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WEB Roscommon Prospectus 2019

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School <strong>Prospectus</strong>


Ms. Georgina Keena<br />

Principal<br />

FÁILTE<br />

A Chairde Uaisle<br />

Jude Lohan<br />

Deputy Principal<br />

Content<br />

Why RCC ................................................ 3<br />

Curriculum ............................................ 5<br />

Transition Year ...................................... 8<br />

School Framework ........................... 11<br />

Extra Curricular ................................. 13<br />

Sports Programme .......................... 16<br />

Sports Gallery .................................... 17<br />

Leaders in Technology .................... 18<br />

Science Gallery .................................. 19<br />

Technology Gallery ........................ 20<br />

Music Gallery ................................... 21<br />

Art, Craft & Design Gallery .......... 21<br />

Student Services ............................ 22<br />

New Build ......................................... 23<br />

DES Inspection report .................... 26<br />

Cuirimid fáilte Uí Cheallaigh romhaibh dár scoil, Coláiste Pobail Ros<br />

Comáin. Tá bród orainn ár réamheolaire don bhliain acadúil seo a<br />

chur in iúl daoibh. Caitheann an réamheolaire seo ár n-imeachtaí<br />

scoile i slite leathana éagsula agus tá súil againn go mbainfidh sibh<br />

idir taitneamh agus tairbhe as.<br />

Welcome to <strong>Roscommon</strong> Community College, a co-educational<br />

secondary school under the governing body of Galway<br />

<strong>Roscommon</strong> Education and Training Board (GRETB). <strong>Roscommon</strong><br />

