What is the pupil teacher ratio?

The pupil teacher ratio provided by the Department of Education & Science to schools is 18:1.  At this school, we employ additional staff to reduce the ratio to about 13:1, enabling us to provide a broader curriculum and smaller classes.

Are classes streamed?

In the Junior Cycle we use a combination of mixed ability and setting, which we believe maximises the learning and self-esteem of the pupils. (Our opinion is supported by the ESRI report on Irish schools "Do schools differ?" by Emer Smyth, who regards this system as the most beneficial.) For most classes, pupils will be in a mixed ability group following the Higher level course, from which the Ordinary level examination may ultimately be taken in the Junior Certificate. For Mathematics, pupils will be set from Form 1, for Irish from Form 2 and for English from Form 3, to facilitate division into higher and ordinary level classes. "Setting" means that the classes in that subject are run at the same time on the timetable so that a pupil may be moved according to ability. Maths, Irish and English are set individually, so a pupil may be in a higher level class for one subject and an ordinary level class for another.

In the senior cycle, separate higher and ordinary level classes are available in most subjects. Where few pupils choose a particular subject, a common level class may be run, from which pupils will be equipped to take the higher or ordinary paper in the Leaving Certificate.

Do girls experience difficulties with the co-educational environment?

The ESRI report referred to above is a definitive study of approximately 160 Irish schools.  It proves conclusively that girls obtain better examination results in co-educational schools rather than in single sex schools of similar socio-economic background. 

Our experience at The High School would always have told us this was the case anyway and, in addition, that girls outperform boys slightly in national examinations, as they do nationally and globally. A perusal of this website or of our Yearbook would also reveal that girls are just as active as boys in extra-curricular activities, the organisation of events and in school life generally.  Our staff are well used to ensuring that girls are encouraged to express themselves in classroom situations so that boys do not dominate.  The culture of equality of opportunity in the school reinforces the efforts of the staff.

How is Religious Education handled?

The school is Protestant managed and its general ethos is that of the Church of Ireland, although we plan to have a broad mixture of pupils of different faiths as well as different socio-economic backgrounds.  R.E. is not taught in a doctrinal manner and no denomination is prepared for its particular ceremonies, etc.   The syllabus used is a combination of  one designed by the Church of Ireland and of the Junior Certificate syllabus, beginning with a biblically based study of Christianity.  It then broadens into a study of other major world religions and systems of thought and includes references to community outreach and third world development.  The textbooks used may be inspected at any time by appointment with the co-ordinator of the R.E. department.

There is a short "thought for the day" assembly each morning, Christian in approach and dealing with a variety of religious, moral and ethical themes.  Reference is also made to the beliefs of other major religions.

The success of the approach of the school is evident in the fact that practically no pupils are withdrawn from RE classes or assembly for conscientious reasons.

Is any particular sport compulsory?

No.  There is a very wide variety on offer. See the Activities page.  All pupils take Physical Education classes and are encouraged to participate in extra-curricular sports and activities.

How involved are parents in the life of the school?

Parents are strongly encouraged to be actively involved.   Parents (and teachers) are represented on the Board of Governors and all of its committees and contribute to the development of all school policies.  In addition, parents actively support and assist with the organisation of school occasions and projects.  The Parents' Association is a very active body which contributes energetically and positively to many aspects of school life.  Parent teacher meetings are organised by the Association, in addition to the parent information meetings held by the school.  The Principal attends the A.G.M. of the Parents' Association where an open forum discussion of all school policies takes place.

Can pupils obtain lunch at the school?

Our catering facilities are very popular. Pupils have the choice of bringing their own lunch, of obtaining a snack from a buffet stand or of choosing a full dinner from a menu of approximately fifteen items. Prices are reasonable and a main course might cost 3.00 Euro. The facility is operated by a staff consisting mainly of existing and former parents.  Pupils are not permitted to leave the school premises at lunchtime.

Is there supervised study after school?

Yes, from 4.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m.

Is there guidance provision at the school?

The Guidance Department is staffed by two qualified guidance counsellors. Guidance is a process which begins before the pupils enter the school with a visit by a Guidance Counsellor to the feeder primary schools and a talk for incoming parents. All pupils in Form 1 are interviewed and assisted with their transition to secondary school. Guidance continues with a course in Forms 4 and 5 and individual career interviews with the guidance counsellor for pupils in Form 6. Pupils in Form 5 also have individual interviews with another member of staff to focus their attention on preparation for third level applications. Form 4 pupils undertake differential aptitude tests and interest inventories to assist them to make subject choices for the Leaving Certificate. They also study the operation of third level education and the opportunities available. Students are encouraged to begin thinking about potential career areas, to use work experience as a time to focus on future pathways, to consider possible college applications and to prepare accordingly. Students in Form 5 attend a variety of career talks held in the school, carry out a career project, visit UCD open day and familiarise themselves with relevant college websites and career related computer programs such as Qualifax. Students are also advised on curriculum vitae, job applications and interview technique. We are grateful to the Parents' Association for its assistance with the organisation of a mock interview evening. A study technique course is organised by a member of staff for Form 5. Form 6 students have the opportunity to attend the Higher Options Career Exhibition, the TCD open day as well as to select other college open days of particular interest to individuals. For the parents of Form 6 there is an evening set aside in December where applications systems for all colleges are explained. The guidance counsellors are available to parents and pupils by prior appointment for career and psychological advice.