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St. Catherine’s Special National School is located in three centres: eight classes in Kilmullen Lane, Newcastle, Co. Wicklow, four classes in St. Catherine’s EDC, Newcastle, Co. Wicklow and two classes in Barnacoyle House, Killoughter, Ashford, Co. Wicklow. One of the Playgrounds in EDC Complex The school provides primary and post-primary education for clients who have a moderate, severe or profound learning disability. One of the Playgrounds in Kilmullen Lane The school caters for approximately 90 clients, who range in age from 2 years to 18 years. There are 14 classes, each having 6 or 8 clients. Each classroom has a teacher and at least 1 classroom assistant. ? One of the Classrooms in Kilmullen Lane Through a varied curriculum, the school strives to enable each client to realize his/her potential and to develop the skills which will enable them to lead full and independent lives. The curriculum offered to clients responds to a comprehensive multi disciplinary assessment of need and is influenced by the draft curriculum guidelines for mild, moderate, severe and profound general learning disability. Subjects which are taught include: Language and Communication Numercy Literacy Physical Education (including swimming and horse-riding) Art Music Computer Skills Cookery and Household Skills Social, Personal and Health Education Drama Science History Geography The school also has the support of a multi-disciplinary team on an integrated basis. Multi-disciplinary support includes: Speech and Language Therapists Physiotherapists Water Therapists P.E. Teachers Occupational Therapists Psychologist Nurses Outreach One of the classrooms in the EDC Building One of the classrooms in EDC Building Facilities within the school include: Large P.E. Halls Domestic Science Room Speech and Language Rooms Shared Areas Playgrounds Basketball Court Bicycles Football pitch Water Therapy Pool Soft Play Room Computer Room A Section of the Computer Room in the EDC Building Classes for Autism These classes for students with Autism and other complex needs deliver client centered programmes to each student. Barnacoyle House The school is committed to giving each client a completely individualised programme of instruction based on his/her own unique and assessed needs. It will offer empirically evidenced best practice instruction based on the application of the principles of behaviour to every aspect of schooling and will incorporate the latest findings in research and development of effective educational practices. One of the Playgrounds in Barnacoyle House Ethos The basis for all clients education is that each client is an individual with unique talents to be developed and also various obstacles to overcome. All instruction is individualised and tailored to the clients unique and current needs. A Trampoline in one of the Playgrounds in Barnacoyle House Objective The objective of all instruction is for each client to maximise control over their environment and realise social integration through the teaching of generative learning repertoires, allowing the client to become independent learners and to lead independent and social lives in their respective communities. Location We are located at: Barnacoyle House, Killoughter, Ashford, Co. Wicklow.