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First Year StudentsWe understand that the first year of secondary school can be a big change for students. Our students often come from small primary schools where they know most or all of the other students and teachers. In situations like this, secondary school can seem daunting when you have a mix of new people, new subjects and new expectations. |
How Do We Help Our First-years?We have a number of measures in place to help our first-year students adjust as quickly as possible: 
Separate CampusWe know it can be difficult to go from a school where you were one of the senior students to suddenly finding yourself being the youngest again. All first year classes are held on a separate campus (adjacent to the main campus) to help first-years adjust and make new friends.
No Homework For First WeekWe feel that the first week in a new building with new subjects, new teachers and new classmates is a lot to take in so we don't give our first-year students any homework for the first week.
Induction DayInduction day for first years is held on the first day of school each year. During this day students are made aware of their rights and responsibilities regarding their behaviour towards others. The principal and vice-principal introduce themselves and explain how the school works (school journals, timetables, who to bring problems to etc.).
Trying Out Optional SubjectsSome of the subjects available for Junior Certificate are not offered in primary school so it can sometimes be difficult for a first-year student to know which subjects interest them most. They must choose two subjects from the pool of available subjects. In order to help them make this choice, they take each optional subject for a few weeks in rotation before choosing. More information is available on this in our academic programmes section. |
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