The Department of Education and Skills will be opening a new post primary school in Dublin City in 2020 and is inviting prospective patrons to apply to run this school. Parental preference will be a key determinant in deciding the patronage of new schools. We will be applying to run this school and we want you to vote for us.
The following is an outline of CDETB’s vision for the new school in Harold’s Cross which will open for the academic year 2020. (A hard copy of the information below can be downloaded here)
Harold’s Cross Community College
Introduction and Overview
CDETB Vision for Harold’s Cross Community College 2020
Governance and Legislative Framework
Support and Contact details for start-up
Introduction and Overview
ETB Schools, Colleges and Centres of Further Education and Training
ETB Vision and Values
CDETB was established on 1st July 2013 under the Education and Training Boards Act, 2013. It has a corporate structure which is made up of a democratically appointed committee and a management (executive) team.
CDETB serves the area covered by Dublin City Council. The administrative area covered by CDETB reaches from Finglas and Coolock (north and north-east of the city) to Ringsend and Ballyfermot (south and south-east of the city). The services provided include Second level education, Further Education and Training and Youth services in addition to other community based education programmes and services. All services are delivered at local level. In addition CDETB’s SUSI unit is the single national awarding authority for Student grants.
ETB Schools, Colleges and Centres of Further Education and Training
CDETB manages 11 post primary schools 12 colleges of Further Education. CDETB is also a joint patron of 2 Community Schools and 2 Comprehensive Schools located in Dublin.
CDETB schools are state, co-educational, multidenominational schools underpinned by the core values of Excellence in Education, Respect, Care, Equality and Community. Each CDETB school and college has proven itself as a centre of excellence in teaching, learning and assessment in its local community. CDETB schools provide a welcoming atmosphere for students, staff, parents and the local communities in which they operate. The CDETB school/college experience is one where a warm relationship exists between teachers and learners and the atmosphere in lessons is positive and conducive to learning. A broad and balanced curriculum with a diverse range of co-curricular and extra-curricular activities where the aptitudes of students are central to its design is available in CDETB schools. Each of these schools has built a very positive reputation in the local communities in which they operate and each school continues to enjoy strong parental support and a high level of satisfaction with the quality of teaching, learning and assessment. CDETB looks forward to replicating this excellence and innovation in education in Harolds Cross Community College.
At Further Education and Training level, CDETB manages 10 Youthreach Centres, 2 Regional Skills and Training Centres and an extensive range of Adult Education Services throughout Dublin city, including Adult Learning Services, Community Education, Back to Education Initiatives (BTEI), VTOS and Adult Guidance. Details of all CDETB schools and centres are included on our website www.cdetb.ie.
CDETB was established under the Education and Training Boards Act 2013. The Act, which took effect from 1st July 2013, provided for the dissolution of thirty three Vocational Education Committees and the establishment of sixteen Education and Training Boards (ETBs) through a process of aggregating existing VECs.
The Further Education and Training Act 2013 which was signed into law in July 2013 established SOLAS, the Further Education and Training Authority with responsibility for planning, funding and co-ordination of the Further Education and Training Services provided by ETBs. This Act also provided for the transfer of the former FAS training functions and staff to the newly formed ETBs. On 1st July 2014, the former FAS training centres in Ballyfermot and Finglas therefore came under the governance of CDETB.
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ETB Vision and Values
OUR MISSION
Is to provide professional high quality education and training services for people in Dublin City that contributes both to the personal development of the individual as well as to the overall social, economic and cultural development of the city – think people, think service, think Dublin City.
OUR VISION
Is
- To continue to develop and provide inclusive, professional, high quality education, training and youth services in Dublin City.
- To deliver programmes that provide suitable qualifications for, and progression routes into more advanced education courses, training programmes and employment.
- To be recognised as a primary provider of such courses and programmes in Dublin City.
- To develop a comprehensive youth service in Dublin City.
- To have in existence a well-managed, efficient and fully accountable national awarding authority for student grants.
