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Coláiste Bríde Presentation Secondary School

Leadership • Excellence • Community • Innovation

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Our Mission

I am delighted to welcome you and your daughter to Coláiste Bríde. Please take time to familiarise yourself with some information about our school and you are most welcome to come along and visit on our Open Days. Coláiste Bríde boasts a warm, welcoming atmosphere where positive relationships between our staff, students and parents are of paramount importance.

The school aims:

We firmly believe in offering a progressive academic curriculum as well as an extensive range of extra-curricular activities which promote the holistic development of our students. The best ambassadors for our school are our students, so please visit our school, engage with staff, parents and students and see for yourself what Coláiste Bríde has to offer you.

• to develop the personal, academic and spiritual potential of each student in a caring and disciplined environment • to foster a sense of self-esteem, honesty and respect among all members of the school community • to provide a welcoming environment for parents where they are partners in the education of their daughters • to create on-going opportunities for staff and parents which will enable them to understand their role as educators.

In drawing up the above aims, we were influenced by the desire of Nano Nagle, Foundress of the Presentation Congregation, to cherish equally all pupils in our care.

We, like her, recognise and welcome the co-operation and support of the wider community in achieving these aims.

I look forward to meeting you.

Marie-Thérèse Kilmartin Principal

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Marie-Thérèse Kilmartin

Steve McEntegart

Niamh O’Brien

Louise Ronan

Principal

Deputy Principal

Deputy Principal

Deputy Principal

GUIDE

To Teach To Guide To Form

Why choose Coláiste Bríde?

Application Process for Incoming 1st Years

Coláiste Bríde is a Voluntary Catholic Secondary School for girls, operating under the trusteeship of CEIST (Catholic Education an Irish Schools Trust). Our current enrolment is over 960 students with a dedicated staff of 90. Our teachers are a highly qualified, dynamic group who inspire our students to succeed.

Application forms and information regarding our Admission Policy will be delivered by representatives from Coláiste Bríde to our local primary schools and other feeder schools for your daughter in 6th class.

Support for Students

Positive Behaviour

Tutor and Year Head system Health Education Co-ordinator Guidance Counsellors Learning Support & Resource Teaching for Students with Special Needs Multicultural Provision Home/School Liaison Rainbows Programme Schools Completion Programme Cairdeas Mentoring Programme

Alternatively information is available directly from Coláiste Bríde, please see www.colaistebride.com

All members of the Coláiste Bríde community are expected to treat one another with respect, good manners and courtesy at all times.

We expect and promote high standards of behaviour centred on respect including: • • • •

respect for self respect for fellow students respect for staff respect for property.

We encourage our students to live out the values of respect, honesty, truth, care and justice while developing a keen sense of responsibility and promoting commitment.

View our Code of Behaviour on www.colaistebride.com

Curriculum Coláiste Bríde offers an extensive curriculum that provides a diverse range of subjects at all levels.

New Junior Cycle – 3 Years The New Junior Cycle began in 2014 with a new subject specification for English only. The new framework has been introduced across all schools on a phased basis from 2014.

Students may study a mixture of subjects and short courses, as well as presenting school experiences for certification purposes (see www.juniorcycle.ie for further details and latest updates).

English, Irish and Maths will be the only compulsory subjects.

Students may then choose from a selection of subjects such as: Geography

History

French

Italian

Business Studies

Music

Home Economics

Religious Education

Art, Craft & Design

Artistic Performance

Literacy, Numeracy, Transition & Transfer

Coding

Computers/ICT

Wellbeing

Science

Junior Certificate School Programme (JCSP) The JCSP programme is an intervention within the Junior Certificate Programme. It provides a curriculum framework which assists the school and individual teachers in adopting a student-centred approach to the Junior Certificate.

The Junior Certificate School Programme is based on the concept that all young people are capable of real success and that they can have a positive experience of school.

The Junior Certificate School Programme has been designed to ensure that young people can benefit from their time in school and enjoy the experience of improvement and success.

