Issuu

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Prospectus

EXCELLENCE TOGETHER

ST. CIARÁN’S COMMUNITY SCHOOL Kells, Co. Meath

W W W. STC I A R A N S C S . I E

PRINCIPAL’S WELCOME We wish to extend a very warm welcome to those students who are considering attending St Ciarán’s Community School. We are cognisant that identifying the right secondary school for your child is one of the most important decisions that you will make in terms of their education. This prospectus seeks to portray the broad curriculum, excellent facilities and many curricular and extra-curricular activities available online to students. We hope that on watching our promotional video and reading this prospectus, it will help you make that choice. Our aim in St Ciarán’s Community School is to provide a high quality learning environment. We constantly strive for excellence in learning and teaching by providing a rich and diverse curriculum that caters for the needs of each individual. St Ciarán’s Community school is a community of students, staff and parents. We believe in empowering and equipping students to achieve their potential. We are committed to the development and care of each and every student. A strong emphasis is placed on the personal and social development of all our students. We are very aware of the importance of a smooth transition for prospective students from primary to secondary school. In this regard, first year students are supported from their first day in school by a dedicated and committed staff. Easing the transition of all students from Primary to Post-Primary School is of paramount importance to our team of teachers and staff. Our staff will strive to help your son or daughter integrate fully into our school and achieve their full academic and personal potential. We have Transition and Wellbeing Programmes in place to ensure your child has a positive and enjoyable transition. We strive every day to maintain a happy, caring and respectful atmosphere where all students and staff can achieve their full potential. We believe that every student is unique and that it is our task to enable all students to reach their potential as an individual whilst also encouraging them to respect the differences of others in the community. We seek to do that in as caring a manner as possible. We will always be available to discuss your concerns and to help students and we look forward to working with you in the future.

Cara McLoughlin

Pat O’Sullivan

Principal

Deputy Principal

WHERE

OUR STU

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WHERE OUR STUDENTS GO Here at St Ciarán’s Community School we pride ourselves in providing support and encouragement to all our students to achieve success in whatever career path they chose. Our students have gone on to excel in sport, science, religion, education, medicine, art, broadcasting, music, construction, engineering, aviation and many more careers. Here is a little taste of what some of our recent graduates are up to:

Katelyn Dardis Fionn Cleary Since joining St. Ciarán’s in 2020, I have grown tremendously both as a student and as a person. Throughout my time in the school, I have had the privilege of meeting incredible people and forming friendships that I know will last a lifetime. I was also able to pursue my passion for sport through Gaelic games and basketball, developing my skills through the dedication, coaching and encouragement of staff members. Academically, I have grown significantly as well. I have always had a strong interest in Mathematics and other STEM subjects, and this passion was continually encouraged and nurtured during my years in St. Ciarán’s. Throughout my Leaving Certificate, many teachers generously gave their time and expertise by providing additional support and classes outside regular school hours to help me achieve my goals. I am deeply grateful for their commitment and encouragement. Thanks to their support, combined with my own love of Mathematics, I am now studying Actuarial Mathematics at Dublin City University.

When I look back on my time at St Ciarán’s Community School, I realise just how much I have grown. I joined the school in TY, not knowing what to expect, but it quickly became a place where I felt welcomed and supported. Completing LCA challenged me in different ways and helped me become more confident, independent and prepared for life beyond school. The support from my teachers and staff made a huge difference, especially when I needed guidance. Becoming a prefect in 6th year was something I was proud of. I am excited to begin studying Psychology and Criminology in O Fiaich College, with hopes of studying Law in Galway.

My Six years at St Ciarán’s Community School, Kells have been a hugely important part of my life. Looking back I am extremely grateful for the experiences, friendships and opportunities both sporting and academic that the school gave me. I am now looking forward to beginning a new chapter as I study Acturial and Financial Mathematics in DCU.

