COLAISTE IASCAIGHPROSPECTUS

Coláiste Iascaigh, Easkey, Co. Sligo

Telephone: (096) 49021 Fax: (096) 49155Email: colaisteiascaigh@msletb.ie website: www.colaisteiascaigh.ie

WELCOMEChoosing a second level school is a very important decision for any parent/guardian. With this in mind, we at Coláiste Iascaigh endeavour to create a school ethos that places caring and nurturing students at the forefront of what we do. We believe the spirit of Coláiste Iascaigh lies in our commitment to help our students to realise their academic, moral and social potential. We want our students to be happy, healthy, successful and to learn to value others, so that they can become responsible members of their own community.

Coláiste Iascaigh provides an excellent educational experience on your doorstep. A local school for a local community. Our low pupil – teacher ratio ensures that students get personalised attention in small classes allowing them to prosper as learners. We place great emphasis on teaching and learning and providing methods of instruction which meet the needs of all our learners.

At Coláiste Iascaigh we have a proven record of academic achievement. We set high standards and ambitious goals in order to provide a top grade education where students perform well in state examinations. As Principal I am proud to be part of a community of highly qualified, dedicated professionals who strive to achieve high standards in their work. Our teachers work hard to ensure students experience success and inspire them to move through this phase of their education.

At Coláiste Iascaigh we value student welfare and strive to provide an enjoyable and personal experience by providing a broad and varied range of opportunities for our students. The school’s sports and co-curricular programmes provide an opportunity for all students to participate in events outside the classroom. This helps create a vibrant spirit of community permeating all school activities.

Coláiste Iascaigh is a school community in its truest sense where all individuals can feel comfortable in their environment. I am delighted to welcome you to Coláiste Iascaigh, with a sense of pride in the values we represent, and confidence in the service we provide. I hope this prospectus gives you an insight into our vibrant and happy school community.

Maeve Kelly

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In order to meet the needs of our diverse student population, Coláiste Iascaigh strives to attain high academic achievement and a personal experience with a rich range of opportunities for our students.Coláiste Iascaigh is committed to providing an environment where each student is cherished equally and is nurtured to a personal, intellectual and moral maturity.

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“Nurturing the Individual”

Coláiste Iascaigh is located on the edge of Easkey village. It was established by Co. Sligo VEC in 1948 to meet the needs of the community and continues that remit to the present day through its day school and night classes. Since the introduction of The Education and Training Boards Act 2013, Co.Sligo VEC has been replaced by Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education & Training Board.

SCHOOL OVERVIEW

SCHOOL INSPECTION

In addition to the staff and management of Coláiste Iascaigh, the school community comprises the following representative bodies: Board of Management Parent’s Association Student Council

REPRESENTATIVE BODIES

Coláiste Iascaigh was involved in a Whole School Evaluation inspection during April 2014. The Board of Management of Coláiste Iascaigh welcomed the positive and encouraging WSE report. It acknowledged the ongoing dedication and commitment of all staff and parents in promoting and maintaining the high standards evidenced in the report. The key findings emphasise : The inclusivity of Coláiste Iascaigh The effective and supportive Board of Management The clear vision for school improvement A committed staff, many of whom embrace continuous professional development Successful outcomes of DEIS planning relating to attendance, retention and partnership with parents A wide range of co-curricular and extra-curricular activities A high level of care for students Continuous improvement of teaching and learning, which is encouraged by senior management Good or very good plans for all subjects and programmes Good engagement with School Self Evaluation Good or very good quality of teaching and learning in the majority of lessons

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In Coláiste Iascaigh high academic standards are a priority and teachers have high expectations of their students. As a result, Coláiste Iascaigh students have performed very well in State Exams.

Former students are currently studying a range of courses including Medicine, Engineering, Physiotherapy, Education, Music and Science in Universities, Colleges, and 3rd Level Institutes in Ireland and the United Kingdom. A number of our students have also received scholarships to University.

