The Teaching Staff On whom all parents and children depend

At Ayscoughfee we offer a fully qualified, experienced and caring staff, backed up by a skilled support team. Many of the staff have worked together for a number of years. Their dedication to the school is reflected in the quality of education provided.

Full time staff are supported and enhanced by specialist teachers for French, Physical Education and Music. In addition, several parents give their time as "helpers" within the classes, especially in Information and Communication Technology.

The wisdom, loyalty and commitment of all the staff together with their caring, understanding and individual approach to every child, is our greatest strength and we strive to maintain continuity and stability in this area.

Teaching Methods Which are the key to success

Our teaching methods are traditional in outlook. Sound teaching of the core subjects is fundamental to achieving the aims of the school. However, we also appreciate that traditional teaching needs may be complemented by the progressive approach of integrating new technology and some new methodology when beneficial, thus maximising each child's understanding. As a result, video, television, overhead and slide projection are frequently used, as is the "topic" approach to learning.

Computers are used extensively throughout the school from Kindergarten to Year6 as a teaching aid for every curriculum area. Workstations in every classroom supplement the fully networked computer suite used for whole classwork. We are also connected to the Internet.

At Ayscoughfee, we are very lucky to be supported by an extremely active PTA, which assists in the provision of equipment and furnishings for the school via fund raising activities.

However, the PTA also performs an even more important task of helping to cement the relationship which parents share with the school. This is achieved as a result of meeting each other and staff at numerous social events. Any new parents are quickly welcomed to the "Ayscoughfee family" and encouraged, but not forced to become involved in the life of the school.

Uniform First impressions are important

The wearing of School Uniform is obligatory. We believe it fosters a pride in one's appearance as well as in the school itself. Moreover we see a pride in one's smart appearance reflecting a desire always to set a good example and give of one's best.

A full list of requirements appears in the "Welcome brochure" distributed prior to admission.

Admission

Intake into Kindergarten is twice a year, the time of entry being determined by the date on which your child reaches four years of age. We will be happy to advise on this matter at any time. It is also subject to basic assessment. We require all children registered to start in either September or January to visit the school for a "taster" afternoon prior to their commencing studies.

Our policy of a maximum of 20 children per class means that places are often at a premium and waiting times for certain classes can be long. We would encourage you to talk to us well before you need a place and, if you like you see and hear, to register your child as soon as possible.

We understand that there will be parents who are unable to register their children in advance, or who are perhaps moving into the area. If these circumstances apply to you, we would recommend that you contact us to check on availability of places.