Guidence Policy - Our Lady's Bower€¦ · Guidence Policy Beartas Treoir Ghairme ... Study skills...
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Guidence Policy Beartas Treoir Ghairme
Our Lady’s Bower An Grianán Mhuire
1
Under the terms of the Education Act 1998, all schools are required to “ensure
that all students have access to appropriate guidance to assist them in
educational and career choices” (Section 9 (c) of the Education Act 1998).
Guidance refers to a range of learning experiences provided in a developmental
sequence that assist pupils to make choices about their lives and to make
transitions as a result of these choices. The main role of the guidance service in
schools is to assist students in their development of three separate, but
interlinked areas of personal and social development, educational guidance and
career guidance (Review of Guidance in Second Level Schools, Sept 2006, p.5).
Scope
This guidance plan is designed specifically for Our Lady’s Bower. Our Lady’s
Bower is a Voluntary Secondary School. It was established by the sisters of La
Sainte Union des Sacre Coeurs. The school is an all-girls school with 692 students
(Sept 2017). This plan addresses the guidance needs of all students at all levels
within our school
Rationale
This policy is being drafted to provide a framework within which a guidance and
counselling at Our Lady’s Bower will be implemented. In the course of their lives,
students will be faced with the need to make significant and informed decisions.
This Guidance plan refers to the ‘subject’ guidance as it is delivered to our
students cognisant of their needs and available resources.
The whole school guidance plan is a structured document that describes the
school guidance programme and specifies how the guidance needs of students
are to be addressed. It includes reference to personal counselling, an integral
component of the work of the Guidance Counsellor.
Guidance Policy Beartas Treoir Ghairme Our Lady’s Bower
An Grianán Mhuire
In accordance with section 9(c) of the Act, guidance in this school is regarded as
a whole school activity. Every effort will be made to ensure that all students have
access to guidance activities and resources which enable students to make
choices (personal & social, educational and career) about their lives which
facilitate students to make successful transitions based on these choices.
Aim
The aims of the Guidance Plan are to encourage students to:
acquire the relevant knowledge, skills and attitudes that contribute to
effective learning in school and across the life span.
develop self awareness and an acceptance of their individual strengths
and weaknesses and those of their peers
identify and explore opportunities
grow in independence and take responsibility for themselves
make informed choices about their lives and follow through on these
choices
acquire the competency to consult the Guidance Counsellor and staff with
regard to personal and educational concerns
Relationship to the Schools Mission Statement
The Mission Statement of Our Lady’s Bower reads as follows: “Our Lady’s Bower
aims to provide an education which is firmly Christian. Within this caring
community we endeavour to develop the spiritual, intellectual, artistic, moral
and social capacity of all our students. The school motto” Each for all and all for
God “is the framework within which everyday life at our school is lived.
The Guidance plan reflects this for the individual, in its student centred holistic
approach. The enhancement of self-esteem and life skills and the development of
potential - academic, personal and emotional - leading to greater personal
autonomy for all students are its central goals.
Guidance Policy Beartas Treoir Ghairme Our Lady’s Bower
An Grianán Mhuire
What is Guidance
The term “guidance” is synonymous with the terms “guidance counselling” and
“guidance & counselling”. Guidance in a range of learning experiences provided
in a developmental sequence, designed to assist students to make choices about
their lives and to make changes consequent on these choices. These choices may
be categorised into three separate but interlinked areas:
Personal Counselling aims to help the students understand their personal
reality in a safe and supportive environment so that she will be able to realise
their potential. It is offered on and individual or group basis. Counselling aims to
assist students explore their thoughts and feelings, in a caring way appropriate
to the individual’s needs, while they are learning to manage the various
challenges and developments associated with growing and changing. Great
emphasis is placed on raising and enhancing pupils self-esteem. An
interdisciplinary approach is adopted. Teaching and support personnel from a
number of departments collaborate and liaise with pupils in addressing this
objective.
Counselling can only be effective when student feels secure and understood and
where confidentiality is guaranteed except in cases where students may be at
risk or where there is on-going neglect or abuse. Individual counselling however,
can only take place at the request of the student and whereby she is willing to
participate.
Group Counselling may be offered under the direction of the Counsellor or
another qualified adult so that students may support each other and feel less
isolated and so that the guidance service may reach a larger population of
students. Depending on the context and the group this can be the most effective
form of counselling for individuals because they can learn that they are not alone
in their experience.
