Drama
We endorse the aims of the Primary School Curriculum for Drama. Through the teaching of Drama it is hoped that the children will have an opportunity to develop his or her potential in an enjoyable setting. Every second year all classes take place in a Christmas concert. This is always an exciting time in the school, allowing the children to showcase their talents and develop their self-confidence. Drama is integrated daily into the infant Curriculum through Irish, oral language, Aistear etc.
Early Intervention
We are continuing with our Early Intervention Programme for pupils in the Junior end of our school. During Early Intervention classes the children work in small groups with their teacher, Ms Cawley, Ms O’Brien, Mrs Ryan and Mrs Corcoran. Our SNAs are on hand too to keep the children on task. This is a wonderful and fruitful experience for the children.
Gardening
We are fortunate to have beautiful, well-maintained school grounds. The children often use the garden for nature trails, growing vegetables and learning about plants. Our garden includes a fish pond, where we can see the goldfish swimming, a soft playground surrounded by a multi-sensory garden, a vegetable patch and a wildflower garden. We have an apple tree and strawberry and raspberry plants which the children love to pick and enjoy.
Learning Support
Mrs Ryan is our lead on Special Education teaching. Through her work with the teachers, they identify and select children who might be having difficulty with their school work and who need supplemental teaching. Following this a plan containing targets is put in place to help these pupils reach their full potential. Both team teaching and withdrawal of groups or individuals occurs during these teaching sessions.
Music
Children’s artistic abilities are encouraged and nurtured. The recorder is taught from 1st class up and the school regularly avails of schemes to develop musical and artistic abilities. All pupils avail of Music Generation Carlow choral singing lessons. On alternate years pupils participate in drumming classes provided by Rhythm and Shakes and in the Peace Proms. Each year, at Christmas, all pupils are involved in the school Christmas Play or Christmas Carol Service. On special days of celebration they sing, dance and play music for the invited audience of parents, family, community members and other dignitaries. The school choir sings at all Liturgical Celebrations. Irish Dancing lessons are available in the local St. Brigid’s Hall, after school each Friday. Guitar lessons are available on Thursday evenings.
Physical Education
Physical Education is an integral part of our school curriculum. Pupils from 1st to 6th class and pupils from ASD Unit attend swimming lessons for ten weeks during the first term. They follow the PAWS Programme and receive certs as they progress through the levels. Classes cover all strands games, gymnastics, dance, athletics and outdoor and adventure.
There are two football pitches, a basketball court and a soft play activity area in the school grounds. GAA trainers work with first to sixth class pupils in the areas of football and occasionally hurling and a basketball coach provides training for pupils from 1st to 6th class in the third term. Children participate in inter school leagues/Cumann na mBunscoil competitions in football, hurling, indoor hurling, camogie, basketball and soccer.
Pupils from fourth to sixth class participate in the Cross-Country event for Primary schools each year. Senior classes attend an Outdoor Pursuits Centre on their school tour each year and participate in activities such as orienteering, canoeing and surfing. A Sports Day is held in June during Active Schools Week. During that week, children are introduced to various aspects of dance, games and physical activities.
Science Open Day
Each year, as part of the Discover Primary Science and Maths Award, the school holds a Science Open Day for parents and community members. This helps to foster the children’s interest in Science. The school gardens provide a rich environment for pupils to engage in hands-on activities related to the Science, Geography, and SPHE curriculum.