Community College has grown rapidly over the last few years<br />

and today provides a vibrant and energetic setting for growth<br />

and improvement in <strong>Roscommon</strong> Town. When your child enters<br />

our school they are taken on a journey of exploration that equips<br />

them with the necessary knowledge and skills to develop selfconfidence,<br />

independent inquiry, respect, positivity and tolerance.<br />

At RCC we want each of our students to feel supported, respected<br />

and valued as an individual within a caring, inclusive and<br />

compassionate school environment. We provide a framework of<br />

education that fosters academic excellence, pastoral care, social<br />

direction and support structures that assist and enhance your<br />

child’s life chances. We work with our students to achieve high<br />

academic grades and guide them throughout their time in our<br />

school so that they make appropriate life choices as they venture<br />

beyond our walls.<br />

Students at RCC can access a vast curriculum from which they can<br />

choose a variety of subjects, both practical and academic, delivered<br />

by a team of professional, dedicated and highly motivated<br />

teachers, and supported by our Special Needs Assistants. The<br />

work we do to enhance our students learning experiences is at the<br />

vanguard of educational practice and yet we never lose focus on<br />

their individual needs. We create a wide spectrum of opportunities<br />

for students and create a platform for them to experience foreign<br />

travel, charity work and competitive sporting and academic<br />

competitions. These opportunities help students achieve a holistic<br />

and fulfilling experience of learning, challenges them to think<br />

independently, work proactively and act responsibly and enables<br />

them to flourish in a range of different environments.<br />

An underpinning principle of RCC is our ethos of working in<br />

partnership with all members of the school community; students,<br />

parents, staff, Board of Management and the local community.<br />

Our active student council and vibrant Parents’ Association are<br />

essential in <strong>Roscommon</strong> Community College and very much a<br />

part of our inclusive approach towards education.<br />

I hope that as you browse through this prospectus and attend<br />

our Open Day, that you will discover a vibrant school community,<br />

characterised by an atmosphere of warmth and vitality, where our<br />

pupils are active, enthusiastic and happy during their time in RCC.<br />

Míle buíochas as ucht do chuid ama agus táimid ag tnúth go mór<br />

le bualadh libh go luath amach anseo.<br />

Le dea-ghuí.<br />

Ms. Georgina Keena<br />

Principal<br />

2


Why RCC?<br />

Our ethos centres on the student. We<br />

prize each and every child in our care and<br />

acknowledge their individuality, unique<br />

talents and their contribution to our school<br />

community as well as the wider society. We<br />

seek to develop each student’s talents to<br />

their highest potential in an environment<br />

that respects, encourages and confirms<br />

their efforts at achieving personal goals.<br />

RCC is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence<br />

in all aspects of education. We believe<br />

that every student has a tremendous and<br />

unique potential and our aim is to enable<br />

this potential in a structured and focused<br />

way. We will encourage civic responsibility<br />

so that each student can make a positive<br />

contribution to our society and bring their<br />

own distinctiveness to bear.<br />

Respect is a critical factor in RCC’s<br />

environment. Both teachers and students<br />

operate in an atmosphere of mutual<br />

cooperation and collaboration and this is<br />

reflected in the enduring relationships of all<br />

within the school community.<br />

Our results reflect the dedication and hard<br />

work of both students and teachers. Every<br />

year our students apply through the CAO for<br />

third level places and over 90% are offered<br />

their first or second choice.<br />

At RCC we excel as a school community.<br />

We believe that all our students are school<br />

leaders and we place them in the centre of<br />

teaching and learning in the school. We foster<br />

a climate of independent learning and inspire<br />

our young people to achieve. We respect<br />

their views and opinions in an environment<br />

of mutual respect and responsibility.<br />

Our Mission<br />

At RCC we aim to provide a<br />

quality academic, practical,<br />

social and spiritual education<br />

for our students, suited to their<br />

needs and abilities, in a warm,<br />

caring and friendly environment.<br />

We foster mutual respect<br />

between students and staff and<br />

instil in our students a sense of<br />

self-discipline and community.<br />

3


Our educational practice<br />

Your pathways<br />

Application Process for<br />

Incoming First Years<br />

Application forms and information regarding our<br />

Admission Policy will be delivered by representatives from<br />

<strong>Roscommon</strong> Community College to our local primary<br />

schools and other feeder schools for your son or daughter<br />

in 6 th class. Alternatively, information is available from<br />

www.roscomcol.com.<br />

4


CURRICULUM<br />

Junior Cycle<br />

RCC takes a broad and holistic view of education. Passionate about lifelong learning, we<br />

believe that success at examination level is crucial to developing the skillset that our students<br />

will need to become independent thinkers and self-disciplined learners. Our students are<br />

encouraged to take higher level in all their chosen subject areas and consistently achieve<br />

high grades across the board.<br />

In first year, our student’s sample and participate in all core, elective and non-exam subjects.<br />

Then in accordance with the Department of Education guidelines on the new Junior Cycle,<br />

each student maintains all the core subjects and selects four of the elective subjects for the<br />

Junior Cycle examination. Together with a number of non-examinable subjects they explore<br />

the curriculum through innovative and progressive classroom pedagogies and connect with<br />

a range of topics that develop them in a holistic and well-structured manner.<br />

