FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. What is the procedure for entry to 5th Year?
A. Contact the school requesting information. Return the completed application form with the requested documentation. Following this, parents will be contacted and students and  parents may be scheduled for interview with our Guidance Counsellor.

Q. Will my son/daughter have guidance in choosing subjects and levels?
A. Yes, we have a dedicated and experienced guidance team to assist students in the selection of appropriate subjects and levels.

Q. Will all students who are interviewed for 5th Year be accepted?
A. No. The interview process selects students whom we feel will best benefit from our programme.

Q. What if my son/daughter does not want to do Transition Year?
A. Our experience is, that students who do Transition Year gain maturity, adjust more readily to the demands of study at The Institute of Education. However, the needs of each individual student are assessed at interview.

Q. What is the advantage of attending both 5th Year and 6th Year at the Institute of Education?
A. Approximately 80% of the Leaving Certificate course is covered in all subjects.

Q. What is the range of subjects which a student can take at the Institute of Education?
A. Students can choose from a range of 24 subjects. There are no subject restrictions – students can do any combination.

Q. How long is each class?
A. The duration of each class is 55 minutes.

Q. What are the study facilities?
A. The study hall is open Monday – Friday from 8.00 am – 6.00 pm.

Q. If my child has a specific learning difficulty (i.e Dyslexia) will the Institute of Education provide him/her with learning support?
A. The Institute of Education employs a full qualified resource teacher and has a learning support team. All students are supported in their learning during study times, thus avoiding absence from class. Individualised support programmes are tailored to the student’s learning difficulties.

Q. What is the dress code?
A. There is no uniform in The Institute of Education, but all students must present themselves neatly and dress appropriately for a school setting. Inappropriate dress will not be tolerated.

Q. Are there any extra curricular activities?
A. Yes. There is a range of activities from which students may choose: e.g. soccer (boys & girls); kickboxing; show jumping and debating. All activities are subject to numbers.

Q. Will my son/daughter have access to computers?
A Yes. There is a fully equipped supervised computer room where students may undertake Leaving Certificate projects.

Q. What is the disciplinary procedure?
A. The disciplinary procedure is fully outlined in our Code of Behaviour and Discipline document which is sent to students who have accepted their place and paid a deposit. Students and parents/guardians must agree to comply fully with the rules of the school and indicate their acceptance by signing the relevant agreement sheet.

Q. What happens during a free class?
A. There are no free classes at The Institute of Education. Students are either in class or in supervised study.

Q. What are the lunch facilities?
A. There are two lunch rooms for students who bring a packed lunch. There is also a canteen on campus, which serves hot and cold food for those who wish to buy lunch. Students may also choose to go out to local eateries during their lunch time.

Q. May students leave the school at other times?
A. No. Students must never leave the school without permission. Parents must inform the school in the event of a student needing to leave for any reason. (as stated in The Code of Behaviour & Discipline).

Q. What happens if a student cannot come to school, is going to be late, or has a doctor’s appointment, etc?
A. Parents must take responsibility to inform the school before 10.00am if any of the above situations occur, otherwise the student will be marked absent. If visiting a doctor or dentist a note from same must be provided.

Q. How can parents keep track of students’ progress?
A There are a number of ways in which parents may do this. Class test results are available through our online system – Moodle. There are Parent Teacher Meetings in February, & parents will also receive end of term results at Christmas, Easter & Summer. Parents can also contact the school where staff are always happy to discuss students’ progress.

Q. Is there any pastoral care in the school?
A. Yes. Students may have appointments with the Guidance Counsellor/Student Adviser and/or the two Deputy Principals to talk through any issues or concerns.

Q. What happens when my son/daughter finishes school each day?
A. The Institute of Education is not responsible for students once they leave the building. However, we strongly advise parents/guardians to be vigilant and monitor the time and activities between leaving school and arriving home.

Q. Will students transfer automatically to 6th Year at the end of 5th Year?
A. No, behaviour, academic performance, attendance and punctuality in the 5th Year
are all taken into account in deciding progression to 6th Year.