guidence policy - our lady's bower€¦ · guidence policy beartas treoir ghairme ... study...

Guidence Policy Beartas Treoir Ghairme

Our Lady’s Bower An Grianán Mhuire

1

Under the terms of the Education Act 1998, all schools are required to “ensure

that all students have access to appropriate guidance to assist them in

educational and career choices” (Section 9 (c) of the Education Act 1998).

Guidance refers to a range of learning experiences provided in a developmental

sequence that assist pupils to make choices about their lives and to make

transitions as a result of these choices. The main role of the guidance service in

schools is to assist students in their development of three separate, but

interlinked areas of personal and social development, educational guidance and

career guidance (Review of Guidance in Second Level Schools, Sept 2006, p.5).

Scope

This guidance plan is designed specifically for Our Lady’s Bower. Our Lady’s

Bower is a Voluntary Secondary School. It was established by the sisters of La

Sainte Union des Sacre Coeurs. The school is an all-girls school with 692 students

(Sept 2017). This plan addresses the guidance needs of all students at all levels

within our school

Rationale

This policy is being drafted to provide a framework within which a guidance and

counselling at Our Lady’s Bower will be implemented. In the course of their lives,

students will be faced with the need to make significant and informed decisions.

This Guidance plan refers to the ‘subject’ guidance as it is delivered to our

students cognisant of their needs and available resources.

The whole school guidance plan is a structured document that describes the

school guidance programme and specifies how the guidance needs of students

are to be addressed. It includes reference to personal counselling, an integral

component of the work of the Guidance Counsellor.

Guidance Policy Beartas Treoir Ghairme Our Lady’s Bower

An Grianán Mhuire

In accordance with section 9(c) of the Act, guidance in this school is regarded as

a whole school activity. Every effort will be made to ensure that all students have

access to guidance activities and resources which enable students to make

choices (personal & social, educational and career) about their lives which

facilitate students to make successful transitions based on these choices.

Aim

The aims of the Guidance Plan are to encourage students to:

acquire the relevant knowledge, skills and attitudes that contribute to

effective learning in school and across the life span.

develop self awareness and an acceptance of their individual strengths

and weaknesses and those of their peers

identify and explore opportunities

grow in independence and take responsibility for themselves

make informed choices about their lives and follow through on these

choices

acquire the competency to consult the Guidance Counsellor and staff with

regard to personal and educational concerns

Relationship to the Schools Mission Statement

The Mission Statement of Our Lady’s Bower reads as follows: “Our Lady’s Bower

aims to provide an education which is firmly Christian. Within this caring

community we endeavour to develop the spiritual, intellectual, artistic, moral

and social capacity of all our students. The school motto” Each for all and all for

God “is the framework within which everyday life at our school is lived.

The Guidance plan reflects this for the individual, in its student centred holistic

approach. The enhancement of self-esteem and life skills and the development of

potential - academic, personal and emotional - leading to greater personal

autonomy for all students are its central goals.


An Grianán Mhuire

What is Guidance

The term “guidance” is synonymous with the terms “guidance counselling” and

“guidance & counselling”. Guidance in a range of learning experiences provided

in a developmental sequence, designed to assist students to make choices about

their lives and to make changes consequent on these choices. These choices may

be categorised into three separate but interlinked areas:

Personal Counselling aims to help the students understand their personal

reality in a safe and supportive environment so that she will be able to realise

their potential. It is offered on and individual or group basis. Counselling aims to

assist students explore their thoughts and feelings, in a caring way appropriate

to the individual’s needs, while they are learning to manage the various

challenges and developments associated with growing and changing. Great

emphasis is placed on raising and enhancing pupils self-esteem. An

interdisciplinary approach is adopted. Teaching and support personnel from a

number of departments collaborate and liaise with pupils in addressing this

objective.

Counselling can only be effective when student feels secure and understood and

where confidentiality is guaranteed except in cases where students may be at

risk or where there is on-going neglect or abuse. Individual counselling however,

can only take place at the request of the student and whereby she is willing to

participate.