OUR BELIEF
Our core belief is that every person has a right to access education and training development opportunities that will enable them to achieve their potential. For the individual to achieve that right we believe that it is necessary for us as a service provider to be:
Inclusive: we are available and open to all who can benefit from and who come within the legislative scope of our services
Respectful: we respect the right to equal treatment for all persons availing of our services
Courteous: we ask our staff to treat all people, availing of our services, with dignity and courtesy and to ensure that their privacy is respected at all times
Responsive: we are responsive to the changing needs of society especially the needs of people who are socially disadvantaged and/or unemployed
Enabling: we provide opportunities to enable people achieve their education and training potential and for them to progress further in their education, training, personal development and/or into employment
OUR COMMITMENTS
We commit to:
- promoting professional excellence in teaching and training, and quality outcomes in learning
- promoting professional excellence in our education and training support services and in our administration
- promoting professional excellence and quality outcomes in youth work services
- delivering education, training and youth services that are inclusive, multi-denominational, and bound by an appropriate relationship of care and respect
- embracing individuality and diversity
- advocating civic, social, community and global responsibilities
- advocating student, staff, parent, and community participation in CDETB education, training and youth services
- promoting the five national outcomes for children and young people as set out in the Government’s national policy framework for children and young people 2014 – 20201
- promoting professional excellence in processing and delivering student grants through Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI)
CDETB Vision for Harold’s Cross Community College which will open for the academic year 2020
Ownership and Management
Child Protection
Skills Subjects and Programmes
Digital Technologies
Co-curricular and Extra Curricular Activities
Themed Weeks
Student Voice and Student Leadership
Support for Students
Special Education Needs – Support
Student Achievement
Celebrating the College
Partnership with Parents/Guardians
Staff Recruitment
Local Community
Harold’s Cross Community College will be a multidenominational, co –educational school under the patronage of CDETB, a leader in educational provision and the patron of a range of schools and educational programmes in Dublin city. As a multidenominational school, Harold’s Cross Community College will cater for children of all faiths and beliefs equally. The medium of instruction at the school will be English.
Our vision for Harold’s Cross Community College is of a welcoming, diverse and dynamic school that provides a quality learning experience with the learner as core. This vision is linked to the CDETB high level strategic goal included in CDETB Strategy Statement.
Students at Harold’s Cross Community College will feel a sense of belonging and will develop a love of learning through a positive and happy school experience. Students will be motivated and provided with opportunities to become active and responsible participants in their own learning. The school community will work with all partners and stakeholders to prepare knowledgeable and socially responsible citizens for the future.
Harold’s Cross Community College will expect all members of the school community to treat one another with respect. The school will promote high standards of behaviour centred on respect including respect for self, staff, other students, visitors to the school and respect for property.
Students at Harold’s Cross Community College will have a school uniform which will give students a sense of belonging to a particular school and create an identity for the new school in the community. Once appointed the Principal of Harold’s Cross Community College will consult with Parents/Guardians on the school uniform.
2.1 Harold’s Cross Community College Ownership and Management
Harold’s Cross Community College will operate as a post primary school. It is the policy of the CDETB through the Chief Executive, Ms Carol Hanney, to devolve responsibility for the day to day leading and managing of the school to the Principal and the Deputy Principal.
The Senior Management team will be ably assisted by the Assistant Principal I, Assistant Principal II and teaching teams to promote top quality leadership for learning at the school. Secretarial, caretaking and cleaning staff will be on hand to support school management throughout each academic year.
The school’s Board of Management will consist of CDETB Board Members, Staff Nominees and Parent Nominees
All members of the school Board of Management will be formally appointed to the Board of Management CDETB irrespective of whether they are a parent, teacher or Board of Management nominees. This requirement will also apply to the filling of casual vacancies as much as to the establishment of a Board. The School Principal will be the Secretary to the Board of Management.
The Board of Management will be responsible for high standards of governance at the school. The Principal will keep the Board of Management well informed on school matters. A Financial Report will be provided to the Board of Management at each meeting for discussion on school finances. At the end of all Board of Management meetings, the Board will compile an agreed report and a written copy of this will be circulated to the relevant stakeholders.
The Board will be responsible for ensuring that a very effective system of policy development and review is in place and that all stakeholders including students, staff, parents and the Board of Management are consulted in policy formulation, development and review.
The Board of Management of Harold’s Cross Community College will have specific responsibility, following consultation with principals, teachers and parents for preparing a Code of Behaviour for the students registered at the school as outlined in the Education Welfare Act 2000, S23.
Board of Management members will also be provided with training yearly by Director of Schools, Mr Paul Crone to assist them in fulfilling their role of members of the school’s Board of Management.
CDETB suggest that in order to support a multi denominational school of the future, a patron must have the ability to give school Boards of Management professional support in terms of Corporate Governance. CDETB commit to providing the Board of Management of Harold’s Cross Community College with a range of professional support in the areas of Educational Leadership, Human Resources, Finance and Administrative matters, Capital Works, Information and Communications Technologies and Corporate Governance and Audit back up and support.
