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CBS ROSCOMMONNa Bráithre Críostaí
The mission of C.B.S. Roscommon is to prepare and nurture our students for life, career and as valued members of society in a caring Christian environment.
We seek to work with the local community and agencies to foster the development of the individual and collective talents of all students and staff.
Fáilte Róimh go léir go dtí Meánscoil na mBráithre Chríostaí, Roscomáin. CBS Roscommon is a Catholic all-boys school under the trusteeship of the Edmund
Rice Schools Trust. We are a thriving school community which places a high value on outstanding academic achievement and all-round personal development, as well as our central emphasis as a Catholic school which welcomes boys of all faiths.
Our school is built on strong values which emphasise the importance of caring for others and striving for excellence in all we do. At CBS Roscommon our pupils are challenged to achieve, taught a sense of what is right, encouraged to show initiative, nurtured in spiritual growth and shown the importance of teamwork. Our rich programme of extra-curricular activities equips our pupils with the skills and values which will guide and support them throughout their lives.
We at CBS Roscommon seek to promote an atmosphere in which all members of the community feel comfortable and free to follow their own interests, where boys can appreciate the values of kindness and honesty.
Over many years, our school has built up an enviable and distinguished tradition of excellence in academic, sporting, and extracurricular activities of which it is justifiably proud. CBS Roscommon is a school where high standards are required and where academic rigour is demanding. However, it is an environment which still offers pupils the opportunity of pursuing a variety of interests, whether climbing mountains or playing a musical instrument. In partnership with parents, CBS Roscommon strives to develop independence of mind, self-discipline and self-respect.
We hope that you find our prospectus informative and will be sufficiently attracted by its contents to come and visit us for a taste of life at CBS Roscommon. Visitors remark upon the special atmosphere at our school and the warm welcome offered by our pupils and staff.
In entrusting the care and education of your sons to us, you will be giving them the opportunity to make their own unique contribution to our community and, in turn, to draw on all that we offer to prepare them for their journey through life. We invite you to visit us and experience for yourself the essence of CBS Roscommon.
We look forward to working with you over the coming years to ensure your son reaches his full potential and has a rewarding experience in our school.
Beir Bua agus Beannacht Oraibhse go léir so todhcaí.
FAITHFUL TO THE PAST, BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
Fiona GallagherPrincipal
Gerry McGarryDeputy Principal
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OUR CHARTER – OUR PHILOSOPHY
Since our foundation in 1937 Christian Brothers Secondary School Roscommon has been a forward thinking community, which provides the very best
environment and atmosphere to foster excellence inside and outside the classroom. CBS Roscommon is part of the Edmund Rice family of schools, founded by the Christian Brothers and following the charism of Blessed Edmund Rice.
CBS Roscommon is part of a network of Edmund Rice schools involved in delivering a quality education and the fostering of caring and vibrant communities while also centred in God and characterised by the Gospel values of truth, freedom, justice, sincerity and joy.
CBS Roscommon has a long tradition of education and is a highly successful school where students achieve academically and are given the opportunity to reach their potential. Teaching and learning are the core work of the school. Our school has an excellent team of teaching and support staff. It also has a sense of duty and care for each other and for our students that is unique and which strives to ensure the best education and social outcomes for the students in our care. The work of the school is continuous and on-going. We are constantly seeking to make improvements.
Have courage, the good seed will grow in the child’s heart later on.
Edmund Rice
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Most of us treasure memories of teachers who “lit a fire rather than filled a pail…”. The staff at the Christian Brothers have always been dedicated and committed to the education of young men where each student is encouraged to be the very best he can be.
1. Nurturing faith, Christian spirituality and Gospel-based values
2. Promoting partnership in the school community
3. Excelling in teaching and learning
4. Creating a caring school community
5. Inspiring transformational leadership
1. NURTURING FAITH, CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY AND GOSPEL-BASED VALUES
Edmund Rice Schools in partnership with the home and the parish are dedicated to providing and developing a Catholic education that cultivates a living faith, fosters Christian spirituality and educates people in Gospel-based values.
