International House Incorporating High School Ireland

Dear Agent/ Parent,

I am delighted to introduce this new guide to the very best of our Irish High schools. Ireland has one of the highest participation rates in second and third level education in the OECD and its standard of educational excellence is recognised worldwide.

Due to the fact that even private schools are heavily subsidised by the government, Ireland represents exceptionally good value in terms of cost and quality. We present here a selection of carefully chosen public and private schools, together with a short introduction to the Irish Education system. We have expanded our High School Department, in terms both of staffing and partner schools and I am confident that we can provide a superior service to agents and students at a price which you will find competitive. You will also have the comfort that you are working with International House, an organisation internationally recognised for it’s commitment to quality.

I would like to thank our High School team at International House Dublin, under the leadership of Tom Smyth, for putting together a guide which is informative, well structured and easy to use. With every best wish from the staff at High School Ireland/ International House,

______

Laurence Finnegan,

Director

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International House Dublin Incorporating High School Ireland

WHY STUDY IN IRELAND?

Ireland is an English speaking country.

Ireland has one of the best education systems in Europe.

Irish people are renowned for their friendliness and hospitality which greatly contributes to the ease with which overseas students adapt to student life in Ireland.

Ireland's landscape provides a rich environment for the many outdoor leisure pursuits for which it is famous.

Ireland has a rich cultural heritage with its own distinctive language (Gaelic) music, culture and sports.

Ireland is a dynamic, lively and modern country, with 40% of the population under 25.

Ireland is a safe place in which to study.

Ireland is a highly developed democracy with a modern economy.

The number of international students in Ireland is increasing each year and International House Dublin offers excellent schools, great value and many extras to our International students.

The Irish Experience: “ Ireland is a dynamic, lively, modern country with a young population, a fast-growing economy…a country where music, conversation, culture, traditions, time to relax, listen and make friends…matter. A country renowned for its beautiful, unspoiled countryside and scenery as well as its cultured, cosmopolitan and lively cities”.

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International House Dublin Incorporating High School Ireland

WHY CHOOSE International House Dublin Incorporating High School Ireland?

1. International House has over 25 years’ experience in placing students in our High School Programme. 2. Both Larry Finnegan (Managing Director) and Tom Smyth (High School Programme Director) have unrivalled experience in the Irish Education System having served as teachers and as Headmasters in two prestigious Dublin Schools. 3. International House has built up an excellent working relationship with many of the very best schools in Ireland in both the Private and the Public school sectors. 4. Applications for places in schools are dealt with as swiftly as possible in all cases. 5. Over the years we have assembled a large number of excellent host families who take good care of the students, treat them like one of their own and make their stay in Ireland very happy and memorable. 6. International House has its own English Language School where we can offer international students High School Preparation Courses prior to their entering High Schools. We can also offer free English classes to our High School student (space permitting) during holiday or work experience periods. 7. On Wednesday afternoons, in our Camden Street language school, a free counselling, study and homework assistance service is provided for students in the Dublin area. 8. High School students are free, at any time, to avail of the free use of the computers in the language school and to bring their own laptop computers to the area. 9. A Social Programme, with one outing/excursion each month, is organised for the High School students living in the Dublin area. 10. International House provides a comprehensive Guardianship Service to our international students. This includes: o Assistance with the purchase of Books and Uniform and the settling in period in the school and/or the host family; o Student is visited monthly for counselling and progress report; o Liaison with school and host family monthly to assess the student’s academic and social progress; o At least six reports per year are sent to student’s family; o Expenditure from Student’s Contingency Fund monitored; o 24-hour Emergency Contact phone numbers are available to the student throughout his/her stay;

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International House Dublin Incorporating High School Ireland

Irish Education System INTRODUCTION Ireland is an English-speaking country with a long tradition of providing education for International students dating back centuries. During the Middle Ages many scholars from Britain and mainland Europe travelled to Ireland to study in our famous monastery schools. This tradition is carried on 1500 years later with many international students from all over the world availing of the opportunities offered by the Irish education system.

Ireland has a long and honourable tradition in education. As a result of a sustained investment in this area Ireland now has one of the highest educational participation rates in the world - 81% of Irish students complete second-level and approx 60% go on to higher education. This dynamic, educated population has made its mark at home and abroad with international companies looking to Ireland again and again when hiring graduates for top class positions.

Ireland has one of the best education systems in the world according to the 2004 IMD World Competitiveness Report. It has close links to industry and is characterised by creativity, flexibility, agility, pragmatism and informality. Education has been a key factor in making Ireland one of the fastest growing economies in the world over the past decade.

Responsibility for education lies within the Department of Education and Science. It administers all aspects of education policy including curricula, syllabi and national examinations. Attendance at full time education is compulsory in Ireland from six to fifteen years of age. Education is considered a fundamental right under the Irish constitution. STRUCTURE OF THE SYSTEM

PRIMARY EDUCATION Children do not have to attend school until the age of six but it is usual for children to begin school the September following their fourth birthday. Four-year-olds and five-year-olds are enrolled in the junior or senior infant classes. The curriculum for primary education covers the following key areas: Language, mathematics, social, environment and scientific education, arts education including visual arts music and drama, physical integration, social personal and health education. Primary schools are generally privately-owned by religious communities (or boards of governors) but are State-funded.

SECOND LEVEL EDUCATION Second Level education in Ireland aims to build on the foundation of primary education to provide a comprehensive, high quality learning environment to enable all students to live full lives and to realise their potential as individuals and citizens.

