SLIGO GRAMMAR SCHOOL The Mall, Sligo
Sligo Grammar School
INTRODUCTION Ben Bulben, Knocknarea and Rosses Point conjure up images of Sligo town and county, immortalised in the poetry of William Butler Yeats and in the paintings of his brother, former pupil, Jack Butler Yeats. This is the setting of Sligo Grammar School, a Church of Ireland co-educational boarding and day school on the beautiful Wild Atlantic Way. Our school is situated in the heart of Sligo Town, on the banks of the Garavogue River, a stone’s throw from Lough Gill and the Lake Isle of Innisfree. Sligo Grammar School offers a rounded education which values all intelligences. We pride ourselves on our friendly, family atmosphere, and on the diversity of our staff and student body.
HEADMASTER’S WELCOME It is my privilege as Headmaster to write this introduction for our school prospectus. The keystones to Sligo Grammar School’s success include respect, trust, co-operation, participation, consultation, collaboration and teamwork. Our enthusiastic and dedicated staff place great emphasis on a holistic education. Such efforts are channelled so that our pupils develop the characteristics of good, reliable citizens, fit to take their place in society. Together with a fine tradition of sport and community involvement, the school offers a wide range of activities to ensure the personal and social development of the whole child. Our Mission Statement below explains more formally what we aspire to achieve….
“Sligo Grammar School aims to promote
ETHOS AND MISSION STATEMENT Sligo Grammar School is a Church of Ireland Co-Educational Day and Boarding school. Its Christian ethos promotes the understanding of and respect for sincerely held beliefs of other faiths and traditions, and this is enshrined in the day-to-day life of the school. This ethic of understanding, care and respect for others leads to a sense of togetherness and unity while at the same time promotes an environment where individuality is valued. Sligo Grammar School aims to promote excellence in an inclusive and supportive community that reflects Christian values, where each member is enabled to achieve their full potential in life and in learning.
excellence in an inclusive and supportive community that reflects Christian values, where each member is enabled to achieve their full potential in life and in learning.”
It is our hope that this prospectus will give you a flavour of school life, as well as being informative and helpful. I would encourage you, if you have not already done so, to visit the school website. We hope that this prospectus, along with our website, will reflect the welcoming and homely atmosphere found within the portals of Sligo Grammar School and convey a little of what makes our school such a special place. Therefore I encourage you to contact the school and make an appointment to come and visit us or quite simply, just drop in!
Michael Hall B.Ed.; M.Ed. Headmaster
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Prospectus
HISTORY Sligo Grammar School has been an integral part of the life of County Sligo for over 450 years. The first Diocesan School in Elphin was established during the reign of Queen Elizabeth in 1570. The present school incorporates part of the Charter School which was set up in 1752 under the Royal Charter.
Throughout its history Sligo Grammar School’s constitutions have reflected the changing outlook and needs of society and, over 450 years later, the school continues to flourish and develop.
The continual upgrading of educational and boarding facilities and the dedication of generations of staff has enabled Sligo Grammar School to develop into the premier day and boarding school that it is today.
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Sligo Grammar School
CURRICULUM AND SUBJECTS Our curriculum offers a wide range of subjects at Junior Cycle and Senior Cycle. Our compulsory Transition Year blends academic, vocational, social, cultural and extra-curricular activities, providing a sturdy platform for success in the Leaving Certificate and preparation for University and the world of work.
Junior cycle Students study all Core subjects which include five Short Courses.
Core Subjects
Optional Subjects
Irish
English
Maths
Spanish
Art
German
Home Economics
Science
History
Geography
French
Wood Technology
Graphics
Music
PE
Religious Education
Business
Short Courses Wellbeing
SPHE
CSPE
Students then select three Optional subjects:
Optional subjects Spanish
French
German
Home Economics
Graphics
Music
Business
Wood Technology
Art
Senior Cycle Sligo Grammar school offers a wide range of subjects at Senior Cycle. This choice is complimented by the option to study the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme. All students must study three core subjects.
Core Subjects English
Irish
Maths
They then choose four subjects from the subject choice below. Every year we have free choice and try to create subject bands to maximise the preferences of the students. Career Guidance is provided for all students in senior years. Some students may have an exemption in Irish due to a specific learning difficulty or the residency rule.