A school is not only a place where one is given a choice of intellectual values, but a place where one has presented an array of values which are actively lived. The school must be a community whose values are communicated through the interpersonal and sincere relationships of its members and through both individual and corporate adherence to the outlook on life that permeates the school.
Sacred Congregation for Catholic Education. Catholic Schools (1977).
THE FIVE KEY ELEMENTS OF THE EDMUND RICE SCHOOL
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2. PROMOTING PARTNERSHIP IN THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY
The partnership that characterises the Edmund Rice School promotes inclusiveness, mutual respect and a sense of inter-dependence for the development of the school as a community where personal growth is facilitated. It fosters a wide network of relationships and is deeply Christian.
The lay catholic educator is a person who exercises a specific mission in the Church… To this lay person, as a member of this community, the family and the Church entrust the school’s educational endeavour… Lay teachers must be profoundly convinced that they share in the sanctifying, and therefore educational mission of the Church…
Sacred Congregation for Catholic Education. Lay Catholics in Schools: Witnesses to Faith, 24. (1982)
3. EXCELLING IN TEACHING AND LEARNING
The Edmund Rice School is a community of people dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in all its endeavours and in all aspects of its teaching and learning.Teachers take park in continuing professional development, up skilling in new teaching technologies and methodologies etc.
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4. CREATING A CARING SCHOOL COMMUNITY
The hallmarks of an Edmund Rice school are care, especially for those who are vulnerable or disadvantaged in any way, and action for social and ecological justice.
Were you to know the merit and value of only going from one street to another to serve a neighbour for the love of God, we should prize it more than silver and gold. Blessed Edmund Rice
5. INSPIRING TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP
School leaders articulate a vision for their school in keeping with the Edmund Rice tradition. They inspire minds and hearts, raise critical consciousness and cultivate a strong work ethic coupled with an enterprising spirit.
Have courage; the good seed will grow up in the children’s hearts later on.
Blessed Edmund Rice
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The Charter promotesthe full personal and social
development of each member and seeks to
establish caring Christian communities of learning
and teaching.
CreativeTrusteeship
Identifying &serving the needs of
students and community
Engaging in school
development planning
and quality assessment
Enhancingteaching and a commitment
to lifelong learning
Providing for personal and professional development, pastoral care and guidance
Upholdingvalues specific
to each individual
school
Engaging with the
local Church
Fostering effective partnerships with management, staff, parents, students and Community
Networking with other schools,
agencies andGovernment Departments
Engaging with the Edmund
Rice Network worldwide
Appreciating cultural heritage
Providing Faith formation and development
with a commitment tosocial justice.
Caring for the environment
and preserving the integrity of God’s creation
Promoting ongoing
development of school
management and leadership.
THE CHARTER IN ACTION
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As we move confidently and optimistically towards a new era in our school and as we reflect on the new challenge that awaits us all as an educative
community of faith a strong Edmund Rice laity is something that was always in the mind of our founder.
The Edmund Rice Centre is a new and exciting addition to our school campus. Our Autism unit is quite unique as the building was once the home of the Brothers, known as the monastery. This listed building has been lovingly restored to house our newly refurbished Edmund Rice Centre for students with Autism. It consists of a sensory room and classrooms which have all been specifically designed to meet the needs of pupils who find themselves in the Autistic Spectrum. Classes in the ASD unit are on an individual or small group basis and will target the specific needs of the pupils where individualised plans will be drawn up by professional and experienced members of staff.
Each student that attends our school is valued for their individual worth and here at CBS Roscommon we ensure that a student with special needs is given every single opportunity to guarantee a successful and happy school life. We believe our autistic unit will be an added gateway through which students can achieve their very best.
“As Principal of an Edmund Rice school, this is a fantastic and exciting time for CBS Roscommon, in keeping with the tradition and heritage of the Brothers, which is at the heart of Edmund Rice education.