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International House Dublin Incorporating High School Ireland

Courses and curricula are designed to produce students with a broad and comprehensive knowledge of a variety of subjects. The secondary-level education sector comprises secondary, vocational, community and comprehensive schools. There are both private and public schools. The secondary schools sector is composed of both boarding and day schools which may be either co-educational or single sex schools. The public sector schools may be either secondary, vocational, community or comprehensive schools and like the private schools may be co- educational or single sex schools. All schools in Ireland, recognised by the Department of Education and Science, are state- funded. Public schools get more funding than private ones. The types of schools mainly differ on the basis of administration and sources of funding. Second level education in Ireland generally starts at the age of twelve and consists of:

1. A three year Junior cycle, at the end of which the Junior Certificate Examination is taken in about 10 subjects, followed by

2. A one year Transition Year (optional in some schools) where the emphasis is on subject areas which provide an opportunity for students to experience a wide range of educational inputs, life skills and work experience at a remove from the examination focus. This is followed by

3. A two year Senior cycle. The senior cycle has been significantly restructured in recent years. International Students must take a minimum of five subjects (most students take 7 or even more) including the two core subjects of English and Mathematics. Students can then choose their other subjects from a broad range including arts, languages, science and other applied subjects (e.g. mechanical drawing, woodwork etc.). At the end of the senior cycle the Leaving Certificate Examination is taken. Students normally sit for this examination at eighteen years of age. The Leaving Certificate Examination is internationally recognised as being the equivalent of the British A Level Examination and the International Baccalaureate Examination and allows access to universities in the UK, the USA and all over Europe. The range of subjects taken by the student allows him/her to keep several options open for Third Level Education. In the Irish System of Education the emphasis is on a broad education and the student is encouraged to have a good knowledge of a broad spectrum of subjects so that more career choices are open to him/her when the time comes to choose further education courses.

THE LEAVING CERTIFICATE PROGRAMME:

This is the most widely taken programme in which students must take at least five subjects. Those intending to pursue higher education and training at a higher education institute normally take seven subjects in this examination and access to higher education and training programmes depends on results obtained. Each subject taken at Leaving Certificate level is allocated grades. Each grade is matched to a number of points (e.g. Grade A1 in a Higher Level

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International House Dublin Incorporating High School Ireland

Paper = 100 points, Grade A1 in an Ordinary Level paper = 60 points). To estimate the number of points achieved by a student in the examination, the six highest grades are chosen, each awarded the corresponding points and then totalled. This total number of points will qualify the student for a specific course, chosen from a list of courses, prior to the exam.

THIRD LEVEL EDUCATION is made up of a number of sectors:

1. The university sector, the technological sector and the colleges of education are substantially funded by the State. In addition there are a number of independent private colleges. There are seven universities and they are autonomous and self-governing. They offer degree programmes at bachelor, master and doctorate level.

2. The technological sector includes institutes of technology which provide programmes of education and training in areas such as business, science, engineering, linguistics and music to certificate, diploma and degree levels. The Department of Education and Science has overall responsibility for the sector.

3. There are five colleges of education. These specialise in training for first level teachers. They offer a three-year bachelor of education degree and an 18-month post-graduate diploma. The training of second level teachers usually involves completing a primary degree in university or other third level institution followed by a one-year higher diploma in education. In addition, there are colleges of education that specialise in the training of second level home economics teachers, teachers of religion and physical education.

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International House Dublin Incorporating High School Ireland

PRIVATE SCHOOLS International House Dublin Incorporating High School Ireland

PRIVATE BOARDING SCHOOLS

Cistercian College, Roscrea – Boys Catholic, 7 Day Boarding – Co-educational, Quaker, 5 Day Boarding – Co-educational, Protestant, 5 Day Boarding Franciscan College, Gormanston – Boys, Catholic 7 Day Boarding , Cashel – Co-educational, Catholic, 7 Day Boarding Royal School, Cavan – Co-educational, Protestant, 5 Day Boarding Grammar School – Co-educational, Protestant, 7 Day Boarding , Dublin – Co-educational, multidenominational, 7 Day Boarding Wilson’s Hospital School – Co-educational, , 7 Day Boarding St Columba’s College, Dublin – Co-educational, Church of Ireland, 7 Day Boarding.

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International House Dublin Incorporating High School Ireland

Cistercian College, Tipperary

Principal Cistercian College offers a broad based curriculum delivered in modern

Ms. Marcelline Cody classrooms and laboratories by experienced, committed staff. This work is

School Type: complimented through the use of dedicated supervised Study Halls. School

Private, boys‟ boarding work is monitored through a pro-active system of weekly, monthly and end- school of-term tests. This system provides for positive individual academic Accreditation: coaching and instruction. The establishment of Cistercian College Roscrea in To the Irish Department of 1905 as a secondary boarding school for boys is evidence of the adjoining Education & Science. monastic community’s willingness and ability to meet circumstances as they Enrolment develop and build on its Cistercian tradition. While the number of monks 295 involved in the school has diminished over the years, the fact that the It has approximately 16 – 22 students per class. school operates in the shadow and under the protective wing of a prayerful Academic Staff: monastic community impacts positively on the spiritual formation of all. The 50 partners in this community live, work and pray side by side. The Cistercian

Subjects tradition is to care about the student as an individual, to provide rigorous

Gaeilge, English, academic standards and to maintain high behavioural expectations. Team- Mathematics, Geography, History, French, German, work and partnership have played an important role in the community of Spanish, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, CCR and are a pre-requisite for continued successful management as the Agricultural Science, Applied Mathematics, Art, College faces the many challenges posed to it by 21st century Ireland. Technical Graphics, Business, Accounting and Cistercian College, Roscrea is a Seven Day Boarding School for boys situated Economics within the grounds of the Cistercian Monastery of Mount St. Joseph Examinations Abbey. Within this Catholic Environment the boys committed to our care Junior Certificate, Leaving “live and pray, study and play and seek the truth in harmony and mutual Certificate respect”. The College motto “Insideat Coelis Animo Sed Corpore Terris” Graduate destinations promotes the aspiration of reaching for the heavens while keeping our feet Over 98% of our students go on to further University firmly on the ground. The School has a proud record of Academic studies. achievement as evidenced by the outstanding results over a long number of Sport years. Past Students attend all major Irish tertiary institutions as well as Rugby, Hurling, Basketball, Volleyball, Golf, Swimming, overseas universities. Every Province in Ireland is represented in our school Equestrian, Tennis, Soccer, Table Tennis, Billiards, whilst we also cater for a number of over-seas students. Living within such a Snooker diverse group enables the students to be well prepared for the social challenges that await them after second level.

