PROSPECTUS - Largy College 2023/24

WELCOME

Largy College is a co-educational school delivering educational excellence to the community of Clones and surrounding areas.

Our school is committed to delivering a high quality education and adopts a holistic approach to the education of each student in our care.

Largy College offers a wide and varied range of programmes at both Junior and Leaving Certificate level. Alongside the traditional Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate, at which we excel, we offer both LCA and JCSP programmes to those who wish to pursue an alternative path.

A committed and dedicated staff encourages every student to reach his/her full potential in every aspect of school life. In addition, students are encouraged to take as many higher level subjects as appropriate.

Largy College is a thriving centre for education. We work closely with the local community and other agencies to foster the development of the individual and collective talents of all students and staff. This is achieved in a safe, state of the art and nurturing environment with the aim of developing each student into a well rounded, responsible and educated individual.

Sharon Magennis Principal

Our Mission

In order to meet the needs of our diverse student population, our school strives to attain high academic achievement and personal, spiritual growth.

This is accomplished through cooperation between school, community, parents, teachers and students. We foster a school climate that is safe and supportive of individual students, enabling them to succeed in our ever-changing world.

“Nurturing the Individual.”

Pastoral Care

Largy College supports the contribution made by each member of the school community in helping us to realise our school mission. We:

• place a particular emphasis on valuing and developing the talents of every student under our care, in particular the disadvantaged and marginalised.

• acknowledge and support each person’s role in the school community.

• promote an environment which nurtures the learning and teaching relationship between student and teacher.

Largy College views the development of positive self-esteem as essential for students. The care and wellbeing of students is supported by our Pastoral Team which includes the Chaplain and the HSCLO.

The role of the school Chaplain is to create an environment within the school where the student's spiritual and emotional well-being is cared for.

Our Home-School Community Liaison Officer HSCLO promotes the active co-operation between home school and the local community. Education can thrive when everyone works together.

Supporting Our Students

Largy College recognises the importance of assisting students in making smart choices –choices that will affect their futures. The Guidance Counsellor works with all year groups and is involved in classroom activities, one-to-one counselling, career planning, assessment of educational and vocational abilities, alongside other related supports.

The Guidance Counsellor works with all senior students on an individual basis, working on study plans, college applications and access programme applications.

School Functions and Meetings

Meetings are held for all year groups. There are various functions and meetings during the year for parents/guardians and good advance notice is given for such events.

The following are examples of what can take place during the year:

• Open Evening for prospective parents

• Parent/guardian – teacher meetings

• Information Evening on Senior Cycle options

• Careers Information Evening for 6th Year students and parents/ guardians

• Graduation Ceremony

School Curriculum

Largy College follows the curriculum set down by the Department of Education & Skills, which may be amended from time to time in accordance with the Education Acts 1998 & 2000.

Junior Cycle – 3 Years

English Engineering

Irish Wood technology

Maths Graphics

Science History

French Geography

Home Economics Art

Business Studies

Music

Wellbeing Digital Literacy/ I.T

Religious Education (non-exam) SPHE (non-exam)

Physical Education (non-exam) CSPE (non-exam)

Transition Year - 1 Year

Transition year is a compulsory programme for students entering senior cycle. There is a good balance in the programme between the academic and the practical dimensions.

In recent years, our students have experienced the following:

• Young Social Innovators (Y.S.I)

• Concern Debating competition

• Outdoor pursuits (activities)

• Links with community and voluntary organisations

Additional Education Needs

While our mainstream teachers hold responsibility for the learning and teaching within the classroom, the Special Education Co-ordinator and her team have additional resources available to offer more specialised support when needed.

This support can be offered on an individual, smallgroup, in-class or whole-class basis. Special Needs’ Assistants offer other support to individual students and are an important part of the learning support team.

“A Positive Learning Community.”

Senior Cycle – 2 Years

Art, Craft & Design

Biology

Home Economics

Maths

Business Physics

Chemistry

Construction Studies

Geography

Design & Communication Graphics

English Music

French Engineering

Gaeilge Physical Education (non-exam)

History Religious Education (non-exam)

Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme

This is an enhanced programme offered alongside the traditional Leaving Certificate. The programme combines the virtues of academic study with a new and dynamic focus on self-directed learning, enterprise, work and the community. It is a two-year programme, and it is offered as a subject in Largy College.