Junior Cycle group work<br />

BEING<br />

LITERATE<br />

Junior Certificate<br />

Core Subjects<br />

COMMUNICATING<br />

MANAGING<br />

MYSELF<br />

Irish, English, Mathematics, Science,<br />

French/German<br />

Elective Subjects<br />

WORKING<br />

WITH<br />

OTHERS<br />

KEY<br />

SKILLS<br />

STAYING<br />

WELL<br />

History, Geography, Music, Home<br />

Economics, Business Studies, Materials<br />

Technology-Wood, Engineering, Technical<br />

Graphics, Art.<br />

Non-Exam Subjects<br />

Career Guidance, Study Skills, Religious<br />

Education, Computer Studies<br />

BEING<br />

CREATIVE<br />

MANAGING<br />

INFORMATION<br />

& THINKING<br />

Well-being<br />

BEING<br />

NUMERATE<br />

With the New Junior Cert all students<br />

develop eight key skills which enable them<br />

to participate in 21 st century learning.<br />

5


COMMENTS FROM<br />

1 st Year Students<br />

“I like the school because<br />

the teachers are lovely<br />

and kind. I like the way we<br />

picked our subjects in 1 st<br />

year and not in 2 nd year!”<br />

“The moment I stepped in the door<br />

I felt welcome! The teachers are<br />

fantastic and always make us feel<br />

great about ourselves.I have learned<br />

so much in my first term! It is an<br />

amazing school with an even<br />

better community!”<br />

“I really like <strong>Roscommon</strong><br />

Community College because it is a<br />

very happy school, the pupils are<br />

all very nice and the teachers are<br />

kind and caring. I also really like<br />

the lunch scheme.”<br />

“I am very happy in school.<br />

The teachers are fantastic.<br />

They support you and help<br />

you in any way possible.<br />

What a great school!”<br />

“I was very excited to go to this<br />

school and it was well worth the<br />

excitement. The teachers and<br />

pupils are very nice and helpful.<br />

There is a half day on Friday and I<br />

really like this.”<br />

“I like this school because I have<br />

made a lot of new friends. It’s easy<br />

to find my way around the school.<br />

All the teachers are so friendly and<br />

helpful.”<br />

6


Positive Behaviour<br />

All members of the <strong>Roscommon</strong> Community College<br />

community are expected to treat one another with respect,<br />

good manners and courtesy at all times. We expect and<br />

promote high standards of behaviour centred on respect<br />

including: respect for self, respect for fellow students, respect<br />

for staff and respect for property. View our Code of Behaviour<br />

on www.roscomcol.ie<br />

7


CURRICULUM<br />

Transition Year<br />

RCC challenges Transition Year students to formulate a sense of self, set and reach new<br />

goals and ambitions, reach heights that they never knew possible and experience diversity<br />

and enjoyment. We encourage and help our students to embrace change and opportunity<br />

while developing cognitive, social and emotional skills in a way that compliments the<br />

transition to senior cycle. Students study the core Leaving Certificate subjects and sample<br />

the extensive range of modular subjects on offer. The benefits of this core year, can be seen<br />

by our students in their awareness, attitude and commitment to their studies and prevailing<br />

excellent results attained in their Leaving Certificate.<br />

CORE SUBJECTS<br />

Gaeilge<br />

English<br />

Mathematics<br />

French/German<br />

NON-EXAM SUBJECTS<br />

Outdoor Pursuits<br />

Career Guidance<br />

Work Experience<br />

Preparation for the World of Work<br />

MODULAR<br />

Multimedia and Web Development English Law Education<br />

Business and Enterprise Irish Global Citizenship Education (GCE)<br />

French Debating Education<br />

German Geography Art, Craft and Design<br />

Metalwork Home Economics Social Dancing<br />

Engineering Design Music Career Guidance<br />

Science Maths Work Experience and Preparation for the<br />

Environmental Studies<br />

Outdoor Pursuits<br />

World of Work<br />

8<br />

PROGRAMMES AND AWARDS<br />

NUI Galway Mini Med John Paul II Award Driver Education<br />

First Aid GAA Coaching Course Roddy Doyle Writing Workshop<br />

Work Experience Farm Management WorldWise Global Schools Project (WWGS)<br />

Community Work Experience Microsoft Certificate Production of School Magazine<br />

Career Guidance BT Young Scientist Leadership for Life Programme<br />

Fundraising SciFest SPHE and Mental Health Initiatives<br />

Gaisce - The President’s Award First Lego League Competition Big Brother Big Sister<br />

TY Physics Experience in association with<br />

Trinity College Dublin<br />

TY Mini Med in association with Mayo<br />

General Hospital<br />

Junior Mini-Sumo Robotics


CURRICULUM<br />

Senior Cycle<br />

LEAVING CERTIFICATE<br />

RCC students’ progress from our core Transition Year programme into our Senior Cycle<br />

programme. Having studied the core Leaving Certificate subjects Irish, English, Mathematics<br />

and French/German, and sampled the extensive range of modular subjects, our students<br />

have a great foundation and insight into the requirements of each subject as they progress<br />