The emphasis on active learning and on the development of basic skills in the programme is highlighted.

Physical Education (PE) Civic, Social, Political Education (CSPE) Social, Personal, Health Education (SPHE)

Environmental studies with hands-on experience in the organic garde Our school, as a Catholic school, will retain Religious studies for all students.

All students will cover the 24 statements of learning as well as developing key skills which will enable them to participate in 21st century learning.

Short courses, as identified by NCCA, will also be offered.

Provision for students with special educational needs is integrated into the curriculum at all levels.

• Developing my understanding and enjoyment of words and language • Reading for enjoyment and with critical understanding

• Knowing myself

• Writing for different purposes

• Making considered decisions

• Expressing ideas clearly and accurately

• Setting and achieving personal goals

• Developing my spoken language

• Being able to reflect on my own learning

• Exploring and creating a variety of texts, including multi-modal texts.

• Using digital technology to manage myself and my learning

• Using language • Using number • Listening and expressing myself • Performing and presenting

BEING LITERATE

• Discussing and debating • Using digital technology to communicate

COMMUNICATING

• Being healthy and physically active

MANAGING MYSELF

• Being social • Being safe

Key Skills of Junior Cycle KEY of Junior Cycle Key Skills Key Skills SKILLS of Junior Cycle Key Skills of Junior Cycle • Being spiritual

• Being confident

WORKING WITH OTHERS

• Developing good relationships and dealing with conflict

• Being positive about learning

• Developing my understanding and enjoyment of words and language

• Being responsible, safe and ethical in using • Knowing myself digital technology

• Reading for enjoyment and with STAYING critical understanding WELL • Developing my understanding and • Writing for different purposes enjoyment of words and language

• Co-operating

• Respecting difference

• Making considered decisions • Expressing ideas clearly and • Reading for enjoyment and with • Setting and achieving accurately critical understanding personal goals • Knowing myself • Developing my understanding and • Developing my spoken language enjoyment of words and language • Writing for different purposes • Being able to reflect on my own learning • Making considered decisions • Exploring and creating a variety of • Reading for enjoyment and with • Expressing ideas clearly and • Setting and achieving • Using digital technology to manage texts, including multi-modal texts. accurately critical understanding • Learning with others myself and my learning personal goals • Developing my understanding and BEING • Knowing myself • Using language • Developing my spoken language • Writing for different purposes enjoyment of words and language CREATIVE • Being able to reflect on my own learning MANAGING • Being curious • Making considered decisions • Working with others • Using number • Exploring and creating a variety of • Reading for enjoyment and with • Expressing ideas clearly and INFORMATION • Using digital technology to manage • Setting and achieving texts, including multi-modal texts.

• Listening and expressing myself through digital critical understanding accurately • Gathering, recording, myself and my learning personal goals & THINKING • Knowing myself • Using language • Performing and presenting • Developing my spoken language technology • Writing for different purposes organising and evaluating • Being able to reflect on my own learning BEING • Making considered decisions • Using number • Discussing and debating • Exploring and creating a variety of BEING • Expressing ideas clearly and LITERATE information and data • Using digital technology to manage • Setting and achieving texts, including multi-modal texts. accurately • Listening and expressing myself • Using digital technology NUMERATE myself and my learning personal goals • Being healthy and • Using language • Developing my spoken language • Performing and presenting to communicate • Thinking creatively and critically physically active • Being able to reflect on my own learning BEING COMMUNICATING MANAGING • Using number • Exploring and creating a variety of • Discussing and debating MYSELF LITERATE • Being social • Using digital technology to manage • Reflecting on and evaluating texts, including multi-modal texts.

