Admissions Policy

 

 

 

A . Introduction

 

An important document

This Admissions Policy is one of the most important documents the school has produced. It is written for parents and students who wish to find out about the school and how to apply for admission to the school .

 

B. What this school is about

 

Marist Brothers

The Marist Brothers are an Order of teaching brothers founded in 1817 by St. Marcellin Champagnat. He dedicated his life to the education of Catholic children in Catholic Schools.

 

The Marist Brothers today is one of the largest teaching Orders in the world. The Brothers see the Catholic School as a place where students acquire knowledge and wisdom and to grow in faith and integrity, in an atmosphere inspired by the good news of Jesus in the Gospel.

 

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Moyle Park College

 

 

Moyle Park College is a Voluntary Catholic Secondary School for boys. It was established in 1957, and serves Clondalkin and surrounding areas.

 

It provides a Catholic education, with a wide range of subjects and programmes. The College has a very experienced teaching staff and a wide range of extra-curricular activities. It is situated on an extensive educational campus with extensive sporting facilities. The Marist Brothers community is at the heart of the campus .

 

The College motto is “Respice Finem” which conveys the school’s philosophy of setting ideals and working towards them. We expect each student to strive to achieve his full potential as a person academically, physically, morally, socially and spiritually.

 

The College is administered by a Board of Management under the trusteeship of the Marist Brothers

 

School Mission Statement

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Faith Development

The College Board of Management, parents, staff and students,  working together as a school community within the resources available, aim to provide a Catholic education in the best possible environment to cater for the cultural, educational, moral, physical, religious, social, linguistic and spiritual values and traditions of all its’ students.

 

We show special concern for the disadvantaged and we make every effort to ensure that the uniqueness and dignity of each person is respected, and responded to, especially through the pastoral care system in the college.

 

We realise too, that we must cater for the changing needs of to-day’s world and towards that end, we frequently review our various programmes.

 

Being keenly aware of the ever-increasing effect of outside influences on the lives of our students, we are even more concerned to maintain Catholic values and practices.

 

The faith development of our students is given priority through an extensive and creative religious education programme. All students are expected to attend religious education classes. Non-Catholic students may attend appropriate religious education classes arranged by their faith community during the timetabled RE times.

 

Students of other faiths who are not attending religious education classes during timetabled RE classes will be required to remain in the RE classroom under the supervision of the RE teacher.

 

 

Current legislation

The Marist Brothers and the College fully subscribe to and operate within current  legislation * and try to ensure that the best practice prevails in all aspects of the work of the school.

 

The basic principles of current education legislation are in tune with the College’s mission statement ie. partnership, accountability, transparency, inclusion, diversity, parental choice, equality of participation and access.

 

In its structures and policies, the College will ensure that these principles are respected and implemented.

 

*

·          Education Act 1998

·          Education (Welfare) Act 2000

·          Equal Status Act 2000

·          Education for Persons with Special Education Needs Act 2002

 

 

 

C. Our School

 

For full details see the College’s Information Pack.

 

Location and facilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Moyle Park College is located in the centre of Clondalkin village on a 26 acre educational campus. The school was founded in 1957 in the Brothers’ Monastery, and has grown extensively to what is now a very modern building with educational, sporting and technical facilities second to none.

 

The buildings include a large Sports Hall incorporating Drama facilities, with extensive changing rooms.

 

Surrounding the buildings are basketball courts and extensive playing fields.

 

The College’s facilities are open to the local community, which uses them extensively.

 

 

 

Management Structure

 

 

 

 

 

School Organisation

 

 

 

 

 

 

Teachers

 

 

 

Curriculum

 

 

 

 

Parents’ Council

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Students’ Council

The College is administered by the Board of Management, representing the trustees, staff and parents.

 

Chairperson of the Board : Dr. Peter Duffy

Secretary to Board and School Principal : Mr. John Shortt

Deputy Principal : Mr. Aidan Clarke

 

Our school is organised around 6 year groups. Each group has a Year Head. Every class in the year has a Form Teacher who takes a special interest in each of the pupils and meets them at daily tutorial. Progress is monitored and contact made with parents when deemed necessary.

 

Classes are organised on a mixed-ability basis, with banding arrangements in Maths, English and Irish.

 

The teaching staff is highly qualified and experienced. Staff are employed by the Board of Management and paid by the Department of Education and Science.

 

A full range of subjects and programmes is provided, including Junior Certificate, Junior Certificate Schools Programme, Transition Year, Leaving Certificate Established, Leaving Certificate Applied, Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme.

 

The College has a very long tradition of partnership with parents and has a very active Parents’ Council. The Parents’ Council was established in 1991 and is made up of 3 representatives from each Year group. It has a Constitution, Chairperson, Secretary, and Treasurer and is affiliated to the “National Congress of Catholic Schools Parents Association”. Some of the areas in which the Parents Council are involved are : School Policies, Integration of 1st Year Parents, etc.