Seán MacMahon

David Daly After my five years in St Ciarán’s Kells, I look back on my time there with great appreciation. I received great support from my teachers, both academically and through sport, which helped me develop and prepare for my future. I also had the honour of winning the North Leinster Senior Football Cup alongside my teammates, which was one of the highlights of my time in the school. My experience in St Ciarán’s played a big part in shaping my interest in teaching. I am now studying Sports Science at Dunboyne College of Further Education, with the aim of progressing to DCU to study PE and Maths Teaching. One day, I hope to have the same positive impact on my own students that my teachers had on me.

Evelyn Lang My five years at St Ciarán’s has had a significant beneficial impact on my life. During my time here I matured massively in academic but also personal aspects by gaining more confidence and independence. I am thankful for all the encouragement and advice provided by my teachers who were always willing to help when I needed it. They not only supported me on the academic side of school life, but it was also the positive atmosphere created by my teachers that allowed me to establish friendships that will last long after leaving the classroom. Thanks to all of the guidance made available to us I am now studying Science with Education in Maynooth University. I believe that the experiences I had at St Ciarán’s have successfully prepared me for this new stage in life and motivated me to try do the same for other students in the future.

Digital Learning at St. Ciarán’s Mobile Phone Pouches At St. Ciarán’s, we are committed to creating a focused, positive and distraction-free learning environment. As part of this commitment, all students use mobile phone pouches during the school day. This initiative encourages students to be fully engaged in their learning, participate more actively in classroom discussions, and build stronger connections with their peers. By reducing the distractions associated with mobile phones, students are better able to concentrate, collaborate and develop essential interpersonal skills. Parents can be assured that students retain possession of their phones throughout the day while benefiting from a school environment that prioritises wellbeing, attention and academic achievement.

1:1 Student Devices At St. Ciarán’s, we are committed to preparing students for success in an increasingly digital world through our 1:1 Student Device Programme. Every student has access to their own personal learning device, creating a seamless connection between learning at school and at home. This empowers students to work independently, collaborate effectively with classmates, access highquality digital resources, and develop the technological skills essential for further education and future careers. The programme supports personalised learning, enabling students to organise their work, enhance their creativity, and engage more actively in the learning process, while ensuring they are equipped with the digital competencies needed for the modern world.

VSware is our online management system designed to make school administration easier. It helps schools manage things like attendance, timetables, and communication between teachers, students, and parents. It focuses on creating a user-friendly experience to help schools run smoothly and efficiently. This system ensures that everyone in the school community can stay connected and organised.

Gradebook is an app made just for teachers and their classes which students can log into through the Microsoft Teams app to see their grades and assessments as part of the schoolwise system. This helps teachers keep all important information in one place so they can better support their classes. Assessments are imported from Teams, added directly into Gradebook, and combined with end-of-term assessments from St. Ciarán’s management system, VSware. At St. Ciarán’s, we care about every student’s overall progress, and SchoolWise helps us achieve that.

Microsoft Teams is an app that helps students and teachers work together online. Downloaded for free from the Google Store or App Store, students and teachers can share homework, find all classroom online resources in one place and upload project work. It’s like a virtual classroom where you can stay connected and organised. Microsoft Teams can also be used to share important updates about upcoming information about life at St. Ciarán’s

CURRICULUM Our curriculum adapts to meet the changing needs of our students here at St. Ciarán’s Community School. Presently we offer the following programmes; Level 2 Learning Programme, Junior Cycle, Transition Year (TY), Life, Community & Work Programme (LCW) Leaving Certificate, Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA).

JUNIOR CYCLE Following our Induction Day where students will receive our Option Subject Handbook, incoming first-year students will be required to choose three optional subjects to accompany their core curriculum prior to commencing their Junior Cycle studies. St Ciarán’s operates a system of ‘mixed ability’ in Junior Cycle classes, as almost all subjects in the Junior Cycle will be examined at a common level with the exception of; English, Irish and Maths which will have Higher Level and Ordinary Level Exams.

Core Subjects English

History

Irish

Geography

Maths

C.S.P.E.

