coláiste na ríochtautilisation of teacher actions – skills, tactics & strategies • foster...

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Coláiste Na RíochtaA Post Primary Co-Educational School

www.colaistenariochta.ie

2 | Coláiste Na Ríochta Prospectus

Message from the Principal

Dear Parent,

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.

School Mission StatementColáiste 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.

Kerry Education & Training BoardOur 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

Stephen GouldingPrincipal

Iseult GlynnDeputy Principal

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The Junior Certificate School’s ProgrammeIn 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

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

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.

MANAGING MYSELF

BEINGCREATIVE MANAGING

INFORMATION& THINKING

STAYINGWELL

COMMUNICATING

BEINGLITERATE

BEINGNUMERATE

WORKING WITH

OTHERSKEY

SKILLS


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.

‘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

Subjects Studies at LC include;

Core

Irish

English

Maths

PE

SPHE

Religion

Guidance and the Link Modules in the areas of Preparation for the World of Work and Enterprise Education (LCVP)

Optional Subjects

French Biology

Spanish Agricultural Science

Engineering Computer Science

Art History

Construction Studies Geography

Home Economics Design & Communication Graphics (DCG)

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).

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Special Education NeedsIn 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

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.

For Students with more complex learning needs we provide;

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

At Senior Cycle- The Leaving Certificate Applied Program

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

At Junior Cycle-The Level 2 Learning 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.


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 ServicesBook Rental SchemeTo 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 SchemeFrom 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 CanteenThe 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 ClubWe provide students with 1 hour of supervised after-school study Monday to Thursday which is free of charge.

Teaching & LearningIn 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

• Facilitate the conscious and deliberate utilisation of teacher actions – skills, tactics & strategies

• Foster an awareness of how a teacher’s actions can impact on student learning – motivation, novelty, authenticity, accountability safety

• Reacquaint teachers with the extent to which learning is affected by; diverse learning styles, multiple intelligences, ‘at risk environment’ etc

• Enhance classroom management Encourage / support review –individual / subject dept / school

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

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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

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

2nd Year students of Colaiste na Riochta are pictured here receiving the Anti-bullying Shield flag from Shellie Murnane of the ISPCC along with their teacher, Ms. Mary Dowling, and Deputy Principal, Ms. Iseult Glynn in April 2018.

Student CouncilThe 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.

‘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 evidence-informed approach to the management and prevention of bullying.’ www.ispcc.ie

School Diversity Mural painted by Students.

Student Council 2019


Co-Curricular & Extracurricular ActivitiesAs 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

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

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

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.

Our school was awarded its 2nd Green School Flag for the theme of Energy in May 2019

“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

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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.


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 extra-curricular programme contributes to the development of health and happiness, physical skills, emotional maturity, social competence and moral values.

Drama –School PlaysColaiste 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.

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School ToursMany 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 Barcelona 2019

London 2017

“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


Coláiste Na RíochtaA Post Primary Co-Educational School

Upper Church Street,

Listowel, County Kerry, Ireland.

Phone: +353 (0) 68 21023

Fax: +353 (0) 68 21361

[email protected]

www.colaistenariochta.ie

coláiste na ríochtautilisation of teacher actions – skills, tactics & strategies • foster...

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