Primary School
Primary School welcomes children from 6-12 years of age. A knowledge of the German language or a German family background is not a requirement for entry into the Primary and Kindergarten School.
Children enter First Class in our Primary School at a minimum age of 6 years and 3 months having completed their Kindergarten/Vorschule cycle (Junior/Senior Infants). Pupils joining us from other schools and from abroad may enter the Primary School in accordance with our Admissions Policy.
- The Primary years consist of 1st to 6th Classes and there are 2 groups in each year. We aim to ensure that our classes include an even mix of children regarding sex, German mother and foreign tongue as well as nationality.
- Children study German as a mother tongue or as an additional language with between 7 and 9 German lessons each week. We follow Baden-Württemberg guidelines for German and for our German Curricular Stream.
- Our native German speaking teachers also teach Art giving more language development opportunities.
- During their six years at Primary School, pupils follow the Irish Primary School Curriculum with the exception, initially, of the Irish Language (introduced in 3rd class).
- Class Teacher has dedicated responsibility for each class and is a first point of contact for parents.
- Classes are taught by a mix of primary teachers and specialist teachers.
- P.E. is an integral part of our core curriculum. Classes 1 to 4 have five timetabled classes of Sport a week, classes 5 and 6 have three. Hockey and Soccer are also taught as optional subjects in the afternoon.
- Children who complete 6th Class had automatic entry to our Secondary School.
School Day
In Primary school the timetabled school day varies according to the age of the pupils. The school day begins at 8.25 a.m. and children may be dropped off from 7.45 a.m.
The school day is timetabled.
- Native German speakers teach German, Art and Music (and Science and Maths in the Sek-l stream from 5th Class)
- Native English speakers teach Maths, English, History, Geography etc.
- Specialist P.E. teachers with a high level of expertise.
- Specialist Music teacher
| 1st – 2nd Class | 3rd – 4th Class | 5th – 6th Class | |
| Monday | 8.25 a.m – 12.50 p.m | 8.25 a.m – 2.50 p.m | 8.25a.m – 4.10 p.m |
| Tuesday | 8.25 a.m – 12.50 p.m | 8.25 a.m – 2.50 p.m | 8.25 a.m – 2.50 p.m |
| Wednesday | 8.25 a.m – 12.50 p.m | 8.25 a.m – 12.50 p.m | 8.25 a.m – 12.50 p.m |
| Thursday | 8.25 a.m – 12.50 p.m | 8.25 a.m – 2.50 p.m | 8.25 a.m – 2.50 p.m |
| Friday | 8.25 a.m – 12.50 p.m | 8.25 a.m – 12.50 p.m | 8.25 a.m – 12.50 p.m |
Optional afternoon activities start from 1.30 p.m. but have varying times which are announced at the beginning of each school year.
Find out more about Aftercare and Extra-Curricular Activities here.
Curriculum
Our Core Curriculum: Mathematics, English, German, Science, History, Geography, P.E., Irish, Music, Art.
German plays an important role in our school. Pupils study German at a standard that is not available in any other Primary School in Ireland. German classes are offered at different levels: for non-native speakers and native speakers. More detailed information about the subject German at St. Kilian’s is available here. An optional, week long, class trip to Germany takes place in May of 5th Class.
English – The English curriculum is designed to offer children a language experience which integrates oral language, reading and writing. Oral language is of particular importance throughout the curriculum, as it is central to the development of the child’s general language ability. Talk and discussion are encouraged in every curriculum area. The approach to reading presented in the English Curriculum is based on this integrated language experience. From the earliest years children should experience a print-rich environment in which they have ready access to books. The ability to write clearly and expressively is developed through the process of writing.
- Children have the opportunities to write for a variety of purposes, for different audiences and in a range of genres
- They develop the ability to self-correct their own writing, through a consistent experience of drafting, editing and redrafting
- They develop a command of the conventions of grammar, spelling and punctuation, and progressively become independent writers.
Irish is taught from 3rd class onwards. At the heart of the Irish curriculum is a communicative, task-based approach to language learning, in which the child learns to use the language as an effective means of communication. Children are encouraged to speak the language in activities such as games, tasks, conversations, role-playing and drama. The broader Irish curriculum also aims to install in the children Irish cultural awareness and pride. An optional, 5 day trip to Irish College takes place in May of 6th Class.
Mathematics enables children to think and communicate quantitatively and spatially, solve problems, recognise situations where mathematics can be applied, and use appropriate technology to support such use. The Mathematics Curriculum emphasises the development of the child’s estimation skills and problem-solving skills using examples which are relevant to the child’s experience. Discussion, hands-on experience with materials, and active learning are encouraged throughout the Primary School, and the importance of the development of mathematical language in communicating ideas is also stressed. Optional participation in international Maths competitions is available from 1st to 6th Class each year.