In recent years, the status of this programme has been enhanced as it is now accepted by the NUI and the Institutes of Technology towards the awarding of college points.

Extra-Curricular

Largy College provides a wide range of extracurricular activities for all our students. These include:

• Girls’ and Boys’ Gaelic Football

• Athletics

• Futsol Blitz

• Basketball

• Handball

• Charity Fundraising

• Various Subject Competitions

• School Tours

• Public Speaking and Debating

• Annual Christmas Concert

• Whole School Table Quiz

Parents’ Association

The Parents’ Association is an active and vibrant feature of the school community.

Membership of the association is open to the parents/ guardians of all students attending the school.

“Creating a caring community.”

“Excellence in Teaching and Development.”

State of the Art Facilities

Students at Largy College benefit from modern, educational and recreational facilities including:

• 2 multi-media rooms (computer rooms)

• 1 computer suite for CAD

• Comprehensive school library

• Fully equipped Home Economics kitchen

• Dress Design Room

• 3 Science Laboratories

Leaving Certificate Applied

The Leaving Certificate Applied is a distinct, self-contained, two-year Leaving Certificate programme aimed at preparing students for adult and working life.

The programme sets out to recognise the talents of all students and to provide opportunities for developing personal responsibility, self-esteem and self-knowledge.

The programme focuses on the talents of each student and helps students apply what they learn to the real world. All LCA students benefit from the one day per week work experience programme.

Canteen

Largy College offers excellent canteen facilities with a wide variety of healthy eating options available.

• Career Guidance Office

• Fully equipped Art Room

• Resource Classrooms

• Sports’ Hall and refurbished Gym

• Choir Room with a stage

• Fully wheelchair accessible.

Students’ Council

Under the guidance of dedicated staff, who work closely with students, we promote the ability to think independently and to lead in our entire student body. We afford them the opportunity to become active citizens in their own school. The council gives students an active voice and platform in the decision making of our school.

Pedal Energy:

The school recently held a Pedal Energy day to build awareness of climate change, energy efficiency and sustainability in conjunction with the Green Schools Programme.

Green Schools

Largy College have achieved three green flags. This was a mammoth feat as it required a whole school effort in the area of reducing litter and recycling. New bins are in place to facilitate the correct separation of waste and this process is monitored daily with the help and assistance of the student body and the caretaking staff.

6th Year Prefects - 2023

Transition Year Programme

Transition Year provides a unique opportunity for students to get a broad educational experience, with a view to increasing the students’ maturity before they proceed to further study and/or vocational preparation.

Traditionally, students have taken part in Young Social Innovators, BT Young Scientist, Scifest, Concern Debating, Gaisce, Architects in Schools’ Programme, Houses of the Oireachtas TY Work Experience Programme, Student Enterprise Awards, The Royal College of Surgeons, TY Mini-Med Programme, Road Safety Awareness Programme, RTÉ Transition Year Work Experience Programme, Largy College Dragons Den Competition, Solicitors of the Future, Work Experience Programme, TU Dublin Science of Food Camp, Peer Tutoring, The National Gallery of Ireland TY Work Experience Programme, Junk Kouture and GAA Future Leaders Programme.

Young Social Innovators team, 2023, category award winners – ‘Making Our World better for Young People’

School trips are organised to places like; Tanagh Outdoor Education Centre, Dundonald ice-skating & bowling, Cuilcagh and The Marble Arch Caves, Workshops at Microsoft Dream Space, Road Safety Awareness Programme hosted by Road Safety Ireland and an overseas trip.

Among the many achievements of our Transition Year Students at national level:

• Concern Debating National winners x 3 (Finalists – 4 times)

• Young Social Innovators – Gold Award winners in 2015 & 2017. Silver Award winners in 2019.

• Category Award winners in 2023.

Transition Year Students Ice Skating

Transition Year Students 2022/2023 – Italy Tour Road Safety Awareness

Transition Year Students on Outdoor Pursuits

Largy College PE and Sport

The PE department in Largy College offers pupils the opportunity to experience a diverse range of activities which enables pupils to fully develop their range of physical, analytical and social skills.