An important element of the Edmund Rice charter is creating a caring school community. That implies fostering in the whole school community a sense of care and compassion, especially for those who are vulnerable or disadvantaged in any way. This is a wonderful opportunity for CBS Roscommon to become a campus of inclusion”.
THE EDMUND RICE AUTISM CENTRE
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CBS Roscommon identifies and serves the needs of students and puts in place appropriate resources, curricula, programmes and methodologies to
enable everyone to achieve his potential. We believe in having high expectations for all of our students. Students consistently perform better when they know that their teachers and parents believe in them. All Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate subjects are taught at both Higher and Ordinary Level.
Students are always encouraged to aim high and achieve their personal best. We have an excellent academic reputation in state examinations, and a high percentage of our students’ progress to third level education.
CBS Roscommon works closely with appropriate educational bodies to ensure that we provide the best possible education for all students, including those who require learning support. Where students have special educational needs, there is a proactive SEN department in the school who work to support students in every possible way. Resource and learning support is determined following a formal cognitive assessment which is undertaken by all students in the month of May, prior to their entry to the school. There is a wide range of resources available to support students which utilise multiple intelligences, and help bring each student’s learning experience to life.
STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE IN A CARING SCHOOL COMMUNITY
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CBS Roscommon strives to create a learning environment that is exciting, innovative and inspiring. The school offers many subjects that allow students
to experience a full range of areas and skills.
JUNIOR CERTIFICATE CYCLE - 3 YEARSWe provide a very extensive and diverse range of subjects at all levels. In advance of the new Junior Certificate syllabus, we already use a school-based model of continuous assessment for a number of subjects. In many instances, students are assessed on coursework which is assigned and completed throughout the year, as well as their regular class tests and end-of-term written exams.
• Art• Business Studies• Civic, Social and Political Education (CSPE)• Computer Studies• English• French• Gaeilge• Geography• History• Materials Technology Wood• Maths• Physical Education• Religion• Social Personal and Health Education (SPHE)• Science• Spanish• Technical Graphics
SCHOOL CURRICULUM
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TRANSITION YEAR
Transition Year is offered as a bridge between Junior and Senior Cycle. The Transition Programme in the school is very successful and demand usually
exceeds the number of places available. Third Year students and their parents are invited to an Information night on 5th year options and TY and applications are invited thereafter.
The Transition Year Programme promotes the personal, social, vocational and educational development of students and prepares them for their role as autonomous, participative and responsible members of society (Transition Year Guidelines, 1994, Department of Education). It is a one year optional programme taken after the Junior Certificate and before the Leaving Certificate Programme. It recognises that 15 – 16 year olds are at a crucial stage on the pathway from childhood dependence towards independence.
A Transition Year Programme (TYP) allows young people to become more aware of themselves and of the world around them. The emphasis is on developing skills rather than on simply remembering facts. Such skills – academic, technical and general – stay with people for life. Skills in maths, languages and study are especially relevant for a Leaving Certificate programme. Students can develop more independent study habits.
Project work can promote self-regulated learning. Rather than have students ‘lose’ any study habits, TYP can lay a solid base for learning in a more responsible way.Transition Year places a heavy emphasis on learning from experience. Studying aspects of popular culture such as art, advertising, popular music, cinema etc. can increase the motivation of learning and add to self esteem.A Work Experience Placement has been a major milestone on many young people’s paths to maturity. Attention to careers, third-level courses, the realities of employment and unemployment are central concerns in Transition Year.