• Listening and expressing myself • Using digital technology myself and my learning • Being safe • Being healthy and my learning • Using language to communicate • Performing and presenting physically active • Being spiritual MANAGING BEING COMMUNICATING • Using number • Discussing and debating MYSELF • Imagining LITERATE • Using digital technology • Being social • Being confident • Listening and expressing myself • Using digital technology to access, manage and share • Being safe • Being positive about WORKING • Being healthy and to communicate • Exploring options and alternatives • Performing and presenting • Developing good WITH learning physically active • Being spiritual BEING COMMUNICATING MANAGING content relationships and dealing OTHERS • Discussing and debating • Expressing ideas mathematically LITERATE MYSELF • Being responsible, safe • Implementing ideas and taking action • Being social with conflict • Being confident • Using digital technology and ethical in using STAYING • Being safe • Co-operating • Being healthy and • Being positive about WORKING • Estimating, predicting and calculating WELL to communicate digital technology • Learning creatively • Developing good physically active WITH learning COMMUNICATING • Being spiritual MANAGING • Respecting difference relationships and dealing OTHERS MYSELF • Developing a positive disposition • Being social • Being responsible, safe • Being confident with conflict • Stimulating creativity using digital • Contributing to making and ethical in using STAYING the world a better place • Being safe towards investigating, reasoning • Being positive about • Co-operating WORKING technology WELL digital technology • Developing good WITH learning • Learning with others • Being spiritual BEING and problem-solving • Respecting difference relationships and dealing

• Contributing to making the world a better place

with conflict

• Developing good relationships and dealing with conflict

OTHERS

• Co-operating

• Contributing to making the world a better place

• Respecting difference

• Learning with others

• Contributing to making the world a better place

• Working with others through digital technology

• Learning with others • Working with others through digital

BEING CREATIVE

MANAGING • Being confident CREATIVE • Being responsible, safe • Contributing to making • Working with others INFORMATION and ethical in using STAYING • Seeing patterns, trends and relationships through digital the world a better place • Being positive about & THINKING WELL digital technology technology learning • Learning with others BEING

KEY SKILLS

• Co-operating WORKING WITH • Respecting difference OTHERS

KEY SKILLS

KEY KEY SKILLS SKILLS

• Working with others through digital technology BEING CREATIVE

• Gathering, interpreting and representing data BEING CREATIVE

STAYING WELL

• Being responsible, safe

MANAGING NUMERATE

INFORMATION and ethical in using • Using digital technology to develop & THINKING digital technology numeracy skills and understanding BEING

• Being curious

• Being curious

• Gathering, recording, organising and evaluating information and data

• Thinking creatively and critically • Gathering, recording, organising and evaluating • Reflecting on and evaluating my learning information and data

MANAGING NUMERATE • Being curious • Imagining • Using digital technology • Thinking creatively and critically INFORMATION • Gathering, recording, to access, manage and share & THINKING • Exploring options and alternatives • Reflecting on and evaluating organising and evaluating content • Expressing ideas mathematically my learning • Implementing ideas and taking action BEING information and data MANAGING NUMERATE• Being curious • Estimating, predicting and calculating • Imagining • Learning creatively INFORMATION • Thinking creatively and critically • Using digital technology • Gathering, recording, to access, manage and share & THINKING • Developing a positive disposition • Exploring options and alternatives • Stimulating creativity using digital

Transition Year Programme (Optional) Transition Year is offered to students who wish to take time before moving into Senior Cycle. This allows them to build personal confidence, to gain competence in the core academic subjects and to develop skills and initiatives in a way that may not be possible in the more exam orientated classes. Transition Year also provides another gateway of entry to subject choice

at Senior Cycle. Applicants for the course are selected on the basis of age, maturity, motivation, application and attendance.

Applicants may also face an interview process. In addition to traditional subjects, Transition Year students participate in a wide range of interesting modules such as:

Mini-Company

Horticulture

ICT

Psychology

European Studies

Holocaust Studies

Debating

Young Social Innovators (YSI)

Forensic Science

Chinese Studies

Development Education

Interior Design

Social Science

Challenge to Change

The fundamental principles of Transition Year are based on improving attitude, skills and knowledge.