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2.2 Child Protection at Harold’s Cross Community College
Harold’s Cross Community College will have a Child Safeguarding Statement and Risk Assessment in place. The name of the designated liaison person and deputy designated liaison person for child protection matters will be prominently displayed in the school’s reception area. All teachers will be aware that they are mandated persons and of their responsibilities in that regard. Ongoing continuous professional development will be provided to the Designated Liaison Person (DLP), the Deputy Designated Liaison Person (DDLP) and teachers as mandated persons. Training will be provided through a combination of school training, CDETB training and training facilitated by external agencies including the Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST).
As per Chapter 9 of the Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools 2017, the Principal will provide a Child Protection Oversight Report to the members of the Board of Management at each meeting.
The Board of Management will also engage in a yearly review of the Child Safeguarding Statement and Risk Assessment.
2.3 Department of Education and Skills Subjects & Programmes at Harold’s Cross Community College
Harold’s cross Community College will provide the Department of Education and Skills Post Primary Programmes which is available to view on www.education.ie and www.curriculumonline.ie.
In Harold’s cross Community College, there will be a strong focus on improvement and collaboration in teaching, learning and assessment. The school will be encouraged to develop peer observation programmes for teaching staff to facilitate the exchange of best practice methodologies and promote professional dialogue and discussion. Teaching staff will be encouraged to continually review, evaluate and develop formative approaches to assessment.
The curriculum on offer at Harold’s Cross Community College will comprise a range of active teaching, learning and assessment methodologies which will be differentiated to meet the needs of students. Opportunities to bring the curriculum to life will be provided within the classroom and in provision of a broad and diverse range of co-curricular and extra – curricular activities.
There will be active promotion of a culture of innovation in the school with a view to improving the learning experience and outcomes for all students. An effective School Self Evaluation process will be in place at the school. A thorough analysis of student attainment and the development of action plans for improvement and moving forward will be carried out by the management and staff at Harold’s Cross Community College on an annual basis.
Management and Teaching staff will attend CPD as scheduled by the Department of Education and Skills Support Services and school management in consultation with students, staff and parents/guardians will continually review provision of education services at Harold’s Cross Community College.
2.4 Digital technologies in Teaching, Learning and Assessment at Harold’s Cross Community College
Digital technology has transformed the world we live in and students at Harold’s Cross Community College must become engaged thinkers, active learners, knowledge constructors and global citizens to flourish in modern society and the economy. The school will therefore require a targeted and innovative use of technology to enrich teaching, learning and assessment at the school.
Students and teachers at Harold’s Cross Community College will experience the benefits of an up to date ICT system with WIFI access in all classrooms and data projector and computer in each classroom and teaching and learning space.
The school will be supported by CDETB in implementing the actions outlined in the Digital Strategy for Schools 2015 – 2020.
Management at Harold’s Cross Community College will engage in consultation with students, staff and parents regarding the use of digital technologies at the school.
2.5 Co-Curricular and Extra Curricular Activities at Harold’s Cross Community College
Academic subjects and co-curricular and extra-curricular activities complement each other and assist in developing well rounded, socially skilled and healthier students who have experience working in teams. Students who are actively involved in such activities tend to improve their academic grades also. This may be due to increased motivation, self – esteem and organisational and time management skills. As Harold’s Cross Community College grows and develops it is envisaged that a wide and diverse range of co-curricular and extra-curricular activities will be on offer to students attending the school.
Examples of proposed activities which may be offered over time include:
| Gaelic | Rugby | Soccer |
| Badminton | Camogie | Athletics |
| Basketball | Drama | Debating |
| Guitar | Cookery Club | Choir |
| Photography | Computer Club | Musicals |
| Art Club | Coding Club | Swimming |
| Book Club | Green Schools | Swimming |
2.6 Themed Weeks at Harold’s Cross Community College
Harold’s Cross Community College would over time develop a series of themed weeks for implementation during the academic year. The purpose of these weeks are to complement teaching and learning experiences in the classroom and also to raise awareness around various themes and topics.
The following themed weeks may be built into the school’s academic calendar:
| Maths/Numeracy | Literacy | Wellbeing |
| Anti Bullying | Safer Internet | Active Schools |
| Coding | Celebrating Interculturalism/Diversity | Green Schools |
| Road Safety | Science | Seachtain na Gaeilge |
| Study Skills | Art Week | Coding |
2.7 Student Voice and Student Leadership at Harold’s Cross Community College
The Student Council at Harold’s Cross Community College will be a valuable resource for management, staff and students as it will enable students to have an active role in the many school related areas including policy making for the school. The Student Council will provide a means of communication between the students, staff and management. The Council will have opportunities to discuss issues of concern raised by students and bring their concerns and suggested solutions to the notice of management for consideration. The Council may also organise fundraising events, thus raising awareness and funds for various charities. Opportunities will also be provided for the Student Council to meet with the Board of Management and discuss their plans for an academic year.