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TRANSITION YEAR SUBJECTS & ACTIVITIES
• Gaeilge – Pre-Leaving Oral / Aural• English and Drama – Pre Leaving Course• Maths – Practical Numeracy to Leaving Certificate. Maths• French and Spanish; Chinese and Russian – Language Skills and Cultural Awareness• Computer Studies – Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Internet• Science – Focus on Diet, Health and Fitness, Mental Awareness• Religion and Social Studies• Art and Film Studies• CAD – Computer-Aided Design• Media Studies – Films, Newspaper Analysis• Business Studies – Working Knowledge of the Business Environment and the Economy• Materials, technology and wood• History – Local History and Heritage• First Aid – Fundamentals of First Aid – Certified Course• PE – Multi-Sports Activities with Certificates for GAA • Rugby and Refereeing Qualifications• Adventure Camp• Integrated Education Trips• Work experience
IN RECENT YEARS, OUR STUDENTS HAVE EXPERIENCED THE FOLLOWING:
• Enterprise and Mini Company• Legal studies• Work Placement• Working with people with special needs• Visits to Local Voluntary Organisations• The production of an annual School magazine• Gaisce, The President’s Award• Peer Mediation Course• Public Relations Course• BT Young Scientist
CBS Roscommon is placed among the top schools in the county in the School League of feeder schools for 3rd level institutions. Tables which were published recently in the Irish Times and Irish Independent revealed that 94%
of CBS Roscommon pupils progressed directly to Third Level Colleges in 2014, with over half of these securing a place in the main Universities. The listing is calculated on the percentage of pupils taking the Leaving Certificate exam in each school.
Building on the foundation of the Junior Cycle, the Senior Cycle aims to provide a comprehensive, high-quality learning environment which prepares individual students for further education. Students follow a two year course of study in preparation for the Leaving Certificate Examination. To emphasise the academic importance of these two years, in-house examinations take place at the end of the Christmas and Summer terms. Continuous assessment is also carried out throughout each term to enable the school to monitor student progress. Subjects studied at Senior Cycle include:
USE OF TECHNOLOGY The use of IT is integrated where possible in the teaching and learning of all subjects. This takes the form of reinforcing teaching where appropriate through the use of PowerPoint presentations, facilitating in the class becoming more interactive, by using interactive learning games, interactive websites which the students use to improve vocabulary, grammar and reading skills and video clips and allowing students to complete online tasks as an integral part of homework assignments.
SUPERVISED STUDY CBS Roscommon offers supervised study after school Monday to Friday. A large number of students avail of this facility and priority is given to exam students and seniors.
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• Irish • English• Mathematics• French• Spanish• History• Geography• Art• Design & Communication Graphics
• Construction Studies• Link Modules• Accounting• Business• Economics• Physics• Chemistry • Biology• Agricultural Science
LEAVING CERTIFICATE & LEAVING CERTIFICATE VOCATIONAL PROGRAMME SENIOR CYCLE - 2 YEARS
Assessment should be part of a process of teaching that enables students to understand the aims of their learning and how the quality of their
achievement will be judged.
Assessment is a key part of teaching and learning. In CBS Roscommon we strive to ensure that our students are assessed in such a way as to maximise their learning and their confidence. The changes outlined in the new Junior Cycle require new methods of instruction and assessment and CBS Roscommon is set to meet these new challenges.
Literacy and numeracy are crucial to a young person’s ability to develop fully as an individual and to participate in society. Mindful of this, we reinforce literacy and numeracy skills within each class and subject area. We strive to ensure that learning is a positive, engaging
experience for all students. Teachers always aim to include active learning methods in the classroom for example: games, quizzes, real life materials and artefacts, guest speakers and video clips which are accessible to students at all levels.
To highlight the importance of academic achievement within the school, there are two sessions of examinations at the end of the Christmas and Summer terms, the results of which are furnished to parents. Class tests are also undertaken by students regularly throughout the academic year.
Continuous professional development is very important to our teachers. They are proactive in keeping up to date with curriculum changes and best practices in their particular subject areas to ensure that students are provided with a first class education.
ASSESSMENT - TEACHING AND LEARNING
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We are mindful that the transition from primary to secondary school can be both overwhelming as well as challenging for students.
Through the Care team, learning support and school counseling CBS Roscommon demonstrates its continuing concern for the personal and social development of all its pupils, regardless of their age or ability, as individuals and as secure, successful and fully participating members of the school and its wider community.
The care of the student is, perhaps, at its most effective when it is all-pervasive and fully integrated into the school’s daily routines, its curriculum and its extra-curriculum activities. This approach has been adopted by the staff of CBS Roscommon.
