‘‘Meitheal, Misneach, Bród’’
Principal’s Welcome I am delighted to welcome you on behalf of the college community to Coláiste Pobail Setanta, a state, coeducational and multi denominational school. Please take time to familiarise yourself with some information about our school. Coláiste Pobail Setanta is a member of Dublin and Dún Laoighre Education and Training Board. This means that we are committed to its core values of Excellence in Education, Care, Equality, Community and Respect. These core values are woven into everything we do in Coláiste Pobail Setanta. Our endeavors as a college community are underpinned by our three core values Meitheal (Support) Misneach (Courage) and Bród (Pride), values which we instill in all our students every day. Our college offers a vibrant friendly learning environment for all students, who are supported and challenged in pursuit of the highest standards of achievement and academic excellence. The college offers a broad curriculum combined with a wide range of facilities and extracurricular activities, which affords students the opportunity to be the best version of themselves on their learning journey with us.
Liam Walsh Principal
Mairéad McGuire Deputy Principal
Gillian Murphy Deputy Principal
Peter Whitty Deputy Principal
We foster equality, respect and integrity in our college while embracing diversity and recognizing that everyone is unique and has a positive contribution to make. All staff at Coláiste Pobail Setanta bring great commitment and professionalism to their teaching and in caring for our students. We look forward to working in partnership with you and hope that your child will be very happy to take the next step on their learning journey with us. Mr. Liam Walsh, Principal
Our Mission Our college is a vibrant, friendly, learning community where students, teachers and parents are encouraged, supported and challenged in pursuit of the highest standards of achievement and academic excellence. We foster equality, respect and integrity in our college. We embrace diversity and recognise that everyone is unique and has a positive contribution to make. 2
History of Our School Coláiste Pobail Setanta first opened its doors in August 2008, welcoming forty-four first year students in temporary accommodation. Since then our student numbers have grown rapidly and in December 2010, we moved into our state of the art, permanent school building which boasts five Science Laboratories, IT Rooms, two Home Economics Kitchens and a Design Room. Students who love music enjoy our outstanding facilities in the music room where they are given the opportunity to try out many musical instruments including piano, guitar and drums to name but a few.
We have a Film and Photography Editing Suite for our budding cinematographers. Our Technology Wing is extremely well equipped comprising a Technology Wood Room, a Construction Room, rooms for Technology and Engineering along with a DCG Suite. Our sports and fitness enthusiasts are also very well catered for in our spectacular Sports Hall and Fitness Suite. We also have exemplary outdoor facilities including six basketball courts and an all-weather pitch. We are a coeducational, multi-denominational community college, offering our students the opportunity to learn in a positive, diverse and friendly learning environment.
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Our Core Values Meitheal Support
Misneach Courage
Bród Pride
Working together and supporting each other in learning.
The courage to be yourself.
Being proud of who you are as an individual.
Supporting each other when things are difficult.
The courage to work hard to achieve to the highest standard.
Being proud of all your achievements. Being proud of your college.
“Sometimes our barriers to learning can build the most wonderful characters.” – MAIRÉAD SYNAN (LEARNING SUPPORT TEACHER)
Core Values: EXCELLENCE includes excellence in education, training, and support. It is underpinned by the core values of care, respect, community, and equality. Excellence encompasses outcomes, experiences, and expectations of people involved. CARE is about the welfare, wellbeing, and safety of all who are involved in education and training. It is exemplified in meaningful relationships, connectedness, and empathy, alongside support and solidarity. EQUALITY is about treating everyone equally and recognising and celebrating the diversity of those involved in education, training, and youth work. It is exemplified in targeting resources on those who have need and prioritising a culture of inclusion. 4
COMMUNITY encompasses learners, their families, staff, and the local communities in which our services are based. It is about having shared vision, values and purpose, a sense of belonging, and a voice that is listened to. It is exemplified in productive collaboration, positive contributions, and effective communication amongst all stakeholders. RESPECT is about upholding the dignity, rights, and recognition of the identity and background of all those involved in education, training, and youth work. It is exemplified in relationships between all stakeholders, and decision-making that impacts positively on the rights, feelings, and aspirations of the diversity of people.
Supporting Our Students Wellbeing
Guidance Counselling
The wellbeing of our students is paramount as wellbeing is central for students to achieve their full potential. We recognise that incoming first years might find the transition hard and have many supports to help them.
