Killorglin Community College’s SEN Department continues to grow from strength to strength. The department consists of seven qualified SEN teachers and thirteen SNAs. Teachers and SNAs are at the heart of every effort to improve teaching and learning and they work diligently, conscientiously & tirelessly to create and develop a well organised, well developed and highly successful SEN Department.
As stated in our most recent WSE report (April 7th, 2011) ‘The structures and strategies to support students with additional educational needs are clear and are an obvious strength of the school. There is a very strong additional educational needs department which is very well co-ordinated.’
Also, as stated in a recent SEN inspection report (February 24th, 2016) ‘Provision for SEN is of a very high standard in the school’.
A mixed ability class system operates at Killorglin Community College with the banding of students from 2nd year onwards for English, Irish and Maths. Incoming assessment procedures and information gathered from parents and primary schools ensures that ability is spread evenly throughout each class. All Junior Cycle students participate in the Junior Certificate School Programme. Students complete JCSP statements in all subjects and participate in a selection of JCSP initiatives. Teachers use ICT and a variety of teaching strategies, resources and activities to make the curriculum interesting, enjoyable and accessible to all students. While students with special educational needs have their needs met during mainstream lessons, they also receive the following supports;
Students are withdrawn individually if their educational, social and behavioural needs are not being met in a small group setting.
ASD Students and those that present with EBD or with Specific or General Learning Difficulties are withdrawn in small to medium sized groups. Each group as far as possible is composed of students that are of similar ability or that experience similar difficulties. Many SEN Students are exempt from Irish and choose not to study Spanish. They receive Special Education Support instead of attending Irish/ Spanish lessons. Students that continue to study Irish and Spanish are withdrawn from non-exam subjects such as Religion.
- In Class Support
- Team/ Cooperative/ Parallel Teaching
- Modified Curriculum
- Inclusion of SNA support in specific classes
- Level 2 Learning Programmes
- Rang Sonas – ASD Class (Students attend mainstream classes – mainstream integration)
- Participation in the Check & Connect Mentoring programme
Important Considerations when Timetabling
- Students are withdrawn in small groups of up to 7
- Withdrawal time occurs where, for example, a student is not doing Irish/ Spanish.
- If SEN students wish to study Irish, they are then withdrawn from non-examination subjects such as Religion.
- Students are not withdrawn from ‘nice subjects’ that they enjoy such as PE, Computers and Art.
Special Education Needs Department
- Lisa Brennan – Rang Sonas
- Andrew Fitzpatrick
- Sadhbh Fitzgerald – JCSP Coordinator
- Anne Moynihan – Rang Sonas
- Darren O’ Callaghan - Rang Sonas
- Marieke O’ Connor – SENCO
- Grace O’ Sullivan - Rang Sonas
- Jenny O’ Sullivan
Special Needs Assistants
- Neil Browne
- Donal Culhane
- Rachel Gallagher
- Kirste Hill
- Elaine Curran O’ Sullivan
- Michelle Dempsey O’ Connor
- Cian Lenihan
- Sheila McCarthy
- Padraig Murphy
- Anne Marie Nelligan
- James O’ Driscoll
- Aisling O’ Dwyer
- Eileen O’ Sullivan
- Emer Raymond
- Helen Slattery
- Jackie Walsh
Effective special education at Killorglin Community College is based on the following principles:
- Effective whole school policies;
- Involvement of whole staff, parents, external specialists and agencies;
- Provision of intensive early intervention;
- Direction of resources towards students in greatest need;
- Adoption of a wide variety of teaching strategies and resources;
- UDL, differentiation of class content, materials, homework, assignments and assessments;
- Coordinated teaching by a team of teachers working together;
- Intervention programmes – JCSP modules, JCSP statements/targets, JCSP initiatives, L2LPs, Check and Connect voluntary mentoring, wellbeing initiatives.
- Prevention of failure and the fostering of success, confidence and happiness.