation. We encourage students to become more active and reflective learners and have high expectations of what each student can achieve. We encourage our students to work hard and to take responsibility for becoming independent and interdependent learners. Our school has a teaching and learning policy which is available on our website. It is evident from the policy that we are committed to the continuous professional development of our staff. Since 2009 our teachers have been involved in the ETBI Instructional Leadership programme; The programme endeavours to initiate and facilitate systemic change, across all levels of education, by specifically aiming to; •
Encourage teachers to consciously modify their instructional actions so as to maximise student learning
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Facilitate the conscious and deliberate utilisation of teacher actions – skills, tactics & strategies
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Foster an awareness of how a teacher’s actions can impact on student learning – motivation, novelty, authenticity, accountability safety
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Reacquaint teachers with the extent to which learning is affected by; diverse learning styles, multiple intelligences, ‘at risk environment’ etc
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Enhance classroom management Encourage / support review –individual / subject dept / school
In Colaiste na Riochta we aim to integrate ICT across the curricula allowing teachers and pupils to meet the objectives. We aspire to enable all students to be digitally literate and to be competent, responsible and safe users of the Internet. More information on this is available within the school’s ‘Digital Learning Plan’ available on our website.
Student Services Book Rental Scheme To assist with the expense of attending secondary school our school offers a Book Rental Scheme for a standard annual fee. Included in this fee, students receive all their books, a locker and a school journal at the beginning of each academic year. Laptop Rent to Buy Scheme From September 2019 all First Year students will be provided with an e-learning device for educational purposes only. The cost of this device is divided into an annual standard fee over the 5 years after which the student will own the device. This fee includes insurance & maintenance of the device. School Canteen The school canteen is run by The School Food Company. The canteen opens at 8.15am providing a free breakfast club to all students. The small break at 10.50am is also free to all students where they can avail of a small roll, piece of fruit and water. The canteen also caters for hot lunch-time dinners at a subsidised rate to students. Free Supervised Study/Homework Club We provide students with 1 hour of supervised after-school study Monday to Thursday which is free of charge.
www.instructionalleadership.ie/index. php/il-ireland/welcome
‘The quality of teaching & learning during the evaluation was very good with many instances of exemplary practice observed.’ WSE 2016 6
| Coláiste Na Ríochta Prospectus
Student Support Services
(Pastoral Care, Guidance & Counselling) At Colaiste na Riochta we place a great emphasis on student support. Listed below are the support programmes which are available to all students; • Year Head System • Guidance Counsellor • Health Education Co-ordinator • Home-School Liaison • Learning Support & Resource teaching for SEN students
School Diversity Mural painted by Students.
The school has a Student Support Team who meet weekly to coordinate the supports available for students in the school, to identify students who are at risk and review referral services and procedures etc. The Student Support Teams consist of the following staff members; • Principal • Deputy Principal • Guidance Counsellor & SPHE co-ordinator • Year Head • HSCL • School Completion Co-ordinator Our Guidance Counsellor endeavours to support all our students in their journey through secondary education. Their role involves counselling, providing information, educational guidance, career guidance, individual appointments and providing for the personal, educational and social development of all our students. Students therefore may wish to see the Guidance Counsellor for educational guidance, career guidance or for personal counselling
‘When a school flies the Shield Flag it shows the local community that the school is proactive on the issue of bullying and has taken an evidenceinformed approach to the management and prevention of bullying.’ www.ispcc.ie
Student Council 2019
Student Council The Student Council is democratically elected annually with representatives from each Year group. It acts as a representative body for all students in Colaiste na Riochta. The Council are the voice of the students and their mandate is working for a better school for all students both present and future. The Student Council provides an important forum for the views of the students of Colaiste na Riochta to be heard. It is a vital communication link generating good relations between students, staff and management and improves the general school atmosphere, condition and facilities.
2nd Year students of Colaiste na Riochta are pictured here receiving the Antibullying Shield flag from Shellie Murnane of the ISPCC along with their teacher, Ms. Mary Dowling, and Deputy Principal, Ms. Iseult Glynn in April 2018.
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Co-Curricular & Extracurricular Activities As a community school, students are encouraged to view the world around them and appreciate the contribution they can make throughout their school life and beyond. As part of this, students are encouraged to get involved in many competitions, sports, programmes, charitable and fundraising activities throughout the year including: An Bord Bia’s Listowel Food Fair Competition Green School’s Programme
Our school was awarded the Diplomatic Passport in Global Citizenship Education for the students’ work in Celebrating Diversity with the Yellow Flag , promoting sustainable consumption through less plastics in the school and connecting with the Global South including South Africa, Peru and Mexico. Achieved in April 2019.