Over the course of their school life students will develop lifelong skills and a knowledge in all strands of PE. These include:

• Gymnastics, Dance, Net and Field Games, Invasion Games, Outdoor Adventure and Athletics.

5km Run

Largy College organises an annual 5km Run which is always a huge success, giving great enjoyment to both staff and students. Money raised from the 5km runs has regularly been invested in upgrading our gym facilities to reflect the most modern practices. This new equipment will enhance all aspects of fitness, including strength and conditioning.

Soccer

The School is affiliated to the FAI Schools Ulster Branch and both boys’ and girls’ soccer teams have competed in competitive age groups in Ulster Cup and League competitions in the 2022/23 season.

Our U-17 Boys’ and 1st Year teams reached their respective Ulster finals, while the Senior boys’ won their league, the Ulster division and went all the way to the All-Ireland semi-final with some convincing and comprehensive wins. Our 1st Year boys team won the Ulster Cup in September 2023. A special congratulations to Sarah McCaffrey, TY, who is currently representing the Irish National team, while a number of other students currently train with, and play for, the Dundalk FC academy.

Basketball

Basketball enjoys a high participation rate in Largy College. The success of recent years has continued with the progress of the various age groups in the respective Boys and Girls categories.

Boys’ Basketball

Largy College boys compete in the North East Regional Basketball competitions in a number of age groups – 1st , 2nd Year, U-16 and U-19. In 2023 both our 1st year and U-16 teams won the North East Regional Cup. The U-16 team reached the All-Ireland Final in Tallaght Stadium.

Girls’ Basketball

The girls compete in the North East Reginal Basketball competitions in a range of age groups, including 1st, 2nd, U-16 and U1-19. Last year the U-19 team reached the semi-final and the 2nd year team progressed to the quarter finals. All teams are well placed for success in the current academic year and we look forward to nurturing the emerging talent in the respective age groups.

Handball

The addition of Handball to the programme of Sport in Largy College has proved popular with our students. 1st and 2nd Year Boys and Girls have competed in various competitions in the Cavan and Monaghan schools’ region.

Boys’ U-16 National Finalists

Senior Boys’ Soccer Team, 2022/23

2nd Year Girls Team, 2022/23

Ladies’ Football

Largy College Ladies Football was once again a significant force in Ulster Football. We had three categories of teams competing: U-14, U-16 and U-20.

2022/2023 was a great year for football in Largy College. The U-14 team participated in the Cavan Monaghan schools blitz.

The U-16 girls reached the Ulster semi-final and were unlucky on the day against St. Columba’s Comprehensive. The U-20 girls reached the Ulster Quarter Final and were unfortunate to miss out on progressing further due to the strong performance of St. Malachys’ Belfast.

In Largy College we have a high calibre of talented Sportswomen, many of whom are part of the Monaghan County Underage teams. This year, the Monaghan Minor Ladies, who won the Ulster Final, had five Largy representatives; Sarah Tierney, Katie Mc Donald, Mairéad Cusack, Eábha Quigley and Holly Agnew.

Sarah Tierney won a Ulster Schools All Star 2022. It is a testament to her dedication to the sport over her six years in Largy College. Congratulations to all our team members for making such a positive contribution to the sporting legacy of Largy College.

Athletics

Students in Largy College participate in both cross country and track events throughout the school year. We hold our annual school sports’ day in September each year at the Peace Link, where students get to enjoy the local state of the art facilities.

We participate in the ETB sports’ Day each year competing against all the other Monaghan ETB schools. Largy College won the ETB Senior Shield 2023, in addition to numerous successes over recent years.

Amy Jo Kierans – Irish International

Largy College is extremely proud of our 5th year student Amy Jo Kierans, who was again selected as part of the Irish team for the Summer European Youth Olympic Festival, which took place in Slovenia – July 2023. Amy Jo represented Ireland in the Medley Relay. Congratulations Amy Jo on your achievement.

Boys’ Football

Largy College has a strong history of success in Boys’ Gaelic Football. The 2022/23 season was a very successful year for the U-15.5 team, who beat many strong teams in the Ulster Schools’ competition to reach the Ulster Final of the Mc Kee Cup. Our U-19 team progressed to the Ulster semi-final, narrowly losing by a point. Two of our players, Cian Greenan and Caoláin Clerkin had a very successful summer as members of the Monaghan Minor team, which reached the All- Ireland Final. Our U-13.5 player, Odhrán Carolan won Ulster Schools Footballer of the month in May. With our top class sports facilities and expertise, we aim to further develop these teams and capitalise on the coaching, strength & conditioning sessions organised in conjunction with Monaghan GAA.