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International House Dublin Incorporating High School Ireland

Cistercian College offers a broad based curriculum delivered in modern Facilities classrooms and laboratories by experienced, committed staff. This work is Modern Information complimented through the use of dedicated supervised Study Halls. School Technology Centre, a “State of the Art” Sports work is monitored through a pro-active system of weekly, monthly and end- Complex including Squash of-term tests. This system provides for positive individual academic Courts, Basketball court, Swimming Pool, Tennis coaching and instruction. Courts, Golf Course and in excess of forty acres of Our comprehensive Pastoral Care System reflects the importance we attach excellent quality Sports Pitches. to the care and well-being of the boys entrusted to us on a Seven Day Boarding School basis. Participation in the non-academic activities is greatly Dormitories vary in supported and encouraged, primarily in a wide variety of Games, in size. Some provide accommodation for as little Debating and Public Speaking, in Music and Drama and in a host of other as 5-6 students while others past-times. The overall objective is to produce young men of vision and accommodate up to 30 students. principles, of leadership and of courage. This objective is partly achieved through many systems such as:

Elected House Captains, Elected Class Representatives, Appointed Prefects, Extra Curricular Encouraged participation in Organisations, Committees, Public Speaking, Drama, Annual Opera, Team Sports and Team Projects. Students can learn the following instruments; Cistercian College offers a large number of boys the chance to participate in Violin, Flute, Clarinet, Piano, Guitar, Organ, Tin different musical activities and is committed to the development of Whistle, Drums. individual musical talents. The Annual Opera has been staged November each year since 1924 with a large number of boys involved in the chorus line, so that all boys are given their very own opportunity to perform on stage. C.C.R. is a Catholic College under the trusteeship of the Abbot and Cistercian Community where it embraces the Catholic ethos and encourages Christian values. Over the years we’ve been home to some students from different religious backgrounds. As a college it is conscious of its place in Europe and beyond and it is proud of its pupils from all over the world.

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International House Dublin Incorporating High School Ireland

Drogheda Grammar School, Louth

The School Ethos "Every individual is of value and has something to Principal: Mr. Richard Schmidt contribute." School Type: Private, co- educational, boarding & day was founded under Royal charter in 1669 is school one of the oldest secondary schools in Ireland, now enjoying its fourth Accreditation: To the Irish Department of Education & century of continuous educational service to the community. Originally a Science boys' boarding school, it has now been a co-educational boarding and day Enrolment: 250 130 girls school for over fifty years. The Trustees today are largely drawn from the and 120 boys (40 boarders) Academic Staff: 30 Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) and the Board of Management includes parents and teachers. The campus consists of a beautiful Regency Subjects: House flanked by woodland, with modern classroom and dormitory buildings and extensive playing fields to its rear. Junior Cert: Irish, English, Mathematics, History, Geography, French, We have always welcomed students from abroad at the Grammar School German, Home Economics, and in recent years a number have joined us from , France, , PE, Science, Art, CSPE, Computers, SPHE. and the United States. Most come for just one year but some stay for longer and their presence adds a multi-cultural dimension to school life. Transition Year: Irish, English, Mathematics, The school offers five day boarding and weekend home accomodation is French, German, arranged for the students with local families. Geography, History, Art & Photography, Business studies, Car maintenance, The school sets out to create a happy, caring and secure environment in Tourism awareness, Computer Studies, which the individual student is able to develop his or her full potential. An Japanese studies, Life awareness of the needs of others in the community is recognised and skills, Media studies, Music, PE, Science, respected. Within a supportive atmosphere every student is expected to Spanish/Italian, Woodwork behave responsibly and through enjoyment, enthusiasm and self- and Work Experience. discipline become a better person. Discipline is based upon common sense Leaving Cert: Core and reason. All students are encouraged to build on their own subjects are Irish, English, achievements; while success at public examinations is important, student Mathematics and French and students choose 4 from contributions on the sports field, in the debating hall or on the stage are the following: Physics, equally recognised. Chemistry, Biology, History, Geography, Art, Business Organisation, German and A structural Pastoral Care programme is followed by the students. Each Home Economics. form has a Form Tutor. There is a Dean of Boys and Dean of Girls to Graduate Destination: oversee student welfare and the School Guidance Counsellor is there to Over 95% of its graduates go on to third level help with individual and group difficulties. Students are encouraged to institutions, including major discuss problems with members of staff, who are there to help, advise and universities in Ireland, and guide when necessary. The school is multi-denominational and guidance U.K. reflects the fundamental moral principles of our society. The morning Sport: Hockey, badminton, assemblies contain silent prayer and readings. soccer, cross-country, tennis, swimming, volleyball, basketball, rugby The fourth in the six-year cycle, Transition Year promotes the personal, and gymnastics social, educational and vocational development of the student. Its aims are threefold; an education toward maturity, an education through experience of adult and working life and a promotion of general, technical www.ihdublin.com Page | 10

International House Dublin Incorporating High School Ireland

Facilities and academic skills. It is an integrated and exciting part of the school The school has good sports curriculum, providing opportunities for students to explore and develop facilities and as well as their interests and career options. The year includes work experience, having playing pitches for student exchange, life skills, and a wide curriculum including modules in car football and hockey it also has a gymnasium for sports mechanics, media studies, woodwork, arts and crafts, Celtic studies, such as badminton and computers and home economics. outdoor tennis courts.

Boarding Facilities Students who board at Drogheda Grammar gain a sense of value in community life and a degree of self-confidence and independence. There is The boarding facilities house a full programme throughout the day and evening, with classes, study, the small group of boarders – about 40 normally- in sports, extra-curricular activities and leisure time – all under the watchful comfortable surroundings. and caring eyes of the duty staff, Housemistress and Headmaster. Students

Extra Curricular find boarding enjoyable; the atmosphere is disciplined, yet friendly and cheerful. Chess, computers, debating, arts and crafts, gardening, science, cycling, The Grammar School has always welcomed students from abroad. Most canoeing, horse-riding and choir. A number of students come for just one year but some stay for longer and their presence adds a participate each year in multi-cultural dimension to school life. The school offers five-day boarding Gaisce the Presidents Award Scheme). An annual and weekend home accommodation is arranged for the students, with local European tour offers the families. students the chance to visit a location of cultural and historical interest, or to enjoy the thrills of a skiing holiday. At home frequent visits are made to the theatre and other places of interest

Overseas Students

In recent years a number have joined us from Spain, Germany, Slovakia, Korea, Japan, China and the United States.