Group Counselling may be offered under the direction of the Counsellor or

another qualified adult so that students may support each other and feel less

isolated and so that the guidance service may reach a larger population of

students. Depending on the context and the group this can be the most effective

form of counselling for individuals because they can learn that they are not alone

in their experience.


An Grianán Mhuire

Peer Counselling involves students taking a helping role with other students

under the supervision of the Guidance Counsellor and with the permission of the

year head and principal.

Educational Guidance is developmental in nature and involves empowering

students in the area of subject choice/level, study and examination skills and

involves consulting parents about related matters.

Career Guidance involves empowering students to recognise their talents and

abilities and to enable them to make informed choices and take responsibility for

their own futures.

Personnel involved in planning the guidance programme

The school has one qualified Guidance Counsellor

The Guidance Counsellor consults with the following key personnel in relation to

the development and evaluation of the programme:

School Management:

Are responsible for the provision and practice of Guidance in the School

They aim to ensure that Guidance Counsellor’s allocation is used for the

purpose of Guidance and Counselling.

Consult with staff on Guidance Plan (See Appendice1 on planning Day

Sept 2011, Planning 2013/14 ,14/15/16)

Ensure that there are facilities/resources for Guidance

Whole School Approach to Guidance


An Grianán Mhuire

Subject Teachers:

Individual teachers may be sought out by students on an informal basis

for advice and information.

Subject teachers play a role in providing students with advice and

information related to their subject disciplines and advise students in

relation to subject levels in their own subject areas.

Parents/Guardians:

Parents/Guardians can participate in the guidance process through consultation

with the Guidance Counsellor and other school staff, attendance at relevant

information meetings/Parent-Teacher Meetings and by supporting the schools

Guidance Programme.

Students:

Students will be encouraged to contribute to the Guidance process by

participating in the activities of the school’s guidance programme. They will be

encouraged to avail of the support services available in the school.

Local Community:

Various organisations to include Youthreach, National Learning Network, St

Hilda’s Adult Training Centre, Athlone Institute of Technology and other agencies

in the community may be a source of information and support for the girls. Links

are established with these agencies to form positive working relationships to

accommodate students with work experience placement, work shadowing etc.

Outside Agencies/Bodies:

The guidance department will use outside agencies to consult on referrals, to

assist and support students referred to them, to o augment and enhance the

guidance service on offer in the school, to advise the guidance personnel on

procedures and approaches relating to individual cases and to seek support and

advice in relation to guidance planning in the school


An Grianán Mhuire

Guidance Curriculum

Formal Guidance

The Formal Guidance curriculum is delivered using two forms of intervention

employing a number of methodologies:

1. Individual contact of a personal counselling nature and

careers/vocational guidance which recognises the uniqueness of the

individual

2. Classroom guidance is delivered so that general information may be

shared. It gives an opportunity to encourage the students to engage in

self-directed learning and to affirm the schools policies in the area of

guidance.

Informal Guidance

The Informal Guidance programme consists of liaising with other teaching

staff/management to promote and enhance the development of a whole school

policy in relation to the delivery of The Guidance Plan. Meetings with

Parents/Guardians form an integral part of informal guidance. Contact details for

the Guidance Counsellors are regularly issued to all students and parents are

invited to visit the school whenever the need arises.

The Guidance Programme

(A) Junior Cycle (Wellbeing Programme 2017/18))

First Years

In accordance with guidelines for new Wellbeing programme Guidance will be

delivered in conjunction with SPHE classes. This to be agreed with SPHE Co-

ordinator following CPD

Induction Night


An Grianán Mhuire

Early school return for 1st year students focusing on familiarisation with the

new school environment. Liaison as needed during the early transition of first

years from primary to secondary school with a focus on

Introduction to pastoral care system

Introduction to the guidance department

Mentoring system with students from 6th year (Big Sister Little Sister)

CAT4 testing

Review of Subject Choice as required/requested

Regular consultation with year heads and class teachers to monitor how

students are adjusting to second level

One to one Counselling from the Guidance Team, for students regarding

subject choice or personal counselling as required (Referral Form App 2)

Objectives

To manage the transition from Primary to Secondary school and to meet

the requirements Wellbeing programme.

