Student Care is our number 1 priority

All students have ready access to;

Class Tutor

The Tutor is the class teacher with responsibility for a class unit whose duties include;

• Has responsibility for the Pastoral Care of each member of the class
• Ensures that each student feels cared for
• Develops an awareness of the needs of individual students
• Motivates students and builds a sense of class pride
• Monitors class progress and liaises with Yearhead
• Rewards excellence and effort
• Has responsibility for monitoring, recording and reporting to Attendance Officer on attendance records of students in his/her class
• Counsels and disciplines students and refers them on where necessary
• Communicates with parents
• Consults regularly with Yearhead
• Pays particular attention to standards of homework, punctuality, uniform, pupil files, reports and assessments
• Encourages the work of Class Captains

Yearhead

The Yearhead forms part of the Middle Management system that relates specifically to parents. It is the role of the Yearhead to establish personal relationship with the students in his/her assigned Year. He/she is fully responsible for these students whose duties include;

• Pays careful attention to every aspect of the year group, which contributes to the learning environment of the school
• Supports Class Tutor and Class Teachers in the execution of their pastoral responsibilities
• Organises and chairs Class Teacher Meetings
• Liaises with students, teachers, parents and management
• Takes action in consultation with others
• Monitors and reviews progress of the year group
• Helps to build a positive spirit
• Discusses matters of concern
• Acknowledges and rewards achievements
• Leads Year Assembly in conjunction with the Principal
• Gives a full report of main developments at weekly Yearhead Meeting
• Consults with Principal/Deputy Principal on serious matters
• Ensures that all college procedures and systems operate effectively in the year group

Assistant Yearhead.

A member of staff whose role is specifically designed to assist the Yearhead in any area necessary.

  

Pastoral Care Team

Pastoral Care is a systematic approach to education, which seeks to value the young person at every level. It involves a holistic approach creating an environment, which enriches the lives of students. It is a programme, which aims to provide a caring supportive school community allowing for the full development of the emerging adult, nurturing talents, fostering self worth and maximising potential.

 

 

Student Council
A Student’s Council (Junior/Senior) is in operation in our school. The Council involves a representative from each class. These representatives are democratically elected by their peers. The duties of the Council are;
• To represent the view of students.
•To arrange regular meetings with Co-ordinator/teacher in attendance.
• To act as class rep.
• To report any irregularities to tutors.
• To report on any damages etc. to the classrooms.
• To liaise with other committees and groups in the school. 

 

 

Mentors

 

School Chaplain

 

Guidance Service

Guidance refers to a range of learning experiences provided in a developmental sequence, designed to assist students to make choices about their lives and to make transitions consequent on these choices.

The Guidance Department in Athlone Community College is a part of the Student Support Service. Guidance provides this suppport in the following areas;

PERSONAL

  • Personal and social skills
  • Problem solving
  • Self-Awareness
  • Decision Making
  • Planning 

CAREER

  • Employment awareness
  • Educational choices
  • Training choices
  • Job getting Skills
  • Career Growth Skills 

ACADEMIC

  • Subject choice
  • Course choice
  • Study skills
  • Exam skills

Some of the services we provide in Athlone Community College are:

  • Guidance
  • Counselling
  • Career Library
  • Career Events
  • Internet resources
  • Computer Assisted Guidance

The Guidance Counsellor works alongside other staff members, parents and professionals outside the school setting to provide a service to meet student needs.