St. Tiernan’s College
St. Tiernan’s College Coláiste Thiarnáin Naofa Crossmolina, Co. Mayo
1
St. Tiernan’s College
St. Tiernan’s College Coláiste Thiarnáin Naofa
PRINCIPAL’S WELCOME Dear Parent/Guardian, Thank you for taking time to consider St. Tiernan’s College for your son/daughter. We hope that this brochure gives you an insight into what St. Tiernan’s College has to offer. We are proudly under the auspices of MSLETB and we ensure that all our work is underpinned by the core values of the ETBI, these are Care, Equality, Community, Respect and Excellence in Education. Our school is a centre for learning and it is our expectation that each student who attends St Tiernan’s College will maximise their potential during their time here. We expect the absolute best from all our students and our dynamic innovative staff will strive to ensure that this happens. St. Tiernan’s College offers a varied and high-quality curriculum at both Junior and Senior Cycle. We introduced our well established Transition Year Programmein 2015 to respond to the needs of our students. It is particularly important that all students are happy and feel safe in our school. We have an excellent Pastoral Care system to ensure this, which includes Class Tutors, Year Heads, Care Team, Guidance Counsellor, and Home School Liaison Officer along with the support of our School Completion Programme. We foster a caring and respectful environment where students feel that they are important. We run a summer camp for all incoming first year students in July to aid the transition from primary to secondary school. We actively encourage all students to take part in our sports and all extra-curricular activities available to them and that they all find them to be an enjoyable experience. Finally, we would be delighted if you could attend our Open/ Enrolment night to see first-hand what our school St Tiernan’s College has to offer. If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact the school directly.
2
Ms Brenda O’ Malley
Ms Lorraine Mc Hale
Principal
Deputy Principal
PROSPECTUS
ST. TIERNAN’S COLLEGE MISSION STATEMENT St. Tiernan’s College aims to provide an environment where each student is cherished equally and nurtured to facilitate them in reaching their full potential. Our philosophy of co-eduaction aspires to a holistic education encompassing an ethos of mutual respect for one another where the joy of learning becomes a reciprocal experience.
“Even while we teach we learn”
ETHOS Ethos in St. Tiernan’s College is that we are a state, co-educational, multi-denominational school. This is underpinned by the core values of the MSLETB, which we also share: • Excellence in Education • Respect • Care • Equality • Community
3
St. Tiernan’s College
St. Tiernan’s College Coláiste Thiarnáin Naofa
SCHOOL FACILITIES St. Tiernan’s College is committed to providing the very best of facilities to our students and staff. The school Board of Management strives constantly to develop the college so that it meets the changing needs of the students it serves. • Art room • Assembly Area • Basketball courts • Construction room • D.C.G. room • Engineering room • Graphics room • Home Economics Room • ICT room with further access to three Laptop trollies • Music Room • New Modern classrooms • Playing Fields • Reading room • Science Lab • Soccer Court We are in an exciting phase of development in St Tiernan’s College where phase II of our building work is underway. When completed this will include various practical rooms such as a Science Lab and Prep room, Art room and music room to name but a few, additional classrooms and SET rooms. In all this will include 15 new rooms.
SCHOOL UNIFORM Boys • Navy Blue crew neck Jumper with School Crest • Blue polo shirts • Plain black shoe/runner without colourful logos. Girls • Navy Blue crewneck Jumper with School crest • White polo shirt • Plain black shoe/ runner without colourful logos
4
PROSPECTUS
PROSPECTUS
5
St. Tiernan’s College
St. Tiernan’s College Coláiste Thiarnáin Naofa
CURRICULUM At present St Tiernan’s offers 4 programmes: Junior Certificate, Junior Cert Schools Programme, Leaving Certificate Established and Transition Year Programme.
Junior Cycle Curriculum The rationale underpinning the new Junior Cert is to enable learners to achieve their full potential and to contribute to Ireland’s economic, social and cultural development. As a progressive 21st century school, here in St. Tiernan’s, we are continuing to work on updating our curriculum and developing the programmes we offer at Junior Cycle.
Subjects offered at Junior Cycle
6
Irish
Graphics
English
Computer Skills
Mathematics
French
Science
Wood Technology
History
Religious studies (non exam)
Art, Craft & Design
Geography
Engineering
Music
Home Economics
Well Being (Physical Education, S.P.H.E., C.S.P.E
Business Studies
CSPE is offered as a short course
BEING LITERATE COMMUNICATING
WORKING WITH OTHERS
MANAGING MYSELF
KEY SKILLS
BEING CREATIVE
STAYING WELL
MANAGING INFORMATION & THINKING BEING NUMERATE
The eight key skills of Junior Cycle are embedded into all aspects of the Junior Cycle curriculum.
PROSPECTUS
Senior Cycle Curriculum Irish
History
English
Agricultural Science
Mathematics
Art Visual Studies
D.C.G.