To support students who find the transition from Primary to Secondary

difficult.


An Grianán Mhuire

To identify those who need help academically through psychometric

testing. (CAT4)

To help students to acquire the competency to consult with the Guidance

Counsellor and Pastoral Care staff with regard to personal and

educational concerns .

To monitor all students progress academically and developmentally.

Attendance at Parent Teacher Meeting

Study skills – organisation, methods and time management are done in

cooperation with SPHE Teachers.

Second Years

Individual guidance is available from the Guidance Counsellor, for any

student requesting it or referred by teachers.

Study skills seminar, timetabling and exam techniques in conjunction

with Parents Association.

On-going liaison throughout the year between Guidance Counsellor,

principal, yearhead and class teachers.

Third Years

Liaise with yearhead and class teachers

Counselling service available through referral from Year Head (Referral

Form App 2)

Attendance at Parent/Teacher Meeting

Liaise with staff to facilitate presentations to parents and students of

options on offer for students after Junior Certificate


An Grianán Mhuire

Individual interviews optional for students to discuss options on request

Class presentations on subject choice and subject level for students.

Individual subject choice appointments by arrangement.

Development of self-concept heightening awareness of skills, interests,

potential. This covered in cooperation with the schools SPHE Programme

(B)Senior Cycle

Transition Year

Individual counselling/guidance meetings available on request or by

referral. All TYs are expected to make at least one career appointment for

subject choice. (Subject Choice Form - appendix 3)

Guidance Counsellor timetabled for two 40 minute time periods per week

for three TY Groups. Programme includes. (Refer to TY Plan)

Aptitude Testing

Preparation of a CV

Identify skills, personal qualities, interest and matching with career areas

Subject choice for Leaving Certificate

Introduction to Qualifax, Careers Portal, CAO. Careers on internet

Work Experience- preparation for world of work, letter of application,

feedback on Work Experience

Power point presentation based on students career projects.

Class presentations on Work Experience

Health and Safety in the workplace

Interview skills

Mock Interviews

Open Days and Open Day Policy (See appendix 4)

Visits to local enterprises (LCVP)

CAT4 Test and individual feedback to students and parents


An Grianán Mhuire

Fifth Year

Individual counselling/guidance meetings available on request or by

referral.

LCVP students gain exposure to careers through LCVP Programme

Students are introduced to the world of work

Rights and responsibilities in employment

Applying for jobs e.g. CV preparation, application form preparation,

interview preparation etc.

Career Investigation

Review of subject options

Career information classes and career counselling as requested.

Study Skills and goal setting (in conjunction with Parents Association)

Provide information as regard career talks/visiting speakers.

Introduce students to career websites eg.Qualifax Careers Portal, CAO,

FÁS

Use of career library and computer room and prospectus.

Individual career Interviews as requested.

Advice on Open Days

Attendance at parent Teacher meetings.

Objectives

To help each individual student achieve his/her full potential.

To assist students in investigating career choices

To monitor all students progress developmentally and academically.

Sixth Year


An Grianán Mhuire

Guidance Counsellors are timetabled for one weekly career class. LCVP

students gain exposure to careers during LCVP class. All sixth years have

at least one individual career appointment with subsequent appointments

on request. (See Career interview form Appendix 5)

Informing students on Open Days

On-going liaison between students and Guidance Counsellor re subjects

choices and levels

Goals, Study Time Management, Note-taking and Study skills

Review of subject levels and implications for points, college requirements

and other career options.

Applying to college in UK - U.C.A.S Application

Class presentation on how to complete and apply to the C.A.O

Post Leaving Certificate Courses, Apprenticeships, Third Level Courses

Research college courses using Qualifax, careerdirections, careers portal

Guest Speakers from relevant colleges

Grants: Discuss grants available to student’s

DARE/HEAR applications( Are given extra help /attention)

Interview skills

Coping with change, skills on how to live away from home.

World of work-what employers expect and also the rights and

entitlements of workers.