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“High Academic Standards”

School BooksAt Coláiste Iascaigh we operate a book rental scheme. The scheme aims to lessen the financial burden on Parents/Guardians: Students have a full set of school books. Parents pay an annual fee for the loan of these books. Book stocks are regularly updated to ensure that students have access to recently published books.

As a DEIS school, our book scheme will not be affected by Government cutbacks.

School LockersAll students are provided with lockers to allow them to store their books and equipment. Students have access to lockers before class begins in the morning, at break and lunch times. This reduces the weight of heavy schoobags for students. School TransportStudents who live over 4.8Km from Coláiste Iascaigh are eligible for school transport. (Other students may purchase a concessionary ticket from Bus Eireann to travel on the school bus)

School MealsColáiste Iascaigh operates a scheme that provides all students with a free meal at lunchtimes, usually in the form of sandwiches/wraps, soup and a drink.

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GirlsColáiste Iascaigh Skirt / Navy trousers, White Polo Shirt, Navy blue Jumper with School Crest, Navy/Black Socks/ Tights, Navy / Black Leather Shoes, School Jacket.

BoysGrey Trousers, Navy blue Jumper with School Crest,White Polo Shirt, School Jacket, Black Leather Shoes

StockistsSchool Jacket, Jumper, Skirt and Trousers may be purchased from Peter Timlin, Pearse St., Ballina. Polo shirts and Grey Trousers are available at many outlets.

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“Exceptional Student Supports”

Junior Certificate SubjectsCURRICULUM

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Maths English Irish

Materials Technology Wood Technical Graphics Metalwork

Business Studies Art Home Economics

Geography French Science

Physical Education Computers Music*

CSPE SPHE Religious Education

Maths English Irish

Art French Biology

Business Studies Home Economics Construction Studies

Engineering Physical Education Computers

Religious & Social Education Link Modules Career Guidance

Design & Music* Agricultural Science*Communication Graphics

Leaving Certificate Subjects

*Music can be studied as an additional subject at both Junior and Leaving Certificate Level after school.*Agricultural Science can be taken as an additional subject at Leaving Certificate Level outside of school.

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At Coláiste Iascaigh, students can avail of the following programme choices:

JuniorCertificate

JuniorCertificateSchoolsProgramme

LeavingCertificateEstablished

LeavingCertificateEstablished+LeavingCertificate VocationalProgramme

LeavingCertificateApplied

Please contact the school for more detailed information on theseprogrammes.

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“Personalised Attention”

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All students and their parents have access to a Guidance Counsellor within the school. Students have: Timetabled Guidance classes One-to-one meetings with the Guidance Counsellor Application process for 3rd Level and FETAC Information on Apprenticeships

The school provides information evenings on subject and programme choice, while also assisting with information re:support schemes and grants. Students get to sample a variety of subjects during their first term of first year, and then make choices as to which subjects they will carry on to Junior Cert. The Guidance Counsellor guides students through these choices and is also available to assist parents with these decisions. Students also get to participate in work experience through the LCA and LCVP programmes. All of our students at senior cycle benefit from the opportunity to work in job settings, which they may be interested in pursuing when they finish school.

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“Excellence in teaching &

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“High Teacher

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Research shows that the transition from Primary to Post-primary school is a daunting one for young people. A heavy emphasis is placed on the Coláiste Iascaigh’s Induction Programme, which which is designed to help students deal with the changes between primary and secondary education.

The Induction Programme begins with visits to the local primary schools. Prospective students visit the school on our Open Day and participate in induction classes. An Open/Enrolment night allows parents to visit the school and familiarise themselves with the day-to-day running of Coláiste Iascaigh. An Information night in September provides an opportunity for parents of new students to meet with the Principal and Deputy Principal, ask questions, learn more about subject choice and the supports available in Coláiste Iascaigh. Various departments within the school work together to ensure that students are supported and helped through the transition from primary to secondary school. Coláiste Iascaigh adopts a whole school approach to transition which includes support from Guidance Counsellor, Special Needs Department, after Home School Community Liaison Officer, ADD: Home Youth Liaison Officer, SPHE team, School Completion Project Worker, Year Heads and Class Tutors.