The Guidance Counsellors in Coláiste Pobail Setanta are integral in providing our students with personal, vocational and academic guidance. Students are assisted in Careers classes to develop self-management skills which will lead them to making effective and informed choices about their lives.
Each year group has a Guidance Counsellor who provides students with personal, educational and vocational support. Students also have a Wellbeing Class which helps them to realise their potential and be resilient in dealing with the normal stresses of life. There are also themed weeks in the college that create a great atmosphere and outline the importance of looking out for our mental health. In our college positive relationships with peers and teachers help make students feel safe, connected and supported. We also celebrate all student’s achievements with award ceremonies and monthly student/class of the month awards. We are a ‘One Good School’ and part of this means that students can be linked to a ‘One Good Adult’ if they need a little extra support.
Students are also supported in making transitions to their choices, in class, in small groups and through one-toone appointments. Our Counsellors provide personal counselling as necessary and provide both students and parents with information and support throughout their time with us here.
“We want our students to feel safe, enjoy school and have a sense of fulfilment.” – DEBORAH GALBRAITH GUIDANCE COUNSELLOR
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Supporting Our Students Tús Maith Our Tús Maith Programme, meaning good start, is an initiative specifically designed for 1st Year students, beginning while our incoming students are still in 6th Class. Tús Maith ensures that all of our 1st Years are supported throughout their transition from Primary to Post Primary. The programme offers opportunity for students, parents and teachers to connect with each other in a supportive and meaningful way including meetings with parents/guardians and 6th Class Teachers, Teacher Observations, Student Mentor Workshops and Parent-Tutor Coffee Mornings.
Special Educational Needs Our college has a highly qualified team of Special Education Teachers and Special Needs Assistants who work tirelessly to optimise the teaching and learning process for our students with Special Educational Needs. The team work closely with students, parents and subject teachers to ensure that these students can maximise their achievements in personal, social and academic spheres.
Student Support Teams The Care Team in each year group comprises of the Yearhead, Assistant Yearhead, Deputy Principal Link, Tutors, Guidance Counsellor and Special Education Teaching team. The Care Team works closely together with the teachers, students and the parents in each year group to ensure that everyone benefits from a positive and safe learning environment.
“In Coláiste Pobail Setanta it’s ok not to be ok and it’s never too late to start talking.” – TAYLOR HYNES 5TH YEAR STUDENT
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“Coláiste Pobail Setanta is not just a school but a community of people who are devoted to supporting you on any path that you choose.” – FRANCINE IBEH GRADUATE STUDENT 2020
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Our Curriculum Junior Cycle Compulsory Subjects
Optional Subjects/Short Courses
English
Religious Education
Visual Art
Irish
History
Home Economics
Maths
Geography
Business Studies
Science
Wellbeing
Music
Physical Education (PE)
Graphics
Civic, Social & Political Education (CSPE)
Applied Technology
Social, Personal & Health Education (SPHE)
Engineering
Modern Foreign Language: Spanish/French/German
Wood Technology Digital Media Literacy & Coding (Short Courses)
Transition Year Transition Year is an optional one-year programme which links Junior and Senior Cycle and gives students the opportunity to develop individual talents and skills while sampling a variety of Senior Cycle subjects. Our TY Students are given opportunities to discover and develop their own individual gifts and strengths. TY encourages independence and responsibility and provides our students with the time to mature and develop resilience and confidence to face senior cycle, third level education and life in the working world. Creativity and entrepreneurism are nurtured during TY within our caring, considerate community where students can become articulate and confident young people. Our approach is a cross-curricular one with inter-linked projects and activities designed with our themed semesters in mind. The themes of our semesters are ‘Culture Vultures: Know Your City’, ‘TY on Tour’ and ‘Make Your Mark.’ TY Students’ work and achievements throughout the year culminate in their TY Portfolio. Students also receive numerous certificates from external agencies throughout the year, for example, First Aid, Leinster Driving School, Build a Bank Programme, etc.
