The Formal Curriculum

First Year:

A system of Subject Sampling is in operation for First Year Students.

This applies to:

Students study all subjects in the core section all year and each subject in the ‘Tasted Section' for half the school year on a rotational basis.

*What is SPHE?

Social, personal and health education, as part of the curriculum, supports the personal development, health and well being of young people and helps them create and maintain supportive relationships. 

Taster Programme

A taster programme is in place prior to students entering the school to give students an opportunity to select their language choice. The taster programme also allows students to taste other subjects including physical education IT, Science, etc as well as facilitating the transition from Primary to Secondary School. The taster programme takes place between January – April each year.

2 nd / 3 rd Year:

At the end of first year students decide on their subjects for Junior Certificate. All students study the following examination subjects:

Irish English Maths History Geography,

Religion CSPE

as well as four other subjects of their choice. They also study PE, SPHE and Computer Studies. All subjects are offered at Higher and Ordinary level. At the end of 3 rd Year students sit their Junior Certificate Examinations. A certificate listing student's grades will be issued by the Department of Education & Science .

Senior Options: After Junior Certificate students have the option of doing a two/three year Leaving Certificate cycle.

Transition Year : Transition Year is a year between Junior Certificate and the beginning of Leaving Certificate. Moate Community School has designed its own Transition Year Programme to meet the needs of its own students. One of the chief benefits of TY is that students can sample various subjects and have the opportunity to grow and mature.

Benefits:

Leaving Certificate/ Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme.

Leaving Certificate: After Junior Certificate/Transition Year students study a 2 year Leaving Certificate Course. Students study Irish, English, and Maths together with four other examination subjects of their choice.

Subjects on offer: Home Economics, History, Geography, Ag. Science, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Art, Music, Engineering, Business, Construction Studies, Technical Drawing, French/Spanish, Accounting, Religion.German

All subjects are offered at Higher/Ordinary level.

Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme : Students taking certain combinations of subjects are LCVP students. This programme allows the students to have project work together with work experience recognised as a subject. It is a considerable advantage to have project work carried out during school time accepted as an examination subject, which qualifies for points.

Students choose any 2 subjects from the combinations listed

The subjects which qualify a student for LCVP are: 

Specialist Groupings:

Services Groupings

The student of course takes Irish, English, Maths and two further subjects as usual. There is no difference for LCVP students and ordinary LC students.

Three additional short courses or modules are done by LCVP students.

They are:

The modules are examined by portfolio (60%) and examination (40%).

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Extra Tuitition/Revision Courses

Our School offers extra tuition/revision courses from time to time to help and assist students. These are offered free of charge to our students and offer the students an excellent opportunity to avail of extra help in a particular subject. Students will be informed about the availability of all classes.

Mock Orals

In preparation of oral examinations our school offers mock orals from time to time.

The oral examination is a great opportunity to gain valuable marks and thus enhance the overall grade. We are delighted to be able to offer students the chance to practice their oral skills prior to an exam.

Supervised Study

Supervised study is open to all students and is run in two centres in the school. There is a charge for each term and students must re apply each term.

Terms:

•  Sept- Halloween

•  Halloween – Christmas

•  New Year- St. Patrick's Day

•  St. Patrick's Day- Summer

Mon – Turs 3:55-6:00 Friday 3:45-5:30

  Rules and Regulations

•  Students will have their journals stamped each evening. This will inform parents/guardians that a student is in attendance. Therefore , notes explaining absence are not required.

•  Parents may be contacted to verify a students absence during the term.

•  Students must be present for the entire duration, otherwise they will not be admitted to study.

•  Students will be assigned a seat and should sit in this seat for the term.

•  Responsibility will only be accepted for students in attendance at study.

•  Normal School rules in relation to discipline apply to evening study.

•  Any student who fails to comply with these rules, will have sanctions imposed which may include the following.

1.Verbal warning

2.Temporary suspension from evening study

3.Permanent suspension from evening study(In this event money will not be refunded

HOMEWORK

Homework is an essential part of learning and an important aspect of a student's programme. Homework helps students to develop study skills and self-discipline. Homework, each evening, consists of the following;

•  Revision of the work done in class earlier in the day.

•  Completion of work started in class or of written exercises prescribed.

•  Research into topics that are being studies.

