Oughterard’s National School is holding its yearly open day for new pupils on Sunday (2pm to 4pm ).
Scoil Chuimín agus Caitríona, Oughterard, is inviting all parents with children planning to start primary school in the near future to visit the school on this day.
Prize winners in the “Best Educational Building category of the Irish Architecture Awards, the school is built around a central courtyard surrounded by classrooms, providing a multitude of facilities to encourage the children to learn in a holistic environment.
The school believes in the holistic development of all its pupils. This year it is progressing towards achieving Active Flag Status through encouraging increased non-competitive physical activity in all its pupils. The school has piloted a fundamental movement skills six-week programme for all class levels. The programme is not only designed to improve agility, balance and co-ordination, but it also has a positive impact on learning in the classroom.
With an astro-turf pitch and GP room, the school offers a multitude of sporting opportunities at all class levels. The school also has a music room, a school band, school choir, and a developing school orchestra. A Green Schools’ committee ensures the classroom outdoor planting areas are abundant with flowers and vegetables in summer.
The school also has a new central library, a homework club, swimming for the senior classes in the NUIG Kingfisher Club, and Irish dancing (after school ).
Principal Micheal O’Domhnaill says the school provides every opportunity for pupils to engage in learning in a positive and creative way. All classrooms have interactive whiteboards and the school uses a laptop trolley to promote digital literacy. Learning to code and use the SCRATCH programme is only one of the skills pupils in middle standards in the school can learn.
Prospective pupils and their parents are welcome to visit the school on Sunday when some enjoyable activities will be organised for the children while parents have an opportunity to meet staff.
For more information contact the school 091 552074, email [email protected], or check the school website, oughterardns.ie
