Ratoath College Prospectus Principal: Ms Máire Ní Bhróithe Deputy Principal: Ms Oonagh Prendergast Address: Ratoath College, Jamestown, Raotath, Co Meath Tel: 00353 1 8254102 Fax: 00353 1 8254541 Web: www.ratoathcollege.ie Contents Page Number Message from the Principal Mission Statement Our School Ethos Background to Ratoath College Student Council School Extension Board of Management Parents Association Attendance & Punctuality School Uniform Whole School Assembly Cinnirí Lunch Time Arrangements Canteen Supervised Study Book Rental Scheme School Dialann Lockers Guidance Councillor Pastoral Care in the School Chaplaincy Service in the School The Moltóir The Caomhnóir Anti-bullying in Ratoath College Junior Certificate Cycle Leaving Certificate Programme LCVP- Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme Leaving Certificate Applied Programme Transition Year Programme Special Educational Needs Aonad Arkle (Autism Unit) Information Technology in the School School Website Music/Drama in the School Tours, Outing & Field Trips Physical Education 1 1 1 1 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 7 7 7 8 8 9 9 10 10 10 11 11 11 11 12 12 13 Sport in Ratoath College 13 Extra-Curricular Activities 14 Teaching & Learning in Ratoath College 14 Teaching & Learning Projects 14 Art Competitions 15 Ratoath College as a Green School 15 Our School Library 15 Our Principal Welcome to Ratoath College! Have a look at our on-line prospectus and enjoy! Our School Ethos: Mol an Óige Our motto is “Mól an Óige agus Tiocfaidh Sí” (Praise the youth and they will flourish). We aim to live this motto on a daily basis. Our Code of Behaviour is a positive code. There is a greater emphasis on rewards rather than on sanctions. We praise our students daily at assembly, we hold monthly prize giving ceremonies, send home positive notes through the students’ Dialann (School Diary), present students with commendation slips and post positive postcards home. We are very proud of our current students and believe that their behaviour is exemplary. All teachers actively support our emphasis on positive behaviour. Mission Statement “We in Ratoath College are a partnership of students, staff, parents and the community. We foster personal development and learning through hard work, creativity and commitment. Each individual is given the opportunity to realise their full potential in a community that is inclusive, respectful, caring and positive. In all our pursuits we embrace the spirit of “Mol an Óige agus Tiocfaidh Sí” Background to Ratoath College Ratoath College is a Deed of Trust co-educational Community College founded in 2005, under the joint trusteeship of the Bishop of Meath and Co. Meath Vocational Education Committee. The school endeavours to provide an education for all of its students, one which has as its aim the development of all aspects of the individual – aesthetic, creative, critical, cultural, emotional, intellectual, moral, physical, political, religious, social and spiritual development; for personal and family life, for working-life, for living in the community and for leisure. 1. Ratoath College Prospectus Student Council The student council is a very important aspect of school life in Ratoath College and has been functioning since 2006. The Council provides a forum for students to express their opinions and enables them to play a partnership role with the staff, Parents’ Association and Board of Management. This ensures that the students play a positive role in our school’s decision making process. Each year one student is elected from each class by their peers to form the Student Council. This group addresses student issues and highlights them to the Principal. A member of staff is responsible for liaising with the Council. The Council meets on a weekly basis and have been responsible for some changes made such as the introduction of trousers for female students during the winter. School Extension This year we had confirmation that we have been approved for a new extension of 3,288 square metres due for completion in late 2014. The extension will bring the school accommodation up to 1,300 students. The design team were appointed recently and the first meetings have taken place in the Department of Education. 2. Ratoath College Prospectus Board of Management Attendance and Punctuality The board members who have served since 2005 have provided direction and sound management to the school under the chairmanship of Mr. Nick Kileen. Its job is to make sure that the school is run efficiently and provides all students with a good education. Ratoath College has excellent attendance records. The national average for attendance at second level schools is 92%. We currently have an average of close to 95%. Congratulations are due to our current second year students who were the year group with the highest attendance in the school last year. All students are required to be on time for morning Assembly and for all classes throughout the school day. Last year we introduced new initiatives to reward students who had full attendance in 2011/12 and in previous years. In addition to this, all students who did not miss a day between September to Christmas and January to Summer were entered for a draw to win a bumper prize of €20 phone credit. Presently our Board of Management members are; Mr. Nick Kileen (Chairman) Ms. Maeve Gallagher Mr. G. O’Connor Fr. Gerry Stuart Ms. Nuala McLoughlin Ms. Miriam Toole Mr. Derek Ball Ms. D. Kelly/Mr. C. Connolly Ms. Maeve Flood Mr. Diarmuid Marron Prof. Anne Scott Co. Meath VEC nominee Co. Meath VEC nominee Co. Meath VEC nominee Bishop’s Representative Bishop’s Representative Bishop’s Representative Teaching Staff Teaching Staff Parents Representative Parents Representative Community Representative Ms. Máire Ní Bhróithe, Principal, is secretary to the Board in a nonvoting capacity and Ms. Oonagh Prendergast, Deputy Principal attends all meetings. The Parents are elected to the Board by the parent body. The two teachers are nominated by the staff of the College. Parents’ Association The Parents’ Association is the structure through which parents in a school can work together for the best possible education for their children. The Parent’s Association works with the principal, staff and the Board of Management to build an effective relationship between the home and school. Collaboration between the home and school is important because with positive and active partnership the student gets the best that education can offer. 