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International House Dublin Incorporating High School Ireland

Dundalk Grammar School, Louth

Principal The aim of Dundalk Grammar School is to produce well-educated, well- rounded young people who are tolerant of others, enthusiastic for life, Mr. Cyril J. Drury and who will develop to their full potential. The school is foremost a School Type: Private, secondary school, taking pupils from about the age of twelve until inter-denominational, co- nineteen; but it has its own excellent primary or junior school working educational, boarding & day from the same premises taking pupils from four and providing a school supportive background until their entry into the secondary school. The Accreditation: To the Irish school is under Protestant management and is mindful to see that the Department of Education & prevailing ethos has its roots in that tradition. Science.

Enrolment: 500 (120 Each year's group is divided into three or four form groups. These are Boarders) with about 280 mixed ability groups of twenty to twenty-five students. All forms have a boys and 220 girls. form teacher assigned to them, and it is this form teacher who ensures Academic Staff: 45 that each pupil benefits to the maximum extent from a system of careful Subjects guidance and counseling through these developmental years. Form teachers are available to advise both pupils and their parents. The form Irish, English, Mathematics, History, Geography, teacher is responsible for the general welfare of the pupils . Rules Science, Business Studies, governing behavior are deliberately kept to a minimum, but they are Religion, Social, Political and Health Education, Civil, clearly defined and understood. The school aims to maintain a good Social and Personal balance between freedom and restraint. To this end it provides the secure Education ,French ,Spanish, German,Home Economics, framework of a clearly delineated and well-defined code of conduct. Woodwork, Music, Art and Discipline is based on co-operation and mutual respect among all sections Craft, Technical Graphics and Physical Education. of our school community. Pupils from all traditions are welcome at the Applied Mathematics, school. Assembly takes place every morning between 8.55 and 9.05. It Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Agricultural includes readings, prayers and hymns, followed by school Science, Accounting, announcements, etc. Attendance at daily assembly is compulsory for all Business, Economics, pupils. The new pupil needs time to settle in and adjust to the demands of Technical Drawing, Building Construction. ,Also offered, a new and larger school. For the boarder, there is the added challenge of but not part of the official being away from home, probably for the first time. We do all we can to syllabus, are: Computer Applications/Word assist new pupils to find their feet. A special induction programme is in Processing/ Keyboard operation for first-year pupils. The first day of autumn term is set aside Skills. for first-year pupils when they and their parents participate in our full-day induction programme. A full report is made at autumn half-term detailing Examinations the pupil's progress in the academic, extra-curricular, sporting, Junior Certificate, Leaving disciplinary and personal spheres. Certificate

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International House Dublin Incorporating High School Ireland

Facilities All classes in the school are co-educational. In the Music room, an orchestra room, gymnasium, a full- interests of equal size, floodlit, astro-turf pitch, opportunities all subjects an all weather hockey pitch, three artificial grass tennis are open to both boys and courts; and in nearby girls, but girls, in particular, grounds, soccer and rugby are encouraged to seek pitches. Boarding Facilities opportunities in science and technology. Class size In 1999 the school bought the Old Louth Hospital. This throughout the school is building was refurbished small, due to a substantial and developed and opened in 2001 to provide first-class investment in additional boarding accommodation teachers. A class size of for up to one hundred and thirty students. The twenty or less is normal boarders are supervised by throughout the school, and the Headmaster and eight resident members of staff. some groups in fifth and sixth forms are even Extra Curricular smaller. All subjects are The more popular societies are those devoted to taught by subject specialists debating and drama. Visits are made to museums, art galleries and concert halls, The Transition Year serves and to archaeological sites including the Boyne Valley. as a transition from junior Tours and exchange visits to senior level enabling to France, Germany and Belgium have been students to follow courses arranged. which will form the basis for

Graduate Destination senior cycle studies. It also Over 90% of its graduates go on to third level offers courses and institutions, including major experiences not normally universities in Ireland, and offered in the more rigid U.K. certificate examination syllabus. Students are helped to become familiar with Sport work and its responsibilities, both within the school and through outside Hockey, rugby, soccer, work experience. cricket, tennis, badminton, Opportunities are also afforded the students to develop personal initiative basketball, rounders and athletics and entrepreneurial skills through the operation of mini-companies and involvement in the national Young Entrepreneurs scheme, and to help

develop their constructive use of leisure time and pursuits.

The introduction and development of strategies to counteract learning difficulties have been of immense help to many pupils. The school has a learning-support teacher who works closely with the Department of Education's psychologist. All pupils are routinely assessed in order to detect any learning difficulties as early as possible.

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International House Dublin Incorporating High School Ireland

Franciscan College, Meath

Gormanston College is a Catholic Secondary School under the Gormanston Principal College School Trust. The student body enjoys and includes students from Proinsias O Laoi abroad. There is a mix of boarding and day boarding (day boarding is co- educational). Gormanston is a private fee-paying College. The College Ethos School Type: Private, , co- educational, boarding & day strives to be fair and firm in an atmosphere where students are directed boarding school . (Day towards the values of mutual respect, social awareness and reverence for boarding only, is co- Gospel values. The academic life of the College covers a Six Year Cycle and educational) each Cycle has a Year Head whose role is to monitor study and discipline. Accreditation: To the Irish Each class has a Class Master who deals with matters of concern to the Department of Education & students. The Student Council is elected by the Students and Management and Science. meets monthly to discuss matters of mutual concern.

Enrolment The College is a Catholic 600 school and regular religious About 120 boarders services are available. Attendance at Sunday Mass Academic Staff: and Holy Days is required of 50 all students. Non-Catholic Subjects and non-Christians are required to attend on English, German, French, Gaeilge, Religion, Sundays but need not Accountancy, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Applied participate. Gormanston places strong emphasis on community. All of the Mathematics, Computer Studies, Biology, Business structures of the College are designed to cater for student interaction. The life Studies, Economics, of the College is structured towards communal activity at all levels including History, Geography, Music, Art, Physical Education, worship, meals, sport, social activity and recreation. The arranged breaks Swimming Instruction, Technical Graphics, Civics, during the School Year are designed with a view to the need for regular Home Economics, contact between students and their families. Agricultural Science, Health Education

Students from First Year and Second Year are placed in dormitories. Third and Examinations Fourth Year Students share study/bedrooms. Fifth Year Students have a single Junior Certificate, Leaving study/bedroom. Sixth Year Students enjoy ensuite accommodation with their Certificate own recreation area. Meals are shared in the College refectory (Dining Hall). A Sport Food Committee liaises with the Catering Management and menus are Gaelic football, Hurling, reviewed regularly. College assemblies are held throughout the school year. Basketball, Badminton, Students are admitted from the average age of twelve by way of application, Squash and indoor handball, Swimming , Water interview and assessment involving a series of tests during a familiarisation Polo,and Athletics (track day. No special skills are required, but suitability to the restrictions and ethos and field) of a seven-day boarding school with six-day classes is a prerequisite for all admissions. The College welcomes students from abroad; however a working knowledge of English is required.