into Senior Cycle. The full range of subjects are on offer.<br />

CORE SUBJECTS<br />

Irish<br />

English<br />

Mathematics<br />

French/German<br />

NON-EXAM SUBJECTS<br />

Physical Education and Games<br />

Religious Education<br />

Relationships and Sexuality Education<br />

ELECTIVE SUBJECTS<br />

Sciences – Physics, Chemistry, Biology,<br />

Agricultural Science, Home Economics,<br />

Applied Mathematics.<br />

Humanities – French, German,<br />

Geography, History, Music, Politics and<br />

Society.<br />

Technology – Construction Studies,<br />

Engineering, Design Communications<br />

and Graphics, Art.<br />

Business – Business, Accounting,<br />

Economics, Leaving Cert Vocational<br />

Programme (LCVP).<br />

“RCC offers an education<br />

that places the student<br />

at the centre of the<br />

learning. We create a<br />

learning environment<br />

which acknowledges<br />

the student voice as<br />

central, incorporating<br />

an enquiry-focused<br />

approach. Our<br />

curriculum is inclusive,<br />

wide-ranging and<br />

meets the needs of<br />

many diverse and<br />

differentiated learning<br />

requirements.”<br />

~ Teacher<br />

9


CURRICULUM<br />

Learning For Life<br />

LEARNING FOR LIFE (SPECIAL EDUCATION NEEDS)<br />

For students with more complex learning needs, we offer our Learning for Life Programme.<br />

This provides an educational programme that meets the academic, social, vocational and<br />

behavioural needs of students with mild to moderate learning disabilities. We endeavour<br />

to provide such students with the skills needed to live fulfilling and productive adult lives,<br />

together with the tools to seek and gain employment. Our goal is to ensure all participants in<br />

the Learning for Life Programme gain recognition and certification at a level appropriate to<br />

them. Transition from one level to the next is ability based. Admission to this programme is<br />

based on a number of criteria and availability, as decided by the school Principal. Students<br />

may complete modules from the new Junior Certificate Level 2 Learning Programmes<br />

(L2LPs) and Level 1 (L1LPS) or modules from Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI).<br />

CORE SUBJECTS<br />

L1LP:<br />

Numeracy<br />

Communication, Literacy and Language<br />

Personal Care and Well-being<br />

Being part of a Community<br />

The Arts<br />

Physical Education<br />

L2LPs:<br />

Communicating and Literacy<br />

Numeracy<br />

Personal Care<br />

Living in a Community<br />

Preparing for work<br />

ELECTIVE SUBJECTS<br />

Home Economics<br />

Music<br />

Information Technology<br />

Horticulture<br />

Work Experience<br />

Cultural Studies<br />

Health and Safety<br />

Movement and Relaxation<br />

AWARDS<br />

‘First Steps’ – A FETAC Level 1 Certificate<br />

in Communications<br />

‘Write On’ – A FETAC Level 2 Certificate in<br />

General Learning<br />

10<br />

‘Learning for Everyday Living’ - A<br />

FETAC Level 3 Certificate in General<br />

Learning


School Framework<br />

YEAR-HEADS<br />

Board of<br />

Management<br />

Principal<br />

Deputy Principal<br />

5 Assistant<br />

Principal 1’s<br />

Student Mentoring (BBBS)<br />

Class Prefects<br />

5 Assistant Principal 2’s<br />

Head Boy and Head Girl<br />

STUDENT<br />

46 Teachers/8 SNAs<br />

Student Council<br />

Pastoral<br />

Care Team<br />

School Completion<br />

Coordinator<br />

Home School<br />

Community<br />

Liaison Officer<br />

Learning<br />

Support Team<br />

Guidance<br />

Counselling<br />

“Every building needs a solid foundation. RCC has given me the<br />

foundation to build the rest of my life on.”<br />

~ 6 th year student<br />

11


Inspiring Excellence<br />

Encouraging Thinking<br />

‘The happy atmosphere<br />

in RCC has given my<br />

child the opportunity to<br />

flourish and develop into<br />

a capable young adult. His<br />

time spent in the school<br />

has not only offered<br />

him the academic tools<br />

to succeed but also has<br />

given him the social and<br />

cultural skills to pursue<br />

his goals and dreams”.<br />

~ Parent<br />

12


Extra Curricular<br />

At RCC we place great value on ensuring that each child in our care becomes a responsible and hard-working adult. We support them<br />