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Senior Cycle Compulsory Subjects
Optional Subjects
Career Guidance Maths
Accounting
Engineering
Physical Education (PE)
English
Physical Education (PE) Art, Craft & Design
Geography
Politics and Society
Irish
Wellbeing
Business
History
Religious Education
Computer Science
Home Economics Science: Physics/Chemistry/Biology
Preparation for the World of Work
Social, Personal & Health Education (SPHE) Construction Studies Modern Foreign Language: French/German/Spanish Design & Communication Graphics Economics
Technology
Music
Life, Community and Work
Leaving Certificate Applied
Students of Life, Community and Work develop an appreciation of the importance of personal development and effectiveness as they engage with the world around them. Students have multiple opportunities to develop a broad range of transferable skills, within a set of key competencies, that help support students to avail of opportunities where they can apply these skills to a range of real-life experiences.
The LCA is a distinct, self-contained, two year Leaving Certificate Programme aimed at preparing learners for adult and working life. It emphasises forms of achievement and excellence which the established Leaving Certificate has not recognised in the past and offers specific opportunities to students to prepare for and progress on to further education and training at third level.
The aims of Life, Community and Work are to:
In Coláiste Pobail Setanta our LCA Students are prepared for the demanding transition to adult and working life. We recognise the talents of all our learners and the LCA programme allows us to respond to our student’s abilities, needs and interests through its flexibility. Students are provided with opportunities to develop in terms of responsibility, self-esteem and self-knowledge while working on their communication and decision-making skills. The LCA programme helps our students to achieve a more independent and enterprising approach to learning and life.
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develop an understanding of their personal strengths, aptitudes, interests and achievements
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build career and workplace foundations in order to support more informed decision-making for their future educational journey and career path
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appreciate their role in the local community and as national citizens
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develop and demonstrate an entrepreneurial mindset
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adapt better to the challenges and opportunitiesof the modern world.
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Pathways Through Secondary School Junior Cycle
Second Level
L1LP
Level 1 Learning Programme
Level 2 Lear
The Level 1 Learning Programmes are designed for students that are likely to be at an early stage of cognitive development. Some students may also have an identification of a learning disability which falls in the range of low moderate to severe and profound from an educational or clinical psychologist (NCCA).
The Level 2 Learnin with learning disab range of abilities (N
All Level 2 su short cou
Junior Cycle L1LP Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement (JCPA)
Transition Year - Optional
Senior Cycle Senior Cycle L1LP Level 1
Junior Cy
Tra
Senior Cycle Leaving Certificate Applied Level 4
Third Level
Apprenticeship
Senior Cycle L Level 2
Institute of Te
Training Centre
Co
Level 1/Level 2 Learning Programme World of Work
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Junior Cyc
National Learning Network
Leav World of Work
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L2LP
Junior Cycle
rning Programme
Level 3
ng Programmes are designed for students bilities in the low mild to high moderate NCCA).
During Junior Cycle, a student will learn through a number of subjects or a combination of subjects and short courses that are aligned with Level 3 of the National Framework of Qualifications (see above).
Junior Cycle L2LP
ubjects/ urses
Some Level 3 subjects (maximum of 2) with L2LP
Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement (JCPA)
ycle Profile of Achievement (JCPA)
ansition Year - Optional
L2LP
echnology
Transition Year - Optional
Senior Cycle Leaving Certificate Applied
Leaving Certificate Established
Leaving Certificate Applied
Level 4
Level 5
Level 4
University
College of Further Education Apprenticeship
University
ollege of Further Education
ving Certificate Applied Apprenticeship
Leaving Certificate Established Institute of Technology
World of Work
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Croí Croí means the heart of our school. Our Autism classes are at the heart of Coláiste Pobail Setanta. The Croí Centre comprises three classrooms, three sensory rooms, a wellness room, a para-educational room, a shower room, offices, a kitchen area and a multi-sensory garden. The centre has a co-ordinator and a range of subject teachers and Special Needs Assistants.
Options include: »
Junior Cycle Level 1/2 Learning Programme
In Coláiste Pobail Setanta we recognise that our students learn in a variety of ways and need various learning environments. Our Autism classes take a maximum of 6 students each and this allows our teachers and SNAs to work intensively with each of our Croí students, addressing specific needs and challenges, ensuring that they meet their educational requirements and potential.
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Senior Cycle Level 1/2 Learning Programme
»
Junior Cycle
»
Transition Year
»
Leaving Certificate Applied
»
Leaving Certificate
Inclusion is central in Coláiste Pobail Setanta and therefore Autistic students are offered dual enrolment, allowing them to move between the Croí Centre and mainstream classes wherever possible. Students in Croí are offered a wide range of subjects and levels which can be tailored to their specific needs.
