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The First Year Student
at St.Paul's
INTEGRATION:
On of St.Paul's major advantages is its size: it is
not too large. This makes it easier for new pupils to integrate into the
school system without the worry of getting lost amongst large numbers of
students. Numbers in classes also tend to be low.
MEITHEAL GROUP:
St.Paul's was one of the first schools in Kildare to
introduce this system. A specially chosen group of fifth-year students are
sent away on a week-long residential course where they get special
training in looking after the needs of younger students. They meet the
first-year students on their first day in school and work closely with
them, guiding them through the transition from Primary to Secondary
School. Each student is assigned a Meitheal leader who will assist them
right through their first year in St.Paul's.
FORM TEACHER:
Each class is assigned a form teacher who meets the
students at the beginning of each day and oversees their progress. He/she is available for students or parents to contact with any
concerns that might arise. The form teacher will make formal and informal
contact
with his or her students on a regular basis during the year. The School
Guidance Counsellor, the Chaplain and the Prefects are also available should
a student feel they need someone to talk to.
SUBJECTS:
At St.Paul's we offer a balanced range of subjects as
shown below. This gives our students a broad experience of practical,
social and academic subjects. All levels are catered for up to Leaving
Cert. and students are prepared for entry to Third level.
Subjects offered in First Year are:
Irish , English , Maths,
Computers,
French, Geography,
Religion, Science,
C.S.P.E,
Business Studies, History, P.E. ,
As well as a choice of
two
from:
Home Economics
Material Technology (Wood)
Technical Graphics
Special Education:
While most students are quite successful at school, some students may
require additional help with their education. These are students with
special needs and our Special Education Programme is designed to help
these students achieve their potential .
Special education involves:
a) Determining what special needs a student has;
b) Delivering the instruction and support that will meet those needs;
c) Evaluating the student's progress.
SAFETY:
SUPERVISION:
Break are supervised by teachers.
Facilities are provided in the school for students to have their lunch.
LOCKERS:
All students can avail of the use of a locker for the
year.
EXTRA ACTIVITIES:
We try to ensure that our students in St.Paul's enjoy
themselves as well as working hard at their studies. Amongst the range of
extra activities organized are: Gaelic Football, Soccer, Basketball,
Athletics, Chess, Swimming, Art, School Outings, Supervised Discos (for
St.Paul's students only), Quizzes, Library, Students Council, Novelty Days.
THE FIRST WEEK:
There are so many new faces, so much that is new, that
it is little wonder that first-year students find their first week in
Secondary School confusing and exhausting. Having carried out research in
this area, we in St.Paul's have introduced a system whereby first-years
will come in to school for mornings only for the first week. This will
enable them to became familiar with the layout of the school, get to know
their timetable, meet their new teachers, arrange lockers etc., in a less
rushed and daunting atmosphere.
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