3. Ratoath College Prospectus In an effort to further reward students for their dedication and commitment to school, we have designed some additional awards to recognise student’s achievements. At Junior Cycle we have the Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards. The Platinum award is full attendance in both years of senior cycle. Any student who has full attendance throughout their school life will be forever immortalised in a school attendance shield which has been kindly sponsored by Franic Construction. Winners of the Gold, Diamond and Full Attendance awards will receive their prizes at the summer prize giving ceremony. Whole School Assembly Ratoath College holds a daily assembly at 8:45a.m. for all member of the school community. We see assembly as playing a crucial role in developing a sense of a whole school community. We believe assembly provides us with an excellent opportunity to gather together and to celebrate individual and group achievements. We use the opportunity to praise the students in front of their peers for their achievements and efforts. School Uniform While respecting the individuality of all our students the school uniform is an essential part of school life. It represents the high standards that we expect from our students. By applying a strict uniform code, we are preparing our students for life, in that most workplaces have standards with regard to dress that should be upheld. It also teaches the students the value of neatness, tidiness and projecting a good image of oneself. The support of parents/guardians is of utmost importance in this regard and sanctions will apply where there are breaches in the uniform code. Each student is expected to wear the full school uniform everyday and to be neat and tidy in their overall appearance. The school uniform is as follows: Boys Girls Junior Jumper Junior Rose/Navy Jumper Junior Rose/Navy Student Boys Shirt White Girls Blouse White Tie Junior Navy/Red Tie Junior Navy/Red Boys Trousers Navy Tartan Skirt Ratoath College Jacket Ratoath College Jacket Senior Jumper Senior Navy/Rose Jumper Senior Navy/Rose Student Tie Senior Red/Navy Tie Senior Red/Navy PE Boys Trousers Navy Tartan Skirt Cinnirí Ratoath College Jacket Ratoath College Jacket Ratoath College Huddie Ratoath College Huddie Ratoath College has introduced a Prefect System. Each year 16 of our senior students are selected for the role of prefect and they are known as Cinnirí. These senior students assist staff in the supervision of the school on a daily basis as well as keeping an eye on our younger students and helping 1st years to settle in. They are all exemplary students and are role models for our younger students. With responsibility comes privileges and so they have their own Seomra na gCinnirí which houses their lockers and has tea and coffee making facilities as well as a study area. Uniform Boys Blue Polo Girls Blue Polo Navy Tracksuit bottoms Navy Tracksuit bottoms White Asics Trainers White Asics Trainers 4. Ratoath College Prospectus Lunchtime Arrangements Book Rental Scheme All students remain on the school grounds during lunch and break times. All students have a choice of bringing in their own food or using the canteen service. Extra-curricular activities are arranged for lunch time. These are of a sporting and non-sporting nature. Ratoath College has operated a scheme to provide textbooks for rent to parents/guardians of students in the school since 2005. To promote and support this scheme the following applies to all users of the scheme: The school rents text books to parents/guardians of current students of the school at reduced cost. All books rented remain the property of Ratoath College. Parents/guardians with their children are responsible for proper care and maintenance of books rented to them. Books must be returned when requested, or when a student leaves the school. Books must be returned to the school in resale condition. The minimum requirement is that each book is intact, has all its pages, has both a front and back cover and is free from any graffiti. All books not returned to the school in resale condition by the date requested will be deemed lost or damaged. Parents / guardians must pay the current replacement cost of lost or damaged books to the school. Students are advised to check the condition of books regularly and to carry out necessary repairs and to maintain them in correct order. Regular book rental checks are conducted throughout the school year and students may be advised to replace a book depending on its condition. Canteen There is a privately run canteen on school premises (located in the general purpose area). The food is provided at very reasonable rates. The menu is approved under the schools ‘Healthy Eating’ Policy. Food is provided at break time and at lunch. Supervised Study The school offers supervised study to help students to plan and organise their study. The rates differ depending on the number of evenings the students wish to attend. 