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International House Dublin Incorporating High School Ireland

Graduate Destination The Clann System is similar to the House system as it operates in Public Schools. On arrival in the College each student is assigned to one of the five

Over 85% of its graduates Clanns and remains a member of that Clann throughout his/her stay. The Head go on to third level of the Clann is called the institutions, including major Caoimhnóir (Irish for universities in Ireland, and Guardian); he is assisted in U.K.; the remainder go into apprenticeship in industry or the management of the Clann family business. by two elected Prefects. The role of the Caoimhnóir and Prefects is to care for the well being of each Clann member, organise inter-Clann Extra Curricular competition and monitor All students study music discipline. The Clann system and Art and Music are encourages a sense of belonging and strives to eliminate the anonymity common leisure activities associated with the larger group. It affords each student the opportunity to among the boys. There are many musical groups in the contribute positively to the life of the College. The positive behaviour and school. contribution of each student is accumulated both the student and to his/her Clann. The Caoimhnóir of the Clann is a very important point of contact between parent and College as the Caoimhnóir enjoys the role of in loco Students involve parentis within the College. themselves in many community activities and The present Franciscan become engaged in Fund- raising activities for Community is comprised of charitable causes. fourteen friars and all still contribute in some way and at different levels to the life Debating and public and activities of the College. Speaking are popular and As a world-wide religious students compete at inter- order the Franciscan college level. Community is pleased with the international trend within the College. Past pupils of Gormanston are to be found in every walk of life Many students involve and in every profession. Our past pupils number among them bishops, themselves in helping out in St. Michael‟s Hose for religious provincials, government ministers, members of parliament, lawyers, handicapped children. barristers, professors, diplomats, corporate executives, teachers and civil servants, businessmen, farmers, artists, craftsmen and tradesmen, cartoonist

and musicians. Past pupils are Cultural tours, Life-saving to be found in television, the classes and the annual cinema and the stage. They GAISCE awards are all very number among them top well supported by the student population also. international jockeys, international show jumpers, Olympic track and field, golf pro and golf am. Numerous past pupils have represented their counties in Gaelic football and hurling.

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International House Dublin Incorporating High School Ireland

Rockwell College, Tipperary

Rockwell College is a co-educational voluntary secondary school participating Principal in the free education scheme. The Congregation of the Holy Ghost are the Mr. Pat O‟Sullivan trustees of the school. The historical legacy of the Holy Ghost fathers is still

School Type: Private, inter- keenly felt in the college through the continued presence of members of the denominational, co- Order and through their role in providing Masses and other religious services educational, boarding & day school to students and staff.

Accreditation: To the Irish There are a number of different categories of boarding students in the Department of Education & Science. school: day boarders; five-day boarders; seven-day boarders; overseas (European) seven-day boarders and overseas (non-European) seven-day Enrolment: 515 (280 boys and 235 girls) boarders. Boarding girls are placed with local host families by the school. Contact is maintained with host families by the dean of girls. There are 155 boys and 20 girls boarding. At present, upwards of twenty different nationalities are represented in the Academic Staff: 40 student population, adding to the multicultural atmosphere in the school.

Subjects Irish, English, Overseas students apply on an individual basis, with the major nationalities Mathematics, Civic Social represented comprising Spanish, German, Mexican and Russian students. and Political Education History, Geography, Business Studies, Physical Education (PE), Science, The school is a Catholic, co-educational school and aspires to be a place Religion and Social, Personal where boys and girls can grow and develop in a caring and supportive and Health Education , First- year students also study all environment. These values are evident in the welcoming and friendly of the option subjects atmosphere which has been created by management and staff. They are through a „taster‟ system, including French, German, further reflected in the positive and lively aspect of the student population. Music, Art and Home The Catholic ethos is also strongly expressed through the presence of a Economics and Technical Graphics, Accounting, number of Holy Ghost fathers on the teaching staff, along with the support Business, Economics, of other Holy Ghost fathers who preside over a number of liturgical services Spanish, Technical Drawing, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, during the year. The school chapel is a further powerful physical reminder of Applied Mathematics and the Catholic nature of the school and there are regular retreats organised by Agricultural Science. religion teachers and the chaplain.

Curricular programmes The school is inclusive with regard to international students. There is a dean The Junior Certificate, of foreign students who has responsibility for international students during Transition Year programme, the school day. The dean focuses in particular on pastoral and disciplinary (which is optional), the matters relevant to these students. There are two periods in the week during Leaving Certificate and the which the dean of foreign students has arranged that she will be available Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme. should parents wish to contact her. She also makes contact with parents of international students, should the need arise. International students are facilitated in maintaining contact with their homes through use of the college internet service which is available to them in the Hall of Residence.

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International House Dublin Incorporating High School Ireland

Graduate destinations: The intercultural character of the school is celebrated in a number of ways. At year Masses and, in particular at the final year Mass, each nation About 80% of the student population go on to Third represented in the college brings forward emblems of their country. Level Educational Institutions with the majority of those A further feature of the inclusive nature of the school is the regular going to Universities in Ireland and the UK. acknowledgement of the religious festivals of other faiths represented in the student cohort. The school endeavours to ensure that boarders who share

the same room are of different nationalities in a further attempt to Facilities encourage the development of an inclusive atmosphere.

A 25-metre indoor heated swimming pool, sports hall, The school is in receipt of a number of teaching hours to support students in nine-hole golf course, a their acquisition of English as a second language. The Oxford Quick weights room and tennis Placement Test is administered to students to determine whether they need courts and some twenty acres of sports pitches. extra support in English language learning. The college provides Teaching English as a Foreign Sports Language (TEFL) Rugby, hockey, basketball, lessons for those soccer, swimming and life- saving lessons, golf, international students athletics, tennis, canoeing who require additional and equestrian events support Extra Curricular

Cultural activities include Rockwell attaches great importance to its reputation for high academic choral and musical presentations, art standards in a Christian environment with a very high percentage of students competitions, drama and debating advancing to third level education. Rockwell is also a recognised centre for G.C.S.E. (UK) and S.A.T. and A.C.T. Admission Test programmes for

Universities in the United States.

