 |
|
||||||||
 |
HOME |
|
 |
 |
|||
|
|||
|
| CURRENT PUPILS |
|
| LATEST NEWS | |
| THIS WEEK | |
| MENU | |
| TERMLY CALENDAR | |
| LEARNING ZONE | |
| PARENT ZONE | |
| FRIENDS OF CASTLE PARK | |
| SATURDAY SOCCER | |
| HISTORY & GOVERNANCE | |
| UNIFORM | |
CORE SUBJECTSCore curriculum subjectsEnglish and DramaIn addition to being one of the core subjects in its own right, English literacy is a broad and varied subject that permeates all areas of the curriculum. Reading is developed from the age of 3 when the phonetic alphabet is introduced and when appropriate children then move onto the Castle Park Reading Scheme with individual support on a daily basis until they become independent readers. Under the guidance of the School Librarian, children select books from a broad range of fiction in our exceptional school library, the Parker Library. To develop written skills pupils study a range of fictional books in a whole class setting. They also produce their own non-fiction, poetry, creative and narrative writing. Handwriting, spelling, punctuation and grammar are taught separately but are also integrated throughout the curriculum so that literacy is seen as important in all subjects. Drama – Plays, musicals, performances at Assembly and the use of role play in class all feature strongly in life at Castle Park. Pupils in Forms I to IV take part in a short class play each Spring Term. For pupils in Forms V and VI there is a major musical production each year, in the recent past Aladdin, Annie, Bugsy and Honk! Jr have all been staged. Geography The curriculum covers three main strands – Human Environments, Natural Environments and Environmental Awareness and Care. From an early age children are encouraged to develop geographical investigation skills through project work as well as going on several educational outings to reinforce and extend classwork. As children progress through the School they begin to broaden their senses of space and place to other countries, and study natural environments at home and around the world. Ultimately they will develop a good awareness of both human and natural environments, as well as the ability to investigate these in detail, and an awareness of their own place in the world and how they can contribute to its future. History Our young historians will develop a deep and enduring interest in the subject, fed by wide reading and an appreciation of the correct methods of historical research. Supplemented by use of the School’s ICT resources, the pupils learn History in a visually stimulating and highly effective way. Our work in the classroom is enhanced by educational field trips to places such as the Dalkey Heritage Centre, Trim Castle, Kilmainham Gaol and the GAA History Museum to mention but a few. Computer Literacy Computer literacy, information and communication technology (ICT), or multi-media studies are an integral part of most subjects. A modern computer network provides teachers and pupils with the latest hardware and software, enabling us to deliver our rigorous curriculum in a modern way. All classrooms benefit from an interactive whiteboard, and separate IT and Creative (Apple Mac) Suites are available to all pupils. Children learn how to produce and edit music digitally, make podcasts and create movies. They learn how to source, evaluate and use information from the multitude of sources and formats available to them. Irish – Gaeilge Irish-Gaeilge is taught throughout the School, the main aim being to give children the skills to allow them to hold conversations in Irish and to understand the spoken language. The central goal is to foster the children’s enthusiasm for Irish and to make it enjoyable and relevant to their daily lives. The teaching of Irish is further enhanced by activities such as Seachtain na Gaeilge and a week long visit by children in Form VI to the Gaelteacht during the Summer term. Mathematics The language of mathematics is of fundamental importance in so many areas of life from science to computing, from business to geography. The Montessori department gets our pupils off to an excellent start, dealing with concepts and numbers for in excess of what is required in the Primary Curriculum. We aim to develop a means of understanding, recording and communicating concepts of magnitude, number, shape and space. As children learn from practical concrete materials and from their own experiences their mathematical language skills evolve at the same time. Pupils study mathematics almost everyday and at all levels and acquire knowledge, concepts and understanding required for successful everyday living. SPHE – Social, Personal and Health Education Pupils are encouraged to become self-confident and to develop their self-esteem. Focus is placed on the development of social skills such as communication, co-operation and conflict resolution whilst promoting the personal development and well-being of each child and encouraging a respect for themselves and others. |
|
|
|
|