Curriculum
At Sandymount School, our curriculum is designed around the individual learning needs, abilities and interests of our pupils.
We follow National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) guidance and adapt learning across primary and Junior Cycle to reflect the needs of individual pupils. We want pupils to be actively involved in their learning and to develop skills that are meaningful to them.
Junior Cycle Learning Programmes
At Junior Cycle level, pupils may follow NCCA Level 1 or Level 2 Learning Programmes, depending on their individual learning needs.
Level 1 Learning Programme
The Level 1 Learning Programme can be personalised to meet the needs of pupils with general learning disabilities in the moderate to severe and profound range.
It focuses on six Priority Learning Units:
Communication, Language and Literacy
Personal Care and Wellbeing
Being Part of a Community
Numeracy
The Arts
Physical Education
Level 2 Learning Programme
The Level 2 Learning Programme is personalised for pupils with general learning disabilities in the mild to moderate range. It focuses on developing social, pre-vocational and life skills through five Priority Learning Units:
Communicating and Literacy
Numeracy
Personal Care
Living in a Community
Preparing for Work
[Read the NCCA Junior Cycle Level 1 and Level 2 guidelines →]
Individual Education Plans
Each pupil's educational programme is planned around their individual needs. An Individual Education Plan (IEP) sets out the learning goals, teaching approaches, resources and supports needed to help a pupil make progress.
IEPs are developed collaboratively with the pupil where appropriate, their parents, teachers, Enable Ireland therapeutic staff and other relevant professionals.
The IEP is a practical working document that helps the team to set goals, monitor progress and review learning over time.
Communication
Communication is central to learning and participation at Sandymount School. We support pupils to communicate in ways that work for them and use a range of approaches and resources throughout the school day.
Communication passports provide practical information about individual pupils, including how they communicate, their likes and dislikes and their care needs.
Regular communication between home and school is also important. Our Home/School Diaries provide a way for families, teachers, nurses and clinicians to share relevant information about a pupil's day, learning and care.
ICT and Assistive Technology
Digital technology and Assistive Technology (AT) are integrated into teaching and learning where they can support a pupil's access to the curriculum, communication and participation.
Depending on individual needs, pupils may use technologies such as switches, eye-gaze systems, adapted keyboards, communication devices, interactive touch screens, tablets and specialist software.
Assistive Technology can help pupils communicate, make choices, access learning, develop skills and participate more independently.
Assessment and progress
Assessment is used to understand each pupil's strengths and needs, monitor progress and inform future learning.
Teachers draw on observation, work samples, specifically designed tasks and checklists, professional reports and information from parents and other members of the pupil's support team.
Assessment and planning are ongoing, with learning goals reviewed and adapted as pupils develop.
Wellbeing
Wellbeing is an important part of life at Sandymount School. We aim to provide a caring, happy and secure environment where pupils' educational, physical, social and emotional needs are supported.
We take a whole-school approach to wellbeing and recognise the importance of belonging, connection, participation and developing each pupil's potential.