Co. Clare VEC
Kilmihil Community College
Kilmihil Vocational School was established in 1938 and located in the parish hall in the centre of the village. The complex was built by the local community mostly by voluntary labour. It comprised a dance hall and three rooms which were put at the disposal of the County Clare Vocational Education Committee. The curriculum included Woodwork , Home Economics and general subjects. During the day the building was used by the school authorities and at night time the Community had access to the facilities for educational, cultural and leisure activities. This was a unique initiative at the time. This partnership continued until 1966 when the then Department of Education constructed a new Vocational School on the northern side of the village. It had four rooms at the beginning but with the growth in school numbers more space was needed. A major extension which included a gymnasium and specialist rooms was opened in 1986. Further additions are still taking place as the need arises. A football field and running track have also been developed and are widely used. A great debt of gratitude is owed to the people who had the foresight to build in 1938 and to those who have continued the good work ever since. Ceard Scoil Cill Mhichil, now St Michael's, is still carrying on in the same tradition as before. Its modern up-to-date facilities are used by the students during the day and available to the Community at other times for a variety of activities, including Music, Dancing, Drama, Aerobics, Civil Defence, Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Athletics. It is also a meeting place for Women's Groups, Kilmihil Development Association and other parish organisations.
Structure and Facilities
The main building consists of specialist rooms for Woodwork, Metalwork, Technical Drawing, Science, Home Economics and general subjects. The school has a modern Gymnasium for P.E. and general purpose use. There is a two roomed Pre-fab for Business subjects and a four roomed one for general subjects.
The outdoor facilities include a football pitch, long and high jump areas, throwing circle, all-weather play area and two basketball/tennis courts.
There is a glasshouse and tunnel for horticulture use. An old building at the rear of the school houses the Potting shed, Photography Laboratory, Library and Project area.
Community
St Michael's is totally committed to the community. Its facilities are available at all times, just as the talents and leadership of the community are continually being offered to the school, especially in such areas as athletics, drama and music.
St Michael's is ideally situated, serving a large rural cachment area. Its phenomenal growth and excellent reputation in recent years is a direct result of the professionalism of its teaching staff and the achievements of its pupils. The new building, housing the most up-to-date facilities and equipment is readily available to the community. A caring and understanding attitude, a comprehensive range of subjects to Leaving Certificate level, and plans for further development make St Michael's one of the most progressive schools in the country.
School Programmes
Junior Cycle
This is a three year course leading to the Junior Certificate Examination and designed to suit the varying abilities and aptitudes of the students. Examination subjects available at Higher and Ordinary Levels include: English, Irish, French, History, Geography, Mathematics, Science, Business Studies, Woodwork, Home Economics, Technical Graphics and Metalwork. C.S.P.E., S.P.H.E., Religion and Games are timetabled and play a very important part in the life of the student at school.
Transition Year
On completion of the Junior Cycle students have the option of enrolling in a 1 year Transition Year course or moving to the two year Senior Cycle. The Transition Year programme includes:
- English I
- rish
- French
- Geography
- Biology
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Current Affairs
- History
- Careers
- Art/Craft
- Agriculture
- Maths
- Drama
- Commerce
- Photography
- Video/Radio
- Drawing
- Metalwork
- Horticulture
- Woodwork
- Games
- Computers
- Home Economics
- Religion
- Leisure
- Music
Transition Year offers a broad educational experience with a view to the attainment of increased maturity before proceeding to further study. The aim of the course is promote the personal, social, educational and vocational development of the pupils and to prepare them for their role as autonomous, participative and responsible members of society.
The varied list of activities shows the commitment the staff has to this programme and the opportunities which are offered to the students.
Senior Cycle
This is a two year course leading to the Leaving Certificate Examination.
The subjects available at Higher and Ordinary Levels include:
- English
- Irish
- Mathematics
- French
- History
- Geography
- Biology
- Agricultural Science
- Physics
- Accounting
- Construction Studies
- Engineering
- Technical Drawing
- Home Economics (S&S)
Students are expected to choose the subjects most suited to their talents and to work hard in order to achieve good results.
On completion of the Senior Cycle students proceed to employment or further education.
St. Michael's is proud of the achievement of all its students. Past pupils are playing an important role in all aspects of the life of their communities, both in Ireland and around the world.
Mission Statement
Aims of the School
The aims of the school are as follows:
- To make available the best possible education for the students of the catchment area by providing a broad and balanced curriculum.
- To ensure that the educational needs of all students are identified and catered for.
- To promote the moral and physical development of the students in consultation with their parents.
- To provide social, personal and health education for all the students.
- To ensure that the education provided meets with the requirements of the Department of Education and Science.
- To encourage particiation by the parents in all aspects of their children's education.
- To provide the staff and facilities to achieve the stated objectives.
Projects
Project work is an important component of most subjects. In addition students are involved in Mini Company, School Magazine, Home Garden and Calf Rearing Schemes.
Discipline
Students are expected to play a positive role in all school activities. They must comply with the rules and regulations necessary for this purpose. Parents are asked to sign an acceptance of these conditions at the start of each school year.
Parents
Parents are encouraged to keep in regular contact through attending Parent\Teacher meetings and also by using the Student Diary. They are free to contact the school at any time if they have a query or suggestion.
Teaching Staff
Teachers at St Michael's are fully qualified in accordance with Department of Education and Science regulations. Specialised subjects are taught by teachers qualified in those areas. The success of the school is largely due to the commitment and professionalism of the Principal and Staff.
Contact details:
Principal: Helena Keane
Telephone No: (065) 9050021
Fax: (065) 9050545
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