About Tighín Odhran
Tighín Odhran is a place that we hoped for, imagined and created within St Dominic’s College. It provides security, education and encouragement for students with challenging needs.
The name of the Special Class is Tighín Odhran and it is a fitting tribute to a valued and caring member of staff who has contributed to school life in St. Dominic’s College for over 20 years. She is also a Dominican Sister living on the Campus. In turn Tighín Odhran or “The Little house of Odhran” was created.
Tighín Odhran was built in 2022/2023 and it is located at the heart of the school. It consists of a sensory room, two classrooms, two quiet rooms, a communal space and a kitchen, all of which have all been specifically designed to meet the needs of our students who have challenging educational and other needs.
Aims of Tighín Odhran ASD Special Class
Each student who attends St. Dominic’s College is valued for their individuality, creativity and ideas. We provide each of our students with opportunities to guarantee a successful and happy school life, so that each student can reach their own individual potential, whatever that may be. We believe that the Special Autism Class will be an added gateway through which our students can achieve their very best, in preparation for life, after they leave the safe confines of St Dominic’s College.
ASD Special Class Objectives:
Classes within Tighín Odhran are provided on an individual or small group basis and will target the specific needs of the students following planning and consultation with the student, parents, guardians, principal and deputy principals, SEN team and class teachers. Individualised student plans are drawn up by professional and experienced members of staff, in accordance with each student’s abilities and needs. At every point we evaluate whether smaller class group lessons in Tighín Odhran, mainstream classes or a mix of both would be of greatest benefit to each student and we provide this accordingly.
Teaching and Learning
The students access a curriculum that is matched to their needs and capacities through carefully planned individual and group learning activities carried out in a collaborative manner with all the parties involved. The use of differentiated teaching strategies in group activities will further enhance the teaching and learning.
Subjects
Subjects provided include English, Maths, History, Geography, Civil, Social and Political Education (CSPE), Social, Personal and Health Education (SPH), Horticulture, Science, Music, Art, Home Economics, Computer Studies and Physical Education. This list is not finite and will also depend on the skillset of the students in the class.
Active Teaching and Learning Strategies
Direct instruction, interactive learning, experimental learning, creative learning, visits outside the campus, school tours, differentiation, co-operative and interactive learning are all incorporated into the scheme of work.
Additional Approaches to Teaching and Learning
- Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
- Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)
- Intensive Interaction & Relationship Development
This list is not finite and we employ these approaches as and when appropriate to the needs of the individual. The implementation of the Curriculum will be enhanced through a programme of trips to local places and other venues designed to help further prepare the students for successful living in our community. This may include visits to the local playground, coffee shop, post office, etc.