Coláiste Ard Feá

Beech Hill College

Monaghan

Telephone: + 353 47 81200
Fax: + 353 47 84926

Principal: Mr John Heaphey

The Changing Face of Beech Hill College

Having provided the community with excellent educational opportunities for the last twenty eight years, September 2007 will see the dawn of a new era in Beech Hill College. Not only will the incoming first year students have the opportunity to avail of the wide range of academic, co-curricular and extra curricular facilities that Beech Hill College has to offer, but they will also represent the changing face of the school as the first student cohort to wear the new Beech Hill College uniform.

Breaking from the traditional grey, the new uniform will consist of a modern air-force blue V-necked jumper for all students over a crisp white shirt. A fashionable check skirt in shades of blue complements the colours encompassed in the compulsory tie. Boys and girls can wear the smart navy boot cut trousers. The process of designing the uniform was one that sought consensus from all parties involved in the school; staff, students, parents and management, and the end result, manufactured by Derek Eakin Ltd., Cootehill, reflects the ethos of Beech Hill College as a progressive, all inclusive, successful academic institution.

Beech Hill College has a reputation as a school which caters for the needs of every individual. It has a proud tradition of delivering exactly what the mission statement promises: ‘to provide a quality learning environment, to enable all to realise their full potential as competent citizens in society‘. At Beech Hill College students are encouraged to work towards their goal, whatever that goal may be. As such, the College can boast excellent exam results, with students taking their places each year at the country’s most prestigious universities and colleges. The rate of accession to third level education is second to none - 73% in 2006 and 65% in the previous year. Yet this insistence on the pursuit of excellence in the academic field does not eclipse the needs of those who wish to undertake apprenticeships. The outstanding success in the fields of Engineering and Construction are well known county-wide. Past pupils have won the All Ireland Young Engineer competition at senior cycle on a number of occasions and at junior level students have been awarded the Liam Lee Memorial Medal for the best overall marks. Learning support is freely available to students with special educational needs and a team of highly qualified and dedicated resource teachers ensure that each individual realises their full potential.

Curriculum Beech Hill College offers students a very wide ranging curriculum which caters for every interest and ability. All the following programmes are available:

Junior Certificate

Junior Certificate Schools Programme

Transition Year Programme

Leaving Certificate

Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme

Leaving Certificate Applied

Within these programmes an extensive range of subjects are on offer. Those interested in the Arts can opt to study Music, History, French, and Geography. Students who enjoy practical subjects have a long list to choose from; Woodwork, Metalwork, Technical Graphics, Engineering, Construction Studies, Home Economics and Art. Science is, of course, not neglected, with Biology, Physics, and Agricultural Science on offer. Personal development is also seen as an important area and so each student receives classes in Civic, Social and Political Education, Social, Personal and Health Education, and Religious Education. A fully equipped Sports Hall, full size running track and playing fields ensure that P.E. is an exciting and challenging class. All subjects are delivered by a team of highly qualified, dedicated teachers who take pride in the excellent results they see their students achieve year after year.

Information and Communication Technology In this age of e-commerce and internet communication it is vitally important that young people are equipped with the skills necessary to use IT with ease. Beech Hill College is exemplary in this area with classrooms equipped with the most up to date IT equipment. Each department has its own computer and digital projector, and lessons can be delivered through a variety of multi-media methods, from PowerPoint presentations to web quests. Two broadband IT suites are at students’ disposal and each student receives tuition in IT throughout their time in the school.

Co-Curricular Activities In addition to the set curriculum, a variety of co-curricular activities occur in Beech Hill College. These play an important role in enhancing the education and personal development of the College’s students. Each year, a number of students participate in the KEY (Knowledge through Enterprise for Youth) and LET (Learning and Educating Together) programmes. The KEY Programme develops enterprise skills as the vehicle for personal development and the focus is on motivation and confidence building, career planning and entrepreneurship. KEY participants take part in a series of intensive residential programmes, which gives them a focused opportunity to learn about enterprise outside the classroom and to take part in outdoor activities. These activities included orienteering, hill walking, kayaking, abseiling, wind surfing and sea cliff traversing – all of which help build confidence and stamina. The LET programme is a cross-border, cross community project which aims to encourage personal development in young people through enterprise training and outdoor activities. Participants enjoy activities such as night-lining, rock climbing, a gorge walk, safety rescue and a mini company.
Public speaking and Debating in both English and Irish are important co-curricular activities, with students participating in a number of competitions annually including Barúil, an Irish public speaking competition organised by Gael Linn and Mental Health Ireland Public Speaking Competition. Seachtain na Gaeilge is always a busy time when the Irish Department arranges a wealth of activities to promote the Irish language and culture, such as bingo in Irish, table quizzes and the appreciation of Irish language short films. The students also attend the annual ceilí which is always guaranteed to be a fun end to the celebrations to mark our national day. European Day of Languages is another annual event that sees the language teachers come together with the Home Economics Department to create colourful displays and delicious treats to celebrate a multiplicity of European cultures.
Field trips are organised by a number of departments throughout the school year. These outings give students the opportunity to experience a different form of learning environment whilst furthering the knowledge they have received in class. English and Irish teachers regularly bring their students to plays and films, History and Geography students travel to sites relevant to their course, while the Science and Art departments organise visits to exhibitions and museums. Civic Social and Political Education students get to experience life from different perspectives on their field trips examining various social and political environments.
Beech Hill College does not stop supporting students when the school day ends. Two important clubs operate after school. The Homework Club runs from 4.00 pm - 6.00 pm on Monday and Wednesday for Junior Cycle students. After a hot snack, one hour of supervised homework is followed by an hour of sport. For Senior Cycle students supervised Evening Study takes place from 4.30 pm - 6. 30 pm. These programmes allow students to complete their homework in a peaceful setting while availing of the assistance of the teaching staff if they need it.