Optional Subjects History
Physics
French
Music
Business Studies
Accounting
Geography
Chemistry
Agricultural Science
Biology
Applied Maths
Spanish
Art
Economics
German
Construction Studies
Home Economics
Design Communication Graphics
Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme(LCVP) 4
Leaving Cert Physical Education (LCPE)
Prospectus
Transition Year Our Transition Year affords students the opportunity to sample subjects available in our Senior Cycle course of study. The Transition Year course is further enhanced by visiting speakers, short courses, vocational programmes, educational experiences outside the classroom and the opportunity to experience a wide range of social, sporting and leisure activities.
TY encourages students to explore new subjects and provides opportunities to develop the confidence, resilience and study skills that equip them for success in their Leaving Cycle studies. TY is also designed to be enjoyable and students are afforded the opportunity to get involved in activities such as community volunteering, fundraising, environmental projects, entrepreneurship, work placement,
surfing, kayaking, team building activities, outdoor pursuits, educational trips within Ireland and a European cultural tour. Gaisce (the President’s Award) is offered to all TY students and allows students to achieve a highly respected award in recognition of their endeavours in physical activity, community service and learning a new skill. 5
Sligo Grammar School
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT Sligo Grammar School prides itself on consistently excellent academic results in both the Junior Cycle and Leaving Cert examination. Our CAO points average is consistently 100 to 130 points above the National average. Each year 10% to 15% of our students go abroad to study, mainly in the UK and Europe. In 2021, for example, 74.9% of our students accepted University places both in Ireland and abroad, while 25.1% took up places in other Third Level institutions or took a GAP year. In 2021 our average points score was 470 points with 5% of students scoring a maximum 625 points.
In 2019 61% of our students went to University, while the remainder took up places in other Third Level Colleges or went on to do apprenticeships. In recent years Sligo Grammar School has been one of the top schools in Connacht with regard to students transferring to Level 8 courses in Universities.
DIGITAL LEARNING
LEARNING SUPPORT
Digital Learning is central to teaching and learning in Sligo Grammar School. The Office 365 platform provides all students with an e-mail account which gives them access to applications such as Teams, One Note, PowerPoint and Word, all of which are used in teaching. Office 365 allows students to access notes, homework assignments, recorded lessons, remote classes, and subject documents.
Sligo Grammar School has a dedicated team of teachers and Special Needs Assistants who support the learning needs of students with specific learning difficulties. These can include, but are not confined to, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, ADHD and ASD. The SEN Department works closely with the Pastoral Care Team to support the emotional, physical and behavioural wellbeing of students accessing the SEN provision.
The school has a dedicated computer suite and four sets of portable Chromebooks which can be used in all classrooms around the school. 6
In the last few years several of our students have been accepted to some of the top ten Universities throughout the world. Each year a number of our students are successful in gaining academic and sports scholarships to Universities and Colleges in Ireland and abroad.
Prospectus
PASTORAL CARE In line with our school ethos, the care and wellbeing of our students is central to everything we do. Our Pastoral Care system is inclusive and recognises the diversity of the whole school community. Pastoral Care embraces many different elements within the school such as transition from primary to secondary school, behaviour, personal development, bereavement, relationships and peer influences. The school has a Matron on site at all times to look after the physical health of the students. Our Chaplain seeks to build a relationship of trust and is a compassionate presence in the school. The chaplain’s role is supportive, serving as counsellor and guide in the spiritual needs of staff and students.
Coordinator Assistant Coordinator & Form Teacher Each Class meets with their Form Teacher on a daily basis. The Form Teacher looks after the general needs of the class group. In each section of the school, Junior Cycle, Transition Year and Senior Cycle, we have a Coordinator and Assistant Coordinator. The Coordinators liaise with the Form Teachers and the parents/guardians to monitor the academic performance and wellbeing of all the students.
Counselling & Guidance The school has a dedicated Guidance Counsellor. The Counsellor plays a central role in preparing students for transition to Third Level education and the world of work. In senior school both 5th and 6th year students attend Career Guidance classes. Students have access to one-to-one meetings with the Guidance Counsellor to discuss personal or vocational issues in a confidential manner. The school works with the Home-School Liaison Service and has access to the Youth Liaison Officer who also provides counselling.
STUDENT LEADERSHIP Prefects
Student Council
Every year a number of prefects are appointed to represent the school. The prefects are elected by their fellow 6th year students and the teaching staff. As part of their role in the school, Prefects are assigned to the Junior classes, meeting regularly with their assigned group and offering the junior students support, friendship and a shoulder to lean on. In their role as prefects our senior students are supported in developing leadership skills, helping them prepare both for College and the workplace.
