P1 Information
Contact Number/Process
If you wish to contact your child's Teacher you should phone the School. Your message will be passed to the Teacher concerned who will in turn contact you.
Contact
St. Andrew's College
Booterstown Avenue
Blackrock
Co Dublin
Ireland
TELEPHONE - 353-1-288-2785
FAX - 353-1-283-1627
E-MAIL - information@st-andrews.ie
Length of School Day
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday - 8.50am - 3.00pm
Wednesday - 8.50am - 1.00pm
Break Times
Monday - Friday - 11.15am - 11.35am and 1.15pm - 1.50pm
Lunches
A hot lunch is provided. Lunch tickets can be purchased in advance from Reception at 11.00 am on any day. If they wish, students may bring their own lunches and snacks. Salad boxes are also available in the autumn and summer terms. Milk, orange juice and cocoa are available during mid-morning break. There is a charge for this (optional) service. Parents will be informed of the details at the start of the school year.
Subjects that are studied are as follows:
Core Curriculum
English
There are three main areas in the P1 English curriculum - oral language, reading and writing. Discussion in the classroom on a wide range of topics aid the child's oral development. Our reading programme follows on from the K2 programme, and is structured to meet each child's individual needs. To develop both their reading and writing ability the children explore comprehension, creative writing, basic grammar and spellings.
Maths
The Maths programme for P1 follows a set sequence, building on the foundations established in K2. The maths curriculum is divided into five main areas:
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Number (ordering and comparing, number pattern, place value, addition, subtraction, fractions)
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Algebra (very basic problem solving)
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Spatial awareness (2D and 3D shapes)
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Measurements (length, weight, capacity, telling the time, days, months, seasons, money)
- Data (displaying and representing information, reading and interpreting timetables)
Irish*
For the Non-Irish students there is a course of ESL or US Studies while Irish class is taking place
P1 Irish is taught mainly through focusing on the child's conversational vocabulary. Comprehension of the spoken language is seen as the key factor in the P1 class. Emphasis is on child-to-child interaction.
There are four main areas focused on in P1:
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Listening (children do numerous oral based exercises with both the teacher and listening to the CD)
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Speaking (children are encouraged to speak to their classmates and use learned phrases during the day)
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Reading (class reader is not a feature-this skill is gently introduced)
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Writing (children stick to writing words and sentences that they can say and recognise by ear)
For a detailed outline of the Irish Programme in St. Andrew's College, Preparatory Department, please see the Irish Curriculum heading on the general Prep School page
*Department of Education and Science regulations regarding exemption from the study of Irish
Exemption may be granted:
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To students whose primary education up to the age of eleven was received in Northern Ireland or outside Ireland
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To students who were previously enrolled as recognised students in a primary or second level school who are being re-enrolled after a period spent abroad, providing that at least three years have elapsed since the previous enrollment in the State and the student is at least 11 years of age on re-enrollment
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To students who have a specific learning disability
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To students from abroad who have no understanding of English
S.E.S.E. (Social, Environmental and Scientific Education)
History
In the P1class the history programme encourages the child to examine history from the child's own perspective. The course is broken into three main areas;
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Myself and my family
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Change and continuity
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Stories
Geography
The main emphasis in the P1 Geography curriculum is on giving the child an understanding of the key natural and human features of their immediate locality. Through exploring the three main areas of the P1 Geography curriculum, (Human Environments, Natural Environments, and Environmental Awareness & Care) the children will develop and understand the key geographical skills and concepts of the school curriculum.
Science
There are four main areas in the P1 Science curriculum. They are:
S.P.H.E. (Social, Personal and Health Education)
At this young age it is important for children to get used to openly discussing themselves, their activities, emotions, opinions and worries with their peers. The S.P.H.E. lesson gives the children an outlet within the curriculum to explore this skill.
S.P.H.E. has three main components:
Homework
In P1, homework is given to the children four nights per week. It is expected that the children spend at least 30 minutes on their nightly homework.