Another aspiration of the mission statement is that the college would seek to respect the rights and uniqueness of each pupil, as well as promoting respect for civil authorities and a concern and care for one another. These qualities can be seen in the daily interactions of members of the college community, along with the open and inclusive approach adopted by management towards staff and students.

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International House Dublin Incorporating High School Ireland

Royal School, Cavan

Principal The Royal School Cavan is a Christian Co-Educational Secondary Boarding

Mr. Ivan W Bolton School in Cavan Town. It was founded in 1611 by James 1. The building is situated on its own grounds (20 acres). Pupils follow a complete School Type: Private, co- educational, boarding & Junior Certificate Syllabus and Leaving Certificate Syllabus to Higher levels in day school a comprehensive range of subjects under the direction of a staff of graduate

Accreditation: To the Irish specialist teachers. Department of Education & Science The Junior Certificate is a three year programme while the leaving certificate is a two year programme. Pupils may only repeat any of these years if the Enrolment: over 200 (almost equal numbers of guidelines set out by the Department of Education and Science are followed. boys and girls) Between Junior Certificate and First Year Leaving Certificate we run a 80 Boarders. compulsory Transition Year with a practical emphasis which includes work experience, mock interviews, career guidance, subjects in a modular form as Academic Staff: 28 well as maintaining the traditional academic disciplines. This year gives pupils Subjects an educational experience without the pressure of state examinations. The School is certainly still small in terms of numbers. Yet despite this it Irish, English, Mathematics, History, Geography, continues to enjoy achievement and success in a wide number of fields, be it Science,Business Studies,French, Home academically in terms of examination results, or in other areas, such as the Economics, Technical Graphics, Technology, Art, Coca-Cola 'Form and Fusion' competition or Young Enterprise competition. Music, C.S.P.E., S.P.H.E., Tuition is provided in Piano, Recorder etc if required. Pupils may follow Biology, Agricultural Science, Accounting, the examinations for piano, recorder etc. as set out by The Royal Irish Technical Drawing, Construction Studies,Home Academy if they wish. Although desirable, it is not necessary to have studied Economics, the piano before starting piano lessons in the school. Music is also a Physics/Chemistry curricular examination option to Junior and Leaving Certificate. Graduate Destination The entire School is networked allowing users to access their work at any PC The majority go on to throughout the school. The School has a filtered broadband Internet system, further Education in Colleges and Universities allowing for 'safe surfing' at all times. Keyboarding, word processing, all over Ireland and further databases and spreadsheets are some of the topics covered during class time abroad. and transition year pupils use the PC's to create Curriculum Vitae's for their Sport work experience and they also take a web design as one of their transition Hockey, Soccer, year modules. Basketball, Volleyball, Rounders, Athletics, Crosscountry, Swimming, Tennis, Badminton, Table- tennis

A learning support teacher is a full-time member of staff. Pupils with special needs are assessed and given extra help as appropriate. Concessions are arranged for dyslexic pupils in State Examinations. Part of the www.ihdublin.com Page | 18

International House Dublin Incorporating High School Ireland

Facilities remedial/special needs programme is the maintenance of close communication with parents/guardians while dealing with pupils' needs. Full sized floodlit all-weather hockey pitch, Grass hockey pitch, Grass soccer pitch, Classes receive one Physical Hard tennis/basketball court with floodlighting. Education session per week, of 1 hour's duration approximately, in

the Cavan Indoor Sports Complex. A Extra Curricular bus is provided each day to

Chess/Board games, transport pupils to and from the Computers, Debating, complex. After school use is also Drama and Choir, Pool, Science Club made of the complex which now includes an indoor swimming pool. All pupils, unless exempted by a Doctor's Certificate, are required to take part in Physical Education and Transition Year Modules games. Include the following German, Drama, Geopolitics, Cookery, Each pupil has a formal session in the Psychology, Japenese Library each week of term, during Culture, Music, Art, Performance Arts,Web which books may be borrowed and Design books and periodicals read. The Library is run by Transition year pupils under the direction of Teaching and Boarding Staff. In their use of the library pupils are encouraged to gain as much experience as possible in the use of modern library facilities. In addition periodicals and books are available to pupils as and when required in association with project work etc.

The mission is to bring the curriculum of the school and the facilities offered entirely into line with the demanding and changing educational requirements of the new millennium and thereby provide quality education for our pupils in the Christian Ethos.

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International House Dublin Incorporating High School Ireland

Sligo Grammar School, Sligo

Principal : Mr. Wynn Oliver provides an appropriate setting for a school which prides itself on a strong academic and cultural life. Girls are housed in the School Type: Private, co- educational, boarding & Hermitage, and boys live in the old Grammar School. day school

Accreditation: To the Irish The school is one of a small number of schools in the Department of Education & under Church of Ireland management, and is liberal and egalitarian in its Science outlook. Co-educational since 1948, the school also brings together pupils Enrolment: 449 students: from various religious traditions, and students of several nationalities. It is a 346 day pupils and 103 boarders of which 49 are popular destination for exchange students seeking a temporary home in a girls and 54 are boys pleasant part of the English-speaking world; in the last academic year we

Academic Staff: 52 were delighted to welcome students from Germany, Mexico, , Russia and Spain. Subjects at Junior Level

Irish, English, Mathematics, A voluntary secondary school, Sligo Grammar School operates a six-year Geography, Business cycle (like most second-level schools in the Rep. of Ireland) catering for Studies, French, German, Science, History, Science, students aged about 12 – 18. Students work for their first three years Music, Art, Craft and towards the Junior Certificate state examinations, in which most students Design, Technical Graphics, Home will take ten subjects. Fourth Year is Transition Year, a break from exam- Economics, Religious orientated study, in which students have the opportunity to experience a Education, C.S.P.E., Physical Education broad range of new subjects and activities. Finally, on entering fifth year, students begin two years of study towards the Leaving Certificate. For most Subjects at Senior Level students, this is a third-level entrance examination. Seven subjects are Irish, English, Mathematics, usually taken, of which English, Irish and Maths are compulsory. School life is Geography, Business , Geography, Applied Maths, not, however, all about study. A broad range of extra-curricular activities is Business, French, German, on offer. The school is renowned for its rugby and hockey, and also for its Japanese, Agricultural Science, Biology, Physics, award-winning choir. Chemistry, Music, Construction Studies, Accounting,, Art, Craft and Design, Home Economics, Technical Drawing, Religious Education and Physical Education