Students are also given an opportunity to gain work experience in a variety of situations. There is limited availability on this course and not all applicants are guaranteed a place. We have developed strong relationships with partner organisations such as Trinity College Dublin (Bridge 21), Clondalkin Youth Service, Localise, South Dublin County Council, Clondalkin Tidy Towns,

An Gaisce (The President’s Award), as well as getting involved in the organisation of numerous charitable fundraising activities.

Students are encouraged to enter competitions and to get involved in community activities, thus developing their personal skills and talents.

Leaving Certificate There are three Leaving Certificate programmes offered: 1. Leaving Certificate (Established) 2. Leaving Certificate Applied 3. Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme

Leaving Certificate (Established) In general, students taking this option study seven subjects.

COMPULSORY SUBJECTS Irish, English, Mathematics, Religion and Physical Education

MODULES in Computer Studies, Career Guidance, Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE).

Students choose 4 subjects from the following: History

Accounting

Economics

Geography

Art, Craft & Design

Italian

French

Home Economics (Social & Scientific)

Chemistry

Religious Education (State Exam)

Biology

Music

Business

Physics

Enterprise (Link Module)

In general, students are free to choose any four subjects having had a basis at Junior Certificate or during Transition Year. In collaboration with Moyle Park College, we are now offering Polish and Agricultural Science at Leaving Certificate Level.

In addition, students may sit Leaving Certificate examinations in other languages, e.g. Spanish, Russian, Japanese, Lithuanian, Portuguese, etc. However, we do not offer tuition in these subjects.

Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA)

21st Century Skills

Community

Paths Communication

Digital

Friendship

Opportunities Learning

Support

Growth

Citizenship

Choices

LCA is ideally suited to students who wish to follow a course aimed at acquiring practical skills, work experience and an opportunity to accumulate credits through on-going assessment.

This is a two-year programme.

Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP)

LCVP is similar to the Traditional Leaving Certificate with the added opportunity to enhance business skills by taking a course in Enterprise Education, Preparation for Work and Information Technology. Students wishing to take the LCVP must include specific subject combinations in their choice of subjects for the Leaving Certificate.

State-of-the-art Facilities

Our Building The free flow of people, information and ideas is facilitated by the design of the building while fostering pride, respect and selfesteem among all members of the school community.

The colour scheme for the school was specifically chosen to stimulate learning. Research indicates that cool colours work best among the 12-18 year old student population. The colours also reflect the school colours used in the uniform.

Natural light makes an impact by creating a sense of space and freedom with bright colours giving energy and dynamism to flow areas.

The St. Brigid’s Cross design featured in the reception and General Purpose Area was designed by Kate Griffin, a sixth year student of Coláiste Bríde while on work experience in the architect’s office.

Visitors are immediately drawn to the accessibility of outdoor space, a green haven in an urban setting and to the unique outdoor performance area in our central internal courtyard where staff and students invest in the school spirit.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

4 Science Labs 3 Home Economics Kitchens 2 Business Studies Rooms 2 Art Rooms 1 Craft and Technology Room 1 Music Room 3 Information Technology Rooms 1 Religion and Meditation Room 1 Multi-Media Language Centre 1 Library 1 Demonstration Room 2 Lecture Rooms 1 Typing Room 30 General Classrooms 3 Career Guidance Offices 2 Learning Support Rooms 8 Pastoral Rooms Parents’ Room Large General Purpose Area Spacious Corridors Championship Sports Hall (including changing facilities) Dining Area for Students Healthy Eating Programme Outdoor Performance Area Outdoor Seating Areas Landscaped Courtyards and Gardens Organic Garden 1 Staffroom 1 Meeting Room Reception & Administration Suite of Offices First Aid Room / Zen Zone 9 Student Toilet Blocks Stationery Shop AV & Book Stores Lift access for students or staff with a disability Outdoor basketball and tennis courts Full playing pitch

