Guidance

Guidance is the term used to describe the range of learning experiences provided in a developmental sequence designed to assist students to make choices about their lives and the transitions based on these choices.

The guidance programme is the full range of activities through which the school addresses the needs of the students. This incorporates three main, yet interlinked areas as identified by the NCGE:

  • Personal and Social

  • Educational

  • Career Guidance

Personal and Social Counselling

Personal and social counselling is a key part of the school guidance programme. It is offered on an individual basis. It aims to assist students to explore their thoughts and feelings, giving care and support to students learning to manage the various challenges and developments in growing and changing. Great emphasis is placed on endeavouring to raise and enhance pupils’ self-esteem. An interdisciplinary approach is adopted. Year Heads and teachers from a number of departments collaborate and liaise with pupils’ homes in addressing this objective.

Educational Guidance

This begins at the student’s entry to second level schooling. Educational guidance includes empowering students in the areas of subject choice, testing and study skills. Some examples of educational Guidance include:

  • Study skills

  • Assessment using psychometric testing

  • Motivation and goal setting

  • Subject choices

  • Subject levels 

  • Suitable programmes 

Career Guidance

Career guidance involves empowering students to recognise their talents and abilities enabling them to make informed choices and take responsibility for their own futures. 

Examples of areas covered:

  • Career information

  • Development of self-awareness 

  • Post Leaving Certificate choices/pathways to further education 

  • Attendance at career events and open days

  • Personal guidance interviews

  • Organisation of career guest speakers

  • College Awareness Week 

  • Decision making skills and career planning skills 

  • Job search skills

  • Interviews preparation

  • Personal statement guidance 

  • Restricted course support 

  • Work experience

  • Use of I.T e.g. Qualifax, Careers Portal, CAO and Career Directions.