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A SCHOOL which is growing from strength to strength is holding an Open Day on Saturday, October 13, from 10am to 1pm where potential pupils and their parents can learn more about what the school can offer.
Coláiste Gleann Lí at Clash, Tralee, is a co-educational second-level school under the aegis of Kerry Education and Training Board (ETB) which offers the Junior and Leaving certificate at all subject levels.
The school has one of the highest computer to pupil ratios in Kerry and it has high speed internet connection and computer data projectors in each classroom.
It has a state-of-the-art DCG (Design Communication Graphics); Art and Computer laboratory facility since phase one of its extension was completed in 2013/14.
Phase 2 of the development is underway and will see the construction of a creative media and library space and 3 additional classrooms as well as refurbishment of existing classrooms. It is situated adjacent to Kerry College of Further Education.
Kerry Education and Training Board has invested considerably in supporting its teaching staff to integrate instructional practices to enhance teaching and learning in their classrooms.
Many of the staff have been trained by Professor Barrie Bennett (Associate professor at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto) a leader in the field of instructional intelligence.
Put simply it has encouraged teachers to embrace active learning approaches and strategies to ensure relevant and interesting and engaging instruction is taking place.
This type of innovative and active teaching and learning methodology is integral in the New Junior Certificate Programme. Kerry ETB, Director of Schools Ann O Dwyer has offered constant strategic support in terms of leading and driving systemic improvements to teaching and learning across the scheme at post-primary level.
To support parents, a team of teachers led by Home School Community Liaison Officer Mr. John Joe Roche run a 5-week night course for parents each year which explores strategies motivating teenagers and dealing with common issues that arise between teenagers and their parents/guardians.
These issues and more are addressed in a supportive setting. The course also looks at supporting parents to work in a positive manner with the school. It is especially valued by first year parents as they support their child to make the transition from primary to post-primary.
The school is built on belief in our core values: learning, caring, respect and inclusion. It has been awarded several honours in recognition of sustained commitment to mental health and pastoral care.
In 2016, we were the first school in Kerry and one of only 6 nationally to be awarded the ISPCC Anti-bullying Flag. They were also awarded the Amber flag in recognition of their in-school supports for mental health and our young people.
In addition, they were awarded the Green Schools’ Flag for their clean school and whole school environmental efforts. They are engaging with the the Health Promoting Schools Programme currently in an effort to further embed all their existing practices and keep abreast of the latest developments in terms of mental and physical health promotion.
The College’s collaborative agreement with Tralee Sports Complex offers a high standard of sports facilities.
There are three all-weather astro-turf pitches, a Gaelic games pitch, a 20 metre swimming pool, sports hall, gym, squash, and handball courts.
The school also has its own on-site astro turf pitch and received the highest sports capital grant in the county in 2015, amounting to 90 thousand euro for the construction of changing facilities and flood lighting to compliment the Astro turf pitch.
This will also be completed in academic year 2018, in phase 2 of the extension process. The application for the sports capital project was strengthen through the school’s community links with sporting clubs in the catchment area.
Coláiste Gleann Lí participates in inter-school Rich-task events which are organised by Kerry ETB post-primary schools a number of times each year. At these activities students participate in spike ball, athletics, and orienteering competitions.
To find out more about Coláiste Gleann Lí, click here to go to the school’s website
