The City of Dublin ETB is co-
funded by the
Government of
Ireland and the European Union.
What is the Student Support Team in FET College Íde Finglas
FET College Íde Finglas is committed to a policy of equal opportunity in education. In trying to achieve this, the overall welfare for learners will be promoted through fostering a positive environment where essential learning can be supported. To enhance this environment the college has established a Student Support Team as part of its Pastrol Care Programme. This team will work with learners, senior management and all teaching staff. The members of this team are:
- Sindy Fitzpatrick
- Pearse Kieran
- Donncha McKenna
- Patricia Lynch
The team will give support, put reasonable accommodations in place, provide information and advocate on behalf of learners. For ease of identification Student Support Team office doors have been painted pink. This will ensure that learners can clearly identify the teachers associated with the Student Support Team. The Study Skills Centre will act as a hub for all students who need learning support and nurturing. The college has converted Room 23 to form part of this hub. This information will be advised to learners at Induction.
Meet the Team
Sindy Fitzpatrick Study Skills Centre Coordinator
My role is to support learners during their educational journey to reach their full potential. I train learners using several resources including Assistive Technology and cover a range of topics including literacy, computer literacy, academic writing, organisational skills, critical thinking, research skills, presentation development skills, finding and evaluating information, and referencing. Each learner is assessed with a training plan (psychometric testing if required) to identify their support needs and the best technology suited to these requirements. I then work with this student on a regular basis over the academic year. I liaise with Class Teachers and Management to identify barriers to education for the learner and to develop plans to reach their educational goals. My office is in the Study Skills Centre.
Patricia Lynch, Student Support Teacher
My role is to retain learners on programmes and to maximise the numbers who progress to the next stage of their academic or working life. I am in essence the learner welfare officer, with the learner wellbeing and success at the forefront of my aims. I will identify and track the performance and activity of specific cohorts of learners with at-risk potential, e.g., socially and economically disadvantaged, new entrants, disability registered, mature and international students. I will work with the learner to draw up a learner retention plan, identifying all aspects of the learner's life that impact on their retention. This will include identify at risk learners through attendance monitoring, assessment submission and Moodle. When required I also liaise with external organisations such as DEASP, Tusla, local Partnerships, Homeless services and in some instances family members. As part of Student Support Team this information will be provided on a need-to-know basis to the other members of the team and relevant teachers. My office is located next to the Deputy Principals office in the main building.
