The principal aim of supporting students with additional educational needs in CCS is to provide a positive learning environment that will foster their academic, social, and emotional development.
The AEN department provides support tailored to suit the learning needs of each student to provide a safe, welcoming environment across the continuum of support in our school, allowing each student to reach their individual potential. We aim to create a framework where differences between individuals are accommodated and celebrated.
All teachers are committed to the holistic development of each student and have a role of responsibility in implementing support for students with additional needs.
The concept of nurture in education recognises that students’ wellbeing is as important as their academic achievements.
Through nurture, the school addresses the social, emotional and learning needs of individual students and tries to remove barriers to learning. There is a strong emphasis on developing and aiding relationships and communication. After consultation with the Year Head, Parent and student, they are added into a group of other students from their year.
A team of trained teachers meet with a group of students, 2-3 times a week and spend the class in the Nurture Room where they can have a cup of tea and a chat. Students follow a target-based programme based on the results of the Boxall Profile System, which works on literacy, numeracy and interpersonal skills in particular.
Our dedicated team of EAL teachers assess the level of English of all students whose first language is not English. The students who qualify for support are assigned to one or more teachers who provide weekly support tailored to their needs.
Through a collaborative approach, we strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our students feel accepted and valued as members of our community.
EAL students are organised into small groups or taken on one-to-one basis depending on their abilities and aptitude. The students’ own culture is valued and is used as a vehicle for learning. Our students share their cultural identity by creating a project on their home country.
The students are encouraged to engage in conversation with peers and teachers through games and routine exchanges.
Our EAL teachers aim to develop communicative and social skills in our students by building vocabulary and improving grammar. Language games such as Duolingo, Wordwall, Kahoot and Quizlet help memorise new words through trial and error and repetition. A variety of reading writing and speaking activity are adapted to the learners’ level.
In order for a student to be exempt from Irish, we need a copy of the Irish exemption from the primary school.
A written application for an exemption is made by the parent/guardian or the student (18 years and over) to the principal on behalf of their child/themselves. The application should state the reason why the exemption is being sought.
A pupil/student will only be considered for an exemption if their educational circumstances are included in Circular 0055/2022.
This circular and the application form can be found at the following link:
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