It will rarely be valid for a student to say ‘I have no homework tonight'. Students must record their set homework in the School Journal. Parents must check their children's Journal each evening. The Journal is a means of daily communication between school and home.

ROLE OF THE TEACHER IN HOMEWORK:

•  The setting of homework is an essential part of the teacher's lesson plan.

•  Homework should address the specific learning outcomes of the lesson.

•  The teacher will design the task around relevant achievable goals with consideration of the ability levels of the class groupings.

•  The homework will be assigned and fully explained during the lesson

•  Time will be granted for it to be recorded accurately by the student in the student journal within the lesson.

•  It is vital that all homework assignments are presented on time. Failure on the part of the student to complete any homework assignment, to a satisfactory standard, is recorded by the teacher sanctions may be imposed.

ROLE OF THE PARENT / GUARDIAN IN HOMEWORK:

•  Provide a suitable study area and the necessary tools (for example- paper and books) to complete the homework assignments.

•  Monitor after-school activities and television viewing etc, establish a specific homework time and procedure.

•  Praise the student's efforts. Assist the students, if requested, by reading over assignment questions or working through an example rather than simply providing the answer.

•  Junior students will need more parental guidance and assistance with homework than senior cycle, the parent should observe that appropriate time is spend doing homework and review completed work assignments.

HOMEWORK COMPLETES THE CYCLE OF LEARNING :

Students may not always view homework as a pleasant experience, but if the assignment

serves a good purpose and parents reinforce the completion of the tasks, students will benefit by gaining grades, better study habits, and a more positive attitude towards school and learning.

SCHOOL REPORTS :

School Reports will be issued at the following times. November Break, Christmas, Pre Examinations *3 rd & 6 th Year only) Easter (1 st , 2 nd 5 th & Transition Year); Summer 1 st , 2 nd 5 th & Transition Year)

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Pastoral Care

Pastoral Care is a systematic approach to education, which seeks to value the young person at every level. It involves a holistic approach creating an environment, which enriches the lives of students. It is a programme, which aims to provide a caring supportive school community allowing for the full development of the emerging adult, nurturing talents, fostering self worth and maximising potential.

Anti Bullying Committee

The Anti Bullying Committee is a sub committee of the Pastoral Care committee and meets regularly. The aim of this committee is to promote awareness of bullying and to promote where possible a Bully Free environment. The Committee consists of :Pastoral Care co ordinator, Chaplain, Catechist, Guidance Counsellor, Parent rep and two student reps.

As a parent you have first hand knowledge of your child and will be aware of any sudden or unexplained changes in your son/daughters behaviour.

BULLYING: THE TELL TALE SIGNS:

•  Unexplained bruising, cuts or damaged clothes

•  Visible signs of anxiety or distress - refusal to say what is wrong

•  Unexplained mood swings or behaviour

•  Out of character behaviour in class

•  Deterioration in educational attainments

•  Loss of concentration

•  Loss of interest in school

•  Erratic attendance

•  Mitching

•  Lingering behind in school after classes are over

•  Increased requests for pocket money or stealing money

•  Loss of or damage to personal possessions or equipment

•  Artwork expressing inner turmoil          (Courtesy of Anti- Bullying Centre, Trinity College)

Role of the Chaplain

The Chaplain has a multi-faceted role. He/she is a spiritual guide, a faith friend, and a supporter of others as they experience personal difficulties. He/She is a promoter of all that is ennobling within the life of the community. In pursuing this role of Chaplain he / she liases directly with management, staff, students, parents and the local community. The majority of the Chaplain's time is devoted to the students.

The Chaplain and Parents

As part of the service offered to students the Chaplain will when appropriate meet with parents. Meetings with parents (when appropriate) are arranged in conjunction with the H.S.C.L and others within the school. Parents are free to contact the Chaplain should they have concerns and feel such contact is appropriate.

Role of the Guidance Service

The aim of the Guidance Service, in keeping with the school ethos, is to assist and challenge each pupil to become aware of and reach their fullest potential in each facet of their development.

The Guidance Counselling service is in part of a whole school enterprise and provides for the development needs of all its students in the three key areas: Personal and Social, Educational and Vocational.

Team: The Guidance Counsellor works as a member of a team, working with members of the staff, with parents and other relevant professionals outside the school.