Extra-Curricular Activities Beech Hill College provides its students with an extensive range of extra-curricular activities which serve to enhance the physical, intellectual and social development of each individual.
Sports fans are spoilt for choice with gaelic, soccer, camogie, basketball and rugby on offer. Cross-country and athletics teams also meet at lunch-time. The success of school teams at county and regional level pay testament to the enthusiasm of team members and coaches.
A very successful quiz team has emerged from the weekly quiz club. This year, the College team has progressed to the next round of the Thomas Crosbie Holdings Quiz Competition. Beech Hill College can also take pride in its success in the area of creative writing, with students sweeping the boards each year in competitions such as the Monaghan County Library Book Festival to name just one. Beech Hill College student, David Carroll, enjoyed the privilege of seeing his winning poem published recently in an anthology entitled “I Have a Dream – Premiere Writing Event”. David’s entry “Can You Hear It?” was the only successful entry from any second level school in counties Cavan or Monaghan.
Beech Hill College was the proud recipient of the Francis Ledwidge Perpetual Trophy in 2003 in recognition of the excellent standard of poetry produced by its students. Other extra-curricular activities in the English department include the Irish Times SchoolMag Competition.
The History Department actively promotes student participation in national competitions and is justifiably proud that the silver medal in the prestigious Trinity College Schools History Competition 2006 went to one of its senior History students. Home Economics students also compete successfully around the country with Lidia Magliocca making it through to the finals of the Tesco Young Cook of the Year in 2006. A computer club also operates at lunchtime while the library is open every day to allow students supervised research or reading time.
Senior students participate in GAISCE, the President’s award. This involves learning new skills and becoming involved in the community.
School tours provide an opportunity for students to bond with each other and to relate to their Tutors and Year Heads away from the classroom environment.
While this list of extra-curricular activities is impressive, it is by no means exhaustive but represents a selection of what is available at Beech Hill College.

Caring for the individual The transition from primary to second level school can seem quite daunting for many children. However, in Beech Hill College a number of systems have been put in place to ensure that each individual child has the best possible experience throughout their secondary education. A special induction programme for first year students takes place at the beginning of the school year. Senior students have been trained as mentors, and each first year is assigned a mentor who they can consult on any issue that concerns them. In addition to this, Beech Hill College operates a very successful pastoral care system with Year Heads and class tutors for each class grouping. Tutors are available at all times to address any issues that students in their class may have for the entire time that they attend the college. Two guidance counsellors, a school chaplain and a school psychologist are also available should the need arise. Beech Hill College is an active participant in the Cool Schools Programme and its anti-bullying policy is supported by recommended strategies and procedures.
Democracy is an important consideration in the management of the school and because of this the Student Council has an important input in decision making. Each year group elects two members to represent them on the council which meets regularly with staff and senior management.
Beech Hill College prides itself on nurturing nascent skills and talents that the individual student may demonstrate. To that end, a number of scholarships are granted by the school each year to the Gaeltacht and to ELC (Euro Languages College). Stagewise scholarships are given to those who show a particular talent for drama.

Throughout Beech Hill College, a professional, highly motivated and dedicated staff work in conjunction with Principal John Heaphey and Deputy Principal Frank Mc Manus to ensure that each student entrusted to their care realises their full potential in every aspect of their development. Beech Hill College looks forward to providing continuing excellence in education in the future, making it the premier choice for students making the transition to second level education this year and in the years to come.

Enrolment Day Enrolment Day at Beech Hill College is Saturday 10 March, 2007 from 9.30 a.m. until 12.30pm. This provides prospective students and their parents with an opportunity to view the college facilities and to meet the staff and students.
Refreshments will be provided. Students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Birth Certificate (not baptismal certificate) and completed Application Form are required for enrolment. School Transport forms and other necessary information will be provided. Parents will have an opportunity to discuss in confidence any special needs, medical conditions or requirements that students may have.

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