As the school grows and develops, the Student Council will be comprised of elected representatives from the student population in 3rd – 6th classes. A member of staff will liaise with the Student Council throughout the academic year.
It is also envisaged that the Student Council will become involved in the School Self Evaluation Process throughout the school year. As part of the School Self Evaluation process school management and teachers will be encouraged to seek feedback from the students on different strategies being used to support teaching, learning and assessment in the school. The Student Council may play an active role in this regard. Training on the process will be provided to members of the Student Council to assist them in their role as part of school self-evaluation.
Examples of other leadership roles envisaged for students attending Harold’s Cross Community College include a peer mentoring system, prefect system, green schools committee, amber flag committee, yellow flag committee and school digital leaders. All of these leadership roles will also supported by training for the students concerned to assist them in fulfilling their role.
2.8 Support for Students at Harold’s Cross Community College
Care for students will be a major priority at Harold’s Cross Community College. Care structures will be well supported by staff in key positions such as class teachers and members of the student services team.
Students attending Harold’s Cross Community College will have access to a diverse range of student supports including the following:
- Transfer and Transition Programme from Primary to Post Primary and Post Primary to PLC/Third Level/Employment
- Book Rental Scheme
- Student Mentoring Programme
- Special Educational Needs
Harold’s Cross Community College will also consider how the school community is responding to student needs and in particular those students dealing with particular challenges. Effective partnerships will also be developed with the Educational Welfare Services, TUSLA, The Psychological Service and the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
2.9 Supporting students with Special Educational Needs at Harold’s Cross Community College
Harold’s Cross Community College will be committed to supporting students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and effective structures will be in place for this to happen. The school will develop co-operative teaching teams to include in class support and team teaching as support models for these students. Student Support Files will be developed for SEN students in partnership with students, staff, parents and external agencies working with the student including NCSE, HSE and NEPS.
2.10 Monitoring and Tracking of Student Achievement
To ensure each student is supported in achieving their potential the school will engage in ongoing monitoring and tracking of student progress over the course of their time in the school. Regular reports will be provided to parents/guardians to advise them of academic progress. Class teachers, resource teacher and the school Deputy Principal and Principal will be available to advise students and their parents/guardians regarding progress to date, target setting and any additional supports needed to reach specific targets.
2.11 Celebrating Student, Staff and Whole School Successes and Achievements at Harold’s Cross Community College
At Harold’s Cross Community College there will be numerous opportunities to reward students for their achievements and successes throughout the academic year. The school will communicate successes and achievements to parents by organising awards ceremonies, graduation ceremonies, school newsletters, letters/notes of commendation sent home and regular updates on the school’s website, Facebook and twitter pages. The school will be encouraged to compile an Annual Report at the end of each academic year to record school activities, projects, achievements and successes.
It is expected that students may be awarded in the following areas: attendance, subject achievement, extra curricular achievement, co-curricular achievement, student of the year and student leadership awards.
2.12 Partnership with Parents/Guardians at Harold’s Cross Community College
The Parents Association at Harold’s Cross Community College will be an integral part of the school community. Section 26 of the Education Act, 1998 states that the parents of students of a recognised school may establish, and maintain from among their number, a parents’ association for that school and membership of that association shall be open to all parents of students of that school.
The Parents Association will make a vital and valuable contribution to the school’s promotion, growth and development as the Parents Association provides for the formal involvement of parents in the affairs of the school.
Parents will be kept informed of the work of the school through a report provided at each of the Parents Association meetings. The school website will incorporate a section for Parents/Guardians.
Parent Teacher Meetings will also be held for each class group during the academic year. Parents/Guardians are encouraged to attend these meetings as they provide valuable opportunities to meet with the school’s teaching staff and identify areas where their son/daughter is excelling as well as discussing and identifying additional supports that may be needed to ensure a student can achieve their potential during their time at the school.
The school will communicate with parents using modern technologies including text, email, school website, twitter page and facebook page. As the school develops it may explore the possibility of a school app as an additional means of communication with parents.
Book Rental Payments will be collected through an online payment system capable of tracking payments made and providing receipts to parents/guardians. Monies collected through the online payments system will be lodged directly to the CDETB bank account.
2.13 Recruitment of Staff for Harold’s Cross Community College
The Human Resources Section, CDETB will work with the Director of Schools in ensuring that the school is staffed with competent, capable and enthusiastic teachers who will work collectively with CDETB and school management in ensuring high quality teaching, learning and assessment for students at Harold’s Cross Community College.