Religious Education

Digital Media Literacy

Option Subjects Art

French

Wood Technology

Home Economics

German

Engineering

Business Studies

Graphics

Science

Music

Short Courses BEING LITERATE

P.E

COMMUNICATING

MANAGING MYSELF

KEY SKILLS

WORKING WITH OTHERS

BEING CREATIVE

MANAGING INFORMATION & THINKING BEING NUMERATE

The eight key skills of junior cycle are embedded into all aspects of the curriculum here at St. Ciarán’s

STAYING WELL

S.P.H.E.

LEVEL 2 LEARNING PROGRAMME (L2LP) The Level 2 Learning Programmes (L2LPs) and qualification are targeted at a very specific group of students who have general learning disabilities in the higher functioning moderate and low functioning mild categories. The students are small in number (one or two in a typical school) and all have Individual Education Plans (IEPs). The Learning Programmes are built around Priority Learning Units (PLUs) that develop the basic, social and pre-vocational skills of the students involved. In addition, students following L2LPs undertake 2 short courses which have also been aligned to Level 2 of the NFQ.

TRANSITION YEAR - TY Transition Year at St. Ciarán’s Community School is an optional one-year programme that provides students with the time and opportunity to mature academically, personally and socially before beginning the Leaving Certificate. Built around four key areas, Personal Growth, Being a Learner, Civic and Community Engagement, and Career Exploration, the programme encourages students to develop confidence, independence, leadership skills and a greater sense of responsibility. Students experience a broad range of learning opportunities, including core subjects, TY-specific modules, subject sampling, work experience, community involvement, enterprise activities and school initiatives. Through practical, real-world experiences and reflective learning, Transition Year helps students make informed decisions about their future education and career pathways while developing the skills, resilience and self-awareness needed for life beyond school.

Core Subjects English

Irish

SPHE

Mathematics

Physical Education

E - Portfolio

Leadership Skills

Career Guidance

Young Social Innovator

Religious Education

Subject Sampling History

Geography

Chemistry

Physics

Engineering

Construction Technology

Electives Tourism

Music

French

German

Theatre & Stage

Enterprise

TY Components LawEd

First Aid

Journalism

DriversEd

Computer Applications

Irish Army Air Corps

Erasmus Programme

Podcasting

Gaisce Award

Forensic Science

LEAVING CERTIFICATE All students study the core subjects, English, Irish, Mathematics, Physical Education, SPHE, Career Guidance & Religious Education. In addition to the core subject’s students choose four other subjects from the following options: Accounting

Engineering

Agricultural Science

French

Applied Maths

Geography

Art

German

Biology

History

Business Studies

Home Economics

Chemistry

Physics

Construction Technology

Design & Communications Graphics

Economics

LCW Life, Community & Work (LCW) is a new Senior Cycle programme that helps students develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed for life beyond school. Replacing LCVP as part of the Senior Cycle redevelopment, LCW combines personal development, career and workplace preparation, active citizenship and community engagement. Through practical learning experiences, students explore their strengths, interests and future pathways while developing key transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, digital literacy, problemsolving and self-management. The programme also encourages students to become reflective, enterprising and socially responsible individuals who can adapt to the opportunities and challenges of a changing world.

LEAVING CERTIFICATE APPLIED-LCA The Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) at St Ciarán’s Community School is a practical and supportive two-year Senior Cycle programme designed for students who learn best through active, hands-on experiences. Leading to a nationally recognised Leaving Certificate qualification, the programme helps students develop confidence, independence, communication, literacy and numeracy skills while preparing them for adult life, further education, training and employment. Through a combination of general education, vocational preparation and vocational education, students engage in meaningful real-world learning, including work experience and practical projects. Vocational specialisms in Engineering and Hotel, Tourism and Catering, together with Horticulture as an elective, provide valuable industry-related skills and experiences. Assessment is largely based on continuous participation, practical coursework and student tasks, ensuring that students can demonstrate their strengths in a variety of ways. In a supportive and inclusive environment, LCA empowers students to become confident, capable and motivated young adults, ready to take the next step in education, training or the world of work.