as they become active participants in protecting and supporting their community and environment. Through our extra-curricular<br />

programmes we give our students the opportunity to discover and explore cultures and social issues and develop their knowledge and<br />

communication skills.<br />

School Trips<br />

• RCC offers students a rich and diverse educational experience<br />

through our global school’s programme. This gives students the<br />

opportunity to experience different cultures and values.<br />

• The Modern Foreign Languages Department offers a wide range<br />

of out-of-class language and cultural experiences including<br />

European Day of Languages, International Fashion Show,<br />

MFL cinema trips and plays, Lunchtime Language Meet-Up<br />

(Stammtisch), Student Language Exchange Programmes and<br />

Language College Scholarships. Through the Student Language<br />

Exchange programmes our students are given the opportunity<br />

to establish relationships with other students of similar age and<br />

background through total submersion in French and German.<br />

• Each year students have the option to travel abroad on school<br />

tours. Previous tours have visited London, France, Germany,<br />

Belgium, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands.<br />

• The Career Guidance department travel each year to Ireland’s<br />

universities and third level colleges.<br />

• Other trips and excursions have included visits to theatres,<br />

Ecology and Geography fieldtrips.<br />

Gaeltacht Scholarship<br />

Each year students are afforded an opportunity to apply for a<br />

scholarship to attend one of the island schools in Árann for the<br />

academic year. This year two of our students were awarded this<br />

scholarship from the GRETB to attend Gairmscoil Éinne in Inis Mór<br />

for the 2018/<strong>2019</strong> academic year.<br />

Student Awards<br />

RCC takes a broad view of education and each year students are<br />

encouraged to attain their personal best through the awards<br />

programme, which focus on many aspects of school life. The<br />

awards include; Academic Excellence, Class Contribution, Good<br />

Citizenship, Leadership, Euro-Language French and German<br />

Scholarships, Gaeltacht Scholarships and Sports Awards. Being<br />

part of the Galway <strong>Roscommon</strong> Education and Training Board gives<br />

our students the opportunity to participate in the GRETB Awards<br />

Programme, under the following categories; Sporting, Academic,<br />

Overcoming Adversity and Leadership.<br />

13


Green School<br />

Our school was the first Post-Primary school in the county to<br />

achieve a Green Flag Award. We have successfully retained our<br />

green flag status on the last seven assessment occasions and are<br />

currently preparing for our eight assessment on the theme of<br />

Global Citizenship with an emphasis on the Marine Environment.<br />

WorldWise Global Schools (WWGS)<br />

Our school has been involved in WWGS projects over the last number of years, with the aim of<br />

integrating Global Citizenship Education (GCE) into all aspects of teaching and learning. GCE is<br />

a powerful vehicle through which we can better understand the world we live in and take action<br />

to change it as informed global citizens. At RCC we believe GCE is an exciting and effective way<br />

to equip students with critical thinking skills and instil personal values such as empathy and<br />

solidarity, to help our students contribute to creating a more just and equal world. Each year<br />

our school chooses different themes to focus on for our WWGS project, which link in with the<br />

Sustainable Development Goals. Students engage in class work on these topics as well as other<br />