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International House Dublin Incorporating High School Ireland

The school’s educational aims are broad-based; it aims to address the Sport academic, intellectual, physical, social, spiritual and cultural aspects of Rugby, Hockey, Badminton Athletics, Tennis Swimming. students’ growth. The school’s ethos has, among others, the following aims: Canoeing, Basketball and Golf to foster an understanding of moral, spiritual, religious, social and cultural Extra Curricular values; to nurture a sense of personal identity and self-esteem and a respect

School has been an integral for the rights and beliefs of others; to promote quality and equality for all; to part of the Fields of Life Project in Sligo to build and foster a spirit of self-reliance, innovation, initiative and imagination; to create support Bajja Community School, near Masaka, in tolerant, caring and politically aware members of society. Uganda.

The choir, is entering into its Especially in being a boarding school, the 21st year of existence in its present form. Some 80 pastoral care of students is of great strong, it is a full SATB choir with girls and boys both importance. The boarding houses are equally eager to join. overseen by a Housemaster in the Boys’ Senior and Junior Teams take part in the Gael Linn Residence, and a Housemaster and Debates each year Housemistress in the Girls’ Residence, all One of the students was placed 2nd place in the All of whom live at the school. Matrons deal Ireland Debating Competition. She earlier with minor sicknesses and injuries, and had been awarded "best often also with various difficulties or individual speaker" in the Connaught Debating problems students may encounter. Within the school, each class has its own Championships. Form Teacher, responsible for the educational and personal well-being of its Drama plays a major part in the life of the school. The pupils. A Guidance most recent production was "She stoops to Conquer" by Counselor works especially, Oliver Goldsmith though not exclusively, to There are many opportunities to learn a help students with difficult variety of instruments. Students experience a decisions regarding careers, range of performance opportunities from courses etc., and with their Ensemble playing at the annual Carol Service to a personal academic musical morning in the Mayor's Parlour to a concert achievement. A Special Needs teacher helps and encourages pupils with held in the gym which presents the wealth of various difficulties in learning. Students are also involved in the school in a musical talent for the pastoral role; a number of Prefects are elected by staff each year to help enjoyment of the school community including even keep the school functioning effectively. its own jazz ensemble.

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International House Dublin Incorporating High School Ireland

Principal : Michael Moretta Sutton Park School, Dublin School Type: Private, co- educational, boarding & day Sutton Park School is chiefly an academic school, with over 95% of its school graduates going on to third level institutions, including major universities in Accreditation: To the Irish Ireland, Europe and North America. Sutton Park is well known for its Department of Education & programmes in Music, Drama and Fine Art. Science, the European Council of International Schools (ECIS) and the Sutton Park’s facilities consist of an imposing Georgian house, modern New England Association of classroom blocks, two science laboratories, a modern gymnasium, a heated Schools & Colleges (NEASC) outdoor swimming pool and outstanding grass and Astroturf sports pitches. As part of their on-going Development Programme, they have Enrolment: 280 recently opened new €7.5 million facilities, including a brand new library Sutton Park School, hosts and information technology centre. students from ages 4 to 19 attending from 22 countries. Sutton Park recognises that each pupil has individual needs and abilities,

Academic Staff: 36 and that each develops at a different rate. The School aims to meet the needs and foster the abilities of each one. Subjects at Junior Level The School aims to give each student, irrespective of personal preference, Irish, English, Mathematics, an appreciation of the natural sciences, the social sciences, the humanities, French, German, History, Geography, Science, Home languages and the arts and to develop in each student knowledge and skills Economics, Business in all these areas commensurate with their talents and abilities Studies, Art, Civil,Social and Political Education, Similarly, through a structured programme of health and physical Religious Education, Music, Computer Studies, education and a variety of team and individual sporting activities, the Technical Graphics School aims to promote the physical well-being of its pupils and the

Subjects at Senior Level development of personal skills and team spirit.

Irish , English, Mathematics, The School is co-educational and multi-denominational, and welcomes Physical Education, pupils from overseas. At Sutton Park School, pupils grow up in an German, Home Economics, Music, Technical Drawing, environment of tolerance and mutual respect. Communications between Chemistry, Geography, Art, staff and pupils are open, friendly and direct, and based on trust, Biology, Business, Physics, professional concern and respect. Economics, History, Applied Mathematics, Spanish, Intellectual Development Italian Sutton Park School aims to

Extra Curricular foster in its students the attainment of academic Musical instrument tuition, excellence appropriate to Orchestra, Choir, Recorder, individual ability and is Drama, Handcrafts, Interior design, computers, Art, committed to encouraging Model United Nations, intellectual awareness and curiosity.

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International House Dublin Incorporating High School Ireland

The Curriculum Recent Achievements To achieve these goals the curriculum of Sutton Park School reflects the

Sutton Park School had two following guidelines: projects entered into the 2008 BT Young Scientist A. The Senior School curriculum is directed towards the Irish Leaving Competition - both projects won 1st Prize in their Certificate Higher Level Examination. The curriculum within the Junior sections. School is based upon that prescribed for the national primary schools in

Facilities Ireland. The senior curriculum follows closely that issued by the Irish Facilities include outdoor heated swimming pool, Department of Education for secondary Astroturf pitch, grass pitch, schools. Where possible, the curriculum tennis courts, playground, shows an awareness of developments science labs, library and large gymnasium / theatre. and trends in international education.

Events B. Academic excellence within the parameters of individual ability is a The school organises a priority. Adequate provision of scholarship assistance with an appropriate Young Musician monitoring system is envisaged. Competition which is open to students who reside on the northside of Dublin or C. The curriculum in each subject area reflects a coherent orderly attend a music teacher in progression through the grades. the area and the Young Artist Competition is open to students residing in or D. The Sutton Park School curriculum attending second-level 1. Offers educational opportunities for exceptional students; schools in Dublin. 2. Offers special help for students for special needs; Sport 3. Takes cognisance of the fact that Sutton Park accepts a significant

Golf, Sailing, Badminton, proportion of students from overseas and recognises the unique Soccer, Hockey, Tennis, requirements of these students. Archery, Basketball E. The curriculum is continuously reviewed by the professional staff and

periodically evaluated to ensure that it meets the needs of all its students and supports the identification and implementation of best practice.