Guidance Policy Beartas Treoir Ghairme Our Lady’s Bower
An Grianán Mhuire
Peer Counselling involves students taking a helping role with other students
under the supervision of the Guidance Counsellor and with the permission of the
year head and principal.
Educational Guidance is developmental in nature and involves empowering
students in the area of subject choice/level, study and examination skills and
involves consulting parents about related matters.
Career Guidance involves empowering students to recognise their talents and
abilities and to enable them to make informed choices and take responsibility for
their own futures.
Personnel involved in planning the guidance programme
The school has one qualified Guidance Counsellor
The Guidance Counsellor consults with the following key personnel in relation to
the development and evaluation of the programme:
School Management:
Are responsible for the provision and practice of Guidance in the School
They aim to ensure that Guidance Counsellor’s allocation is used for the
purpose of Guidance and Counselling.
Consult with staff on Guidance Plan (See Appendice1 on planning Day
Sept 2011, Planning 2013/14 ,14/15/16)
Ensure that there are facilities/resources for Guidance
Whole School Approach to Guidance
Guidance Policy Beartas Treoir Ghairme Our Lady’s Bower
An Grianán Mhuire
Subject Teachers:
Individual teachers may be sought out by students on an informal basis
for advice and information.
Subject teachers play a role in providing students with advice and
information related to their subject disciplines and advise students in
relation to subject levels in their own subject areas.
Parents/Guardians:
Parents/Guardians can participate in the guidance process through consultation
with the Guidance Counsellor and other school staff, attendance at relevant
information meetings/Parent-Teacher Meetings and by supporting the schools
Guidance Programme.
Students:
Students will be encouraged to contribute to the Guidance process by
participating in the activities of the school’s guidance programme. They will be
encouraged to avail of the support services available in the school.
Local Community:
Various organisations to include Youthreach, National Learning Network, St
Hilda’s Adult Training Centre, Athlone Institute of Technology and other agencies
in the community may be a source of information and support for the girls. Links
are established with these agencies to form positive working relationships to
accommodate students with work experience placement, work shadowing etc.
Outside Agencies/Bodies:
The guidance department will use outside agencies to consult on referrals, to
assist and support students referred to them, to o augment and enhance the
guidance service on offer in the school, to advise the guidance personnel on
procedures and approaches relating to individual cases and to seek support and
advice in relation to guidance planning in the school
Guidance Policy Beartas Treoir Ghairme Our Lady’s Bower
An Grianán Mhuire
Guidance Curriculum
Formal Guidance
The Formal Guidance curriculum is delivered using two forms of intervention
employing a number of methodologies:
1. Individual contact of a personal counselling nature and
careers/vocational guidance which recognises the uniqueness of the
individual
2. Classroom guidance is delivered so that general information may be
shared. It gives an opportunity to encourage the students to engage in
self-directed learning and to affirm the schools policies in the area of
guidance.
Informal Guidance
The Informal Guidance programme consists of liaising with other teaching
staff/management to promote and enhance the development of a whole school
policy in relation to the delivery of The Guidance Plan. Meetings with
Parents/Guardians form an integral part of informal guidance. Contact details for
the Guidance Counsellors are regularly issued to all students and parents are
invited to visit the school whenever the need arises.
The Guidance Programme
(A) Junior Cycle (Wellbeing Programme 2017/18))
First Years
In accordance with guidelines for new Wellbeing programme Guidance will be
delivered in conjunction with SPHE classes. This to be agreed with SPHE Co-
ordinator following CPD
Induction Night
Guidance Policy Beartas Treoir Ghairme Our Lady’s Bower
An Grianán Mhuire
Early school return for 1st year students focusing on familiarisation with the
new school environment. Liaison as needed during the early transition of first
years from primary to secondary school with a focus on
Introduction to pastoral care system
Introduction to the guidance department
Mentoring system with students from 6th year (Big Sister Little Sister)
CAT4 testing
Review of Subject Choice as required/requested
Regular consultation with year heads and class teachers to monitor how
students are adjusting to second level
One to one Counselling from the Guidance Team, for students regarding
subject choice or personal counselling as required (Referral Form App 2)
Objectives
To manage the transition from Primary to Secondary school and to meet
the requirements Wellbeing programme.
To support students who find the transition from Primary to Secondary
difficult.