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“I have no doubt that Coláiste Pobail Setanta played a huge role in where I am in my life today and that I would not have been able to achieve all that I have had I not been a pupil here.” – HANNAH DELANEY GRADUATE STUDENT 2019
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Digital School Coláiste Pobail Setanta is an award winning Digital School (Digital Schools Ireland) where students and staff have devices and Office 365 accounts giving access to Email, OneNote, Teams, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, etc. as well as allowing students to access their schoolbooks online. Our virtual learning environment allows students to access notes, homework assignments, remote classes and recorded lessons allowing them every opportunity to engage with schoolwork and have their materials and resources all in one place. We have a core Staff ICT Team who provide staff and student training in ICT which aids their continuous development in making use of ICT in class and at home. Our Staff ICT Team have also prepared a short course in ICT for our 1st Year students to be delivered in their Wellbeing classes.
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Digital Leaders The Digital Leaders are a student leadership initiative who promote digital learning in our college. Student representatives from all year-groups form part of this team who assist students with any ICT issues they may be experiencing. Our Digital Leaders are always up to date with the latest ICT advancements. Our Digital Leaders organise and run events on online safety for Safer Internet Week each year for all students.
STEAM Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Maths is an integrated approach to learning that encourages students to think more broadly about real-world problems. We encourage the development of STEAM here in the college by offering a wide range of subjects at both Junior and Senior Cycle. We celebrate STEAM annually by devoting a week to STEAM in the college. During this week events and challenges are planned to get students and teachers engaged in STEAM and to challenge them with fun and interesting problems. In 2018, we became one of only 39 schools to introduce Computer Science as a Leaving Certificate subject where problem solving is at the heart of our learning. Our students learn how to build an interactive website using data analytics and Embedded Systems and
Simulations. Students learn to code Python and JavaScript programming languages in fun yet challenging ways. We also offer short courses at Junior Cycle to really prepare our students for the digital world around them. Digital Media Literacy and Coding aims to develop the student’s ability to formulate problems logically and to design, write and test code through the development of programs, apps, games, animations and websites.
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Extra-Curricular Activities We are proud to offer a huge range of extra-curricular activities to our students here in Coláiste Pobail Setanta. Our state of the art facilities and dedicated staff allow for a wide variety of choice in areas such as sport, music and clubs. We encourage all students to take part in extra-curricular activities allowing them the opportunity to flourish as individuals outside of the classroom. We firmly believe in the benefits that extra-curricular activities provide for our students which include allowing them the opportunity to embrace diversity, celebrate their positive contributions and prove their hard-work, commitment and efforts in ways that they may not otherwise display in academic settings. We offer a wide range of sports including basketball volleyball, badminton, soccer, Gaelic football, camogie, athletics and hurling. We work to develop positive social conscience in everyone in our school community and are proud to offer our students the chance to partake in Green
Schools, Celebrating Multiculturalism, Yellow Flag and Amnesty International to name but a few. Students are also invited to join a range of clubs and activities such a Chess Club, Maths Club, Debating and Choir. Throughout the school year our calendar is punctuated by many special events and celebrations. There is something for everyone and the whole school community is invited to take part in all occasions. Meitheal Week, Maths Week, Creativity Week, Seachtain na Gaeilge, Get Active Week, Science Week, LGBTI+ Week, Multicultural Week, Winter Recital, School Musical, Awards Ceremonies and Graduations are just some of the special events you will find on our calendar. Our German Exchange and the Erasmus Plus Programme, allows our students the opportunity to study and collaborate with other students, as well as the chance to experience life in another European country.
Sports Council In our school sport is a major part of how students express themselves outside of the classroom. For this reason, Coláiste Pobail Setanta is proud to have a Sports Council. Students sign up through an application form at the start of the year highlighting why they would be a good candidate. The Sports Council are leaders of sport in our school who actively promote sport throughout the school community. They write reports on all matches played, help out the PE Department with sporting occasions such as Sports Day and Get Active Week and meet regularly to discuss the latest sports news and prepare for upcoming sports events in our school.
