Good Shepherd

We aim to offer each child a broad and balanced curriculum in line with the
Northern Ireland Education Reform Order 1989. This includes the following areas
of study:

Religious Education
English
Mathematics
Science and Technology
Environment and Society
Creative and Expressive
Information and Communications Technology

and the following educational themes:

Education for Mutual Understanding
Cultural Heritage
Health Education

THE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAMME

Our Religious Education programme is based on the revised Children of God
series 'Alive-O' and prepares each child for participation in the liturgy and
sacraments of the Catholic Church. Religious education is not confined to the
timetabled programme within the school but pervades the whole life of the school.

We see the school as a vital part of the Glendermott parish and take every
opportunity to contribute to the life of the parish. In order to do this we liaise
closely with our local priests and church organisations. The school chaplain Fr.
Eugene Hasson visits the school regularly, playing a full and active role in the life
of the
school.

All children are welcome in the school and a child with Special Needs will be catered
for. The admission arrangements remain the same for these children. The school will
liaise with the relevant pre-school agencies in order to establish a baseline position
with the child and meet the child's needs appropriately. The school has a written
Special Needs Policy which is available to all current and prospective parents. The
school aims to provide a broad and balanced curriculum suitably differentiated to meet
the needs of all children. Teachers will monitor, assess and record children's learning
and progress regularly using formative and summative means of assessment in order to
provide the basis of future learning and to keep parents informed. When it is
considered that extra help is needed because of a specific problem we will seek the
permission of parents to add the child's name to the Special Needs Register and a
programme of support will be drawn up to address this and thus to help the child to
reach his / her full potential. This ideal can best be achieved through involving pupils
and with collaboration between teachers, parents and outside agencies.
The SENCO is Mrs. Fiona Desmond. The SENCO liaises closely with the Principal. She
meets with all class teachers in order to meet the needs of the children, supporting
staff with education plans and resources. The school has in place a comprehensive
testing and screening programme from Year 1-7 to identify children with SEN. Should a
child's problems become more complex, the school will enlist the help of outside
professionals through the school Educational Psychologist.