SPORT AT ST. CIARÁN’S

At St. Ciarán’s, sport plays a vital role in school life, promoting fitness, teamwork, resilience, and leadership. Through participation, students develop valuable life skills, build friendships, and strengthen school and community spirit.

GAELIC FOOTBALL Gaelic football is a proud and integral part of life at St. Ciarán’s, with both boys and girls enjoying excellent opportunities to develop their skills, teamwork, confidence, and enjoyment of sport. Our students compete annually in the North Leinster competitions at 1st Year, 2nd Year, U16 and Senior levels, proudly representing the school across the province. In 2026, our 1st Year and Senior boys captured North Leinster titles, while our U16 team reached the final. The Senior victory was particularly historic, marking the school’s first senior football success in almost 30 years following a memorable win over Gallen CS, Ferbane. Ladies’ Gaelic football continues to go from strength to strength, highlighted by our recognition as a Lidl LGFA Serious Support School in 2025. A key feature of the programme was the mentorship of five-time AllIreland winner and five-time All-Star Leah Caffrey, whose coaching sessions and workshops inspired students to achieve their full potential both on and off the pitch. Together, these achievements reflect the strong tradition, commitment, and passion for Gaelic games within our school community.

RUGBY Students from St. Ciarán’s play rugby at Senior (Transition Year, 5th Year, and 6th Year) and Junior (2nd Year & 3rd Year) levels as part of leagues and competitions organised by Leinster Rugby. In first year students are offered a taster of rugby in conjunction with North Meath Rugby Club, our local team in Kells whilst students in Transition Year have the opportunity of participating in 7’s competitions and blitzes.

HURLING & CAMOGIE Hurling at St. Ciarán’s is driven by our philosophy to instill a passion for sport and nurture intrinsic motivation. We aim to include all abilities at training and foster an inclusive, positive environment. The training we offer is based on skill development in match-based situations to prepare students to play at a competitive

level by representing the school in competitions such as the North Leinster Competition and the Larry Doyle Cup. We are proud to have several players representing Meath at county level across U14, U16, and Minor Grades. Our teams have been quite competitive, reaching the junior D1 semi-final.

SOCCER

ATHLETICS

Soccer is one of the most popular sports at St Ciarán’s Community School, with boys’ and girls’ teams competing across all age groups. The school has a strong record of success, highlighted by the 2025 1st Year Boys’ League victory. Soccer provides students with opportunities to develop their skills, represent their school and enjoy the values of teamwork, dedication and sportsmanship.

We have a strong athletic field in the school, with many students competing locally. All students who join get the chance to compete in other school competitions and at provincial level. A small number of our students compete nationally and on an international level. We offer cross country running and send multiple teams to North Leinster Schools’ Athletic Cross Country events. A number of students compete at track and field events and again compete to a national level. We encourage all students to join and get involved.

BASKETBALL Our Girls’ Basketball team is on the rise and thriving! We proudly represent our school with teams in the U18 and U16 categories. We’re active competitors in the North East Schools Competition, and we encourage all girls to come out and join, whether they’re seasoned players or picking up a basketball for the first time. At St. Ciarán’s, our boys’ basketball team program also offers the perfect blend of competition and camaraderie. With a focus on teamwork and skill development, our athletes experience both personal and athletic growth. Whether you’re looking to play at a competitive level or just want to enjoy the sport, you’ll find a welcoming community and an enriching experience.

SPORTS DAY Sports Day at St. Ciarán’s isn’t just an event — it’s a celebration. A day where athleticism meets camaraderie, students of all abilities shine in a tapestry of events. Whether sprinting, jumping, or cheering from the sidelines, it’s a testament to our school’s spirit of unity, competition, and joy. A day when every student, regardless of skill, plays a part. Beyond medals and records, it fosters invaluable life lessons—teamwork, perseverance, respect, and the joy of participation. Wrapped in tradition yet always new, Sports Day at St. Ciarán’s is a vivid reminder of our commitment to holistic development, community, and the joys of shared experiences.

