School Prospectus Réamheolaire na Scoile Davitt College Coláiste Dhaibhéid A dynamic and vibrant centre of teaching and learning Is lárionad é ina bhfuil múineadh agus foghlaim beomhar agus fuinniúil Principal’s Welcome I am very pleased to introduce you to the Davitt College Prospectus. We are a co-educational, non-denominational and multicultural school. Our school is a dynamic and innovative centre of teaching and learning. In Davitt College our talented and dedicated staff has created an Mission Statement environment where our holistic approach to Davitt College aims to provide a caring education provides all our students with community which, in partnership with a wide range of academic and practical subjects, together with an extensive range parents/guardians, caters for the of extracurricular activities as well as educational, emotional, physical and spiritual programmes in health and physical education. development of its students and facilitates There is something for every student at them in reaching their full potential. Davitt College. We have a school community where all students are cared for and are Vision helped reach their full potential. We prepare Davitt College will provide a comprehensive our students for third-level education and education, which will promote the personal, for future life by preparing them to make the best of their talents and skills. Students social, academic, spiritual and vocational consistently achieve distinction in examination development of its students so as to prepare results, sports, debating and public speaking, them for their roles as responsible members music, art, projects and competitions. We of society. This will take place in the context have in place comprehensive policies and of an ethos based on mutual respect procedures to deal with discipline, bullying and other issues affecting the welfare of between staff and students. students. An education at Davitt College combines Aims the best teaching, learning and caring To maintain high standards in all areas environment for all students. of school life. To uphold high educational attainment and good relationships. Bernadette Rowland To maintain a positive climate where mutual Principal respect and co-operation are fostered throughout the school community. To ensure that the educational needs of all students, including those with a disability or other special educational needs, are identified and provided for. To ensure that students have access to appropriate guidance to assist them in their Bernie Rowland William Rowan Anita Gallagher educational choices. To promote the moral, Principal Deputy Principal Deputy Principal spiritual, social and personal development of students. 02 Junior Cycle Davitt College offers an extensive range of academic and practical subjects at all Levels Science Maths History English Geography Gaeilge French or German Religion SUBJECTS available in C.S.P.E S.P.H.E JUNIOR CYCLE PROGRAMME Home Economics Computer Studies Business Studies P.E Woodwork Wellbeing Music Metalwork Technical Art Graphics Core Subjects Optional Subjects Non-Exam Subjects Taken by All Students Students may sample a broad range of subjects before making their final choice before the Junior Certificate course. Junior Certificate School Programme (JCSP) This programme is an intervention within the Junior Certificate Programme and provides a curriculum frame-work with an emphasis on active learning and on the development of basic skills. Students are encouraged to enjoy the experience of improvement and success. 03 Transition Year Programme Transition Year is available to students who wish to take time before moving into fifth year to build self-confidence, to gain competence in the core academic subjects and to develop personal skills. This one-year optional programme offers the potential for the holistic development of young people as flexible learners, active citizens and workers in the future. It is an interdisciplinary programme with an emphasis on self-regulated learning, personal development, social awareness and entrepreneurial skills. The Transition Year subjects and modules encourage the need for independent analysis and critical thinking. Subjects and Modules include: Debating / Gaeilge Public Speaking English School Tour Maths Training French / German Peer4Peer Programme Geography BT Young Scientist Project Religion Scifest Project Computer Programming Social Studies Road Safety Home Economics History TRANSITION YEAR Computers Art (MOS) PROGRAMME Build-a-Bank Business Project / Economics / Career Music / Guidance School Musical Science P.E. / Coaching Course Politics & Society Woodwork Volunteerism Engineering Outdoor Gaisce Pursuits Mentoring Mini Programme Company Work Experience “Excellence in teaching and learning” 04 Leaving Certificate Programmes Davitt College offers three Leaving Certificate Programmes: 1. (LCE) Leaving Certificate (Established) 2. (LCVP) Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme 3. (LCA) Leaving Certificate Applied Leaving Certificate Established Applied Maths French Maths German English Business Gaeilge Economics Physics SUBJECTS available in LEAVING Accounting Chemistry CERTIFICATE PROGRAMME History Biology Geography Agricultural Construction Science Studies Politics & Society L.C.V.P Engineering Home Economics Technical Music Graphics Art Non-Exam Subjects: Career Guidance, Physical Education, Religion & S.P.H.E. Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP) The Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme involves taking the traditional / established Leaving Certificate Examination with additional link modules of Enterprise Education, Preparation for the World of Work and Information Technology. Students wishing to take the L.C.V.P. must include specific subject combinations in their choice of subjects for the Leaving Certificate Examination. 05 Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) The Leaving Certificate Applied is a two-year Leaving Certificate, available to students who wish to follow a practical orientated programme. It makes use of active and student-centred learning methodologies. English and Communications German / French Irish Religion Maths Applications Information Hotel, Catering Technology and Tourism LEAVING Social Graphic & Education Construction Studies CERTIFICATE APPLIED Vocational Preparation PROGRAMME and Guidance Engineering Hair & Beauty P.E. Career Guidance Arts Technology Education Work Experience “The best is demanded of and expected for each student” 06 State-of-the-art Facilities State-of-the-art Facilities ■ State of the art Sports Hall & Gym ■ Two fully equipped Engineering Rooms. ■ Top of the range data projector in ■ Two Music Rooms every classroom. ■ Fully stocked library catering for study, ■ All classrooms networked for internet access. leisure reading and research. ■ Bright, well equipped Art Room with electrically ■ Books are categorized to suit all ages operated kilns. and tastes. ■ Three modern, fully equipped Science Labs. ■ Assembly hall with canteen facilities. ■ Three computer rooms each with a Network ■ Two State of the art DCG/Graphics Rooms. of 26 computers. ■ Career Counselling Rooms. ■ All computers have the most up-todate ■ Special Needs Room. software and internet access. ■ Parents Room. ■ Three fully equipped Woodwork and Building ■ Two fully equipped Home Constuction rooms. Economics Rooms. ■ Students have the use of the most up-to-date ■ On-Campus: Gaelic and Soccer Pitches, power tools. Basketball Court & Running Track. ■ Four New classrooms opened in September 2016 Davitt College Transition Year Awards, Ms. Angela Faull The annual Davitt College Gaeltacht trip took place in May this congratulates the Transition Year Students of the Year 2019. Also year when First Year students attended the Gaeltacht for a three pictured from left: Ms. Bernie Rowland, Principal, Davitt College; Ms. day programme. This year, the students from Davitt College, Angela Faull; Ms. Tracy Britton, TY Co-ordinator. Castlebar, attended Coláiste Acla in the Achill Mayo Gaeltacht. Students from Ballyheane Primary School are intrigued as they are shown Davitt College, Castlebar 2018 Production of Power of Love – Static Electricity by Transition Year Students, during The Science & Technology Cast members Mark Galvin and Caoimhe Halligan Fair at Davitt College, a four-day Science and Technology event for sixth class students from Primary Schools in Castlebar and surrounding districts. 07 Support For Students • Tutor and Year Head System • Home School Community Liaison Co-Ordinator • Care Team which meets once a week • School Completion Programme • Guidance Counsellors • Big Brother/Big Sister Mentoring Programme • Learning Support and Resource Teachers for Students with Special Educational Needs Pastoral Care Guidance and Counselling Students are encouraged to develop self-confidence, take Guidance Counsellors work with all year groups. personal responsibility and show respect for self and others. A Guidance Programme is followed by Senior Cycle We provide Social, Personal and Health Education (S.P.H.E.) students. Each student is monitored and advised as part of the formal timetable at Junior Cycle. Davitt College throughout fifth and sixth year on an individual basis. also provides a Pastoral Care System which aims to meet the Students are helped with study plans, exam targets, college physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being of the applications, career options, and when required, personal student as well as providing pastoral support for parents and counselling.