Assessment
Weekly Spelling and Maths 'table' tests are given to the children reflecting on the work that they have covered during the week. The children revise for these tests on a Thursday and they are administered each Friday. Results are shared with parents. P1 childrens takes Maths and English tests at the end of each half term. Revision is not expected for these examinations. Children's progress is closely monitored throughout they year and parents will be duly notified should any issues arise. Standardized testing is also done during the school year.
Additional Subjects
General Topics, Bible Story, Nature Study, Music, Drama, Games/PE, Arts/Crafts, Computer, European Language: French/German/Spanish
European Language Programme
Pupils may choose to study French, German or Spanish. Classes are taught by native speakers. In order to achieve continuity we recommend that a child remain with the language which he/she chooses initially to study.
ESL - English as a Second Language
This facility is provided for the benefit of students whose first language is not English. Five classes per week are normally scheduled.
Introduction to Computers
One class per week concentrating on the rudiments of computer skills. The class takes place in one of the computer laboratories with a specialist primary school computer studies teacher.
Library
Each class has Library Class once a week. Books may be borrowed at this class and returned the following week. A child by arrangement can use the library for research purposes.
Extra-curricular Activities
Swimming
The children are transported to Newpark Swimming Pool by parents. They must be collected directly from the pool, as there is no return coach to the School.
Orchestra
There is a Preparatory Department Orchestra open to children of all ages who are able to play a musical instrument.
Ballet
Classical Ballet classes take place on Wednesday afternoons in the Junior Hall where there are regulation ballet barres, wooden floor and piano. If they so wish, children are prepared for examinations of the Royal Academy of Dancing. They also take part in musicals and other shows. A facility known as 'ballet-sit' exists whereby a child staying on for this extra-curricular activity may avail of a supervised study period.
Irish Dancing
Irish Dancing classes take place one afternoon per week. If they so wish, the children are prepared for examinations and feiseanna. Enjoyment of Irish Dancing and music are the essential ingredients of this activity. Irish Dancing takes place in the Junior Hall.
Debating Society
The Debating Society is open to all children who have a point of view to express. Using formal debating rules, the debates aim to assist the child to argue coherently a particular point of view on a given subject. A great variety of subjects is debated throughout the year.
Chess club
A very popular activity - open to all. Students are taught the basics of chess and are encouraged to take part in competitions.
Prep
For younger brothers and sisters of Secondary Department students we provide supervision between 3.00 and 3.50 pm so that they can go home together.
Supplies and Books Required
St Andrew's supplies all copybooks and art materials.
Pupils in P1 will be given the books that they need and parents will be billed during the school year.
Pupils need to provide pens, pencils, erasers and a schoolbag for carrying school books. We would also recommend a separate bag for carrying Sports Gear.
School Uniform
Girls
School Blazer
Grey Skirt
White or grey blouse
Grey V neck pullover
School tie
Navy anorak or raincoat
Black leather shoes
White/grey knee socks or tights
Boys
School Blazer
Mid-grey trousers
White or grey shirt
Grey V neck pullover
School tie
Navy anorak or raincoat
Black leather shoes
Grey socks
Sports Uniform
White Shorts
White T- shirt
Navy Tracksuit
Sport socks
Runners
OFFICIAL STOCKISTS - ARNOTTS, HENRY STREET, DUBLIN 1
(Uniforms TEL (01) 805 0413)
A second-hand uniform sale is organised annually in June by the Parent Teacher Association (PTA). Arnotts visit the school annually in June for one day and set up shop in the school for that day.
Fortnightly Bulletin
An information bulletin is sent to parents every fortnight. It includes details of current events and activities in the Preparatory Department.
Reports
Written reports are issued at the end of each Term.
Lost Property
To inquire about or retrieve items of lost property, pupils should refer to their class teacher or check at the Lost Property Office in the Dining Hall at the following times:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
8.15am - 8.30am
1.30pm - 1.45pm
Wednesday
8.15am - 8.30am
1.00pm - 1.15pm
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