Each year a student council is elected to represent the student body. Two members are elected from each year group and from that group a chairperson is elected. The council is given external training on how to run meetings and liaise with management. The Council strives to construct a positive learning environment for our students, giving them a platform to raise issues of concern on behalf of the whole school, and it allows them be active partners in implementing the necessary change. The Student Council also organises community projects such as the Christmas Food Appeal.
TY Mentors As our first years transition from primary to secondary school, we assign Transition Year mentors to each first-year class. The TY students help the new first years find their way around the school and are there to answer any questions they may have. They give advice on subjects and extracurricular activities within the school.
Parent Voice The Parents Association is elected every three years and plays a valued role in our school. Two representatives from the Association are elected to the Board of Management. The PA is consulted in the development of school policies and help with fundraising for specific projects. Every year the parents organise a mock interview night for the fifth years, which is a valuable learning experience and greatly appreciated by the students.
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Sligo Grammar School
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Sligo Grammar School offers a wide range of activities allowing all students the opportunity to find something they like doing and are interested in. All extra-curricular activities take place outside the classroom. Teachers give their time on a voluntary basis to run these activities and enhance the learning experience for the students. As a school we believe that participation in extra-curricular activities provides a more rounded education and improves the general wellbeing of our students. Many of our high academic achievers also took part in extra-curricular activities for the six years they spent in the school.
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Prospectus
Sports We offer hockey to girls in all years, with rugby, basketball, kayaking, rowing and athletics, available to both boys and girls. Soccer is available to Transition Year boys and girls. Many of our students go on to represent Connacht at regional level in both rugby and hockey. In rugby we have had students capped for Ireland U18, U19 and U20 teams in the last number of years. Hockey has teams for first years, U15, U16, and Senior girls. Rugby has U14, U16 and U19 teams. Basketball has teams for first years, U16 and U19. The school has been very successful in recent years, winning All Ireland titles in basketball, and regional competitions in both rugby and hockey. Athletics takes place in the final term of each year and we are lucky enough each year to have students winning at regional level and going on to the All-Ireland Schools Competition, held annually in Tullamore.
Cultural activities The school offers a Debating Club, Drama Club, Chess Club, Woodwork Club, Christian Union, and access to the Art Room every week after school. Every two years we produce a school musical, involving Transition Year and 5th year students. Choir is an important and popular activity and, like all our clubs, it is open to all students. The Choir plays a central role in our annual Service of Remembrance and Reconciliation and our Christmas Carol Service, and has been selected to lead the RTE Christmas Day Carol Service on a number of occasions. During the year we have lunchtime concerts for our students, where they can display their musical talent. These are held in the foyer of the school and are extremely popular. Lunchtime debates are also held in the foyer during the year. 9
Sligo Grammar School
FACILITIES Sligo Grammar School is located on an 18 acre site on the banks of the Garavogue River in the heart of Sligo town. Much of the site is made up of fields and gardens, allowing students to use the green space for sport, field work and river-based activities. Sligo Grammar School boasts a range of facilities which support the education and extra-curricular life of the school. Sports are served by a full-size sports hall, including basketball court and a well-equipped weights room. We also have a floodlit all-weather Astro-Turf Hockey pitch and a well-maintained rugby pitch. The school also has well-equipped practical rooms for Art, Design and Communication Graphics, Woodwork, Home Economics and Music. There are four fully equipped Science Labs and a dedicated Computer Suite. A fully stocked Library is open for all to use. Students also have the use of a quiet space in The Cabin, where they can take time out. A canteen offers home-cooked lunches. Supervised Evening Study is offered to all students.
BOARDING The Boarding School is an integral part of the school. There are approximately 100 students, both boys and girls, boarding in Sligo Grammar School. Our boarders come from all areas of Ireland and from across the world. The boarders make a valuable contribution to the life and ethos of the school. The school prides itself on its family atmosphere and this is especially true of our boarding houses. Both boys and girls houses are overseen by House Parents who look after the physical, emotional and academic wellbeing of the boarders. They are supported by two Matrons and a number of live-in staff. The canteen is located next to the boys boarding house, and caters for all dietary needs. There are three meals a day - breakfast, lunch and tea. Boarders also enjoy a snack at small break during the school day and a supper before bedtime. 10
Prospectus
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Sligo Grammar School
The Mall, Sligo, F91YW68 +353 71 9145010 / +353 71 9143531 admin@sligogrammarschool.org Visit our Website on
www.sligogrammarschool.org
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SLIGO GRAMMAR SCHOOL