St Patrick’s Primary School has been involved in the Extended Schools programme since its launch in 2006.   The Extended Schools programme was devised with the aim of helping and supporting children and young people in areas of social deprivation.  The programme has five key outcomes:

• Being healthy
• Enjoying learning and achieving
• Living in safety and with stability
• Enjoying economic and environmental well-being
• Contributing positively to community and society

Each year our school receives Extended Schools funding from the Department of Education.  We use this money to provide a range of activities for our pupils, in order to help them achieve the outcomes listed above.

Over the past decade our Extended Schools programme has included the following activities:

• The After-School Club (Little Beamers)
• Arts & Crafts
• Computer Club for parents & children
• Cookery Club
• Dance
• Film Club
• French Club
• Golf
• Golf for parents & children
• ICT Club
• Language & Communication
• Literacy & Numeracy Summer Scheme
• Maths Club
• Maths Recovery
• Netball
• Occupational Therapy
• Orienteering
• Spanish Club
• Touch-Type, Read & Spell
• Yoga

Most of these activities take place at the end of the school day, and most are organized and delivered by members of the school staff.

During the past year we have run many of these activities, including:

The After-School Club (Little Beamers)

Open to all pupils from Nursery to Primary 7.  Children are given help with their homework and also have opportunities to participate in a range of creative activities, such as arts & crafts and games.

Literacy & Numeracy Summer Scheme

Held over 8 days in August for the children about to begin Primary 7.  Provides help and support in literacy and numeracy, in a more relaxed, fun atmosphere.

Touch Type Read & Spell

An online program designed to improve children’s spelling and reading, as well as their ICT keyboard skills.  Some Primary 5, 6 and 7 children are selected to participate. 

Occupational Therapy

Offered to some children from Primary 1 – 7.  Held every morning in the Assembly Hall.  The children complete a range of activities to develop their balance, coordination and motor skills. 

Orienteering

Involves all of the Primary 7 children, who hike to the summit of Slieve Gullion in the company of an experienced guide.  The Primary 6 children complete a taster orienteering activity in Gosford Park. 

Maths Club

Support for Primary 3 children to develop their understanding of number concepts and boost their confidence in maths.