Errigal College - Curriculum
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Errigal College Mainstream Programmes2011/2012
Errigal College offers a wide range of Leaving Certificate subjects at Higher and Ordinary level. Students complete a number of subject surveys prior to Leaving Certificate Year 1. Parents and students are invited to a Senior Cycle Options Information Evening where College staff outline and present all necessary and relevant information on all Senior Cycle options. Career Guidance staff advises students on subjects which are necessary for certain courses at third level and students select four optional subjects in addition to English, Irish and Maths. Based on the subjects chosen the timetable and final choices are put together with the objective of giving as many students as possible the greatest number of their chosen subjects. Subjects run depending on numbers interested and this number varies according to available staff allocation and other resources. The following subjects are available at the College:
Junior CertificateIn Year 1 students are placed in mixed ability groupings with differentiated teaching. Compulsory subjects are: Iris,. English, Maths, CSPE and Science. Students 'taste' all other subjects for a number of weeks and then choose their Junior Certificate subjects. Subjects offered: Business Studies, History, Geography, Art, Music, HE, Materials Technology Wood, Materials Technology Metalwork and Technical Graphics. Students usually choose five from this list. Students following JCSP may choose less subjects. In Year 2 & 3 some setting may occur for Irish, English and Maths. Students also take: RE, SPHE, Computers, Guidance and PE. JCSP - Junior Certificate Schools Programme (J.C.S.P.)
Students get an opportunity to become more involved in their own learning, discussing statements and meeting targets. Through engagement with this learning process, students begin to succeed and go on to build on this success. Throughout their time on the Programme the JCSP team seeks out opportunities to reward and praise students and to give them useful feedback on their performance. In addition, the JCSP team tries to make positive contact with the students’ families. When the students sit their Junior Certificate exam they also get a certificate from the Department of Education and Science and a profile listing all they have achieved while on the Programme. Parental involvement is encouraged and welcomed in JCSP. Schools increase the frequency of contact with parents with emphasis on passing on ‘good news’. Many schools hold parent days to exhibit work done, award certificates of achievement and generally celebrate with parents their children’s successes. Parents are invited to become actively involved in their children’s education by working with the school in encouraging good attendance, punctuality and homework and by praising progress made.
Transition Year
Transition Year fosters academic achievement as students prepare for a Leaving Certificate programme, further study and adult and working life. It enourages the development of a wide range of transferable critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills. Students in transition Year pursue a number of academic subjects during the course of the year, which gives students an insight into the subjects before opting for them for the Leaving Certificate. This is an excellent opportunity to sample a subject foe an academic year, which in turn helps them make up thier minds if they wish to pursue that subject into the Leaving Certificate. Emphasis is placed on overall development with special focus on Multiple Intelligences.
Leaving Certificate Errigal College offers a wide range of Leaving Certificate subjects all at Higher and Ordinary level. Students complete a number of subject surveys prior to Leaving Certificate Year 1. Parents and students are invited to a Senior Cycle Options Information Evening where College staff outline and present all necessary and relevant information on all Senior Cycle options. Career Guidance staff advises students on subjects which are necessary for certain courses at third level and students select four optional subjects in addition to English, Irish and Maths. Based on the subjects chosen the timetable and final choices are put together with the objective of giving as many students as possible the greatest number of their chosen subjects. Subjects run depending on numbers interested and this number varies according to available staff allocation and other resources. The following subjects are available at the College: Geography, History, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Agricultural Science, HE, Business, Accounting, DCG, Architectural Technology, Engineering Technology, Construction Studies, Art, Music, French, and German. (Classes only run if there is sufficient numbers to allow this to happen). In addition, students take PE, RE, SPHE and Career Guidance as important but non exam subjects.
Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP)
The link modules are what set the LCVP apart from the established leaving certificate and the main selling point of the LCVP. • Enterprise Education • Preparation for Work • Work Experience Students taking the LCVP will benefit in several ways. Through the programmes’ focus on the personal development, they will be better able to: communicate their thoughts and ideas effectively, take responsibility for their own learning, adapt and cope with changing circumstances, learn from their experiences. Through the programme’s focus on the world of work they will gain: knowledge of the world of work, skills for job seeking, work experience or work shadowing which will help them decide on a future career. Through the programme on enterprise the students will be better able to be innovative and enterprising, work better with other people in teams, be familiar with setting up and running enterprising initiatives and have experience of using computers and audio visual equipment. The LCVP student has the same opportunity to proceed to 3rd level education as students of the established leaving certificate. Within the CAO system, all third level institutions have agreed to accept the link modules for points on the following basis: Pass 30 pts, Merit 50 pts, Distinction 70 pts. The use of active teaching and learning methodologies is encouraged across the LCVP curriculum. The Link modules encourage students to apply knowledge and skills they have acquired through their vocational subjects and in other areas of their leaving certificate. Typical LCVP activates include: conducting out of school visits; inviting visitors to the classroom; conducting investigations; working in teams; organising Enterprise activities; making presentations and using information technology. In conclusion, the advantages of the LCVP are numerous and its primary goal is to prepare young people for adult life by ensuring that they are educated in the broadest sense. The skills and qualities they acquire are paramount for further education, seeking employment or planning to start their own business.
Leaving Certificate Applied
The assessment process of the LCA is bases on continual assessment which means that every four months students are required to complete class assignments and various Tasks within the school. External examiners from the Department of Education examine these and grade them. The results of these also carry over to the final grade of the LCA. Approximately 31% of the Leaving Cert is based on Class assignments. 35% of the total marks are assigned to seven Tasks that are carried out over the two years. The final 34% consists of end of course exams in the school. The LCA offers an excellent opportunity for students who find the pressure of end of course exams too stressful or for students who prefer to work in a continual assessment environment. |
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Welcome to our Subject Departments...The Maths Department
Maths is about so much more than simply getting the answers. It involves investigating problems, exploring ideas, developing methods and arriving at solutions. Students learn to reason, to use formulae, to think in practical steps. This practical approach to mathematics is the basis of the Junior Certificate course. For
The English Department
English, as a core subject, is vital to all subjects in Errigal College. When students come here in first year, they are placed into mixed ability groupings. Studies have shown that this is the best way for students to maximise their potential. All the usual bases are covered – creative and functional writing, poetry, drama and fiction. We believe that learning English shouldn’t be all about reading and writing, however, which is why we use various activities and games to encourage our students toenjoy English e.g. creative writing, roleplay and wordgames. Every possible aid to student learning is provided, whether that is a film version of a text, poems set to music or extra help outside of class. We place a huge emphasis on developing student literacy, which is supported by extra English classes, the Drop Everything And Read week and books being available for students to borrow. The Readalong programme involves students completing a course and pairing with national school students for a 6 week block. The Junior Cert and Leaving Cert courses are, of course, the core of what we do and our results are impressive each year. This is no small part due to the relatively small size of our classes, where students get a lot of individual attention from their experienced teachers. Outside of the classroom, outings to see drama productions are common, both to An Grianán and further afield. In recent years, we have had drama workshops provided by Dublin’s Abbey Theatre. There have also been many school drama productions over the years. Students are also regularly encouraged to enter creative competitions and recently we had an overall winner in a Donegal-based poetry competition. Essay and poetry competitions, An Post’s annual competition, as well as inschool competitions are promoted on our walls. A World Book Day celebration is planned for this year. As with all subjects, I.T. is a big feature of the English department and data projectors have been installed in the English classrooms.
Transition Year is an ideal time to develop students’ abilities and engage their imaginations in English. A dedicated TY curriculum is followed, which allows students to explore aspects of the Leaving Certificate English course in a different way and gives students an invaluable head-start for Senior Cycle, as well as building their skills and confidence. TY students at Errigal College are just beginning an exciting project in conjunction with LYIT, which will involve them making their own animated film about fire safety, which will be aimed at children – watch this space! English as an Additional Language (EAL) Students, whose first language isn’t English, are catered for by our dedicated EAL department. Students, regardless of country of origin, are assessed and placed in EAL classes, according to their language level. They have on average 4 classes per week.At the same time, students attend mainstream classes, which is vital for success in language and in school.
