Homework
Homework is a means of consolidating and revising work done in class and should be monitored daily by parents. An average of 45minutes -1hour should be spent daily on homework .This includes reading, writing and learning work. It is important to encourage your child to continue the Accelerated Reading programme daily.
Parent/Teacher Contact
Parent/ teacher meetings are held in November. Should any issues arise, or if you need to contact the teacher, please write a note and send it in with your child, email or leave a message with the school secretary.
Reading
Accelerated Reader Programme:
Children continue to access the Accelerated Reader Programme in Sixth Class and are encouraged to read a huge variety of reading material from our school library. This programme is a wonderful way to extend vocabulary and to read independently towards set-targets. Quizzes, based on the books read, are monitored by teachers.
Novels:
Emphasis on reading is continued with the class work where the children are exposed to a variety of novels and different authors. Some popular novels which the children currently enjoy are: “Wonder”, “Holes”, “Theodore Boone”, “The Guns Of Easter” and “ The Boy In Striped Pyjamas”.
Gaeilge:
Children are encouraged to use Irish and to take part in Féile na hInse and other Irish language initiatives. Emphasis on spoken Irish is very important going forward and children are encouraged to use their “cúpla focal” at home regularly.
School Activities For Sixth Class Children:
Confirmation:
Confirmation is a very important part of the Sixth Class Programme. Children are prepared for the Sacrament in school while parents from the classes organize a number of preparatory masses throughout the year. It is a special ceremony and marks a significant stage in your child’s life as a member of the Church. Fr. Malone organises a retreat for the children, together with children from Ballyea N.S.
Sport
- Children from Sixth Class get the opportunity to represent Clarecastle N.S. in a wide variety of sporting competitions throughout the year including swimming, basketball, tennis, athletics, camogie, hurling, and gaelic football.
- Other activities children take part in the school are cricket, yoga, soccer and tag rugby.
- Children attend Ennis swimming pool for formal swimming instruction for five weeks.
- An important role for the students in Sixth Class is the organization and coordination of the School Sports Day activities for the younger classes. This is monitored by the class teachers.
Music
Children can take part in the school choir and school Traditional Music Group and participate in school events and competitions.
STEAM-Science Technology Engineering Art Mathematics
- Children in Sixth class have the opportunity to discover new technology and programmes in engineering and in robotics. They work with Ipads, Sphero and Lego WeDo.
- Children get the opportunity to participate in the Intel Mini- Scientist Competition.
School Tours
- Sixth Class children attend the Coláiste Muire Musical in November every year.
- The class school tour takes place in June.
- A class trip takes place to the Burren annually.
Green Schools and Student Council Committees
Children in Sixth Class are voted to be part of these important school committees which afford opportunities to develop leadership and provide guidance to all the younger members in the school. They represent their classes and put forward views from the student body.
Entry To Secondary School
Children are advised when to apply for Secondary Schools in the area. This is usually in the first term. Children can attend Open Evenings in the schools to help inform themselves of the choices available. Some schools invite the new students who have been accepted to the school for a day prior to beginning Secondary school.
