P5 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
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 - 10.55am - 11.15am and 12.30pm - 1.15pm
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. Milk is available during mid-morning break. Parents will be informed of the details at the start of the school year.
Subjects to be studied are as follows:
Core Curriculum
English
The development of the language aurally, orally and graphically, aided by exposure to a wide range of stimuli. The children will become more proficient in reading, writing, listening, discussing and appreciating the different 'components' of the English language. All topics covered form the basis of review throughout the year.
Maths
P5 commences with a 'review' of work covered in P4. Children will then encounter 'subject strand' dealing with 'number', 'data', 'shape and space', 'measures', and 'algebra', all of which are reviewed on a regular basis throughout the academic year. There will also be an emphasis placed on the use of 'manipulatives' and the introduction of mathematical instruments and equipment.
SESE (Social, Environment and Scientific Education)
The SESE curriculum covers the subjects History, Geography and Science. These areas are subject to review and assessment throughout the year.
History strands: Story, Continuity and change, Early societies, Local studies, Past cultures, Politics, conflict and society and Eras of change and conflict.
Geography strands: Natural Environment, Human environment, A sense of place and space, and Maps, globes and graphical skills.
Science strands: Living Things, Energy and Forces, Environmental awareness and care and Materials
SPHE (Social, Personal and Health Education)
This is a new subject with strands comprising of "Myself", "Myself and others", and "Myself and the wider world."
Irish*
For the Non-Irish students there is a course of ESL or US Studies while Irish class is taking place
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
Assessment of Irish in P5M
Homework, Class Tests and End-of-Term Tests:
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Continuous Assessment/Examination: Homework, Class Tests and End-of-Term Tests are combined at Christmas and Easter, giving a third of the marks equally to each area. (The Christmas and Easter Examinations include testing of Oral, Aural, Comprehension, Reading aloud(phonetics), the areas which have been covered to date in the Eochair an Eolais workbook and general grammar from the Inis Dom 5 textbook.
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The assessment of the P5M children towards the end of the Summer Term is based on an examination only (albeit broken up into the areas mentioned above).
*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
Assessment
English and Maths are assessed in the Autumn term using standardized Irish-normed tests. These tests may be repeated in the Spring term. Teachers make continuous informal assessment of the childrens' work. Exams take place during Christmas and Summer term. Three reports are sent home during the academic year. Weekly spelling tests are given. During the Autumn term there is a meeting to discuss all areas of your childs progress.
Additional Subjects
Religion, Science, Music, Drama, Games/PE, Art, History, Geography, Computer, European Languages: French or Spanish.
European Language Programme
Pupils may choose to study French or Spanish. In order to achieve continuity we recommend that a child remain with the language which he/she chooses initially to study.
EAL - English as Another 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 developing 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.
Sports
Rugby
This sport is open to all boys from P4 - P6. There are three teams in the Junior School - Under 10, Under 11 and Under 12. Matches are organized regularly for all teams during the school year.
Tennis
Tennis coaching is open to all children from P2 - P6. Competitions and leagues are organized throughout the year.
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.
Hockey
Available to both boys and girls in P4. Details of times are announced at the beginning of the school year.
Extra-curricular Activities
Choir
There is a Preparatory Department Choir open to all boys and girls from P3 - P6. We encourage each child to enjoy music and learn the discipline of choral singing to a high standard.
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.
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.
After School Care Club
An after school club runs for 21/2 hours every day. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 3.00pm to 5.30pm and Wednesday from 1.00pm to 3.00pm
St Andrew's supplies copybooks. 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
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
Girls
White Shorts
White T- shirt
Navy Tracksuit
Sport socks
Runners
Blue Hockey skirt
Hockey stick
White crested sweatshirt
Boys
White Shorts
White T- shirt
Navy Tracksuit
Sport socks
Runners
Blue/white quartered sweatshirt
White rugby/soccer shorts
White/blue rugby/soccer shirt
OFFICIAL STOCKISTS - Uniformity Dun Laoghaire
A second-hand uniform sale is organised annually in June by the Parent Teacher Association (PTA). Uniformity visit the school annually in June for one day and set up shop in the school for that day
Monthly Bulletin
An information bulletin is sent to parents every month. It includes details of current events and activities in the Preparatory Department.
Reports
Computerised reports are issued at the end of each term.
Lost Property
To enquire 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