THE CARE TEAM
The care team consists of a core group of key personnel whose role is to identify and support students who may be experiencing difficulties either in school or at home. Teachers may make a referral to the Care Team. The Care Team provides supports which aim to alleviate any difficulties the student may be experiencing. The Care team meets on a weekly basis with the Principal and Deputy Principal.
TRANSITION FROM PRIMARY TO SECONDARY
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First year in the CBS is the best thing that can ever happen to you. It’s the time when you’re turning into an older man but it’s not all about that. It’s about the responsibility [of] what you want to do with your life when you’re older and it starts right here in first year. We have learned so much over the year and we’ve learned a lot from our new friends.When we walked through the door of the school for the first time, we put our best foot forward and started to work as hard as [we] could.
SCHOOL GUIDANCE COUNSELLOR
CBS Roscommon has a full time school guidance counsellor who is available to students to provide educational and career guidance. In addition, the guidance counsellor is also responsible for counselling (personal, career, educational), psychological testing, career information management and engaging in vocational preparation with students.
Students may be referred to the counsellor if they are experiencing difficulties or they may choose to visit the counsellor themselves. This service is confidential and students are encouraged to attend a session with the counsellor if they have experienced a family bereavement, bullying or difficulties in school or at home.
LEARNING SUPPORT
The learning support department supports students identified with learning difficulties or special educational needs through the allocation of resource hours or SNA’s to individual students. Parents are regularly informed of their son’s progress and the school has excellent links with the local SENO coordinator and NEPS psychologists.
OUR SCHOOL ORATORY
CBS Roscommon has a special Prayer and Meditation Room designed by liturgical artist Fergus Costello. The room is used by all religion
classes. It is also used for special services, such as Easter and November, for staff and students and is open during the school day for anyone who seeks a quiet, contemplative space.
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OUR PARTNERS IN EDUCATION
When a caring school community is established, everybody feels welcome and part of something, which is
paramount in today’s disjointed world. When children feel welcome and part of a caring and nurturing environment, then the hope is that they will find it easier to get on with the very important task of learning.
STUDENT COUNCIL
CBS Roscommon has an active Students Council which is elected annually by proportional representation.
AIMS• To afford students the opportunity to play an active part in the overall life of CBS Roscommon• To encourage students to become self-confident and responsible.• To give the students an official forum to be heard.• To foster a sense of loyalty.• To improve communication at all levels.• To develop the Christian ethos as is characteristic of an Edmund Rice school.• To enhance leadership skills and encourage the holistic development of the student body.
If you want to go fast, walk alone.If you want to go far, walk together.
African proverb
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PARENTS ASSOCIATION
As a school we strongly encourage the involvement of parents in the school community and we have a very dedicated parents association. They are both active and dynamic in the life of the school. “Parents are overwhelmingly supportive of the school and comment on the dedicated staff, and excellent care and support for all students. Many say they could not wish for a better school.”
For the school year there will be a focus on raising the standards of literacy and numeracy among all of our students as part of the Department of Education and Science’s Skills Self-Evaluation process. In particular, all teachers will focus on improving the confidence of the students spelling the key words across all subject areas.A dedicated print rich environment is given to literacy and numeracy.
We are eager to involve parents in our literacy and numeracy initiative so please do avail of opportunities to check your son’s spellings of subject key terms and encourage him to recheck all of his written assignments.
PAST PUPILS
We always welcome communication from past pupils. Many past pupils of CBS Roscommon hold or have held prominent positions in a host of careers and professions around the globe, and in a diversity of fields. These include business, banking, medical, legal, media, marketing,
auctioneering, science, hospitality, sport and leisure, writing and journalism, art and architecture, music and stage, education, public service, social and cultural, religious, travel and tourism, horticulture, and a variety of associated fields in the technology industry.