CDETB will offer staff of Harold’s Cross Community College regular opportunities for Continuous Professional Development over their career with us at CDETB. ‘CDETB newly appointed school leaders and teachers are required to engage in a series of CDETB induction events to ensure that they remain at the cutting edge of their profession. ‘School leaders and teachers are also facilitated in attending CPD outside CDETB.
Recruitment procedures will be those nationally agreed between the Department of Education and Skills, school patrons and trade unions. Teaching staff must be registered with the Teaching Council and have Garda Vetting clearance prior to appointment.
2.14 Use of Harold’s Cross Community College school facilities in the local community
CDETB wishes to make its sports facilities (halls, room, court and pitches) generally and conveniently available to local community groups on the basis of responsible use and care and reasonable sharing by user groups of the costs involved in caretaking and maintenance of such facilities. CDETB have developed a policy on School/Centre and Property Usage for this purpose and Harold’s Cross Community College will be included in this policy.
Governance and Legislative Framework at Harold’s Cross Community College
CDETB is governed by a Board comprising 19 members. The ETB board is collectively responsible for promoting the success of the ETB by directing and controlling the ETB’s activities.
In order to deliver good governance in the ETB, the Board must act in the interest of the ETB at all times, consistent with the requirements of legislation and government policies. The CDETB Board is required to confirm to the Minister for Education and Skills that they comply with the up to date requirements of the Code of Practice in their governance practices and procedures. Board members at all times must act on a fully informed basis, in good faith, with due diligence and care, and always in the best interest of the ETB, subject to the objectives set by the Government. The CDETB Board is supported by Boards of Management in CDETB schools, colleges and Youthreach Centres.
The Board of Management of Harold’s Cross Community College will be in a position to engage in training at CDETB level to assist them in carrying out their role as Board of Management members.
CDETB has also established a Finance Committee and an Audit Committee in accordance with Section 45(1) of the Education and Training Boards Act 2013 which support the work of the CDETB Board.
Within our CDETB administrative offices, our administrative staff will provide support to Harold’s Cross Community College in a range of areas including Human Resources, ICT, Finance and Corporate and Education Services. This network of support at Head Office level supports the work of the CDETB Board in ensuring that Harold’s Cross Community College and all other CDETB schools/colleges/ centres are compliant in the areas of Corporate Governance as per Department of Education and Skills Circular Letter 0002/2019.
Support for Harold’s Cross Community College will be provided through the CDETB administrative offices which are currently based in Townhall, 1-3 Merrion Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. The Director of Schools will also support the leadership team and staff at Harold’s Cross Community College in each of the areas of Leadership of Teaching and Learning, Governance and Management, Workforce Planning and Performance Management and co-ordination of the ETB’s Management Team. CDETB also provides a comprehensive CPD programme for it Schools Leadership Team through regular workshops, conferences and school visits. The new School Leadership Team at Harolds Cross Community College will also have access to the CDETB School Leadership Forum and a School Leaders Online Platform of resources to support leading teaching, learning and assessment in our schools.
CDETB Support and Contact Details for start-up of Harold’s Cross Community College
The Director of Schools, Mr Paul Crone, will work with the Chief Executive, the newly appointed Principal, Deputy Principal, teaching and ancillary and administrative staff, parents and students in developing further the vision for Harold’s Cross Community College and for overseeing links with parents, schools and agencies in the coming weeks as we prepare for the opening of Harold’s Cross Community College for the 2020 academic year. The Director of Schools will also support the Principal and the Board of Management in the development of a suite of policies for Harold’s Cross Community College.
An information session for parents/guardians in the Dublin6, Dublin 6W and Clonskeagh area will be held to provide parents/guardians with an opportunity to hear more about CDETB and our vision for Harold’s Cross Community College and to outline next steps regarding applications for enrolment.
A dedicated webpage on the CDETB website www.cdetb.ie will include all information relating to Harold’s Cross Community College and parents/guardians will have a direct email address to channel queries regarding enrolment and the opening of the school. Should you wish to contact the Director of Schools for further information regarding Harold’s Cross Community College please ring our office 01-6680614 or you can contact us with any queries about the new school on secondlevelcampaign@cdetb.ie
CDETB has an excellent tradition in school start – ups and we look forward to opening the doors to Harold’s Cross Community College which will offer a broad and balanced curriculum with a diverse range of co-curricular and extra-curricular activities where the aptitudes of students are central to its design. As parents/guardians you may also be interested in visiting the website of CDETB Schools in Presentation College, Terenure.
We look forward to working with the local Community over the coming years.
For a copy of our information brochure click here.
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