5. Ratoath College Prospectus School Dialann (Journal) Guidance Counselling The School Dialann is the main form of communication between home and school and as such is an essential tool for school. The School Guidance Counsellor has a pivotal role to play in the school. The guidance counsellor aims to assist students in their holistic development. This includes facilitating students’ vocational needs and assuring them of continuous support and counselling. In the course of their lives, people are faced with the need to make significant decisions that affect both themselves and those around them. For second level students these choices are focussed on three key areas: Personal and Social, Educational and Career. 1. Each student must purchase a school dialann. 2. A careful record of all homework given or class activities is to be kept in the school dialann 3. Every student in Ratoath College is expected to have his/her dialann on their desk at the beginning and for the duration of every class. 4. Dialann’s must be made available for inspection by Teachers at all times. The School Guidance Counsellor facilitates students’ access to the following services: 5. Each student is responsible for his/her own dialann. Loss of a dialann must be reported to the Caomhóir immediately and a new dialann bought in its place. Lockers Lockers are provided for students so that they do not have to carry heavy bags around all day. Students should only use their lockers at the following times: before morning assembly, during lunchtime and at the end of the school day. Personal Development Programmes: Assisting students in their personal and social development, decision-making and planning; providing counselling, including bereavement counselling; liaison with outside agencies, including Department of Education and Science Psychologists (NEPS) and Health Boards. Educational Development Programmes: providing knowledge and skills relating to studying, exams and choices of subjects and subject levels. Career Information: Providing factual information relating to 3rd level study and other career options, while helping students to make informed career decisions by the use of aptitude, career-interest and other tests. Parental Involvement: Parents are also invited to participate with the Career Guidance Counsellor in the guidance process through consultation and attendance at relevant information evenings relating to subject and career choices. It is in this regard; care for the total well-being of the student that guidance and counselling plays a pivotal role in student support in Ratoath College. 6. Ratoath College Prospectus Pastoral Care in the School Chaplaincy Service in the School The Chaplain is a ‘Spiritual’ presence in the school community. The Chaplin’s role is to develop a relationship of trust where students feel heard and supported on their school journey. The Chaplain responds firstly to the spiritual needs while also promoting the holistic development of the students. The Chaplain works in close contact with the Religion Department and is part of the Pastoral Care Team. Our Pastoral Care system is developed to be all inclusive, incorporating all students, particularly the ‘silent majority’ who can often fall under the radar. The Pastoral Care programme which we implement deals with a wide variety of issues such as: transfer from primary to secondary level school, charter of behaviour, tension around examinations, bullying, peer influence, relationships, community, personal development, bereavement and separation through ‘Rainbows’. It links in with many programme's for example, substance abuse, health education, which are taught through our SPHE class. The Pastoral Care Team In Ratoath College we have a core pastoral care co-ordination team which consists of Principal/Deputy Principal, Pastoral Care Coordinator, Guidance Counsellors, and Chaplain. This team is supported by our Moltóirí, Caoimhnóirí, Teachers, and learning Support department. Throughout the academic year a member of the core pastoral care team will do their best to meet individually with as many students as possible, the purpose of this meeting is to discuss with the students how they are settling into the school, progressing in their subjects, see if they are experiencing any difficulties in school and to see if there is anything we can do better for them. This system has had an extremely positive impact on the development of the school and assisting the students in settling into the school. 7 Ratoath College Prospectus The Moltóir The Moltóir on behalf of the school community takes on the role of overseeing the welfare and well-being of a year group so that learning, at every level of the person, is supported. The role of the Moltóir is: To support the work of the Caomhnóirí Have a caring interest in each student in the year Help the students to develop a sense of belonging Oversee the academic progress of students Ensure the year group follow the code of behaviour Acknowledge students good work and effort (Mól an Óige) Encourage students to participate in extra curricular activities Promote good relationships between students and teachers Take responsibility for promoting the positive aspects of good discipline and behaviour. Monitor late arrivals and absenteeism The Caomhnóir It is the policy of this school that each class is designated one teacher as Class Caomhnóir who is responsible for that class in a special way. The Role of the Caomhnóir is: To instil a good class spirit and encourage collective responsibility amongst students To take an interest in each individual student with particular regard to their personal difficulties To care for students in the class group Anti-bullying in Ratoath College We want Ratoath College to be a bully-free school where all of us feel safe and happy. However, it