|
In addition to the main curriculum, there are a number of extra curricular subjects and educational activities available to the pupils of Barefield N. S.
COMPUTERS:
Computers play a prominent role in Barefield National School Pupils from Rang II upward have every opportunity to become familiar with computers, as the study of same is now an integral part of the school day. The school has a large library of educational software that helps prepare pupils for work and society in which computers are playing an ever-increasing role.
LANGUAGES:
Languages were introduced to the school in September 1988 in response to the closer links that Ireland has been forging with Europe. Since our advent into the E. U. the knowledge of Irish and English is no longer adequate. The introduction of foreign languages at an early age is beneficial both educationally and culturally for our students. Unfortunately, the Department of Education does not finance the teaching of modern languages in Primary schools and therefore it is necessary to charge a nominal fee to cover the cost of tuition.
GERMAN:
Mrs Hilary Niehues has taught this subject since 1990. Although Hilary was born and educated in Dublin, she studied German in Munster / Westfalen where she also lived and worked for over 20 years. While teaching 11-V1 classes, the emphasis at this level is on communicating. She feels that by introducing a language at this early stage in a child's education, it gives them the distinct advantage of choosing a language at post-primary level. Tuition is available to juniors (after school hours) depending on the numbers.
FRENCH:
Mrs Margaret Garvey teaches French to the V & V1 classes after school hours. She was born and educated in Galway and subsequently taught in St Flannan's College in Ennis. She has been teaching French in Barefield N. S. since 1986 and in doing so, she gives the pupils a basic knowledge of the language. This knowledge makes the choice for pupils much easier when entering second level education.
ART:
Kathy Howard studied painting in Ireland and in the States. She has many years teaching experience both at Primary and Secondary level. She also works as a Freelance Graphic Designer, Calligrapher and has been commissioned as an Artist. At Barefield N. S. she introduces the children to the basic elements of art through lines, shapes, colours, tones, textures, forms, patterns and composition through enjoyable applications of Imaginative Composition, Still Life, Life Drawing and Design.
SPEECH & DRAMA:
Mrs Cushla Murphy-Hehir teaches all facets of Speech & Drama including Public Speaking to pupils from Infants up to Rang V1. Each year she prepares pupils for Grade Examinations of the Irish Board of Speech & Drama. Cushla's pupils have attained remarkable success in both the Grade Examinations and County Elocution Competitions.
VIOLIN:
Mr Kevin McEnnis teaches this through the medium of the Suzuki method. He teaches children from five years and upwards. Once they have mastered the rudiments of the violin, he can train his students in either classical or traditional music.
CHOIR:
There has always been a strong tradition of choral participation in Barefield N. S. Pupils from IV to VI standards take part in our choir, trained by Ms Geraldine Carrigg. To date they have many achievements to their credit. They have competed at All-Ireland level of "Slogadh" on many occasions and they have participated regularly in concerts and choral events. 1992 was a memorable year for the choir when they captured First Prizes in both the Church Music and School Choirs section of Feile na hInse. They have also performed on Clare FM and "School around the Corner".
MARCHING BAND:
The Marching Band under the watchful eye of Denis Liddy and John Burns, consists of over ninety children from Ranganna III-VI who play tinwhistle, accordions and drums. They participate annually in the Christmas Concert in Cois na hAbhna, St Patrick's Day Parade in Barefield and the Fleadh Nua. They practise the whole year round so they can match their repertoire to the various occasions.
CEILI BAND:
Our school Ceili Band is also taught by Denis Liddy and consists of several accomplished musicians featuring keyboard, fiddles, concert flutes, accordions and drums. Jigs and reels are predominantly featured in the practices and performances are given at concerts and competitions such as Slogadh and Fleadh Cheoil an Chlair.
DEBATING SOCIETY:
Since 1985 debating competitions in Irish and English have become a regular feature for Rang VI. The year's competitions culminate in a grand finale with special guests judging the event.
QUESTION TIME-SOCIETY:
Barefield National School has a long history of success in various primary school quiz competitions, including the Mid Clare P. T. A. A. quiz, the Killaloe Diocesan Pioneer Question Time and the Feile na nGael quiz.
SPORT:
Barefield School participates in a wide range of outdoor games including hurling, football, camogie, volleyball and basketball. The school has won County Championships in eleven-a-side hurling and football and it also holds the distinction of having, in recent years, won the Division 1 County Championships in camogie.
DRAMA:
All pupils in the school from the three-year olds in our "Over the Rainbow Playschool" to Rang VI are given the experience of stage acting, dramas and musicals. This culminates in our annual Christmas Concert to which all parents are cordially invited. It is usually staged in Cois na hAbhna.
|
home