Guidance Policy Beartas Treoir Ghairme Our Lady’s Bower
An Grianán Mhuire
To identify those who need help academically through psychometric
testing. (CAT4)
To help students to acquire the competency to consult with the Guidance
Counsellor and Pastoral Care staff with regard to personal and
educational concerns .
To monitor all students progress academically and developmentally.
Attendance at Parent Teacher Meeting
Study skills – organisation, methods and time management are done in
cooperation with SPHE Teachers.
Second Years
Individual guidance is available from the Guidance Counsellor, for any
student requesting it or referred by teachers.
Study skills seminar, timetabling and exam techniques in conjunction
with Parents Association.
On-going liaison throughout the year between Guidance Counsellor,
principal, yearhead and class teachers.
Third Years
Liaise with yearhead and class teachers
Counselling service available through referral from Year Head (Referral
Form App 2)
Attendance at Parent/Teacher Meeting
Liaise with staff to facilitate presentations to parents and students of
options on offer for students after Junior Certificate
Guidance Policy Beartas Treoir Ghairme Our Lady’s Bower
An Grianán Mhuire
Individual interviews optional for students to discuss options on request
Class presentations on subject choice and subject level for students.
Individual subject choice appointments by arrangement.
Development of self-concept heightening awareness of skills, interests,
potential. This covered in cooperation with the schools SPHE Programme
(B)Senior Cycle
Transition Year
Individual counselling/guidance meetings available on request or by
referral. All TYs are expected to make at least one career appointment for
subject choice. (Subject Choice Form - appendix 3)
Guidance Counsellor timetabled for two 40 minute time periods per week
for three TY Groups. Programme includes. (Refer to TY Plan)
Aptitude Testing
Preparation of a CV
Identify skills, personal qualities, interest and matching with career areas
Subject choice for Leaving Certificate
Introduction to Qualifax, Careers Portal, CAO. Careers on internet
Work Experience- preparation for world of work, letter of application,
feedback on Work Experience
Power point presentation based on students career projects.
Class presentations on Work Experience
Health and Safety in the workplace
Interview skills
Mock Interviews
Open Days and Open Day Policy (See appendix 4)
Visits to local enterprises (LCVP)
CAT4 Test and individual feedback to students and parents
Guidance Policy Beartas Treoir Ghairme Our Lady’s Bower
An Grianán Mhuire
Fifth Year
Individual counselling/guidance meetings available on request or by
referral.
LCVP students gain exposure to careers through LCVP Programme
Students are introduced to the world of work
Rights and responsibilities in employment
Applying for jobs e.g. CV preparation, application form preparation,
interview preparation etc.
Career Investigation
Review of subject options
Career information classes and career counselling as requested.
Study Skills and goal setting (in conjunction with Parents Association)
Provide information as regard career talks/visiting speakers.
Introduce students to career websites eg.Qualifax Careers Portal, CAO,
FÁS
Use of career library and computer room and prospectus.
Individual career Interviews as requested.
Advice on Open Days
Attendance at parent Teacher meetings.
Objectives
To help each individual student achieve his/her full potential.
To assist students in investigating career choices
To monitor all students progress developmentally and academically.
Sixth Year
Guidance Policy Beartas Treoir Ghairme Our Lady’s Bower
An Grianán Mhuire
Guidance Counsellors are timetabled for one weekly career class. LCVP
students gain exposure to careers during LCVP class. All sixth years have
at least one individual career appointment with subsequent appointments
on request. (See Career interview form Appendix 5)
Informing students on Open Days
On-going liaison between students and Guidance Counsellor re subjects
choices and levels
Goals, Study Time Management, Note-taking and Study skills
Review of subject levels and implications for points, college requirements
and other career options.
Applying to college in UK - U.C.A.S Application
Class presentation on how to complete and apply to the C.A.O
Post Leaving Certificate Courses, Apprenticeships, Third Level Courses
Research college courses using Qualifax, careerdirections, careers portal
Guest Speakers from relevant colleges
Grants: Discuss grants available to student’s
DARE/HEAR applications( Are given extra help /attention)
Interview skills
Coping with change, skills on how to live away from home.
World of work-what employers expect and also the rights and
entitlements of workers.