is important for students to know that supports are in place in Ratoath College for students who may have fallen victim to bullying or know someone who is being bullied. Our Anti-bullying programme, as established by the Anti-bullying team, has implemented the following strategies: Anti-bullying zoom day Sticks and stones workshop School leadership team workshops. This involved our TY Mentors giving Anti-bullying presentations to first years To praise students in accordance with the school philosophy Anti-bullying poster competition To follow the disciplinary procedures outlined in the schools code of behaviour SPHE classes on bullying and its effects Peer Mediation Generally ‘problems’ that arise regarding a student are dealt with using a Ladder of Referral System which is organised in the following way; Class Teacher —Caomhnóir —Moltóir —Deputy Principal —Principal. Anti-bullying email address [email protected] Students affected by bullying also are encouraged to seek help from Pastoral Care team members, School Guidance Counsellor, Chaplain or any adult they feel may be of assistance. 8. Ratoath College Prospectus Junior Certificate Programme Leaving Certificate Programme Ratoath College offers a wide range of subjects at Junior Level. Students follow a set curriculum which leads to the Junior Certificate at the end of three years. All classes are of mixed ability and streaming only takes place for the core subjects of Irish and Mathematics in Second Year. Students are encouraged to achieve their best and to take as many higher level subjects as is appropriate. At Leaving Cert. examination level, students study seven subjects. Core Curriculum Subjects (Nine) English Irish Maths History Geography Science French/Italian Religious Education CSPE Optional Subjects (Two) Business Studies Materials Technology Wood Music Technical Graphics Art, Craft & Design Metalwork Home Economics Non-Examination Subjects Physical Education SPHE Each student will study the 3 Core Subjects: Irish (unless exemption granted) English Maths Students can then choose 4 Options (see subjects on offer in table below) Total Subjects = 7 Leaving Certificate Subjects are grouped as follows: Language Group: French Italian Social Studies Group: Art (including Crafts) Music Classical Studies Science Group: Biology Physics Chemistry Applied Science Group: Social and Scientific Home Economics 9 Ratoath College Prospectus Business Group; Business Accounting Economics Practical Group: Design and Communication Graphics Architectural Technology (Construction) Engineering Humanities: History Geography Other Applied Maths Religion LCVP—Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme Many students take the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP) which is an intervention designed to enhance the vocational dimension of the established Leaving Certificate. It emphasises enterprise education and preparation for working life. Assessment of the LCVP takes the form of both written examination and a portfolio of continuous coursework completed in the duration of the two year programme of study and the grade obtained may be used as part of the calculation of the traditional ‘Points’ system. Our LCV Programme aims to prepare students for an ever evolving working, technological and business world while capitalising on the already present academic strengths of students, and engendering and encouraging a spirit of enterprise in each individual. Leaving Certificate Applied Programme The Leaving Certificate Applied is a two-year Leaving Certificate, available to students who wish to follow a practical or vocationally orientated programme. A key aspect of the programme is enabling students to prepare for adult and working life. The word “applied” is used because the programme is designed to allow the students to apply the learning and experiences they gain over the two years of the programme to practical educational tasks at school, in the workplace and in the wider community. The Leaving Certificate Applied is different in a number of ways: It is a practical programme that makes wide use of active and student centred learning methodologies. It includes seven Student Tasks that bring together the different learning experiences that the students have gained from the courses they have taken. It uses a unique system of assessment. The students’ work is assessed over the two years of the programme and they gain credits as they go along. Practicals, interviews and terminal written papers are among the different forms of assessment used. The students’ communication, problem solving and practical skills are also assessed. Transition Year Programme Transition Year is a unique one year programme for students who have completed the Junior Certificate. It provides a bridge to enable them to make the transition from the more dependent type of learning associated with the Junior Certificate to the more independent learning environment associated with the Leaving Certificate. It encourages personal and social development and recognises the need for students to grow in independence. Transition Year fosters academic achievement as students prepare for a Leaving Certificate programme, further study and adult and working life. It encourages the development of a wide range of transferable critical thinking and creative problem solving skills. Transition Year offers students space to learn, mature and develop. The Transition Year is an activity based self-directed programme, which entails learning both inside and outside the classroom. Students, who are self-motivated, can work hard and adapt well to new learning experiences, do particularly well at portfolio work. The course encourages maturity development of new skills and education for college and working life. Transition Year students tend to become more self-reliant learners. 