The Irish Department
Creidtear i gColáiste an Earagail gur teanga bheo chumarsáide í an ghaeilge agus go bhfuil stádas tabhachtach aicí i gcóras oideachais na tíre seo. Is mór phairt dár noidhreacht í agus nasc fíorthabhachrtach í dár naitheantas mar chultar gaelach. Mar a dúradh “Tír gan teanga Tír gan anam” agus is aontaíonn Coláiste an Earagail leis an ráiteas sin. Tá sé mar aidhm i gColáiste an Earagail an ghaelige a chur chun tosaigh agus forbairt a dhéanamh ar an ngaeilge atá ag ár ndaltaí agus iad a ullmhú fá choinne na stáid scrúduithe ag deireadh a dtréimhse anseo. Cuirtear béim ar áchan ghnéith den teanga sa choláiste idir léitheoireachta, éisteachta, labhartha agus scríofa agus de ghnáth ar an ord sin. Déanann an choláiste freastal a dhéanamh ar áchan scolaire agus tugann sí an deis dóibh ,mas gá, gaeilge a staidéar. Bíonn deiseanna ag na daltaí tionscnimh a dhéanamh le linn na scoil bhliana, pairt a ghlacadh i Seachtain na Gaeilge agus ar ócáidí áirithe, turais a habhairt ar ghaeltachtaí na tíre chun doimhneacht a dtuighbhéal a mhéadú agus ar ndóigh a meas ar an teanga agus ar an mbealach a úsáidtear í ar fud na tíre a aireachtáil go pearsanta. Tugann Coláiste an Earagail áchan deis do dhaltaí staidéar a dhéanamh ar an ngaeilge ar an leibhéal is oiriúnach dóibh ionas go mbeidh áchan seans acu fáil ar aghaidh go maith sna scrúduithe stáit. Tá rogha iomlán ann do dhaltaí sa choláiste maidir le ranganna agus na léibhéil is féidir scrúduithe a ghlacadh ann, msh. Gnáthleibhéal agus Ardleibhéal agus anois is arís Bonnleibhéal ach le cuidiú Déagus ár gcuidiú fhéin is beag scolaire a dhéanann an bonnleibhéal. Errigal College believes that Irish is a living language of communication and that it has an important status in the education system of this country. The language is a vital part of our heritage and crucial in our recognition as a Gaelic Culture. As is said "A Country without a language is a Country without a soul" and Errigal College recognises that. it is the aim of Errigal College to promote and to develop the language that our students have and to prepare them for the state examinations at the end of their studies here. emphasis is placed on every aspect of the language, from reading to listening to spoken and to written. Errigal College offers the opportunity for all students to avail of the subject. Students partake in various projects through the school year, students also partake in activities during Seachtain na Gaeilge and various outings are organised to Gaeltacht areas to assist in the deepening of the students knowledge and to help instill in them an appreciation of the living language in its original state. Errigal College offers all its students the opportunity to study Irish at the level that they are best suited to achieving success in the state examinations. there is a full spectrum of levels offered to all students from Higher to Ordinary and Foundation level.