extra-curricular activities, a sample of which are listed below.<br />

• Trip to Irish Aid Centre for GCE workshop<br />

• Intercultural Breakfast Morning<br />

• Trip to Cloughjordan Ecovillage<br />

• Trip to Lough Boora for Habitat Study<br />

• Inclusion Creative Writing Workshop<br />

• Environmental Sustainability Video-making Workshops<br />

• Discrimination Drama Workshops<br />

• Intercultural Music Workshop<br />

• Fair Trade Awareness Raising Activity<br />

• Trip to Strokestown Famine Museum<br />

14


Supporting Community<br />

Building Confidence<br />

“Having the opportunity<br />

to be guided by the<br />

wonderful teachers and<br />

staff at RCC has been a<br />

privilege. I have learned a<br />

lot about myself, especially<br />

in Sporting teams. I<br />

have experienced many<br />

great memories and I<br />

am confident that it has<br />

given me the platform to<br />

succeed in the future.<br />

~ 6 th Year Student<br />

15


Building Character<br />

Reaching Potential<br />

RCC Coaches<br />

• Mr. Fergal Timmons: Hurling,<br />

Handball, Football<br />

• Ms. Siobhán Tully: Handball,<br />

Volleyball<br />

• Mr. Paul Casserly: Rugby<br />

• Mr. Conor Devaney: Football, Athletics<br />

• Ms. Laura Fleming: Football<br />

• Ms. Sheila Gunn: Football, Volleyball<br />

• Ms. Niamh Conway: Camogie<br />

• Ms. Aishling Spellman: Camogie<br />

• Mr. Shane Killoran: Football,<br />

Volleyball<br />

• Mr. Gary Patterson: Football<br />

• Mr. Maurice Callinan: Hurling<br />

• Ms. Maura Connolly: Football<br />

• Mr. James Martin: Football<br />

SPORTS PROGRAMME<br />

Research shows that participation in youth sports helps children improve the physical, social, emotional and academic aspects of their<br />

lives. In addition, the experience of youth sports influences their behaviour as adults, while also helping to promote physical fitness. At<br />

<strong>Roscommon</strong> Community College we value the role of sport as we endeavour to counter the rising tide of childhood obesity and other health<br />

problems.<br />

Physical Education is offered to students of all ages within <strong>Roscommon</strong> Community College. We emphasise the importance of sport in<br />

everyday life and students develop the values of teamwork, individual achievement and sportsmanship through taking part in a suite of<br />

extra-curricular sports activities throughout the school year.<br />

Together we aim to develop student ability in a way that enhances competitiveness while encouraging self-discipline and supporting team<br />

skills. Whether your child enjoys team-based sports or is more of an individual, we have the expertise, facilities and the passion to develop<br />

their physical skills and create healthy habits as they move into adulthood.<br />

OUR SPORTING ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:<br />

Volleyball Handball Table Tennis<br />

Gaelic Football Basketball Athletics<br />

Hurling<br />

Rugby<br />

Camogie<br />

Soccer<br />

Our Outdoor Pursuits Programme for Transition Year is an integral part of our extra-curricular activity curriculum and involves camping,<br />

orienteering, mountain climbing, hill walking, cycling, abseiling and a variety of water sports. Coaching courses in GAA, Volleyball and soccer<br />

are also available for those budding managers of the future.<br />

16


Sports<br />

17


Leaders in Technology<br />

Significant investment and planning has ensured that <strong>Roscommon</strong> Community College is at the forefront in utilising IT in teaching, learning<br />

and management. Every classroom is equipped with a teaching computer, interactive whiteboards and high-speed broadband to enhance<br />

the visual environment and we have two fully-equipped computer rooms and a bank of student devices for the language department to<br />

address the needs of modern learning.<br />

Each student in <strong>Roscommon</strong> Community College receives a school email and Microsoft Office 365 account. This allows our students the<br />

use of various Microsoft applications to aid their learning. Students can access OneNote, which allows students to access their class notes<br />

including videos, which are specially designed by teachers, to enhance students learning.<br />