 

 

The Students’ Council was established in 2004 and is made up of students’ representatives from each year group. It has a Constitution, a Chairperson, Secretary and a Teacher representative. It is actively involved with student issues in the College, as well as organising Sports Days, Music Competitions and Charity fund raising events.

 

 

 

Sport and Co- Curricular Activities

All students are encouraged to take part in out-of-class activities. There is a full range of sports and other activities, making full use of the College’s facilities.

Opening Hours

The school day runs from

8.30am until 3.40pm, Monday and Tuesday,  and

8.30am until 3 pm, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

 

School calendar

Each year parents receive a school calendar detailing school holidays, parent-teacher meetings and other important events

Voluntary Subscription

 

 

 

 

There is a significant gap between State funding to schools and the real cost of educating your son. The College prides itself on maintaining very high standards in all area of the educational service offered. This requires the College to rely on Voluntary Subscriptions to make up this shortfall.

 

 

 

D. Applying to come to our school

 

 

  1. The Principal and Guidance Counsellor visit each Primary School in the area  to speak to 5th classes and teachers each year in October.

 

  1. Application Forms and Information Packs are distributed in each Primary School by the Principal and Guidance Teacher. Extra copies are left with the Primary School Principal for distribution for students who are absent.

 

  1. 5th  class students from each Primary school and their parents are invited to an Open Day for students at the College where they can see at first hand the College in operation, and experience some of the facilities available.

 

  1. Application Forms will continue to be available at each Primary School and directly from the College up to the closing date for applications

 

 

 

 

General Requirements for all students applying

 

 

Eligibility

To be eligible for admission to the school a student must have reached 12 years of age on the 1st January in the calendar year following the student’s entry into the school.

 

It will be expected that the student will have completed sixth class in Primary school or equivalent in another jurisdiction.

Requirements

As part of the Admissions Process, parents will be expected to

 

ü      Complete an Application Form and submit it on the Application Night ( see below).

ü      Ensure that all the required information is submitted to the College ( including the most recent Primary School Report for the student)

ü      Attend the College’s Registration Night with their son ( First Years only)

ü      Accept in writing the College ethos as outlined in part B of this document

ü      Accept in writing the College Code of Behaviour/Discipline and undertake to make “all reasonable” efforts to ensure their sons co-operation with the Code.

 

Assessment Test

An assessment test to ascertain learning needs will be conducted after students are enrolled in the school. All students must participate in this test which will provide information to enable the school make the best possible education available to each student.

 

 

Entry into First Year

 

Application Form

 

 

Application for Registration

 

Closing Date

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Admissions Committee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enrolment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Registration

 

 

 

Information Meeting

 

 

 

Late Applications

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An Application Form must be completed for each student seeking enrolment in the College. ( see the Information Pack).All the relevant information must accompany the Application.

 

Application Forms and accompanying documentation will be accepted in the College on ( state date or insert elsewhere in Pack). Applications are only accepted at this meeting, and  parents/guardians should note that this date is the closing date for application. Applications are not accepted by post and should not be delivered by hand to the College before this date.

 

When attending this meeting, parents/guardians should bring

 

1.      The completed Application Form

2.      A copy of the most recent Primary School Report

3.      The Application Fee ( if the student is not registered this fee will be refunded)

4.      Birth Certificate

5.      Psychological Report (where applicable) and any other relevant reports which would help the school assess the child’s educational needs

 

The submission of an Application does not imply that the student has been admitted to the College.

 

All applications which have been submitted by the closing date will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee. This Committee will apply the criteria for admission, and make recommendations to the Board of Management.( see Criteria for Admissions below).

 

The Admissions Committee consists of the Guidance Counsellor, the Principal, and another person nominated by the Board of Management.

 

After the Board of Management meeting,the College will reply within 21 days after the closing date indicating whether the student has been accepted for enrolment, and offering a place in the College.

 

1.      The Letter of Offer of a school place

2.      The Code of Conduct ( to be signed by parents and student)

3.      The College Ethos Statement ( to be signed by parents and student)

4.       The Registration Form (which must be completed and returned by post)

will be sent out to all successful applicants

 

Unsuccessful applicants will be informed by post and their application fee will be refunded.

 

A school place cannot be guaranteed if there is any delay in returning the Registration Form and accompanying documents)

 

 

A meeting of parents/guardians of incoming first year students will be held before the end of the academic year. Attendance at this meeting, by all parents/guardians, is strongly encouraged.

 

 

Late Applications for First Year will be accepted subject to the following:

 

ü      Applicants will be placed on a waiting list if the earlier enrolment process was over-subscribed

ü      Availability of a place in the school

ü      Application Form and all relevant information being submitted

ü      The criteria for admission will be applied by the Admissions Committee.

ü      The final decision regarding admission to Moyle Park College lies with the Board of Management.

ü      The College will, as far as is practicable, reply within 21 days, indicating whether the student has been accepted for enrolment, and offering a place in the College.

 

 

Criteria for admission

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Board of Management will determine the number of places it can offer to First Year students.