The Science Department |
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BUILD A BANK This is our third year involved in the competition. This year was an extremely proud moment for the school as TY students were the regional winners of the Build A Bank Competition. Competing against 185 schools we were selected to go through to the National Final in Dublin in May. This competition gives TY and 5th year students an opportunity to run their own school bank with the support of AIB. A team of six students are involved in the setting up, running and day-to-day management of a bank in their school. The school bank team has an opportunity to be involved in all aspects of banking from sourcing new customers to opening AIB accounts and encouraging regular savings and new ways to bank such as AIB phone and internet banking. SCHOOLS BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP (S@W PROGRAMME) This programme gives senior students an insight into life after school using employee’s presentations. This is an opportunity to give our students a firsthand insight into the diversity of employment roles within a company. We at Errigal College are extremely fortunate to be working in partnership with the AIB branch in Letterkenny, a very well established organization n our local community. Mr John Bowe, Manager at AIB, and his staff give tremendous time and effort to this programme. The programme provides site visits, ‘A day in the life talks’, CV workshops, mock interviews, company overviews and interview skill techniques. Elaine Mc Fadden is the Regional Co-ordinator for the Schools’ Business Partnership and works extremely hard and is very dedicated to the programme at Errigal College. TY MINI-COMPANY The aim of this programme is to enhance the teaching of business and entrepreneurship in Errigal College by combining classroom learning with real life business experience. The enterprise module works to develop skills and attitudes, which will enhance students to become active participants in enterprise education. The mini-company acts as a bridge to help students make a transition from a highly structured environment to one where they will take greater responsibility for their own learning and decision making. There are many benefits for the students involved in this programme: cross curricular links; promotion and development of innovation within the school and wider community; ownership and responsibility in students is encouraged; encouragement of leadership, teamwork, communication, decision making skills and individual accountability are all developed. We are very fortunate at Errigal College to be working in partnership with County Donegal Enterprise Board, which work closely with us at the school. The DCEB co-ordinated by Rachel Wasson provides us with invaluable information and exciting events/programmes such as Enterprise Focus Day, Student Enterprise Awards Competition, The Business Base Camp, Business Stimulation Competition, Business Base Camp (organised by CDEB). This initiative is aimed at the leaders/Managers of the school businesses participating in the Student Enterprise Awards. The Business Base Camp will seek to address the issues at the start of the school year when the businesses are first set up to lead more sustainable, successful and innovative businesses. The camp brings in experts and real business people to help students understand what being in business is like through practical workshops. Students attend a weekend residential in Gartan Outdoor centre.
Material Technology (WOOD) & Construction Studies
Materials Technology Wood (MTW) is one of the technology subjects offered at junior cycle. MTW encourages the students, through the design process, to employ practical problem solving skills. It promotes the application of scientific and technological knowledge through the use of various materials. This subject is taken as an option for the junior cycle in first year. It is examined at the end of three years by means of a project, portfolio and theory examination. Practical work is an emphasis and carried out routinely in the well equipped workshop. Some of the things you will learn include: how to design a project given a brief description of what you are to make; how to use freehand sketching to communicate your ideas; how to prepare a design drawing/plan of a project you design; how to read design drawings and make small projects from these drawings; how to safely use a range of hand and power tools in producing your design; learn about Health and Safety in a workshop environment
These subjects produce great results each year from our exam classes, recently one of our students received one of the highest marks in the Ireland for his Junior Certificate Woodwork, under the instruction of Ms. McGettigan. The subjects are based in two highly equipped and specialist workshops in the school with cross curricular link to many other subjects in the school. In the last 5 years investment up to €80 000 has been used to turn a good department into a top of the range department with investment being used fully for the development of workshop resources, machines and materials.
The Engineering Department
The subjects Metalwork and Engineering have long been associated with Errigal College. Metalwork is offered at pass and honors level to Junior Certificate. At Leaving Certificate level, students study Engineering and it is also offered at both levels. Students who study these subjects to examination level are required to design and make a project and produce project briefs for the respective examinations. At higher and ordinary level in both subjects students will be required to participate in a practical day examination. The subject of Metalwork is one that allows the students to develop skills to work with metals, plastics and basic electronics. Students also experience the use of computer aided design (CAD) and computer aided manufacture (CAM) while designing and making various class projects. The course itself provides instruction to material and process engineering. The subject is founded in practical and physical activities. In addition, the subject allows for the development of work related disciplines and provides an insight into engineering technology at a variety of levels. In Engineering, the course offers students experience in the study of a wide range of mechanical engineering processes and technological applications, integrated with the acquisition of the manipulative skills and techniques for practical creativity and design realisation. Students are exposed to and use modern technologies and their many applications in modern day society. ICT and electronics are essential ingredients of the engineering course.
In Errigal College two modern fully equipped rooms are available for the teaching of Metalwork and Engineering. A grant of €150,000 has been used in updating and refitting of two metalwork/engineering rooms with new modern machinery as part of a modernization programme announced by the Department of Education and Skills in 2007. Both subjects are taught on the basis that they challenge the student to design and manufacture various projects while developing their basic skills. The design process allows the student to explore various opportunities, be creative and understand the concept of design and make by preparing working designs and drawings for their proposals. This process is closely linked as student’s progress to the Junior and Leaving Certificate examinations. Both examinations are very much focused on allowing students to design and make. In preparation for the 2010 Junior Certificate metalwork at higher level, students are required to design and make a Go-Kart. Ordinary level students are requested to make a Dump Truck. For the 2010 engineering higher level examination students have to design and make a Gantry Crane. All project work commences in November and must be completed by March 2010. The skills developed and confidence gained by in studying metalwork and engineering prepares students for various career options e.g. apprenticeships, various engineering disciplines and education.