Achievements Coláiste Bríde has a long tradition of providing excellent education to girls in the Clondalkin area and boasts many achievements: • College for Every Student School of Distinction 2015, 2016, 2017 • Excellent academic reputation in state examinations • Top feeder school in Dublin 22 to universities (Irish Times) • Winner of Pramerica Spirit Community Leadership Awards • Recipient of All-Ireland Scholarship (JP McManus) • University Entrance Scholarships to UCD, NUI Maynooth, TCD and DCU • Proud record as a top fundraising for charity school • Strong links with parents, past pupils, community and industrial organisations • National Wellbeing in the Workplace Award 2016 • Debating – consistent top performing school in Leinster at junior and senior level • ECDL Test Centre and Microsoft Approved Test Centre • Vodafone Passion for the World Around Us Award • Host of school exchanges with other European partner schools • 7 Green Flags Achieved – for Recycling, Energy Conservation, Water Conservation, Transportation & Biodiversity, Global Citizenship. We are working towards our 8th Green Flag for Water Conservation in a global context • Pilot Programmes in conjunction with NUI Maynooth and Trinity College Dublin – TAP, TEIG and Bridge 21 • Commendations in BT Young Scientists of the Year Competition • 3 Beacon School for ICT • Winners of Young Social Innovator (YSI) Awards – Community of Excellence • 2012 All-Ireland Volleyball Champions, 2015 Table Tennis AllIreland Champions • NCCA Network School for the New Junior Cycle • Ireland’s representative in EU Living Schools Lab • Digital Media Awards – Ireland Silver Runner-up 2015

Awards

Student Leadership

Students are nominated for awards in: • Achievement

All of our students are encouraged to join in with the development of our school and this takes the form of different student organisations.

• Dedication

We offer students the following opportunities:

• Most Improved • Attendance and Punctuality • Subject Achievement • Nano Nagle Award • Extra-curricular Achievement • Student of the Year • Sportsperson of the Year • School Spirit Award • Principal’s Award • Cara Award • Design of Journal Cover • Design of School Christmas Card

A special evening ceremony is held in November for students, with their parents in recognition of their nomination for achievement, dedication and most improved in terms of academic application.

Other awards are presented at special ceremonies to mark the end of the year.

• Prefects • Student Newsletter • Student Council • An Gaisce – The President’s Award • Cairdeas Mentors • Deputy Captains • School Choir • Class Captains • Yearbook Committee • Green Flag Committee • Club Gaeilge

Community Links We are firmly committed to forging links with our local community.

We achieve this through local parishes, sporting and cultural links, local employers, Clondalkin Youth Services (CYC), Clondalkin Tidy Towns, other schools and charitable organisations.

Student Council The Student Council consists of a representative body elected from and by the general cohort of students in the school. The Student Council will give students an opportunity to voice their concerns and opinions and to play an active role in policy-making in the school. A member of staff will liaise with the Student Council and through the Council links will also be formed between the students and school Management. The student council organise our annual Wellbeing Week.

Parents’ Council A number of parents are elected to form the Parents’ Council at the Annual General Meeting of parents each year. The Parents’ Council meets generally once a month and acts as a representative body that: • represents the views of parents • informs parents of developments in education and in the school • fosters co-operation between parents, teachers and school management • provides opportunities for parents and the school principal or representative of staff to meet and exchange ideas on the education of their children, to discuss issues such as discipline, homework etc. and to address topics of mutual interest • helps with the provision of extra equipment and fundraising.

Parents who wish to become actively involved in the school are welcome and encouraged to join the Parents’ Council.

Extra Curricular Activities Trips and Tours Every year there are many school tours and trips organised, for example:

In Coláiste Bríde there is a wide range of sporting activities to suit all students. These include: Gaelic Football, Camogie, Volleyball, Golf, Athletics, Basketball, Badminton, Table Tennis, Yoga/ Pilates and Aerobics. Active Schools Week is one of the highlights of the school year.

Debating

School Orchestra

Choir & Musicals

• Ski trip • Tours to London, Paris, Lake Garda, Brussels and Edinburgh • Cycling trip to Kerry as part of the An Gaisce (President’s Award) • Adventure and canoeing to Baltinglass and Westport

Students

Drama Sport Gaisce Award

Fund Raising / Active Citizenship

There are other fun events where both staff and students take part in.