10 Ratoath College Prospectus Information & Communications Technology ICT is an integral and accepted part of everyday life for our school community. Each classroom is fully equipped with a teaching computer and digital projector. We also have a number of interactive whiteboards, visualisers and webcams. ICT in Ratoath College includes a range of hardware and software devices, scanners, digital cameras, multimedia programmes and image editing software. It also includes the communications equipment through which people seek and access information including the Internet, our WIFI network, email and video conferencing. We can see how the use of ICT in education can add value in teaching and learning, by enhancing the effectiveness of learning, or by adding a dimension to learning that was not previously available. Students are often encouraged to utilise their own mobile devices as part of teaching and learning. Special Educational Needs Being inclusive and promoting education that is inclusive, is a central part of what Ratoath College does. We try to focus on inclusion in everything we do, on ensuring that education is for all learners. In this area we look at ways that curriculum and assessment can best meet the needs of students with special educational needs. We have a Resource Team who work hard to support the teaching and learning of students with special educational needs. Appropriate in-service is provided for teachers. Aonad Arkle (Autism Unit) Aonad Arkle is our dedicated unit to facilitate the inclusion of students with Autistic Spectrum Disorder. We provide additional educational, social and pastoral support to enhance the personal development and holistic education of our students. Aonad Arkle supports the participation of students in mainstream activities as well as providing individual learning programmes centered on developing social, communication, organisation and life skills. We liaise with external multi-disciplinary services and have an extremely dedicated team of 9 teachers and 4 SNA’s who meet regularly to review the progress of our students. We offer an oasis of calm amidst the busy school day and provide a relaxation area, cosy kitchen, workstations and an innovative sensory room. We enable structured social interaction at break times with our reverse integration system where mainstream students visit Aonad Arkle for social interaction and various extra-curricular activities. We embrace the culture of ASD and we are exceptionally proud of our creative, intelligent and talented students. 11 Ratoath College Prospectus School Website We have an exciting school website www.ratoathcollege.ie. The website is kept updated on a regular basis and reflects the vibrancy of our school community. We also regularly tweet @ratoathcollege. Music/Drama in Ratoath College Last year we staged our second school musical. Following the success of Back to the 80s two years ago this time around we produced the timeless classic West Side Story, widely praised as one of the greatest musicals of all time. Aside from the musical and dramatic, the musical provided an opportunity for students with a wide array of interests and talents to express themselves creatively. Almost 2,000 people attended the performances over four nights. Every year the school also hosts a Ratoath College Talent Show. This show gives students the opportunity to show case their talents and is always one of the highlights of the school year. Tours, Outings, Field Trips 1st Year Trip Abroad or Carlingford. 4th and 5th Year Trip to China in 2013 At the start of the school year in September the TY students will be involved in an overnight trip spending time involved in Outdoor Pursuits. French & Italian Exchange: 4th & 5th Year students are encouraged to avail of the schools’ involvement in the French & Italian Exchange Programme. Leaving Certificate students of Geography, Biology also spend a day on field trip work. These trips and analysis of the work form the basis of questions on their Leaving Certificate Paper. Music students attend events in the Concert Hall, the Point Theatre etc. as part of their music programme. The Irish, French and Italian teachers organise Seachtain na Gaeilge, La Semaine Francaise and Il Giorno Italia. There are many other day trips and outings organised by teachers as part of their curriculum, e.g. History visits to museums, cinema, and theatre visits for films and plays, science field trips, etc. Senior Cycle students will be facilitated to attend: (a) Higher Options Day for 3rd level choices in the RDS. (b) Fás Careers Day 12 Ratoath College Prospectus Physical Education Sport in Ratoath College Physical Education is an integral part of the school curriculum at Ratoath College where all students are required to participate. The School’s policy is to ensure that all students receive a broad and balanced physical education programme which is relevant to the individual student’s physical, mental, emotional and social development. We are also committed to increasing participation in extra-curricular sports which include; Gaelic Football, Soccer, Rugby, Athletics, Basketball, Pitch and Putt, Badminton, Hurling, Dance, Cheerleading and Kickboxing. We strongly believe that being a member of a school team is a valuable experience. The sporting highlights of the year include our whole school ‘Sports Day’ in September and the ‘Fairyhouse Fun Run’ in May. The school offers students the opportunity to participate in numerous sporting events including Gaelic Football, Soccer, Basketball, Camogie, Rugby, Table Tennis, Pitch and Putt and Athletics and Cross-county. Although we are still a very young school we have already achieved great success in many leagues and inter schools competitions in these areas. 