Website<br />

Our website keeps you up-to-date with all of the necessary<br />

information required to monitor and explore your child’s<br />

education. Subject information, school calendars and support<br />

services are some of the items on the website that keep you<br />

informed of the various school activities. You can log on to our<br />

website at www.roscomcol.ie. For enquiries contact us at info.<br />

roscommon@gretb.ie<br />

Ms. Marie Bance - School Secretary<br />

VSWare<br />

Parents can stay up-to-date of their child’s progress through VSWare,<br />

our secure and online student record system where up-to-date<br />

assessment results, timetables, attendance and other information<br />

can be viewed.<br />

Texting Service for Parents<br />

We offer a text service to parents to inform them of student absences<br />

and notify them of any changes or events that may be taking place.<br />

This may include reminders for parent teacher meetings, sporting<br />

activities, class trips, school emergencies, general notices and<br />

unplanned closures.<br />

Way2Pay<br />

Way2Pay is Ireland’s fastest growing cashless payment solution for<br />

schools. Parents can ‘pay by text’ for school activities instantly on<br />

their smartphones with a few simple clicks.<br />

18


Science<br />

19


20<br />

Technology


Music<br />

Art, Craft & Design<br />

21


Student Services<br />

Evening Study<br />

Evening Study is open to all students and takes place after school<br />

Monday to Friday (nominal fee applies).<br />

Homework Club<br />

Homework Club is run in conjunction with the School Completion<br />

Programme. This service gives students the unique opportunity<br />

to stay back after school and complete their homework in a warm<br />

comfortable bright environment with their peers and a number<br />

of teachers present to help them, if needs be. It provides students<br />

with a structured environment, allowing them to get into the habit<br />

of completing homework and study during a set period of time and<br />

to the highest standards pupils can achieve.<br />

Student Council<br />

The Student Council consists of a representative body elected from<br />

and by the general cohort of students in the school. The Student<br />

Council gives students an opportunity to voice their concerns and<br />

opinions and to play an active role in school events and the life of<br />

the school. A member of staff liaises with the Student Council and<br />

through the Council links are formed between the students and<br />

school management.<br />

Care Meetings<br />

Our school care team meets weekly to discuss the individual needs<br />

and requirements of the students as they arise. The Care team is<br />

made up of the Principal, Deputy Principal, Guidance Counsellor,<br />

HSCL, Learning Support and SCP Co-Ordinator, and Discipline<br />

Co-Ordinator. The idea of a team approach within the school is<br />

intended to bring all the available resources of the school together<br />

to address, in a strategic and co-ordinated manner, the complex<br />

needs of students. Interventions can also involve agencies and<br />

support personnel from outside the school environment.<br />

School Lunch Scheme<br />

The School Lunch Scheme aims to provide free regular, nutritious<br />

food to students. At RCC we realise that proper nutrition can improve<br />

children’s ability to concentrate, improve disruptive behaviour and<br />

encourage children to attend school. Each student receives their<br />

own unique username and password for our school lunch scheme,<br />

which they use to login online to order a personalised lunch. In every<br />

lunch, each sandwich is individually handcrafted and labelled with<br />

the relevant student’s name. All lunches are delivered to school<br />

each morning in a unique temperature controlled boxes boosting<br />

freshness, quality and taste.<br />

Career Guidance and Counselling<br />

Guidance and Counselling is at the heart of our pastoral care in<br />

RCC. The Guidance Counsellor gives care and support to students<br />

learning to cope with the many aspects of growing up and school<br />

life and with their individual personal circumstances. Students in<br />

all years may be seen individually, either at their own request or<br />

that of a parent or teacher. Students are offered the opportunity to<br />

explore/discuss personal issues and are guided and helped through<br />

the decision-making process. The schools holistic approach offers<br />

students access Guidance in the Classroom, around the school and<br />

on a one-to-one basis which encompasses the three separate, but<br />

interlinked, areas of personal and social development, educational<br />

guidance and career guidance.<br />

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Delivering Equality of<br />

