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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.