ASD Programme
Mission Statement
The development of the Nagle Community College ASD Programme is
based on the philosophy of educational inclusion such that children with
specialised needs receive their education within the least restrictive
setting of the schools mainstream classrooms and activities. At the same
time these students access “homeroom” classes for both curricular
support, social outings & classes unique to the ASD Programme
focusing on each student’s own strengths and needs.
History
The Nagle Community College ASD Programme was established in
September 2008 with an intake of two students along with initial staffing
of two teachers and one SNA.
In the intervening years the number of students enrolled in the ASD
Programme has increased to our current maximum of twelve students
along with seven staff members.
In September 2011 our base classrooms or “homerooms” moved from
standard mainstream classrooms which had been adapted to suit our
student’s needs into our current purpose built accommodation. We also
have use of an occupational therapy gym.
In 2014 the first students graduate from the ASD Programme graduated
and transitioned to further education/training programmes in COPE
Foundation and UCC. Last year our second cohort of students
graduated and are all currently attending National Learning Network.
What we provide
In the Nagle Community College ASD Programme we provide the
opportunity for all of our students to achieve the greatest level of
meaningful independence whilst at the same time catering for their
educational needs.
Classes take the form of supported/unsupported mainstream inclusion,
homerooms classes involving curricular support or classes unique to the
ASD Programme such as non-curricular Literacy and Numeracy Social
Skills, Music/Yoga, Personal Care/Occupational Therapy, Cooking etc.
and Social Outings into the wider community.
We cater for a wide range of students from those looking to pursue state
examinations (Junior Certificate, new Junior Certificate Level Two Award
and Leaving Certificate) to those focusing on personal skills aimed at
increasing their quality of life, independence and life skills once they
graduate from Nagle Community College.