School’s Digital Champion Programme WorldWise Global Schools Programme IT Tralee & Trinity College Access 21 programme Hope Christmas Shoebox Appeal Schools Business Partnership Programme Drama Club-School Plays Kerry ETB Christmas Card Competition Credit Union Art Competition Irish Pilgrimage Trust Programme Coding Club
Our school was awarded its 2nd Green School Flag for the theme of Energy in May 2019
Listowel Writer’s Week Young Adult Bookfest Yellow Flag Equality & Diversity Programme Vex Robotics Competition SciFest JCSP Make a Book UCC Plus Programme BT Young Scientist Competition Girls & Boys Gaelic Football Girls & Boys Football Athletics Girls & Boys Basketball Kerry ETB Rich Tasks Inter-sports competitions Fundraising for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland Kerry Comhairle na Nog
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| Coláiste Na Ríochta Prospectus
“There is a clear student-centred focus to all initiatives in the school which is driven by the board of management and Kerry ETB, and led by senior management and staff.” WSE Report 2016
STEM
(Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths play an increasingly important role in the world today. Engaging students by enabling them to understand the critical role of STEM subjects will develop their confidence and encourage more young people to take science, technology, engineering and maths subjects both in school and at third level. This will help our students to access the growing number of jobs becoming available within the technology sector. Our STEM programme focuses on giving students practical hands on experience of various technologies, on developing their technological vocabulary and facilitating their understanding of topical technological issues. As a result of their participation on this programme it is envisaged that students would engage in scientific, engineering and technological projects and competitions that will broaden their knowledge base and develop their communication skills, vocabulary and confidence within the key areas of STEM.
Our 5th Year Students won the Kerry Schools Vex Robotics Competition in 2019
In 2018 Colaiste na Riochta was chosen by the Department of Education and Skills to pilot the new Leaving Certificate subject of Computer Science. We are the only school in Kerry to offer this subject which will be first examined in June 2020.
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Drama –School Plays Colaiste na Riochta has a very active drama group which is run by the English department within the school. The students are very dedicated and rehearse every Wednesday for an hour after school. Each year the drama group perform a play in St. John’s theatre in Listowel, they perform matinee productions for the local primary schools and an evening performance for parents, teachers and fellow students. Plays which they have performed include; ‘Betwixt and Between’ by M.J. Ginnelly and The Grinch based on the book by Dr. Seuss.
Sport Colaiste na Riochta has access to a fully equipped state of the art sports hall, a Gaelic/soccer pitch as well as a gym. The school has numerous teams that engage in a range of sports, including football, soccer, basketball, spikeball and athletics. We have a wide curriculum in our PE syllabus including swimming lessons for 1st and 2nd year students. Lunchtime activities are also planned across the week to meet the interests of all students. We believe that participation in a sound extracurricular programme contributes to the development of health and happiness, physical skills, emotional maturity, social competence and moral values.
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| Coláiste Na Ríochta Prospectus
School Tours Many teachers in Colaiste na Riochta organise trips throughout the year to further enhance students learning and understanding of the curriculum, examples of such trips include; The National Ploughing Championships for our Ag. Science class, Irish trips to Dingle and the Aran Islands, Geography trips to Killarney National Park & Ailwee Caves. As well as these co-curricular trips, we also organise an annual Christmas ice-skating trip and every 2nd year we alternate a school tour to either Cappanalea Adventure Centre or European destinations such as Paris, London and Barcelona.
“As a school we believe that extra-curricular opportunities are positive experiences that contribute to the well-being and happiness of our students here in Colaiste na Riochta.” Iseult Glynn, Deputy Principal
London 2017
Barcelona 2019
“Students who participate in our school tours develop skills such as teamwork, leadership and time-management. They also further develop their social skills, forming new friendships whilst also benefiting from a new cultural experience.” Iseult Glynn, Deputy Principal 11
Coláiste Na Ríochta A Post Primary Co-Educational School Upper Church Street, Listowel, County Kerry, Ireland. Phone: +353 (0) 68 21023 Fax: +353 (0) 68 21361 info@colaistenariochta.ie www.colaistenariochta.ie
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| Coláiste Na Ríochta Prospectus