INDUCTION PROGRAMME

ANTI - BULLYING PROGRAMMEThe move from Primary to Post-primary school can be stressful not only for the child but also for the parent/guardian. The fear of their child being bullied is one of their greatest concerns. We in Coláiste Iascaigh strive to reduce incidences of bullying behaviour in our school by having a very active Anti-Bullying programme. We feel that each student should feel safe and secure while at school. Given the high levels of interaction between staff and students both inside and outside the classroom, we believe incidents of bullying are minimised. The school’s Anti-Bullying Policy emphasises the importance of education as a means of creating awareness of the issue and outlines the school’s approach to creating an open and transparent environment.

Additional information can be accessed on our school website www.colaisteiascaigh.ie

The school has a pastoral care team that looks after the well-being of students and identifies and works with students who may be having difficulties for a variety of reasons. Those with roles involved in pastoral care include: Principal Deputy Principal Guidance Counsellor SEN Teacher Project Worker Home School Community Liaison Teacher Year Heads Class Tutors Home Youth Liaison Officer The school employs a number of supports to help students settle into life at second level including; Homework Club, Games Club, Peer Mentoring, the Junior Cert School’s Programme, and support from Sligo School Completion Programme. Our pastoral care approach is enhanced by our SPHE programme. It supports the personal development, health & well-being of young people. In first year we also use the programme to aid the transition from primary to post-primary by:

Teaching the school’s Code of Behaviour Delivering the school’s Induction Programme Raising Self-esteem

While our mainstream teachers hold responsibility for the learning and teaching within the classroom, the SEN Co-ordinator and her team have additional resources available to offer more specialised support when needed. This support can be offered on an individual, small group or whole-class basis.

SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS

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WELL-BEING OF STUDENTS

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EXTRA AND CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIESRugby Gaelic FootballSoccer Athletics Basketball Surfing Orienteering Musicals Gaisce Awards Science Week Maths Week Gaeltacht Scholarships Arts projects Girls Active Careers Trips S tudy sk i l l s wo rkshops Outdoor Education Trips Music Generation Classes

GREEN SCHOOLSColáiste Iascaigh has a very active Green School Committee. It is made up of students, staff members and parents. Green Schools is an environmental education programme run in conjunction with An Taisce. Schools involved work on an environmental theme over a two year period and if successful a Green Flag is awarded. We have successfully received five Green Flags for Litter and Waste, Energy, Water, Travel and Biodiversity. The current theme we are working on is Global Citizenship - Litter & Waste.

Coláiste Iascaigh undertakes a variety of educational tours, both at home and abroad. Past trips have included skiing in Italy, visits to Barcelona and football matches in the United Kingdom.

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES & TOURS

GIRLS ACTIVEThis programme is organised for girls of all ages to increase their participation in physical activities. The girls involved have the opportunity to gain skills in leadership, decision making, organisation and team work. It also allows them to increase their confidence and meet new friends.

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GAISCE (PRESIDENTS AWARD)Gaisce is a challenge from the President of Ireland to our young people. The Gaisce challenge is based on four areas; personal skill, physical activity, community involvement and adventure journey. Students acquire self-confidence, self-esteem and independence. Every year a number of our senior students embark on this journey, which benefits their social and personal well-being.

etbBord oideachais & oiliúnaMhaigh Eo, Shligigh & Liatrom a Mayo, Sligo & LeitrimEducation & Training Board

Why Choose Coláiste Iascaigh?

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Local School for a local communityCharacteristic Spirit of respect & inclusivenessConsistent & fair implementation of disciplineSafe, friendly & happy environmentCommitted and dedicated staffSmall class sizesAcademic performanceStudents remain on campusExcellent student supports

infosligo@msletb.ie