STUDENT SUPPORTS Wellbeing At St. Ciarán’s, ‘Bí Cineálta’, meaning “Be Kind,” is our approach to creating a safe, respectful, and supportive school community through kindness, positive behaviour, and restorative practice. It aims to promote inclusion, and encourage students to support one another. Students are encouraged to speak up if they witness unkind behaviour, seek help from staff if they experience bullying, and play an active role in fostering a positive school environment. Through kindness, respect, teamwork, and understanding, Bí Cineálta helps ensure that every student feels valued, safe, and welcome in our school community.

Tutor Each class is assigned a Tutor. The role of the Tutor is primarily a pastoral one. The class tutor gets to know all the students in the class; observes any signs of need for help or attention; is open to approaches from students in the tutorial class; and, as necessary, consults with other relevant members of staff (Chaplain / Guidance Counsellor / Year Head) about them. They keep in close contact with the class to ensure that the students are settling in satisfactorily and that the class works well together.

Year Head There is also a Year Head and he/she meets First Year students individually to get to know them. The Year Head works with the Class Teacher to try to make each student’s experience of life in St. Ciarán’s a productive and happy one. The Year Head also deals with matters of discipline.

Attendance To ensure that our students maintain high standards of attendance, our attendance officer monitors students’ attendance on a regular basis. All absences are reviewed, which enables us to contact parents when necessary to offer appropriate assistance and support based on the circumstances. Good attendance is crucial for many reasons, it maximises learning, creates a positive attitude towards learning, and develops social skills. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that our students remain present and engaged in their education. At St. Ciarán’s we can work together to make sure that our students continue to have the best chance to succeed.

Chaplain The Chaplain encourages and fosters an awareness of spirituality within the school and provides the students with an opportunity to express their own religious identity. The Chaplain endeavours to be available “any time, any place, anywhere” to all members of the school community – students, staff, parents and develops an open and trusting relationship with all those whom he comes into contact.

Guidance Counsellor The Guidance Counsellor works with the school Pastoral Care Team to assist all students to develop to their full potential. As part of their work they see them on an individual basis to help them with personal, social and educational problems. The Guidance Counsellor is also available to meet parents/guardians to ensure that students are able to make the best possible choices for their futures. During the school year there will be a number of opportunities, facilitated by the school, for students to attend College Open days.

Mr. David Oates (Guidance Counsellor) and Mr Sean Wright (Chaplain)

ERASMUS+ A STRONG FOUNDATION OF INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION St. Ciarán’s has a proud legacy of international engagement through Erasmus+ and eTwinning projects. Since 2015, our students have connected with peers in Poland, Italy, Portugal, France, Germany, and Spain, participating in exchanges that have fostered intercultural understanding, language development, and global citizenship. From creating multilingual apps in the Dipp Lingo project to exploring entrepreneurship in Polities, our students have gained real-world skills in communication, teamwork, and innovation. These experiences have not only boosted academic achievement but also built confidence, broadened horizons, and inspired future careers.

Unforgettable Adventures Await Our Students

Thanks to our Erasmus+ Accreditation, students at St. Ciarán’s now have the chance to take part in lifechanging international experiences—all fully funded!

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Live Like a Local: Selected Transition Year students from Mr. Carney’s French class will reside with host families in France for an immersive experience that builds confidence, independence, and language fluency.

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Explore Europe: In May 2027 and Autumn 2027, up to 20 students will embark on exciting weeklong exchanges to either Colmar, France or the stunning Lake Constance region in Germany.

Over the next three years, our students will get to experience: •

•

Host European Visitors: In March 2026, we’ll welcome students and teachers from across Europe for a vibrant exchange week filled with cultural activities, shared learning, and lasting friendships. Travel Abroad: In May 2026, a group of our students will jet off to Colmar, France, for a week-long exchange at College Saint-André— meeting their peers in France, attending school, and exploring French life firsthand.

These opportunities are more than just trips— they’re gateways to new cultures, new friendships, and new perspectives. Whether you’re passionate about languages, curious about the world, or eager to challenge yourself, Erasmus+ is your passport to adventure.

