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Hello all internet users,
As principal of Portlaoise Vocational school. I am delighted that you have found our page on the internet. I hope you will browse through our page and see for yourself the exciting range of activities and courses on offer at our school. Personal attention is given to each student in the school. The examination results and subsequent employment of our students is a source of satisfaction to us. Close links with parents are encouraged through our home-school liaison programme, our parents council and on a one-to-one basis. Our school has always recognised the key part played by parents in their children's education. Our school is constantly seeking to keep in step with developments in education and the world of work. We have now got two computer classrooms and are constantly revising courses and introducing new programmes. We are helped in this regard by our close links with the business community in the area. Education is about developing and encouraging growth in the round, not only skills and facts but value as well. When considering a school for your child. I would ask you to seriously consider this school. I hope you find our web site interesting and that
you will E-mail us and share your
Yours sincerely, ____________
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HOME SCHOOL LIAISON SCHEME
The school has the added advantage of a Home School Liaison Teacher since September 1995. The merits of the scheme are many. The involvement of parents in the educational process is encouraged and promoted. Active co-operation is promoted between the home school and the relevant community agencies in promoting the educational interests of children. Talks and courses are provided in the school to meet the needs of parents . Home visitation is an important aspect of the programme in action, whereby the Home School Liaison Teacher gives information and supports the parents in the education of children and stabilises a partnership with parents.
SCHOOL BANK
Students in Transition year will have an opportunity to take part in the School Bank. This gives students valuable experience in bank procedures which is essential for students seeking employment in the financial services sector. All students may avail of the banking service to save money for those special occasions.
SCHOOL SHOP
Our school shop is always well stocked with crisps, bars, minerals, copies and biros. Our prices are very competitive when compared to the shops in town. The shop is run by senior staff in the school with the assistance of some senior pupils. We find that having a good shop on the school premises eliminates the need for pupils to go up the town. The shop opens before school in the morning, during break time and at lunch time.
Boys and girls follow a three year course of studies which prepares them for the Junior Certificate in education.
The following subjects are available:
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English French History Geography Mathematics Religion Science Home Economics Computer Studies Woodwork Technology Metal Work Art P.E. Technical Graphics (including C.A.D.) Social, Personal and Health Education |
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o Personal Development - the development of self
esteem and self confidence through achievement and breadth of experience.
o The further development of academic and technical
skills.
o Preparation of students for adult life of work
and leisure through education in out-of -school settings
o A further qualification - to enable students
to be better prepared both for Leaving Certificate and for the world of
work by successfully completing City & Guilds course, building on the
excellent course pioneered in this area by our Engineering Department.
ENTERPRISE EDUCATION
Portlaoise V.S. recognises the need to promote
an Enterprise Culture in our young people today. For this purpose
we have developed a unique Enterprise Programme composed of seven modules.
1. Introduction 2. Communications
3. Career Guidance
4. Product Development 5. Marketing
6. Guest Speakers
7. Educational Trips
It is our hope that having completed this programme
our pupils will have the necessary skills and knowledge of all agencies
which will help them develop new enterprises.
CITY AND GUILDS QUALIFICATION
Students will have the option of either the City
& Guilds Engineering Technology Course or the City & Guilds Food
Industries Course.
Four days per week will be devoted to the academic
and practical skills involved.
Subjects to include:
Certificate in Engineering Technology
Engineering The Science of Engineering
Food Industries Certificate
Home Economics Food Industries Science
Common
Communications Building/Carpentry
Mathematics Industrial, Social & Environment
Studies
Religion Computer Studies
Technical Graphics Calligraphy
Gaeilge First Aid
Art & Craft
AN GAISCE - PRESIDENTIAL AWARD
Our Transition Year pupils are entered for the Bronze Medal in this award scheme. The President's Award is the nations's highest award to young people between the ages of 15 and 25 for personal excellence, achievement and voluntary service. The Award programme essentially is about agreeing a challenge with you that you will endeavour to reach from an agreed time onwards. The challenge is relative to one's ability. It sets out to develop you as an individual and also to introduce you to community involvement. To qualify for the award the student must complete four sections.
1. Participate in community involvement activity.
2, Gain a new personal skill or interest.
3. Improve your performance in one physical recreation
activity.
4. Complete a venture activity.
ACTIVITIES
Every effort is made to introduce the students to as many sport and leisure activities as possible. This helps the student to appreciate the value of sport and leisure in relieving stress and the development of a healthy lifestyle.
Activities Include:
Gaelic Football Swimming
Soccer (Indoor & Outdoor) Canoeing
Volleyball Orienteering
Basketball Rock Climbing - Absailing
Horse Riding Indoor Hockey
Golf Sailing
 
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Students who have completed the Junior Certificate have the option of continuing on to Leaving Certificate or doing the Transition Year.
Our school has provided a Leaving Certificate for many years and the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme for the last several years. The Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme was introduced as a response to the changing needs of Ireland's education system and the changing work and business environment. The Leaving Certificate aims to prepare students for a real and ever changing world.
The Restructed Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme is being introduced in September 1997 with additional link modules. They include Enterprise Education, Preparation for Work and Work Experience.
The following subjects are available:
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English French Home Economics Mathematics Careers Religion Art Physics/Chemistry Computer Studies Engineering Building Construction P.E. Technical Drawing (including C.A.D.) Social, Personal & Health Education. |
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The school engages in a wide variety of sports. These include football,
soccer, hurling, basketball, volleyball, golf, equestrian, tabletennis
and pool. The school has won both Laois and Leinster titles in football,
soccer and equestrian.