Change of Mind/ Offers and Acceptances of places
Individual personal counselling on referral
Stress Management and Relaxation classes for 6th Years
Attendance at Parent Teacher meetings
A PsychologicalTesting
Key Elements of Our Lady’s Bower Guidance Plan
Guidance Policy Beartas Treoir Ghairme Our Lady’s Bower
An Grianán Mhuire
A range of assessment tools are used in the Guidance Programme to supplement
academic and teacher reports.
1stYears
CAT 4 tests are administered in September, after students have made the
transition to secondary school. Its purpose is to identify any difficulties specific
students may be experiencing, to identify students who may be
underperforming, student’s level of functioning etc. Results are made available to
school management, learning support/resource teachers, parents and class
teachers on request.
Intending 5th year students
Differential Aptitude Tests (DAT) are administered. (CAT4 from
September2014) The DATS are administered during the second term in advance
of subject choice and are machine scored. The DATS results (CAT4 March 2015)
are returned to students on an individual basis by the Guidance Counsellor in the
context of an interview. Results made available to Principal and Deputy Principal.
Results are supplied to support students seeking Reasonable Accommodations.
Senior Cycle students
Interest tests are administered during the year.
All students
The WRAT 4 is used for the purposes of learning support to identify students
who may be having difficulties and also in assisting students who may be
applying for reasonable accommodations in the state exams. DATS (CAT4)
results are supplied to learning support Teachers on request.
B Subject Choice Policy
First year students
Guidance Policy Beartas Treoir Ghairme Our Lady’s Bower
An Grianán Mhuire
Make their subject choice prior to arrival at Our Lady’s Bower, the Guidance
Counsellor makes a presentation on Open Night and parents are issued with
subject choice information handouts. The year head and subject teachers also
advise students in relation to subject choice.
Intending Senior Cycle Students
An information night with power point presentation is held in March for both
parents and students to provide information on senior cycle programmes and
subject choice, Subject choice analysis given to school management.
All students
Are advised to make an appointment at guidance office to discuss implications of
their subjects choices, eg. when changing levels, dropping subjects, in particular
affect on third level course choice etc
C Career Appointments Policy
6th year students
All appointments are arranged .
The majority of sixth years are scheduled for a first appointment during their
non exam subject classes. This is done in agreement with colleagues. Arranged
early in first term.
Remaining students arrange a career appointment and are requested to notify
their teachers in advance where they are absent from class. Permission slips are
issued.
UCAS applicants prioritised before Oct 15 deadline
Assistance given with personal statements and references on request.
All students are expected to have at least one appointment.
Subject teachers may refuse the student permission to leave class. In this case
the appointment is rescheduled.
Guidance Policy Beartas Treoir Ghairme Our Lady’s Bower
An Grianán Mhuire
Students applying under DARE or HEAR (disability or disadvantage) scheme are
given extra attention.
Advice on personal statements and references.
Career Interviews will typically include the following and outlined in
newsletter
Analysis of DATS/CAT4
Analysis of Career Inventory
Third level choices/options.
LC Points prediction and monitoring of academic progress. Contact with colleges
where students have specific queries.
Intending fifth year students (subject choice)
Are scheduled for career appointments after Feb 1 CAO deadline and subject
choice appointments.
Appointments all other students
Will be on request or referral only
D Personal Counselling and Referrals Policy
The Principal, Deputy, Principal, Year Heads and Class Teachers play a central
role in the delivery of personal counselling. Personal Counselling appointments
arise through the schools referral policy
Guidance Policy Beartas Treoir Ghairme Our Lady’s Bower
An Grianán Mhuire
A student may be referred to the Guidance Team by Principal or
Deputy Principal
A student may be referred to the Guidance Counsellor by a Teacher
through Year Head
A parent may ask for some intervention by the Guidance
Counsellor
A student may approach the Guidance Counsellor directly and ask
for an appointment
In all cases a referrals form is completed in advance of any personal counselling
appointment. Notes are recorded for all counselling appointments.
Counselling has as its objective the empowerment of students so that they can
make decisions, solve problems, address behavioural issues, develop coping
strategies and resolve difficulties they may be experiencing. The school anti
bullying policy is facilitated.
Personal counselling appointments are arranged as soon as possible within time
constraints. Permission for class absence is sought through issue of permission
slip (see attached app 6) in advance of appointment.
