Extra curricular activities

Extra curricular activities form an integral part of the life of the school. Participation in these activities enables the students to develop their talents and gives them a sense of their own self-worth.

Students benefit personally, socially and educationally from their participation in extra–curricular activities.

Students at St. Joseph's participate in a wide variety of educational activities:

The Arts
St. Joseph's Secondary School prides itself on a long established tradition with the Arts. Students are given the opportunity to develop their musical, oratorical, creative, sporting and literary talents as part of their overall education.

Music greatly enhances the life of our school.

· The school orchestra is an integral part of the promotion of music within the school. Students who play a musical instrument are invited to join the school orchestra.

· The school orchestra is entered in the Department of Education and Science Examinations each year.
· A choir in each year group is prepared for the Department of Education and Science Examinations during the academic year.
· Choirs and our school orchestra perform at official school functions and at community events.
· Students attend recitals and also share their musical talents with groups in our local community.

Drama and literature are encouraged and nurtured by the school.

· Students have an opportunity during the academic year to attend workshops, readings, stage productions and film festivals.

· Students may participate in music and drama workshops during lunchtime.
· Students are encouraged to enter literary competitions both at local and national level.
· During the academic year students from all year groups are invited to submit entries for our in-school Literary Competitions. Entries are externally adjudicated and prize winners are acknowledged at Achievements Awards Ceremonies. Prizes are sponsored and presented by Parents' Council.

Art, Craft and Design are central to our school curriculum.

· Students participate in and are successful in many competitions.

· Students visit Art Galleries and attend Art Exhibitions both at local and national level.

Students participate in a wide variety of other educational activities e.g. public speaking, debating, quiz competitions, table quizzes, essay competitions, creative writing workshops, dance performances and photography competitions.

Physical Education, Sport and Games

Physical Education, Sport and Games are very important for each student.

· Our school is a health promoting school.

· Each class is timetabled for a double P.E. class each week.
· Students are offered a varied P.E. programme and have the opportunity to experience swimming classes, gymnastics, dance, net and invasion games, athletics, rounders, self defence classes, hill walking, orienteering, stress management and yoga.
· Games/Sports on offer include: Athletics, basketball, badminton, gaelic football, golf, hockey, swimming, tennis and volleyball.
· Students are entered in Inter-School Competitions and have achieved outstanding success in a variety of games in recent years.
· Many students in conjunction with the local Badminton, Golf and Swimming Clubs compete in the schools' competitions.
· To date during the academic year 2006/07 students have competed successfully in Basketball, Gaelic Football, Badminton, Cross Country, Golf and Swimming at different levels i.e. Regional, Connaught and All Ireland level.

Achievements and Awards

St. Joseph's Secondary School recognises that it is important to reward the efforts and achievements of our students. The staff of our school acknowledge on a regular basis the talents, achievements and commitment of students across all aspects of school life. At the end of the academic year Achievements Awards Ceremonies are organised and students are commended and rewarded for their efforts and participation.