Opportunity in Schools (DEIS)<br />

<strong>Roscommon</strong> Community College is a DEIS school and<br />

therefore receives a range of additional resources including<br />

additional staffing, funding and access to literacy and numeracy<br />

programmes. In addition, interventions such as the Home<br />

School Community Liaison Scheme and the School Completion<br />

Programme are available to our school.<br />

Home School Community<br />

Liaison Scheme (HSCL)<br />

• aims to combat educational disadvantage, through a<br />

range of interventions and strategies, designed to improve<br />

educational outcomes for children.<br />

• the underlying vision is preventative; therefore, it seeks to<br />

promote and develop real partnership between parents,<br />

teachers and communities, in order to enhance pupils’<br />

outcomes and learning opportunities, through improved<br />

attendance, participation and retention in the education<br />

system.<br />

School Completion Programme<br />

(SCP)<br />

• aims to have a positive impact on retention for young people<br />

at risk of early school leaving.<br />

• numerous innovative programmes and interventions are<br />

provided ranging from Homework Club and Individual Support,<br />

to Music and extra tuition.<br />

Parents Association<br />

A number of parents are elected to form the Parents’ Association<br />

at the Annual General Meeting of parents each year. The Parents’<br />

Association acts as a representative body that:<br />

• represents the views of parents<br />

• informs parents of developments in education and in the school<br />

• fosters co-operation between parents, teachers and school<br />

management<br />

• provides opportunities for parents and the school principal<br />

or representative of staff to meet and exchange ideas on the<br />

education of their children, to discuss issues such as discipline,<br />

homework etc. and to address topics of mutual interest<br />

• helps with the provision of extra equipment and fundraising.<br />

Opportunities for Parental<br />

Participation<br />

Throughout the year parents are invited to attend information<br />

briefings such as:<br />

• 1 st year information night<br />

• Subject and Programme choice<br />

• First Year Maths Evening<br />

• CAO Information<br />

• TY Information briefing<br />

• Tour briefings for each group travelling<br />

• Transition Year Graduation Night<br />

• Sixth Year Graduation Night<br />

• Annual parent teacher meetings<br />

• Personal appointments<br />

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<strong>Roscommon</strong> Community College New Build<br />

Commencing January <strong>2019</strong><br />

New Facilities Include<br />

1 Home-Economics Room<br />

1 Science Laboratory<br />

1 Special Education Unit<br />

5 General Classrooms<br />

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Floor Plan of New Build<br />

Classroom<br />

Classroom<br />

Science Lab<br />

Classroom<br />

Classroom<br />

Classroom<br />

Classroom<br />

Courtyard<br />

Fem<br />

WC<br />

Male<br />

Home<br />

Economics<br />

Entrance<br />

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Looking at our School<br />

DES INSPECTION<br />

REPORTS<br />

November 2018:<br />

Mathematics Department Inspection<br />

• Subject provision and whole-school support<br />

for Mathematics are very good.<br />

• Students in need of additional numeracy<br />

support are very well catered for.<br />

• Planning and preparation for Mathematics<br />

are of a very high standard.<br />

November 2015:<br />

Science and Biology inspection<br />

• Consistently high-quality teaching was<br />

observed in all the lessons visited.<br />

• Lessons were structured, well-paced and<br />

student centred.<br />

• Students demonstrated evidence of goodquality<br />

learning; the teaching approaches<br />

used challenged and engaged them in the<br />

learning process.<br />

November 2013:<br />

Whole-School Inspection – Management,<br />

Leadership and Learning (WSE-MLL)<br />

• The senior management team is very<br />

effective, having a vision for the school’s<br />

development and the capacity to progress<br />

the school’s developmental priorities.<br />

• Considerable work has been done to<br />

develop the school’s systems and processes<br />

including those for special educational<br />

needs (SEN).<br />

• The quality of teaching and learning was<br />

good or very good in almost all lessons, with<br />

excellent practice evident in a number of<br />

lessons.<br />

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Pastoral Care<br />

RCC is a listening school<br />

where the students’ voice is<br />

heard. Our expert pastoral<br />

care team will ensure<br />

that students who are<br />

experiencing difficulties, be<br />

they academic, emotional<br />

or social, are cared for in a<br />

sensitive, compassionate and<br />

proactive way. The aim of<br />

our pastoral care programme<br />

is to provide well-being for<br />

all members of our school<br />

community in a safe and<br />

caring environment.<br />

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<strong>Roscommon</strong> Community College<br />

Lisnamult, <strong>Roscommon</strong> Town<br />

090 6626670<br />

info.roscommon@gretb.ie<br />

www.roscomcol.ie<br />

@roscomcol<br />

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