Student welfare
Pastoral Care
Nurturing the Individual
At Bunclody Vocational College we believe that happy, contented students are more successful students and therefore we have put a comprehensive support system in place for First years up to Sixth years.
Transition from Primary to Secondary
We know that there are many challenges our First years as they move from Sixth Class into our school. We feel that it is our responsibility to see that our First Years settle into second level and actively enjoy the transition. Due to the size of our school, our First Years find it relatively easier to settle in, however, we have incorporated the following supports into our First Year Programme to ease that transisiton:
- Formal Induction Programme: a number of our staff have been professionally trained in the induction of primary students into second level. This includes giving each first year a booklet with everything they need to know about their new school, a structured first day in order to familiarise them with their new school and their teachers and a briefing session with all first year teachers.
- A Class Teacher who will be responsible for all their pastoral needs.
- Their own homeroom and lockers
- The Meitheal leader programme, who are a group of senior students whose role is to look out for the first year students to ensure that they have a safe and enjoyable experience settling into our school. These leaders have also received training and are selected through an interview process. They view their role very seriously and are involved with the First years throughout their first year.
While it is essential that First Years are given extra support, the rest of the student body have need of support too. Our Pastoral Care System has an umbrella of supports aimed at helping every student throughout their time in our school.
Class Teacher
The Class Teacher is a subject teacher who takes a special interest in, and responsibility for, a particular class group. The class teacher will meet their class each day during assembly. He/she is a vital link between school management, students and their parents/guardians. The class teacher will other subject teachers regarding the social and academic welfare of all children in their care.
Home School Liaison Officer
The school has a full time Home School Liaison Officer. His role is to promote active co-operation between school and home. The Home School Liaison Officer engages with parents to raise their awareness as to how they can support their children in school. The scheme also endeavours to support students at risk of failure or leaving school.
Guidance Counsellor
The Guidance Counsellor views the development of positive self-esteem as essential for students. The Counsellor works with all year groups and is involved in classroom activities, one to one counselling, career planning, assessment of educational and vocational abilities, alongside other related supports. The Guidance Counsellor works with all senior students on an individual basis assisting them in planning for their future careers. This work may focus on third level applications, PLC or further education training courses, apprenticeships or towards gaining employment.
Book Rental Scheme
This is operated for all students, ensuring that no student is without books. The cost of scheme is €70 per year for non-exam students and €80 for exam students (this includes all their examination papers). The rental fee also covers the cost of all class materials, and the correction of Mock examination papers. Family discounts are available.
Evening Study
Evening Study and Homework Club are available to ALL students. It operates Monday - Thursday and a teacher is on hand to provide support if it is needed. All students are encouraged to avail of this valuable support.
The Student Council
The school has an active Student Council which is made up of a number of pupils from each year who have been democratically elected by their classmates to represent them. Elected members give students a voice in shaping the direction of our school. They hold regular meetings under the guidance of a member of our teaching staff and discuss various proposals aimed at improving the quality of education and extracurricular activities. The Student Council will then make recommendations to school management for consideration. They also organise various school and charity events to raise money for worthy causes.
Breakfast Club
Our breakfast club provides a free healthy breakfast for any students who wish to avail of it. This is especially valuable to students who have to leave home very early in the morning to avail of the bus service to school.
Exam Support
All exam students attend a seminar on study skills at the beginning of their exam year. They also receive a session on revision skills nearing their Mock Examinations. All students also meet with the Principal and Deputy Principal after their Mock Exams to discuss their results and any issues they may have with study, school etc.