Technical Graphics and Design and Communication Graphics This area of the curriculum has gone under huge change in recent years with the Leaving Certificate subject being changed radically on a national basis. Here in Errigal College, We are at the forefront of this change, with superb technical improvements and an outstanding team of teachers including Ms. McGettigan, Mr Gorman, Mr. Mulligan and Mr. Doherty. In conjunction with the Department of Education vast sums of money has been invested to develop and encourage students in their targeted results. Teachers have been given extra training and in-service to promote the changing demands on this area of education. The junior cycle subject, Technical Graphics, covers a large array of areas, from architectural drawing to product design. The use of logical thinking, creative thinking and good draughtsmanship is used to produce geometric solutions and results. Students will build up their hand and eye co-ordination skills and their mathematical knowledge as well as develop confidence and self esteem with in themselves. In Technical Graphics you will learn: how to produce drawings; using drawing equipment,freehand sketches and computers; how to read and interpret drawings and diagrams; how graphics relate to the design and manufacture of products.
The Home Economics Department
Home Economics is both a practical & academic student suiting a wide variety of students. In Errigal College a large number of students would study Home Economics to Junior Cert and Leaving Cert opting for both the Higher & Ordinary levels. The school has a well equipped Kitchen & Sewing room & recently has received funding for the nstallation of a Data Projector & Laptops.
Languages at Errigal College
We aim to provide our students with the following skills; to develop an understanding of speaking and writing; to communicate effectively in the foreign language; to develop knowledge of the grammar of the foreign language; learn about other countries and cultures. We currently offer all First Year students the choice of studying either French or German. Students then continue to study the language for Junior Cert., whereupon they may choose to study either language as an option at Leaving Cert. There are four language lessons a week for Junior Cert. and five classes if studying for Leaving Cert. Languages are a popular choice at our school. The language classrooms are equipped with up to the minute text books along with the latest technology, i.e., a multimedia projector, laptop and wireless internet access. This enables us to use inspiring and exciting interactive resources that bring our language lessons to life for the whole class. We use the flexible software package Boardworks to supplement the language courses we deliver. It helps to engage and inspire confidence in our students. Fun games are used to introduce new vocabulary, flexible activities promote discussion and develop speaking skills and visually appealing and audio exercises help reinforce students’ learning.
The History Department “History is… bunk” is the famous saying by Henry Ford. While we may smile at his humour, we in Errigal College couldn’t disagree more. By studying history, our students are learning to put current affairs and news events into perspective. They are gaining a much better understanding of what is happening in world politics, why they are happening and what the results might be… nuclear weapons in Korea; world recession; the price of oil… In their first three years our Junior Cert students learn about historians and archaeologists and how they investigate the past. Our coursework begins in the Middle Stone Age (The Mesolithic Era) which began about 10,000 years ago. Our coursework ends in the early years of this century. The history they learn is social history: Where did people live? What did they do? What did they eat? What did they drink? What did they wear? How have all these things changed? Our senior students find that Leaving Certificate History is a much more political and factual subject. Since the mid-1800s our world has been changing rapidly. Looking at the causes and consequences of these changes are what makes history such an important subject. As the first decade of the twenty-first century draws to a close, we recall the words of philosopher John W. Gardner: “History never looks like history when you’re living through it.” Leaving Certificate History students are given an insight into the relationship between Ireland and England, the independence struggle, the civil war and its effects on present-day Irish political life. Our students had a much better understanding of the recent Lisbon Treaty referendum than most people who had a vote! And as part of the growing European Union, we must have a firm understanding of the past.
ICT at Errigal College
Errigal College is a Wi-Fi hotspot. Teachers and students are reaping the benefits of wireless internet access from any point within the school building and its grounds. This opens up a whole new scope for students, who otherwise would only have internet access when timetabled in a computer classroom. Students are able to work on their subject assignments and projects during their free time in the school canteen or wherever they choose.