Change of Mind/ Offers and Acceptances of places

Individual personal counselling on referral

Stress Management and Relaxation classes for 6th Years

Attendance at Parent Teacher meetings

A PsychologicalTesting

Key Elements of Our Lady’s Bower Guidance Plan


An Grianán Mhuire

A range of assessment tools are used in the Guidance Programme to supplement

academic and teacher reports.

1stYears

CAT 4 tests are administered in September, after students have made the

transition to secondary school. Its purpose is to identify any difficulties specific

students may be experiencing, to identify students who may be

underperforming, student’s level of functioning etc. Results are made available to

school management, learning support/resource teachers, parents and class

teachers on request.

Intending 5th year students

Differential Aptitude Tests (DAT) are administered. (CAT4 from

September2014) The DATS are administered during the second term in advance

of subject choice and are machine scored. The DATS results (CAT4 March 2015)

are returned to students on an individual basis by the Guidance Counsellor in the

context of an interview. Results made available to Principal and Deputy Principal.

Results are supplied to support students seeking Reasonable Accommodations.

Senior Cycle students

Interest tests are administered during the year.

All students

The WRAT 4 is used for the purposes of learning support to identify students

who may be having difficulties and also in assisting students who may be

applying for reasonable accommodations in the state exams. DATS (CAT4)

results are supplied to learning support Teachers on request.

B Subject Choice Policy

First year students


An Grianán Mhuire

Make their subject choice prior to arrival at Our Lady’s Bower, the Guidance

Counsellor makes a presentation on Open Night and parents are issued with

subject choice information handouts. The year head and subject teachers also

advise students in relation to subject choice.

Intending Senior Cycle Students

An information night with power point presentation is held in March for both

parents and students to provide information on senior cycle programmes and

subject choice, Subject choice analysis given to school management.

All students

Are advised to make an appointment at guidance office to discuss implications of

their subjects choices, eg. when changing levels, dropping subjects, in particular

affect on third level course choice etc

C Career Appointments Policy

6th year students

All appointments are arranged .

The majority of sixth years are scheduled for a first appointment during their

non exam subject classes. This is done in agreement with colleagues. Arranged

early in first term.

Remaining students arrange a career appointment and are requested to notify

their teachers in advance where they are absent from class. Permission slips are

issued.

UCAS applicants prioritised before Oct 15 deadline

Assistance given with personal statements and references on request.

All students are expected to have at least one appointment.

Subject teachers may refuse the student permission to leave class. In this case

the appointment is rescheduled.


An Grianán Mhuire

Students applying under DARE or HEAR (disability or disadvantage) scheme are

given extra attention.

Advice on personal statements and references.

Career Interviews will typically include the following and outlined in

newsletter

Analysis of DATS/CAT4

Analysis of Career Inventory

Third level choices/options.

LC Points prediction and monitoring of academic progress. Contact with colleges

where students have specific queries.

Intending fifth year students (subject choice)

Are scheduled for career appointments after Feb 1 CAO deadline and subject

choice appointments.

Appointments all other students

Will be on request or referral only

D Personal Counselling and Referrals Policy

The Principal, Deputy, Principal, Year Heads and Class Teachers play a central

role in the delivery of personal counselling. Personal Counselling appointments

arise through the schools referral policy


An Grianán Mhuire

A student may be referred to the Guidance Team by Principal or

Deputy Principal

A student may be referred to the Guidance Counsellor by a Teacher

through Year Head

A parent may ask for some intervention by the Guidance

Counsellor

A student may approach the Guidance Counsellor directly and ask

for an appointment

In all cases a referrals form is completed in advance of any personal counselling

appointment. Notes are recorded for all counselling appointments.

Counselling has as its objective the empowerment of students so that they can

make decisions, solve problems, address behavioural issues, develop coping

strategies and resolve difficulties they may be experiencing. The school anti

bullying policy is facilitated.

Personal counselling appointments are arranged as soon as possible within time

constraints. Permission for class absence is sought through issue of permission

slip (see attached app 6) in advance of appointment.

Meetings with Parents

Where Parents/Guardians wish to make an appointment they may do so by

contacting the school. The Guidance Counsellor or another member of staff may

be asked to be present e.g. Year Head or subject teacher. The student may be

invited to attend all or some of the meeting with the approval of the

parent/guardian. This gives the student responsibility and inclusion in the

meeting’s outcome. Notes are kept.