The Guidance Counselling service in this school includes:

•  COUNSELLING

•  CONSULTATION

•  CAREER TRANSITION PROGRAMME

•  EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES INFORMATION

•  ASSESSMENT

•  ETHICS

•  REFERRAL

•  RECORD KEEPING

Referral of Students

The referral team is made up of Guidance Counsellors, Home School Community Liaison Officer, Chaplain and Principal or Deputy Principal.

The team meet once a week.

Links: The Guidance Counsellor links with Special Education Department, Referral Team and Pastoral Care Team on a weekly basis.

Further information available form the Guidance Department upon request.

Counselling

To further assist students with difficulties our school offers an external counselling facility The facility is offered in a discreet manner and offers students a chance to articulate difficulties they may be experiencing in a safe and secure environment.

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Clubs and Activities

Debating, Irish Debating, Public Speaking, Salsa/Dance, Computer Club, Spanish Club, Music/Drama, Retreats, Tours, Exchanges, Gaisce

Sport

The following sports are available:

Ladies and Boys Gaelic, Soccer, Basketball, Athletics, Badminton, Table Tennis, Hurling/Camogie, Tennis, Cross-Country, Athletics, Swimming , Horse Riding, Kickboxing, Volleyball.

All training takes place at lunchtime or after school in the evenings and does not impact negatively on student's attendance in class. Students who miss class time due to representing the school in any competitions are obliged to obtain class notes/homework.

Students should limit themselves to approx. two extra curricular activities so as not to adversely affect their academic performance.

SCHOOL TOUR / SCHOOL EXCHANGES

Over the past number of years school tours have taken place to different locations on the continent. The school is of the opinion that such trips give students learning opportunities in the areas of travel, experience of different cultures and civilisations, coping with living away from home, teamwork etc. The management of such trips places a great onus of responsibility on supervising teachers. In these circumstances it is important that they are reasonably happy that the students they are bringing with them do not pose a potential threat to the safe conduct of the tour. Consequently the following general rules are in operation:- Permission form must be signed by parent/guardian at the time of booking.

•  If a student has shown a poor attitude to the Code of Behaviour or has refused to co-operate with an investigation into breaches of discipline he or she will not be considered.

•  Any student who has committed a serious misdemeanour prior to tour departure date, notwithstanding that he/she may have paid in full for his/her ticket will not be allowed to travel. Any money paid by such a student will be forfeited.

Decisions with regard to the interpretation of these conditions will rest with the Principal in consultation with the organising teacher and the supervising teachers.

Students who breach school rules/regulations during school trips abroad, in particular abuse/use of alcohol or other illegal substances will be sent home and extra costs involved will be the responsibility of the parents.

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Honour Board

This is a notice Board placed in a prominent place in school which displays achievements by students. From time to time it will show newspaper clippings, photographs, articles, etc.  

Newslink

The Newslink is a newsletter that is issued our to parents in October, Christmas, Easter and Summer. It contains news items and articles about all aspects of the school including sporting achievements, musical events, upcoming events, Principals' matters etc. It acknowledges students' achievements and their contribution to school life.

Yearbook

The Yearbook is published annually and is available for sale in May. It contains articles on events that have taken place throughout the school year. It acknowledges students achievements and displays some of their

work in the form of book reviews, poems, articles etc. It also contains pictures of each student in the school along with pictures of the many events that have taken place during the year. Many of these events are also posted on the schools webpage throughout the year.

Stamps

Each teacher is issued with a stamp, which contains a positive statement, which may be used twice a week with each class group.

Postcards

Postcards are available through a designated member of Pastoral Care. These postcards are intended to acknowledge achievements of students. They will be signed by the Principal and will be sent to parents from time to time

Student of the Term

Student of the Term will be nominated by the Tutor upon examination of his/her student's journals. Other specific criteria for the selection of Student of the Term will also be used.

Assemblies

Assemblies will be seen as an opportunity to acknowledge the achievements of our students within the school community.

Student of the Year Awards

Student of the Year awards are a culmination of the students work i.e. offer an opportunity for students to receive specialist awards in addition to student of the year awards for each year group.

Student Council/Games

Committee/Prefects/Mentors

These Committees are filled from TY/Fifth and Sixth year students. Students may apply by way of application form and after consultation with school management and staff they are appointed. The co-ordinator of each programme will meet their group at regular intervals to monitor their progress. Training in leadership is provided. Staff support for the role each group of students fulfils is very important and appreciated

Student Council

A student's council (Junior/Senior) is in operation in our school. The Council involves a representative from each class. These representatives will be democratically elected by their peers. The duties of the council will be-

•  To represent the view of students.