Science enables children to develop basic scientific ideas and understanding about the biological and physical aspects of the world. The Science Curriculum includes four strands:
- Living things
- Energy and forces
- Materials
- Environmental awareness and care.
- Each strand is subdivided into strand units which focus on particular concepts.
Music provides children with opportunities to engage with a wide range of musical styles and traditions, to become involved in moving, dancing, illustrating, storytelling and making drama. The Music Curriculum has three strands:
- Listening and Responding
- Performing
- Composing
The Art curriculum consists of six strands. Each strand represents a medium for developing the child’s expressive abilities. These strands are:
- Drawing
- Paint and colour
- Clay
- Construction
- Fabric and fibre.
The Visual Arts curriculum emphasises three starting points for the child’s art activities: the child’s own experience, imagination and observations. Art is taught through the German language in St. Kilian’s Primary School.
Religion As stated in our Ethos and Mission statement, St. Kilian’s cherishes the values and traditions of Europe’s Christian civilization. Children are prepared in Roman Catholic religion classes for the Sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation (extra-curricular).
EVS (Environmental Studies) consists of three subjects: History, Geography and Science. EVS is concerned with the exploration, investigation and development of an understanding of the natural, human, social and cultural dimensions of local and wider environments. It provides opportunities to engage in active learning, to use a wide range of skills, and to acquire open, critical and responsible attitudes. Each EVS subject plays a distinctive role in fulfilling the aims and objectives of this curriculum area.
IT plays a very important role in the Primary School and the Primary School teachers are committed to the integration of IT into the teaching and learning process. Significant investment over the last number of years has been made to the IT infrastructure in the Primary School. All classrooms in the Primary School are equipped with Interactive Whiteboards, laptops and wireless Internet access. Podcasts have become a feature of teaching and learning in some of our German and Irish language classes.
Physical Education (P.E.) is a core subject in St. Kilian’s and is taught on a daily basis in classes 1-4. We use the school gym and our extensive outdoor facilities to play sport outside. Aside from the obvious physical benefits to participating in sport regularly, the children develop a range of social skills including verbal and non-verbal communication, respect, fair play, developing an awareness of tactics, encouraging and helping others, planning, performing and evaluating, health and safety. The Physical Education programme within the school is designed to encourage individual skills and teamwork. Sport is a universal language, which is essential in a school with such a diverse range of nationalities and where different languages are spoken regularly. The key components of each class are participation, respect for one another.
A Broad Education: throughout the year our children participate in ‘in house’ and inter school competitions and activities. Celebrations of Irish and German culture are included:
- St. Martin’s Evening
- German Reunification Day
- St. Patrick’s Day celebrations
- National Fitness Day
- Active School Week
- Inter school hockey leagues
- Inter school soccer leagues
- Inter school tennis leagues
- Inter school chess competition
- Inter school Art competition
- Maths Olympiad (international)
- Maths Week
- Science Week
- Young Philosophers Award (national)
- Science Blast (national)
- Green School Committee
- School Council
- Public Speaking Competition
- Music Competition (in house and international)
- Spelling Bee (national)
Break Time
The first break of the day begins at 10.25 am and ends at 10.50 am. After eating their snacks, pupils go to their designated recreational areas. In addition, we have a beautiful activity playground area.
For those pupils staying in school after 12.50 pm, there is a second break until 1.30 pm during which they can eat their lunch and then play outside.
Children bring their lunches from home.
Assessment
All children are assessed at the end of each school year using the Micra-T and Sigma-T standardised tests. Children are continually assessed in the core subjects throughout the school year using a variety of criteria.
Parent–Teacher Engagement
Parent Information Meetings take place in early September. At these meetings, parents meet the staff in person, visit the classroom and learn about the school day, the curricula and the daily routine in detail.
One on one parent – teacher meetings are held in late January/early February and all parents are invited to attend. At these meetings, parents have dedicated time with their child’s teachers.
Parent – Child Workshops are held throughout the year providing a unique opportunity for parents, children and teachers to work together.
School Reports are issued twice in the year: January and June.
A weekly News Update is issued by the Head of Primary and Kindergarten which allows parents to keep up and engage with their children about school life.
A monthly ‘Looking Ahead’ calendar is issued to remind parents of upcoming events.
Dedicated email addresses: all teachers have dedicated email addresses through which they can be contacted.
Compass is our information management system and parents can enter absences, view school reports and the class timetables.
A comprehensive ‘Back to School Guide’ is provided each year.
Learning Support/ Resource Teaching
St. Kilian’s Primary and Kindergarten School has a Resource Department for Maths, English, German and general support. The deployment of resource teaching is teacher driven. If you have, at any stage, concerns about your child you should contact their Class Teacher.