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Creative and Performing Arts Music Music at Coláiste Pobail Setanta is not only about learning but is a means of enjoyment and a form of selfexpression. Here at our school our students are given many opportunities to explore and nurture their music and performance skills. Students perform for each other and collaborate in performances as part of the practical element of the music course. Along with performance, we study music theory, composition and music history, as well as many opportunities to create music using technology. Our school choir performs at many occasions throughout the year including recitals, award ceremonies and graduations. We practise together once a week and all students are welcome to join whether they are taking music as an academic subject or not. The choir has recently performed on stage in the National Concert Hall, winning first prize at the Waltons Music for Schools competition. Our annual talent show, Setanta’s Got Talent, is always a huge success and one of the highlights of our school calendar. The talent show allows students a chance to audition to be part of a musical experience that will stay with them long after their school days are over. Every year the talent presented on stage on talent show night is outstanding and the pride we feel in our students is immeasurable.
Art You can find inspiration in our Art Rooms here in Coláiste Pobail Setanta where students experiment and explore in a variety of different crafts such as print, poster, sculpture and lettering amongst others. Our school community benefits greatly from the students’ work which is displayed and exhibited throughout the building. Many of our art pieces provide opportunity for students to work collaboratively with others from different year-groups allowing for exceptionally high standards of pieces to be produced.
“Our school prepares us with skills and the confidence to be global citizens, to understand other societies and cultures, as well as to develop the skills to function and thrive in our modern global community.” – SARAH CARCIU-MARICA SENIOR PREFECT
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Student Voice & Student Leadership Instructional Leadership Student Voice Project Student voice plays a pivotal role in our school. Everyone is responsible for it and it makes learning fun. Students and teachers work together as part of our student voice team, on the school’s teaching and learning projects. They work together on the school’s teaching and learning projects. This year they worked on a tournament with First Years which helped them work on their communication skills and team-work whilst revising subjects and topics together for their semester two assessments. Student voice is highly valued in Coláiste Pobail Setanta as it empowers our students to participate in a real way in their own education as well as helping to improve teacher-student relationships.
Student Council Coláiste Pobail Setanta’s Student Council is a committee that gives a voice to our students. Each member is elected by their peers to represent their class. The Student Council meets regularly and works closely with the school leadership team to ensure that our college is a safe and enjoyable place for all members of our school community. The Council strives to construct a positive learning environment for our students and gives them a platform to use their voice to raise issues and implement change. Our Student Council values the importance of student’s opinions and concerns which motivates them to bring about change.
Student Mentors Our Student Mentors are responsible for helping first year students to settle into life at Coláiste Pobail Setanta. They each work with a small group of first years meeting with them regularly to answer any questions and to give advice. Student Mentors accompany the first year students on their annual hike as part of developing the student/mentor relationship. Our Student Mentors are committed to their role and alert staff if they have any concerns.
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Senior Prefects Coláiste Pobail Setanta Senior Prefects are appointed through an application and interview process involving the Leadership team and staff. This role reflects students’ maturity, responsibility, co-operation, work ethic and support for their fellow students. The senior prefect role recognises a student’s potential for leadership. Our Prefects embody our core values of Bród, Misneach and Meitheal. They are ambassadors for our college representing the college community at many school functions. Senior Prefects are responsible for leading by example and by showing their commitment to our core values and ethos as a school. They are asked to be alert for vulnerable students as well as potential difficulties and to notify the Leadership team immediately if they have any concerns. Each Prefect is assigned to work with a specific year-group. They develop relationships with the classes and act as a liaison between the students and their Year-head.
“Our Prefects embody our core values of Bród, Misneach and Meitheal.”
Parent Voice
The Parent’s Association of Coláiste Pobail Setanta play a vital role in our College, giving parents an opportunity to voice their opinions and ideas on the education of their children and issues within the school community. The Parent’s Association meet regularly and are deeply involved in the development of school policies on an ongoing basis. The Association has two representatives on the school’s Board of Management. New parents are always welcome to get involved and attend meetings.
“There is a culture of innovation which actively promotes and encourages diversity and inclusion and caters for the wide range of extra-curricular interests.” – MICK MCQUADE PARENT’S ASSOCIATION
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‘‘Meitheal, Misneach, Bród’’
Coláiste Pobail Setanta Phibblestown, Clonee, Dublin 15, D15 EY17 www.cpsetanta.ie admin@cpsetanta.ie 01 6402403 @cpsetanta
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