2012 was a fantastic year in sport for Ratoath College winning; 13 Ratoath College Prospectus All Ireland & Leinster Vocational Schools B Gaelic Football titles U16 Leinster A Soccer title Extra Curricular Activities Teaching and Learning in Ratoath College The school provides a very wide range of activities for students. These activities offer students opportunities to partake in events which we value in the overall teaching, training and development we provide. These events also allow for the range of talents and abilities which are inherent in the student population. Music: We have a school choir. A trad group and several very accomplished soloists who have performed at numerous events both within the school and publically. In keeping with best national and international practice it is our whole school policy to encourage the use of various active pedagogic strategies which are proven means of furthering the quality of education which our students receive. We are committed to establishing Ratoath College as a noted centre of excellence in teaching and learning and to endeavour to ensure that each student is given every opportunity to maximise their full potential. At Ratoath College our practices include: Clubs and Societies: Media Club, Re-defining Art Group, Debating Club, Chess Club Competitions: We enter a variety of public competitionshistorical, debating, artistic, cookery, scifest, business, musical etc. with great success. Cultural activities: Many opportunities are provided through our French Exchange Programme, Arts Week. La Semaine Francasie, Il Giorno Italia and Seachtain na Gaeilge, visits to theatre, film, exhibitions, cultural centres, etc. Fashion Show: We will host our 2nd Fashion Show in October this year. Students, teachers, parents and the local community will all be involved in this glamorous and exciting event. There are many other activities such as school leagues and other events which are also organised within the school for the students. Involvement in extra-curricular activities will inevitably mean that on occasion students will be absent from their timetabled class. We strongly recommend, particularly in 3rd and 6th Year that parents are aware of these activities and that through discussion with their son/daughters a balance is maintained between academic and extra-curricular activities. The use of Active/Collaborative learning strategies. Mixed Ability Teaching. Effective use of ICT to complement learning.. Strategic use of Team Teaching. Strategic use of Special Needs Assistants. Whole School Practice of Assessment for Learning. Teaching and Learning Projects Self-Evaluation Project: Ratoath College is one of six schools invited by the Department of Education to take part in a School selfevaluation project whereby we investigated how students are engaged in learning and are currently in the process of making an improvement plan for September 2012. Junior Cycle Network: We have also been invited to participate in the Junior Cycle Network and we are one of forty schools who will be advising on the supporting and development of new courses for the new National Certificate. It Takes All Kinds Project: Finally, we are one of two Irish schools participating in “It takes all kinds”, an international project involving eighteen schools in nine different European countries. This project aims to bring about an awareness of homophobic bullying in schools and it aims to help schools support students. 14 Ratoath College Prospectus Art Competitions The Art Department at Ratoath College strongly encourage their students to take part in Art/Design Competitions, at local, regional and national levels. They recognise the immense value of competition work as regards the students’ continued development in this area. Extra-curricular art trips to galleries and national sites of artistic value are organised regularly. Our School Library Ratoath College has a large and comprehensively stocked Library. Not only does it contain a huge selection of books, it has a large collection of resources for everyone to use. It is open every lunchtime for students use. Juniors and Seniors may borrow up to two books for two weeks. At Ratoath College Library First Year students follow a Library Induction Programme throughout the year. They learn how to use the library for research, develop reading habits and become confident library users which supports their future studies. Ratoath College as a Green School Ratoath College is part of the Green Schools Programme, and has been awarded the Green Flag for Litter and Waste. As a Green School we at Ratoath College try to implement the 3 R's, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. We have a whole school approach to reduce paper wastage such as having a Book Rental Scheme, keeping parents informed by text, staff communicating via email and having a photocopying policy. Students are taught to be responsible for their own litter and are encouraged to take pride in their amazing building. Our current focus is Energy. We aim to raise awareness on how to save energy and in doing so save money. Through our Green efforts we hope to make Ratoath College a better pace to study and do our bit for the environment. 15 Ratoath College Prospectus Resources The library houses over 5000 books 1 dedicated library catalogue computer. 10 laptops providing internet access and library catalogue access. A Media Board displaying daily articles from the Irish Times Subject Specific texts that will help with school projects/ assignments The careers library contains information on careers and jobs. We also stock prospectuses from every university in Ireland and Britain. 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