Rockbrook
emphasises character building as a key component
in its educational philosophy. The school
emphasises high standards in a cheerful, relaxed
environment leading to good academic outcomes.
Individual attention, parental involvement
and the imparting of good study techniques
help to ensure the all-round education of
Rockbrook students. |
The
school is small, thus allowing teachers to
get to know their students well and to give
more personal attention where required. Class
sizes are also small, helping teachers to
be aware of individual strengths and weaknesses.
This personal support is enhanced by the school’s
mentoring system. Each student is assigned
a teacher who mentors the student regularly
and who liases closely with the student’s
parents. Parents are required to meet with
the mentor each term. The school also provides
a personalised career guidance programme as
students get older.
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The
school is a family school. It does not select
on the basis of academics.
The Leaving Certificate results are very good.
In 2005, the average points attained were
381 and over 90% of students attained above
the national average. The highest result attained
by a student was 590 points. The school’s
emphasis on character development encourages
students over time to be self-starters with
regard to their academic work.
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The
school has strong international links and
encourages the learning of languages. There
are high standards in Irish, French and Spanish.
Each year a number of foreign trips are organised
out of term and many students have the opportunity
to participate in these. This summer, first
years will travel to Italy, second years to
Spain, third years to Eastern Europe. At Easter,
fourth and fifth years will participate in
an intensive Spanish course in Barcelona.
Sixth years have a pilgrimage option to Santiago
de Compostella after their results in late
August.
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The
schools ethos is Catholic. A full Religious
Knowledge programme is taught over six years.
Each week a class Mass is said by the school
chaplain. Senior students are encouraged to
participate in social solidarity projects
locally and abroad. Students from other faith
backgrounds are welcome at the school. |
The
school’s country location provides ideal
surroundings for children growing up. The
school’s bus service which travels local
routes and routes adjacent to the M50 solves
the problem of accessibility. |
The
school offers a stimulating Transition Year
programme. This year this includes opportunities
to study abroad, drama, European Computer
Driving Licence, various overnight trips (cookery
weekend, visit to Belfast, night hikes), television
& radio production, President’s
Award, gardening, karate, first aid, work
experience, social service opportunities,
an Easter language trip abroad as well as
a busy class schedule and ongoing project
work. |
Over
the years the school has had difficulty in
getting planning permission for classrooms,
due to traffic management issues on the Edmondstown
Road.
Planning permission has now been received.
It is intended that a new building incorporating
classrooms, laboratory, canteen area, and
library will be constructed by September 2007.
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