Meetings with Parents
Where Parents/Guardians wish to make an appointment they may do so by
contacting the school. The Guidance Counsellor or another member of staff may
be asked to be present e.g. Year Head or subject teacher. The student may be
invited to attend all or some of the meeting with the approval of the
parent/guardian. This gives the student responsibility and inclusion in the
meeting’s outcome. Notes are kept.
Confidentiality
Guidance Policy Beartas Treoir Ghairme Our Lady’s Bower
An Grianán Mhuire
A professional relationship involving confidentiality is at the core of guidance
counselling. The Guidance Team take all reasonable steps to ensure that
consultation with students takes place in an appropriately private environment.
The Institute of Guidance Counsellors Code of Ethics is observed. Students are
informed about their legal limits on confidentiality. Written and oral reports
contain only such data as are pertinent. Every effort will be made to avoid undue
invasion of the students’ privacy.
This policy acknowledges that Guidance is a whole school issue and as such it is
the responsibility of all staff (in accordance with child protection policy) of the
school to adhere to the Child Protection Guidelines The Guidance Department
report their concerns about a child to the Designated Liaison Person, in our case
the school Principal Mr Noel Casey or in the event of his absence Deputy
Principal Ms Anne Beades
E Open Days Policy
Students are encouraged and facilitated to attend Open Days. Attendance forms
an important part of their research for third level course choices.
All sixth years are accompanied to Higher Options conference in September each
year.
Interested Senior Cycle Students are accompanied to Local Institute of
Technology (AIT) Open Day.
For other open days students make their own arrangements.
Students are advised to attend Open Days on Saturday where possible.
Where students wish to attend on school days they are requested to sign an open
day permission slip and return to Year Head
Guidance Policy Beartas Treoir Ghairme Our Lady’s Bower
An Grianán Mhuire
Miscellaneous
Care Team
Weekly meeting
Visiting Speakers ( third level options and pastoral care)
Admissions officers from major colleges are invited to give talks to senior class
groups over the course of the year. Colleagues are notified via careers board in
staff room. Talks are arranged so as to minimise disruption and loss of time to
any one subject
Other speakers are arranged subject to demand and in consultation with
students, staff and management. eg. AWARE Beat the Blues Programme
Record keeping Procedures
Records of all personal counselling and careers/vocational guidance interviews
are maintained. Individual files are maintained and updated as necessary.
Study Skills Programme
This is offered to all 2nd and 5th year students and is arranged by the Guidance
Counsellor in conjunction with the Parents Association.
Continual Professional Development (CPD)
To maintain qualified membership of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors a
member must complete 10 hours of in-service training annually. (IGC
Constitution and Code of Ethics 2004). Attendance at Institute of Guidance
Counsellors branch meetings and counselling supervision is facilitated through
timetabling.
On-going training and in-service is availed of where opportunities arise
Guidance Policy Beartas Treoir Ghairme Our Lady’s Bower
An Grianán Mhuire
Careers library
The careers library contains current Irish and UK prospectuses as well as a range
of careers related publications. All books may be borrowed from Guidance
Counsellor’s office and school library.
Careers Newsletters
Senior students and their parents receive twelve newsletters over the course of
the year. Included are details on
Important Deadlines/Closing Dates
Open days
Career events
Visiting speakers
Seeking exemptions from Irish /Third language. NUI requirements
New course developments
CAO /UCAS / PLC applications/Points system
Scholarships
Accommodation for college
HPAT
AIT Second Level Maths Initiative
Access (Higher Education Access Route)
Disability Access Route to Education
Careers on School website
Careers section maintained and updated on website
Careers Notice Board
Centrally located and updated weekly. Incoming mail analysed.
Guidance Policy Beartas Treoir Ghairme Our Lady’s Bower
An Grianán Mhuire
Destinations
Destinations of leaving certificate students are recorded annually, the vast
majority progress to third level.
Guidance Timetabling (contact hours) 2014/2015
E Hardiman
Sixth Year 3 groups 1 class per week
TY T1 and T2 1 class per week
Reviewing and Evaluating the Draft Plan.
Critical reflection and evaluation is a very important part of the school Guidance
Programme. It is necessary to review the plan in order to measure the strengths
and weaknesses of guidance within the school and to assess whether it is
meeting the needs of the students. It is also important to employ strategies for a
whole school approach to guidance. The plan will therefore be reviewed on an
ongoing basis. Feedback will be received from students, parents and staff in
relation to the effectiveness of the school’s guidance programme.