Confidentiality


An Grianán Mhuire

A professional relationship involving confidentiality is at the core of guidance

counselling. The Guidance Team take all reasonable steps to ensure that

consultation with students takes place in an appropriately private environment.

The Institute of Guidance Counsellors Code of Ethics is observed. Students are

informed about their legal limits on confidentiality. Written and oral reports

contain only such data as are pertinent. Every effort will be made to avoid undue

invasion of the students’ privacy.

This policy acknowledges that Guidance is a whole school issue and as such it is

the responsibility of all staff (in accordance with child protection policy) of the

school to adhere to the Child Protection Guidelines The Guidance Department

report their concerns about a child to the Designated Liaison Person, in our case

the school Principal Mr Noel Casey or in the event of his absence Deputy

Principal Ms Anne Beades

E Open Days Policy

Students are encouraged and facilitated to attend Open Days. Attendance forms

an important part of their research for third level course choices.

All sixth years are accompanied to Higher Options conference in September each

year.

Interested Senior Cycle Students are accompanied to Local Institute of

Technology (AIT) Open Day.

For other open days students make their own arrangements.

Students are advised to attend Open Days on Saturday where possible.

Where students wish to attend on school days they are requested to sign an open

day permission slip and return to Year Head


An Grianán Mhuire

Miscellaneous

Care Team

Weekly meeting

Visiting Speakers ( third level options and pastoral care)

Admissions officers from major colleges are invited to give talks to senior class

groups over the course of the year. Colleagues are notified via careers board in

staff room. Talks are arranged so as to minimise disruption and loss of time to

any one subject

Other speakers are arranged subject to demand and in consultation with

students, staff and management. eg. AWARE Beat the Blues Programme

Record keeping Procedures

Records of all personal counselling and careers/vocational guidance interviews

are maintained. Individual files are maintained and updated as necessary.

Study Skills Programme

This is offered to all 2nd and 5th year students and is arranged by the Guidance

Counsellor in conjunction with the Parents Association.

Continual Professional Development (CPD)

To maintain qualified membership of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors a

member must complete 10 hours of in-service training annually. (IGC

Constitution and Code of Ethics 2004). Attendance at Institute of Guidance

Counsellors branch meetings and counselling supervision is facilitated through

timetabling.

On-going training and in-service is availed of where opportunities arise


An Grianán Mhuire

Careers library

The careers library contains current Irish and UK prospectuses as well as a range

of careers related publications. All books may be borrowed from Guidance

Counsellor’s office and school library.

Careers Newsletters

Senior students and their parents receive twelve newsletters over the course of

the year. Included are details on

Important Deadlines/Closing Dates

Open days

Career events

Visiting speakers

Seeking exemptions from Irish /Third language. NUI requirements

New course developments

CAO /UCAS / PLC applications/Points system

Scholarships

Accommodation for college

HPAT

AIT Second Level Maths Initiative

Access (Higher Education Access Route)

Disability Access Route to Education

Careers on School website

Careers section maintained and updated on website

Careers Notice Board

Centrally located and updated weekly. Incoming mail analysed.


An Grianán Mhuire

Destinations

Destinations of leaving certificate students are recorded annually, the vast

majority progress to third level.

Guidance Timetabling (contact hours) 2014/2015

E Hardiman

Sixth Year 3 groups 1 class per week

TY T1 and T2 1 class per week

Reviewing and Evaluating the Draft Plan.

Critical reflection and evaluation is a very important part of the school Guidance

Programme. It is necessary to review the plan in order to measure the strengths

and weaknesses of guidance within the school and to assess whether it is

meeting the needs of the students. It is also important to employ strategies for a

whole school approach to guidance. The plan will therefore be reviewed on an

ongoing basis. Feedback will be received from students, parents and staff in

relation to the effectiveness of the school’s guidance programme.

guidence policy - our lady's bower€¦ · guidence policy beartas treoir ghairme ... study...

Documents