• Hiking in Co. Down

The Weakest

• Science and Geography field study trips • A host of class trips including the French Adventure weekend and the Gaeltacht weekends in Donegal and Rath Cairn • French exchange to Lyon • Italian exchange to Bassano del Grappa.

Link

We have a strong musical tradition featuring school choirs, orchestra and individual instruments.

Students regularly perform in concerts and recitals. Many of our students play with the Clondalkin Youth Band. Recent musical productions in conjunction with Moyle Park College include Grease, Fame, Hairspray with All Shook Up in production.

Night Study Night Study is open to all students and takes place after school Monday to Friday (nominal fee applies).

Opportunities for Parental Participation Throughout the year parents are invited to attend information briefings such as: • 1st year information night • Subject and Programme choice • Cyberbullying and Digital Citizenship • Dyslexia and Special Education Needs • Positive Parenting • CAO Information • TY/LCA Information Briefing • Tour briefings for each group travelling • Graduation and Awards Night • Annual Parent Teacher meetings • Personal appointments

Check out www.colaistebride.com for updates!

Follow us on Twitter!

Ethos Alive in the Community Our commitment to the Presentation ethos and Nano Nagle’s mission is ever present through our community and parish links. On St. Brigid’s Day, we celebrate this through the making and distribution of St. Brigid’s crosses.

• We visit St. Brigid’s Well and participate in parish liturgies.

• In recent years, some students accompany the parish pilgrimage to Lourdes as helpers.

• For World Women’s Day of Prayer we help to lead liturgy in the community.

• Catholic Schools Week is an essential part of our calendar in addition to opening year masses, graduation and remembrance liturgies.

Global Education Experience Through the Presentation Sisters, Coláiste Bríde is linked with our sister school in New Dehli, India. Staff from each school have visited the other, with plans afoot to engage students further in communicating through Skype and email, as they get to learn about each other’s communities first hand as part of our development education and global citizenship.

Looking at Our School – DES Inspection Reports In January 2011 our school was subject to a Whole-School Inspection – Management, Leadership and Learning (WSE-MLL).

The school received an excellent report. Below is a summary of the key findings from the report.

• The school has a welcoming physical and pastoral environment, characterised by positive interactions between teachers and students.

• There is a strong culture of review and self-evaluation that is driven by the board and senior management.

• A motivated and highly visible senior management team leads the school.

• The school’s planning processes are well established and learning focused.

• Very good teaching and learning was evident in the majority of lessons observed.

• The range of curriculum programmes provided is a key strength in the school’s provision.

In May 2016, we had a history inspection, also with very positive findings: • The quality of teaching and learning ranged from good to very good with instances of excellent practice often in evidence

• A range of innovative and effective methodologies and resources were used to encourage student engagement with their learning

• In almost all lessons observed, a positive classroom atmosphere and very good teacher student rapport were strongly supportive of learning

• There is good whole-school support for History notwithstanding the need to enhance the uptake of history in the school’s senior cycle programmes

We firmly believe in offering a progressive academic curriculum as well as an extensive range of extra-curricular activities which promote the holistic development of our students.

In March 2017, a French inspection resulted in the following findings: • The quality of teaching and learning in the majority of lessons was very good, with exemplary practices evident in a number of lessons

• The teachers of French are committed to their professional development and demonstrate a dynamic approach to their work

• There was excellent use of the target language by both the teachers and the students in most of the lessons

• The quality of provision and whole school support is very good

• A wide range of innovative methodologies was observed during the evaluation

• The quality of both individual and collaborative planning and preparation is very good

Full subject inspection reports are available online at www.colaistebride.com

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Coláiste Bríde Presentation Secondary School

01-4591158

01-4592998

colaistebride.com

D22 C6Y2

@Colaistebride

info@colaistebride.com

Leadership • Excellence • Community • Innovation