Special Educational Needs

At some stage in their education, approximately 25% of students have special educational needs.

• These may be of a long term nature due to a physical impairment or to a specific learning disability.
• They may be short term, due to an interruption of their education caused by illness, injury or bereavement for example.
• It is useful to know what is available should you need to avail of the service.
• On–going Supports available as appropriate in a Mainstream Setting subject to Resources.

Junior Cycle

1st Years. Team teaching in all English classes and in one Maths class.

2nd Years and 3rd Years. A special class has been set up for Ordinary level History, Geography, Religion and CSPE. Maths classes are banded according to ability. In 3rd year Ordinary level classes may be set up within other subjects as required and according to the numbers involved.

Senior Cycle

Transition Year offers additional learning opportunities and experiences.

Leaving Cert Applied. This two-year Leaving Certificate programme is based more on practical activities and project work and is designed to be an alternative to the traditional Leaving Certificate. Team teaching is provided in many of the classes e.g. Information Technology, as appropriate.

Mainstream 5th year and 6th Year. Students may choose Ordinary Level or Higher Level in their courses to attain the best outcome in their Leaving Cert and are offered help and advice and support in doing so.

Students are offered help and advice in fulfilling their course requirements.

Additional Support Offered within the Context of Special Educational Needs

Students for whom English is not their first language receive extra English classes throughout their school career.

Students who are entitled to resource teaching or learning support are taught either on a 1-1 basis or in small groups in accordance with the recommendations on their Psychological report.

Students receive their additional support in addition to the Transition Year Programme and Leaving Cert Applied

Usually, this takes place during Irish class times as most of these students are exempt from Irish, or if this is not the case, they may be withdrawn from other classes, although we try to minimise this practice.