“On a Monday morning we would arrive in on the bus at 8.45am, school started at 9.30am at that time. I would head down to Kiernan’s (now Londis) and buy a handball, cost 5p. We would then pick one of the handball walls, which were located to the right of the woodwork room, and play handball until school started. The school was involved in a number of football and hurling finals. I recall travelling on coaches to support them, which we enjoyed. We sang all the way to the match, at the match and when we won, we sang on the way home. I took Agricultural Science for the Leaving Cert., with Mr John Clogher as our teacher. We carried out the practical work on the Vocational School farm in Lisnamult.”
Padraic Lohan, past pupil.
BOARD OF MANAGEMENT
The Board of Management is a committee appointed by the trustees of the school, to whom responsibility for the overall management of the school is entrusted. Members of the Board are collectively responsible for its decisions and actions. The Board provides leadership ensuring that the school is a happy and thriving place of teaching and learning in collaboration with all its partners.
The Board of Management consists of 8 persons, made up as follows:
• 4 members appointed by the trustees (ERST) of the school. • 2 parents/legal guardians of children currently attending the school, elected by parents/legal guardians whose children also currently attend the school. • 2 teachers elected by their teaching colleagues.
The Board of Management meet regularly throughout the year to fulfil its management duties.
The Edmund Rice Schools Trust is the body with responsibility for the schools (secondary and primary) formerly run by the Christian Brothers. The Trust supports its schools and their students, teachers, principals and voluntary boards of management, members, directors and staff in line with the tenets of the Edmund Rice Schools Trust Charter.
Our schools promote equality of access and participation - in other words, children of any faith, or none, at every level of ability, of any nationality or ethnic grouping are all welcome in our schools. All of our schools recognise the uniqueness of each individual in caring communities where holistic development is nurtured. Enrolment processes are open and flagged in advance. High educational, developmental and pastoral standards apply in all our schools.
In addition to the provision of high standards of excellence in teaching and learning, our schools uphold a strong sporting tradition, Gaelic culture, and ethos of social justice. Inspired by the five key elements of the Edmund Rice Schools Trust Charter our schools are responding to a changing world and supporting the leaders of the future to work in partnership, care for the
environment, look after themselves and others equally and be inspirational citizens.
The five key elements of the Edmund Rice Schools Trust Charter are Nurturing faith, Christian spirituality and Gospel-based values; Promoting partnership; Excelling in teaching and learning; Creating a caring school community; Inspiring transformational leadership. The main object of the Company is to ensure and foster the advancement of education and to further the aims and purposes of Catholic education in the Edmund Rice tradition in colleges, schools and other educational projects in Ireland owned or operated by the Company in accordance with the religious and education philosophy of the Company as stated in the Edmund Rice School Trust Charter.
The Edmund Rice Schools Trust gives everyone involved in running the ninety seven schools the opportunity to share ideas and pursue best practice together and so give practical expression to the Edmund Rice Schools Trust Charter.
Further information available on: www.erst.ie
EDMUND RICE SCHOOLS TRUST
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WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT CBS ROSCOMMON: WE BELONG TO THE EDMUND RICE NETWORK
What is unique is that our students in our schools belong to a worldwide network that is inspired by the vision of Edmund Rice. The schools in the Edmund Rice Schools Trust are a closely-knit community of schools which are managed in accordance with the principles of the Edmund Rice Schools Charter. These principles, which include nurturing faith, promoting partnership, excelling in teaching and learning, creating a caring community and inspiring transformational leadership, were developed collaboratively by the trustees, the boards of management, the staffs, the parent and the students of the schools. The Edmund Rice Schools Trust promotes a strong custom of sharing among the school personnel by organising events for Principals, Deputy Principals, Chairpersons of Boards of Management, Student Councils and R.E teachers.
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It is a great privilege that so many parents entrust their sons to us for their education. Each student is respected for his unique talents and aptitudes. We do everything possible to nourish and develop these talents, believing firmly in the Edmund Rice adage “the seed will grow”.
I made the best decision by moving to CBS Roscommon because not only are the subjects new and interesting, the sports and practical subjects are unique and great.