L.C.V.P
Engineering
Music
Construction Studies
PE (non Exam)
French
S.P.H.E.
Geography
Computers
Business
Career Guidance
Home Economics (Social & Scientific)
Chemistry
New Leaving Certificate Curriculum We are implementing the new Senior Cycle curricula as they are introduced. These subjects now have a minimum of 40% Additional Assessment Components (Class based Project Work)
Junior Certificate School Programme The Junior Certificate School 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 Science.
SCHOLARSHIP Every year we award the top two students a scholarship for their Leaving Certificate Exam. results. We also have an annual awards and achievements day for all our students.
“We offer a comprehensive and varied curriculum which provides our students with a range of subjects that meet all learning needs.” 7
St. Tiernan’s College
St. Tiernan’s College Coláiste Thiarnáin Naofa
WELLBEING In St Tiernan’s College, we have a comprehensive Wellbeing Programme. Students complete 400hrs of a wellbeing programme consisting of P.E., S.P.H.E. and C.S.P.E. over the three-year Junior Cycle as well as other related subjects. It is far more to us than a concept, we value everyone in the school, and we strive to always improve and support the wellbeing of the whole school community.
• • • •
CULTURE School mission and ethos Physical and social environment Classroom culture Teaching, learning and assessment
• • • • •
CURRICULUM CSPE, PE and SPHE Guidance Other subjects and learning experiences Other subjects and learning experiences Extra-curricular and co-curricular learning
• • • •
POLICY & PLANNING School policies School self-evaluation Subject and whole-school planning CPD planning
• • • •
RELATIONSHIPS Student/teacher relationships Peer relationships Student voice Partnerships with parents/guardians, community and wiser supports
L.C.W. Students are given the opportunity to study Leaving Certificate subjects and three link modules: Enterprise Education Preparation for Work Work Experience Life, Community and Work combines traditional academic subjects with practical, vocational subjects, offering a unique blend of academic and realworld skills. The program emphasises self-directed learning, innovation and enterprise.
8
PROSPECTUS
TRANSITION YEAR We have crafted a Programme that is crammed full of new experiences which are fun-filled, busy and very worthwhile. To give you a flavour of the kind of activities Transition Years will typically .engage in, below are a sample of the TY Programme. Students are forging deeper links with their community through Work Experience and the experience of working with The Cluainín Daycentre. Our T.Y Programme in St. Tiernan’s College is built around the the skills and Knowledge to engage with the core subjects of English, Irish and Maths.. All Transition Year students are encouraged to experience subjects offered at Senior Cycle, even those they have never tried before such as Home Economics, Engineering, French or Art. Transition Year specific activities are timetabled weekly and students also participate in once off events such as Student Enterprise Awards or College Open Days. A Sample of TY Activities: • Build a bank • Calligraphy • Coding • Cluainín Daycentre • First-aid • Gills driving school • Guest Speakers • Martial arts • Mini companies • R.S.A. Road Safety Module • Retreats
“Wellbeing is present when students realise their abilities, take care of their physical wellbeing, can cope with the normal stresses of life, and have a sense of purpose and belonging to a wider community.”
• Sean-Nós Dancing • Social/ Modern Dance • Sports leadership • Team-Building Trips • Trips Abroad
9
St. Tiernan’s College
St. Tiernan’s College Coláiste Thiarnáin Naofa
SPORT Alongside Physical Education as part of our curriculum, our sports programme is wide and varied and caters to the sporting interests of all our students. • Gaelic Football • Basketball • Darts • Athletics • Soccer • Rugby • Pool Competitions • Badminton
10
PROSPECTUS
EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES • College Awareness Week after School Study • Wellbeing Week • Science Week
SUMMER CAMP During the month of July we successfully run the St. Tiernan’s College two-day Summer Camp for potential First Year students free of charge. A wide range of activities are organised e.g., drumming workshops, arts and crafts, fun cookery classes and various sports. It is a great way for future classmates to meet, some for the first time, in a fun environment. They also have another chance to meet some of their teachers and familiarise themselves with the school buildings before school begins in August.
• Maths Week • Subject Competitions • Charity Work • Seachtain na Gaeilge
HOMEWORK CLUB
• Gaeilge 24 • Visits to Outdoor Adventure Centres • Schools Business Enterprise • School Gardens • European School Tours
First Years now have the option to attend an afterschool Homework Club, an interactive group where they can receive assistance from the supervising teacher. In addition, Free Supervised Study is available to all exam classes.
• Theatre Visits 11
St. Tiernan’s College
St. Tiernan’s College Coláiste Thiarnáin Naofa
Parent’s Association
DEIS
St Tiernan’s College Parents’ Association has an active role within the school community and has a positive impact on school life.
Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools
Special Educational Needs (SEN) Support In St. Tiernan’s College, significant importance is placed on supporting all students with additional needs. Having prior evidence of such needs from both primary school and the student’s parents/ guardians, formal structures are put in place to support and assist such students throughout their time with us. Additional formal screening assessments are carried out on an ongoing basis. Such are carried out in order that any new or additional issues can be identified and appropriate prescriptive methodologies can be put in place. Application is regularly made to the State Examination Commission for concessions for students with significant learning difficulties for their state exams.
St. Tiernan’s College is part of the Department of Education and Science initiative. The aim of the DEIS programme is to ensure that schools benefit from all available supports. It incorporates a School Completion Programme (SCP) which focuses on the retention of young people in education and aims to develop local strategies to ensure maximum levels in the education process. We offer a comprehensive and varied curriculum which provides our students with a range of subjects that meet all learning needs. It involves the cooperation of both primary and post primary schools, parents, relevant statutory, voluntary and community agencies. The following activities are provided within the school because of our inclusion in the DEIS programme.
SCHOOL MEALS PROGRAMME All students receive healthy snacks and a hot dinner everyday, free of charge, funded by the DEIS initiative.
We also support those students who need more challenging activities to reach their goals. Linking in with this, the Career Guidance and Counselling department assists pupils in applying for the DARE Programme which may give further concessions for students with additional needs.
12
BREAKFAST CLUB We offer the option of a breakfast club when the need arises.
PROSPECTUS
Other Supports • Free Books and Classroom Materials Scheme • Pastoral Care – We have a system of Tutors, Year Heads, a Guidance Counsellors and a Care Team • Suppport of SCP Co-ordinator • Home School Community Liaison Co-Ordinator • Student Council • Programme Co-Ordinator
Attendance Support Here, at St Tiernan’s College we promote regular attendance and punctuality as key factors in your child’s education. Attendance initiatives are undertaken at various times throughout the year. Attendance awards are given to students at School Awards Day.
HSCL The Home School Community Liaison scheme seeks to promote partnership between the home school and parents/guardians. The purpose of this partnership is to enhance the students’ learning opportunities and to promote their retention within the educational system. This purpose is pursued by identifying and responding to parent/guardian needs and by creating an awareness in teachers and school staff of the complimentary role that parents play in their children’s education. The Home School Community Liaison scheme seeks to promote active co-operation between home, school and relevant community agencies in the education of young people. Home visitation is at the heart of HSCL as well as facilitating the provision of leisure, curricular, parenting and personal development programmes for parents/guardians. 13
St. Tiernan’s College
St. Tiernan’s College Coláiste Thiarnáin Naofa
CAREER GUIDANCE & COUNSELLING Career Guidance and Counselling is at the heart of our Pastoral Care system in St. Tiernan’s College. The Guidance Counsellors works in proximity with the Principal, Deputy Principal, Year heads, tutors, teachers and parents to ensure that students are supported and can develop to the best of their potential and ability. At Junior Cycle, Guidance is provided throughout our Wellbeing Curriculum while at Senior Cycle, all classes have a timetabled class of Guidance.
“Believing that our students’ well-being is the foundation of their success, we are committed to providing outstanding pastoral care.”
• • • • • • • •
PERSONAL/SOCIAL Induction Support Life Issues Social Skills Wellbeing Coping Skills Transitions Help
• • • • • • • •
EDUCATIONAL Academic Achievement Subject Choice Study Skills Time Management Psychometric Assessment C.V. Preparation Exam Preparation Life Long Learning
• • • • • • • • • •
POLICY & PLANNING Work Experience Guidence Resources Higher Options Scholaship Advice Open Days Points System C.A.O. College Visits Guest Speakers Mock Interviews
STUDY SKILLS In St Tiernan’s College we always strive to provide each student with the best opportunities to reach their full potential. Part of exam success is the knowledge on how best to revise and study, keeping in mind that there we all learn in different ways we introduce study skills through our S.P.H.E classes that are provided at junior and senior level. We also support this by engaging with seminars provided by outside agencies. These seminars include practical guidance delivered in an enjoyable and accessible manner that our students have found beneficial.
“Students are encouraged to participate in the many and varied range of extracurricular activities and so develop skills and competencies in many areas.”
14
PROSPECTUS
We are currently linked with Coillte.
SCHOOLS BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP This Programme provides our students with a unique insight into the world of work. There are usually five sessions overall in the programme. During these sessions, students are provided with the opportunity to learn about the partnering company, its business and to consider careers and further study options available to them when they finish school. Sessions involve a site visit, CV writing skills, mock interviews, Day in the Life insights and at the conclusion the class present their learnings.
15
St. Tiernan’s College
St. Tiernan’s College Coláiste Thiarnáin Naofa Crossmolina, Co. Mayo
096 31236 TiernansCollege@msletb.ie www.facebook.com/tiernanscollege www.tiernanscollege.ie
16