Amy Jo is pictured competing for Ireland in the International relay.

Girls’ U-16 Team 2022/23

Sarah Tierney, Ulster Schools’ All-Star 2022

Monaghan Minors – Caoláin Clerkin and Cian Greenan

Additional Achievements

Leo Kelly Scolarships

Pictured at the recent celebratory event to mark the success of the first three student recipients of the Leo Kelly Scholarships are: (L to R) Ms Magennis, Principal, Niamh Poynton, Janelle Mc Govern, Erin Gavan and sponsor Adrian Kelly.

All three students successfully completed their level 8 degree programmes from 2019 to 2022.

2023 Scholarship Recipients

The successful candidates for receipt of the 2023 scholarship awards are: Mark Cusack, Bronagh Mc Phillips and Brandon Traynor. These scholarships will provide valuable assistance to their 3rd level education.

On behalf of all recipients, we thank both Leo and Adrian for their continued support and generosity in assisting our students.

All-Ireland Concern Debates - National Champions 2023

In May, 2023, the Largy College TY debating team became All Island Champions when they beat The High School, Rathgar by opposing the motion, “For the Global South, the International Community is a Mirage”. The prize for winning this prestigious competition, was a trip to New York to visit the United Nations Headquarters. During this visit, the Debating Team visited the offices of the Irish Mission to the UN in New York. There they were privileged to meet Martin Gallagher, Deputy Permanent Representative of Ireland to the UN, as well as a team of UN diplomats, one of which is a Largy College past-pupil, Ms Alex Trant.

Ruth Madden wins Gold Award for Physics and Engineering at Global Youth Science and Technology Bowl 2020

Representing Largy College Clones, Scifest and Ireland, Ruth showcased her invention, “The Microplastic Filter - A small solution to a global problem”. Ruth also won the 2019 ASM Materials Education Foundation Award for her project. ASM International based in the Unites States, is the world’s largest association of materials engineers and scientists.

Excellence in STEM Award

Congratulations to 3rd year students, (L to R) Joshua Bandon, Dara Courtney and Sean Clerkin who received their excellence in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Award for their project “A Four Seasons Photovoltaic Self-Charging Rover – the Mars PSR”. The project generated much interest on the day from the judges, the general public and Mr Richard Bruton, TD.

The project had already won the ‘ESERO Discover Space Award’ and ‘Scifest 2022 Runner-Up Best Project Award’ in Dundalk I.T back in April 2022, when they were only in 1st year, which was a remarkable achievement.

All-Ireland Concern Debates - National Champions 2023

‘Promoting Excellence’

TYP Student of the Year – 2023

Amy Jo kierans

Amy Jo is presented with the Transition Year Award by School Principal, Ms Magennis and Year Head, Ms Cumiskey, TY Programme co-ordinator, Ms Sherry and Mr Brendan Jenkins.

Best LCA Result - 2023

Ryan Smith – Distinction (96% overall).

Ryan is congratulated by School Principal, Ms Magennis, Deputy Principal, Mr Killen and TY co-ordinator, Ms Sherry.

Student of the Year - 2023

Kayla Coffey

Kayla is presented with the Student of the Year Award by Mr Brendan Jenkins, Manager of Clones Credit Union and School Principal, Ms Magennis.

Best Junior Cycle Result – 2023

Conan Rooney

Conan is presented with his trophy by Ms Magennis and Mr Brendan Jenkins, Manager of Clones Credit union.

Extra-Curricular Award – 2023

Concern Debating Team – National Winners, 2023

Largy College Debating Team presented with the Award by Principal, Ms Magennis, Year Head, Ms Cumiskey and Mr Brendan Jenkins, Manager of Clones Credit Union

Best Leaving Certificate Result – 2023

Eoghan Molloy – 613 points

Eoghan is congratulated on results day by School Principal, Ms Magennis, Deputy Principal, Mr Killen and Year Head, Mr Ward.