Elphin

WELCOME TO COUNTY ROSCOMMON VOCATIONAL EDUCATION COMMITTEE WEBSITE

[HOMEPAGE] [COMMITTEE] [VEC SCHOOLS] [ADULT EDUCATION] [EVENING COURSES] [THIRD LEVEL EDUCATION GRANTS] [YOUTH WORK] [CONTACT US] [www.roscommonhec.com]

Elphin Community College

Elphin
County Roscommon
Phone: 071-9635031
Fax: (071)9635770

www.elphincollege.ie

Principal: Marie Lee	Deputy Principal: Yvonne McPhilips
Secretary: Bernadette McLoughlin	Caretaker: Gary Brennan

Mission Statement

Our school exists to serve the educational needs of the community, to enhance student self-confidence,
to promote life skills and attitudes which will enable students to live fulfilling lives.

ELPHIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Elphin Community College came into being in 1998. Prior to that Elphin was served by Elphin Post-Primary Centre which operated on a system of common enrolment between the Bishop Hodson Grammar School, founded in 1869 and Elphin Vocational School opened in 1942.　
The system of common enrolment began in the early 1970’s.　 In 1998 the Board of Governors of the Bishop Hodson Grammar School withdrew from 2^nd level education in Elphin and Co. Roscommon Vocational Education Committee (VEC) assumed responsibility for second level education in the town.

The school serves the rural hinterland surrounding Elphin.　 The catchment for Elphin stretches for a radius of five miles. There are ten Primary schools in this area. However, the main feeder school is the town’s primary school, Abbeycarton N.S.　

In the last few years a number of factors have impacted on Elphin community which indicate an increase in projected enrolments. A substantial number of new homes under construction in Elphin and its environs indicate a rise in the population. At primary level a projected increase of 40% in the next five years is indicated.

Mainstream programmes on offer in the school include Junior Certificate programme, Leaving Certificate programme, L.C.V.P. and Transition Year.　 Adult education courses are offered at night during the autumn, winter and spring terms.

The school offers a wide range of subjects up to Leaving Certificate level and has facilities such as well equipped Computer, Woodwork, Metalwork, Science, Home Economics and Art Rooms.　 All classrooms have Broadband and Internet access.

For sport the school has basketball and volleyball courts, a football field and an indoor facility for table tennis and pool. The school also has access to the Orchard Park GAA grounds for football and to the Community Hall for badminton, volleyball and indoor hockey.

School Development planning is ongoing in the school.　 Staff continue to work on policy development and review of existing policies.　 This process ensures that the needs of the students are met and that the school continues to play and integral role in the community which it serves.

Elphin Community School are pleased to announce that our extension was completed in 2007 and was officially opened by then
Minister for Education and Science Ms. Mary O'Hanafan.

Curriculum

The curriculum is divided between two broad areas - Junior and Senior.
The subjects are listed below and ALL SUBJECTS ARE OPEN TO BOTH BOYS AND GIRLS.

Junior Cycle
All students entering Post-Primary school follow a programme leading to the Junior Certificate in three years.
All pupils currently take the following subjects:

Irish	English	Mathematics
Geography	Civic, Social & Political Education

In addition pupils may take certain combinations of the following subjects:

French	Woodwork	Home Economics
Business Studies	Metal Work	Technical Graphics
Art	History	Science

Non-Examination subjects:

Religious Education	Learning Support	S.P.H.E.
Games	Computer Studies

Senior Cycle
All pupils take the following subjects:

Irish

English

Mathematics

And four of the following, subject to demand:

Biology	History	French
Business	Construction Studies	Physics-Chemistry
Accounting	Engineering	Technical Drawing
Home Economics	Geography	Art

Religion
We aspire to promote Christian values both in Religious Education class throughout the school.
Religious services and retreats are organised.

Information Technology
Students are taught computer skills in a fully equipped computer room, and the school is on-line.
Many of our students study for the E.C.D.L. programme and computers are integrated into general subject areas.

Games
Current facilities provide for training in Gaelic Football, Hurling, Camogie, Basketball, Volleyball, Athletics, Table Tennis,
Draughts and Chess. Our Football and Basketball teams have been successful at provincial and regional levels.

Extra-Curricular Activities
Students participate in school and class tours (both national and international), quizzes, debating, public speaking and outdoor pursuits.
The school is currently running a number of after school programmes.

Student Behaviour
The school demands the highest standards of personal behaviour from its students. The emphasis at all times is on respect for individuals - students, teachers, and other staff - leading to happy working relationships. This is reinforced by our merit card system.

Transition Year
Transition Year is a one-year educational programme designed to meet the needs and abilities of students who have completed the Junior Cycle. It aims to help young people gain technical and academic skills, experience the world of work and so achieve maturity.

L.C.V.P.
L.C.V.P. is an enhanced Leaving Certificate designed to address the interests of today's student and the needs of a changing workplace.
The programme provides the opportunity for students to develop in vocationally important skill areas.

Library
Categories include: Fiction, Sports Biographies and General Health. The library is an invaluable resource in developing reading skills. This service is available to all students.

Guidance Programme
The programme assists career selection and helps individuals to form mature personal judgements. Parents are always welcome to
discuss their child's progress and choice of subjects with the Principal and the Guidance Counsellor.
Aptitude Tests are carried out to assist students in their choice of subjects for the Senior Cycle.

Study
Pupils may avail of supervised study for two hours each evening.

School Books
Book lists are available each May. Most books are available on loan.

Uniforms
The uniform, which is obligatory, consists of a green v-necked jumper with school crest, cream shirt, and school tie or uniform trousers. Black shoes must also be worn. The uniform is available from Eileen Walkers, Main Street, Elphin.

Enrolment and Transport forms are available from the Principal:

Principal; MARIE LEE

Elphin Community College
Elphin
County Roscommon

Phone: 071-9635031
Fax: 071-9635570

LINKS TO OTHER VEC COLLEGES