 

When the Admissions Committee meet to review the Applications, and there are more applications for places than places available, priority will be given to :

 

  1. Brothers of present pupils
  2. Students from the following schools:

St. Joseph’s BNS, Clondalkin, Sacred Heart Primary School, Sruleen, Clondalkin, Our Lady Queen of Apostles, Clonburris, Clondalkin, Scoil Talbot Senior School, Bawnogue, Clondalkin, St. Ronan’s Primary School. Deansrath, Clondalkin, St. John’s NS, Tower Road, Clondalkin.

  1. Students living closest to the College
  2. Brothers/sons of past pupils

 

These criteria will be applied strictly in the order in which they are outlined.

 

In the event that criteria 1,2, 3 and 4 are exhausted, the school will review applications from students from Primary schools in the official catchment area, and places will be allotted on a random * basis.

 

* (Names will be selected at random from a hat by a committee consisting of a nominated member of the Board of Management  and a nominated member of the Parents’ Council / independent person.)

 

Students with Special Needs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Moyle Park College welcomes students with special needs and will use the resources, both financial and personnel, provided by the Department of Education and Science to make reasonable accommodation for students with disabilities or special educational needs up to nominal cost so that these students are free to participate in the life in the school in so far as is reasonably practicable.

 

While recognising and fully supporting parents’ rights to have a school of their choice for their children, the College’s ability to accept students with particular needs are dependent on the supply of resources, suitable to the needs of the individual student, being supplied by the Department of Education and Science.

 

Subject to the appropriate provision of resources to the College by the Department of education and Science, the College welcomes applications from students with special educational needs unless the nature and degree of those needs is such that to enrol the student concerned would be inconsistent with both the best interests of the student concerned and the effective provision of education for the other students with whom the student concerned is to be educated.

 

The Board of Management must be made aware of any special needs as early as possible, so that these needs can be assessed and addressed where possible.

 

 Any details of special needs must be detailed on the Application Form.

 

The Board of Management, having gathered all relevant information and professional documentation, assesses how the needs of these students can be met.

 

Contact will be made with the National Council for Special Educational Needs regarding special needs resources to which the student may be entitled.

 

The Principal may request a meeting with the parents of the student to discuss the application and the student’s needs.

 

The parents of the student may request a meeting with the Principal to discuss the student’s educational or other needs.

 

The Board of Management reserve the right to postpone a decision in relation to a student’s starting date, until such time as the school has received full details of special needs and other relevant information, or, in some circumstances, until the school has received information that the additional resources required, and presumably to be provided by the DES, are provided.

 

Final confirmation of a place may, in exceptional cases, be given when the Department of Education and Science/College confirm in writing that the necessary resources are in place.

 

In these exceptional cases the college will work with the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) and the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) to ensure that the student does not lose out on his education.

 

N.B.       It may take some time for the Department of Education and Science to process such applications. Parents are strongly advised to inform the college as early as possible and discuss their particular situation well in advance of making application.

 

As soon as is practicable, but not later than 21 days, after a parent/guardian has provided all the relevant information, the Board of Management shall make a decision in respect of the application concerned and inform the parents/guardians in writing thereof. Education Welfare Act (Section 19 (3).

 

Entry to a class other than First Year

 

The college will make every reasonable effort to facilitate a student seeking a transfer to our College. The Board of Management will decide on an application for admission to any other year other than First Year by applying the following criteria:

 

  1. There must be an available place after the general admissions criteria have been applied
  2. It is in agreement with the College Admissions Policy.
  3. The transfer must be in the best interest of the student.
  4. The transfer must be in the best interest of the College and the other students in the College.
  5. The transfer must be of educational benefit to the student. (e.g. it may not be possible to offer the student certain subject combinations, a place in a certain programme etc.)
  6. The College Application Form must be completed
  7. All relevant information from the applicants’ former school(s) must be made available, including:
    1. Copies of the two most recent school reports for the student
    2. Copies of results of any State Examinations taken by the student

 

The closing dates for receipt of applications is as follows:

 

ü      Last school day of October Mid-Term break

ü      Last School day before Christmas holidays

ü      Last school day before February Mid-term Break

ü      Last school day before Easter holidays

ü      Last day of the State Examinations

 

In arriving at its decision the Board will consult with the student’s parents/guardians, his former school(s) and the educational welfare officer.

 

The student will be interviewed ( usually in the presence of his / her parent) by the Principal using the criteria outlined above.

 

The Admissions Committee will review the application.

 

The Board of Management will examine the Admissions Committee recommendation and decide on the application.

 

As soon as is practicable, but not later than 21 days, after a parent/guardian has provided the relevant information, the Board of Management shall make a decision in respect of the application concerned and inform the parents/guardians in writing thereof. Education Welfare Act 2000 (Section 19 (3).


 

 

 

Right to refuse admission

The Board of Management reserves the right to refuse to enrol a student who has applied for admission to the College.

 

In the event of refusal, the parent has a right to appeal under Section 29 of the Education Act (1998).