The Guidance Counsellors look after the interests of all students both in Vocational/Educational Guidance and Personal Guidance.
JUNIOR CYCLE
- Students have access to confidential Guidance Counselling throughout the three years of the Junior Cycle
- 1 to 1 appointments for personal counselling
- Group information sessions for subject choice with individual follow up as required
- CAT 4 assessment is carried out in 3rd year to inform subject choice for senior cycle.
SENIOR CYCLE
At senior level, Guidance and Counselling involves and includes a range of activities and counselling interventions.
Vocational/Educational Guidance
- Students explore and research career paths based on their aptitude, interests and personality.
- Fifth Year students complete a variety of career interest questionnaires and then research their particular area of interest.
- All students are encouraged and supported in the decision-making process for a course/career that they will find fulfilling and satisfying.
- Visiting speakers from many career sectors are invited to give talks.
Administration Support
Students are guided through various application procedures:
- CAO – Higher education course applications in Republic of Ireland
- UCAS – University applications to Northern Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales
- PLC – Post Leaving Certificate courses
- HEAR – Higher Education Access Route to Education
- DARE – Disability Access Route to Education
- RACE – Reasonable Accommodations in state examinations
Personal Guidance
Students can avail of confidential and supportive counselling throughout their senior cycle years as required. This counselling service works in conjunction with the whole school guidance plan, promoting the wellbeing of students. Adherence to the requirements of the code of ethics of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors ensures a legitimate practice of a supervised and monitored service that respects the student’s needs and rights.
USEFUL WEBSITES:
Follow the links to any of these websites
- www.cao.ie (Central Applications Office), for those intending to apply to Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Information on the CAO website should be carefully considered by students and parents.
- www.careersportal.ie , www.qualifax.ie Useful careers websites with a number of resources for students.
- www.accesscollege.ie Outlines how specific applicants to the CAO may avail of the Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) or the Disability Access Route to Education (DARE). Both of these schemes are aimed at increasing participation rate in Higher Education.
- www.susi.ie Outlines what financial assistance is available regarding grants
- www.studentfinance.ie Outlines what financial assistance is available regarding grants
- www.ucas.co.uk For those who intend to apply to colleges in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
- https://www2.hse.ie/services/mental-health/services-search/ HSE mental health support.
- www.spunout.ie Provides a range of supports from practical to emotional.