•  To arrange regular meetings with Co coordinator /teacher in attendance.

•  To act as class rep.

•  To report any irregularities to tutors.

•  To report on any damages etc. to the classrooms.

•  To liase with other committees and groups in the school.

Games Committee

The duties are:

•  To assist and supervise during lunchtime.

•  To organise inter-class games at lunchtime.

•  To report any irregularities or damages to school property .

Prefects

The duties are:

•  To assist first year Class Tutors in creating good class spirit.

•  To operate one/way system.

•  To assist with Canteen supervision.

•  To control entrance/exits.

•  To supervise locker areas and toilets.

•  To assist at school functions.

Mentors

The mentors provide a very valuable and impressive support system, to assist new students in their transition to MCS. In order to undertake the many challenges presented, mentors undergo a rigorous training programme. The programme provides students with invaluable insight into the role of the mentor and greatly facilitates their work.

The duties are:

•  First Year Hand Book

•  First Day Programme

•  Mentor/First Year Group Support

•  Club

•  Mentor Meetings

•  Special Events

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ASSESSMENT TEST

Our school conducts an assessment test in the weeks immediately following the open day:

•  Students will normally be advised of the outcome of their application prior to sitting for the school's Assessment Test.

•  All applicants shall be obliged to sit for the school's Assessment Test, which shall be held on a day, time and place determined by the school. A candidate who fails to sit for the test without good reason (as judged by the school) will put their admission at risk. The Board may decide to revoke an earlier decision to admit such a student and to offer the place to a student on the waiting list.

•  The Assessment Test will be used to help the school identify whether a student has special educational needs and the results may be used as a basis for seeking additional teaching or other resources from the Department of Education & Science, in line with the school's Special Educational Needs Policy.

•  The Assessment Test guides the school in its assignment of students to certain classes.

Taster Programme

A taster programme is in place prior to students entering the school to give students an opportunity to select their language choice. The taster programme also allows students to taste other subjects including physical education IT, Science, etc as well as facilitating the transition from Primary to Secondary School. The taster programme takes place between January – April each year.

First Tear Curriculum

Please also refer to First Year Curriculum section (outlined in an earlier section above).

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Parent / Teacher Meetings

Parent/Teacher meetings afford parents the opportunity to discuss with each teacher the progress of their student in a particular subject.

Students in 3 rd /6 th year may attend the meeting with their parents. Dates of the Parent Teacher Meetings will be available on the school calendar. There will be a number of information leaflets available at the Parent Teacher Meeting covering topics such as Alcohol and Young People, SPHE, Bullying, etc. These Leaflets are for information purposes and are there to aid you in your role as parent.

Parent teacher meetings are held in the School Gymnasium and when you arrive at the school you will be supplied with:

•  A map of the Gym indicating where each teacher is sitting. Teachers will be sitting alphabetically.

•  Your son/daughters journal will be collected the day of the PTM and you will be given this before you enter the gym.

In Preparation for the Parent Teacher Meeting:

AT THE PARENT TEACHER MEETING:

Parent Nights:

At various times during the year parents will be invited to the school to attend information sessions. These could be in relation to study skills, internet safety, subject choices, graduation and many more. We are always delighted to invite parents to the school and thank parents for their continued support. Some of the nights are times of celebration for example the Graduation Ceremony and some are informative but all add to the great sense of community that exists in Moate Community School.

SCHOOL REPORTS :

School Reports will be issued at the following times. November Break, Christmas, Pre Examinations *3 rd & 6 th Year only) Easter (1 st , 2 nd 5 th & Transition Year); Summer 1 st , 2 nd 5 th & Transition Year).

See Also our policy documentation :

PARENT/TEACHER MEETINGS

PARTNERSHIP AND COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS

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Goals and Objectives

 Our Code of Discipline will be administered in a manner that is consistent with the human dignity of the child. This Code of Discipline, together with our School Rules, outlines the standard of behaviour that shall be observed by each child.

To read the Full Document "Code of Behaviour - Moate Community School" - click on the link below

Code of Behaviour - Moate Community School

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