Errigal College has its finger on the pulse of ICT in classroom. Our staff are training in the integration of the most advanced ICT into every classroom and are participating in a whole school ICT development program. In conjunction with the NCTE, staff are training in advanced applications with the data projector, advanced presentations and digital media. This will make Errigal College one of the most up-to-date and technologically advanced schools in the county. Although Errigal College is a leader in ICT in Education, the hunt for perfection in the classroom will never end. While technology in education is a dynamic entity, Errigal College will always change to be at the forefront of any new developments. To improve is to change, to be perfect is to change often.
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The three ‘R’s are the three points on the famous educational triangle. And mathematics is the one full of mystery and magic and methods. We’ve all been in a situation where we’ve asked: how am I supposed to get the answer to that question? 
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The new Design and Communication Graphics (D.C.G.) Syllabus introduces a new Element to Drawing using a graphics package "Solid Works" students are given the opportunity to develop their design skills and bring them to life. D.C.G. provides students with the opportunity for visualizing and comprehending information presented verbally or graphically. Problem solving and creative thinking skills are developed through the analysis and solution of both 2- and 3-dimensional graphics. Graphics and design are communicated using freehand sketching skills, traditional draughting equipment and CAD. The study of D.C.G. here in Errigal College is one that is held with the up most admiration. In conjunction with the new syllabus we have spent a great deal of time and funding on our new state of the art facilities, which are also used for the junior cycle Technical Graphics course. We are committed to providing you the student with the best facilities and teaching methods available to us. As a student of D.C.G you will be one of the first of your generation to experience the integrated use of ICT in a formal exam system. The new course is as exciting as it is dynamic. The areas of study include the practical applications of graphics in everyday environments and numerous options that cover both building applications of drawing and also engineering applications of drawing. The new course is also akin to the existing technology subjects in that it allows the student to have over 40% of the exam completed before sitting your official exam. Students will split their time in the classroom between the use of solid works and draughting. The split is in conjunction with the allocation of marks for the subject. Here in Errigal College it is our vision to have a fully integrated approach to ICT in the classroom. For those students of a true practical nature, Errigal College is the only School in the Letterkenny area that allows students to do the three main practical subjects at Leaving Certificate level. These subjects are Design and Communication Graphics, Engineering and Construction Studies.
Home Economics is one of the taster subjects in 1st Year in the school, therefore offering all students, male & female the opportunity to sample the subject for a period of 5 weeks prior to making a decision as to whether or not they wish to study it for their Junior Cert. Junior Cert Home Economics comprises of five core areas – Food Studies, Social & Health Studies, Consumer Studies, Resource Management and Textiles. In addition there are three optional areas included, namely a Childcare Option, a Craft Option & a Textile option. Students must present for assessment at Junior Cert a project from one of these three areas. Also included for assessment at Junior Cert is a practical cookery examination based on a brief designed by the Dept of Education. The Leaving Cert Home Economics course comprises of a core and three electives. The core consists of three areas: Food Studies Resource Management & Consumer Studies Social Studie three electives from which the teacher & and the students must choose one to study. The electives are extensions of content contained in the core & provide students with the opportunity to study certain topics in more depth. The electives are: Home Design & Management; Textiles, Fashion & Design; & Social Studies.
The most popular elective selected and studied by the students in Errigal College would be Social Studies. There has been an increased emphasis on practical work, and it is now a mandatory component of the course. Students will be expected to carry out all practical coursework during class time under the supervision of their teacher & then complete on their own a record of each cookery assignment. A total of five practical classes need to be completed by each student. This affords students the opportunity to develop their organisational, manipulative & creative skills in relation to the preparation, cooking & presentation of food. Both the Junior and Leaving Cert Home Economics syllabi have been designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills & attitudes that will enable them to take control of their own lives now & in the future. It is concerned with the way individuals and families manage their resources to meet physical, emotional, intellectual, social & economic needs. 
At Errigal College, we believe strongly in the need to study a language in terms of preparing our students for a 21st century globalised society. Our departmental approach to languages teaching is based on using the language for real purposes: Pupils 