STUDENT LEADERSHIP & STUDENT VOICE Here at St. Ciarán’s, we offer our students every opportunity to grow and develop on a holistic level. Students have opportunities to take on leadership roles as prefects and mentors at senior cycle and to represent their peers and the student voice by being elected to the Student Council. Our holistic approach to student development here at St. Ciarán’s allows our students to build life skills and discover their strengths and talents outside of the classroom.

Student Council The Student Council, comprising of representatives from each year group, provides a forum to discuss and debate student issues on behalf of the student body on matters concerning them. The Student Council works in conjunction with the Board of Management, staff and students as a line of communication between school decision makers and students. It encourages students to raise their voices, to be able to work together to solve problems and to work with stakeholders in their school and community.

TY Mentors The Transition Year Mentor Programme gives senior students the opportunity to support and guide incoming first-year students as they make the transition from primary to secondary school. TY mentors help new students settle into school life by welcoming them, answering questions, assisting them in finding classrooms and lockers, and checking in with them throughout the year. The programme helps first-year students feel more confident, supported and connected during their first months in school, while also allowing TY students to develop valuable leadership, communication, empathy and teamwork skills. Through training and ongoing involvement, mentors play an important role in creating a positive and inclusive school community.

Prefect System Leadership capacity is developed through the election of 6th year prefect students. These students are representatives for our school, they help out both teachers and students in daily activities and act as mentors for our incoming first year students to help them to settle into life at St. Ciarán’s. Prefects

Green Schools The Green Schools Committee has made significant strides in recent years in addressing litter and waste issues within our school, leading to the attainment of our first ever Green Schools flag. The Green Schools Committee has been instrumental in fostering environmental consciousness and sustainability within our school community. Through their dedicated efforts, they have successfully implemented a range of initiatives aimed

at reducing our ecological footprint and promoting responsible waste management, including introducing two new water fountains, providing free reusable water bottles for students, creating a daily litter pick by GS committee members, adding recycling bins to each classroom, and creating a Green Schools notice board. The Green Schools Committee will next be turning its attention to the next theme: Energy. This will hopefully lead to greater energy awareness, efficiency, and positive changes throughout our school community.

CREATIVE & PERFORMING ARTS At St. Ciarán’s, music is an important part of school life, providing students with opportunities to discover their talents, build confidence and express themselves creatively. Whether performing on stage, singing with friends or simply enjoying music together, our students are encouraged to get involved and share their enthusiasm for music. Throughout the school year, music plays a central role in many of our special occasions. Our annual Talent Show gives students the opportunity to showcase their musical talents and perform in front of the school community. It’s always a highlight of the year, celebrating creativity, confidence and the individuality of our students. Our school choir brings students together for our Christmas Carol Service, graduations and other important school events, creating memorable moments for students, staff, families and the wider school community. Music also plays an important role in our Erasmus programme. When international students visit St.

rary Mus

Contempo

Dancing

Traditional Mus

Ciarán’s, music provides a wonderful way to welcome them, connect with one another and celebrate our different cultures. Through performances and shared musical experiences, students can create lasting memories beyond language and cultural differences. Music offers our students countless opportunities to participate, perform and grow. At St. Ciarán’s, we believe music has the power to bring people together, inspire confidence and create a strong sense of belonging.

SCHOOL TOURS Past Trips include:

At St. Ciarán’s, our trips abroad are more than just excursions; they’re

Paris, France

transformative experiences. Students

Madrid, Spain

skills, and grow as global citizens. Our

Venice, Italy

trips to compliment their curriculum.

Krakow, Poland

embrace new cultures, sharpen language students are also brought on educational

Our students can also partake in a student exchange programme in Transition Year.

OMNES VIRTUTEM SEQUENTES www.stciaranscs.ie

ST. CIARÁN’S Telephone: 0504 31299

@stciaranscs

E-mail: office@stciaranscs.ie

/stciaranscs

Website: www.stciaranscs.ie

@st.ciaranscommunityschool

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COMMUNITY SCHOOL