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International House Dublin Incorporating High School Ireland

Wilson’s Hospital School, Westmeath

Principal : Mr. Adrian Wilson's Hospital School is the Church of Ireland Diocesan secondary Oughton school of Meath and Kildare. The School is co-educational and multi-

School Type: Private, co- denominational, and welcomes pupils from overseas. educational, boarding & day school It is a seven-day boarding school, operating a five-day teaching week. This allows boarders the option of returning home at weekends or Accreditation: To the Irish Department of Education & remaining at school to avail of the weekend programme. Day pupils are Science, City & Guilds of drawn from surrounding areas and participate fully in the life of the London Institute school. There is an extensive range of subjects up to higher leaving Enrolment: 190 boys 210 certificate standard. The school is committed to top academic girls. About half of the student population (200) are achievement in the context of an all-round education. boarding. Wilson‟s Hospital School, hosts students aged The accreditation to the City & Guilds of London Institute provides from 12 to 19 students with the opportunity to attain internationally recognized Academic Staff: 30 qualifications in Information Technology modules.

Graduate destination: Over 75% go on to The spiritual development of the students is pivotal to the school’s universities in Ireland, the ethos. Daily assembly features an act of worship with Bible reading and UK and other countries. prayer. All boarders attend Chapel Services on Sunday night and all Subjects at Junior Level classes are taught Religions Education. Students participate in many

Civic & Political Education, services throughout the year such as Harvest Thanksgiving, Christmas Computer Studies, English, Carol Service and Confirmation. The school is proud of its Church of Geography, History, Irish Mathematics, Science, Ireland heritage. Students of all faiths are welcome, providing there is an French or German or Spanish Physical Education, Religious acceptance of the school’s ethos Class start at 9:00am and conclude Education, Social, Personal & 4:00pm. The main recreational time is between 4:00pm and 6:00pm. Health Education including Guidance. Two from Classical Wednesday afternoon is reserved for sports and other non-academic Studies, Home Economics, Technical Graphics, Art, activities and classes conclude at 1:15pm. The school offers an extensive Business Studies, Music , range of extracurricular activities including team and individual sports, as subject to groupings well as non-sporting activities such as drama, first aid and GAISCE (The Subjects at Senior Level President's Award). Wilson's teams have been regular prize-winners in Agricultural Science, competitions involving web-design, history and European knowledge, to Applied Mathematics, Art Biology, Business, Chemistry, name a few. Economics, English, French, Geography Wilson's Hospital is built in a Palladian style to designs by John Pentland German, History, Home Economics, Irish, Mathematics, between 1759 and 1761. It represents one of the finest and most Music, Physics,Religious Education, Spanish sophisticated mid-Georgian buildings constructed outside of Dublin and Social, Personal & Health has been recently modernized. Education including Guidance Technical Graphics

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International House Dublin Incorporating High School Ireland

Facilities The Structure

Facilities include a full-sized Wilson's Hospital School offers a unique learning sports hall, all weather pitch, all-weather cricket environment. Every pupil adds to the wickets, rugby and soccer atmospheres of mutual respect and the pitches, archery range and an outdoor swimming pool common good. Each day is a celebration of learning and community. Days are structured Sport and rules are clear. Our rules provide for sound Athletics, Basketball, discipline that protects the individual and Cricket, Hockey, Rugby, nurtures community spirit. Indeed the Wilson's Soccer, Table Tennis, Archery, Badminton, spirit is better described as a family, where the successes and trials of one Canoeing, Cross-country, are shared by all. Orienteering, Swimming.

Wilson's Hospital School seeks to provide an education that is academic, practical, physical, moral and spiritual. In pursuit of these goals the School provides a range of practical and academic subjects. An atmosphere conducive to study is provided, with an insistence on the highest standards of effort.

A wide-ranging sports programme, encouraging all to partake, but not compelling, is available. Suitably qualified persons are employed to take care of health. Nutritious and hygienically prepared meals are provided.

There are clean and adequate levels of accommodation and sanitary facilities.

A Chaplain celebrates service in accordance with the rites of the Church of Ireland. An ethos of Christian care for, and between all, is cultivated.

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International House Dublin Incorporating High School Ireland

St. Columba’s College, Dublin The College offers a wide range of opportunities for its pupils, not only Principal (Warden) Dr. Lindsay Haslett academic but also sporting, artistic and cultural. Its aim is to provide a varied and balanced education which is stimulating and fulfilling, and we aim to do School Type: Private, co- this in a setting which is attractive and inspiring. Our teacher-pupil ratio of educational, boarding & day school 1:7 and our average class-size of 12 are instrumental in enabling us to achieve these aims. The College is a Church of Ireland foundation with a full- Accreditation: To the Irish time Chaplain, but we welcome members of all Christian denominations and Department of Education & all faiths. The ethos of the College is informed by the Christian values of Science tolerance, kindness and selflessness that are so important within a close-knit Enrolment: 300 aged 11 to community. Life at St. Columba's is busy and rewarding. From classes to 18 sports, play rehearsals to choir practices, debates to personal study time,

Academic Staff: 42 every week is full of activity. The school believes in stretching its pupils as much as possible, and in encouraging participation in every area of College Subjects life. Central to this demanding existence is the close-knit nature of its small

Irish, English, Mathematics, community in a seven-day boarding environment. In helping every individual French, History, Geography, boy and girl to flourish, the vocational Science, Computer Studies, commitment of its largely-resident teaching Art, Music, Classical staff is immense. Studies, Technical Graphics, Physics, Biology, St. Columba’s is particularly proud of its recent Chemistry, Business record in a series of outstanding annual results Studies, Accounting, Latin, in the Department of Education Leaving Spanish, Physical Certificate examinations. Education, Social, Personal and Health Education, Pupils are divided into seven Forms. The youngest enter Primary (aged 11), Religious Education. and benefit from its small size. They are thus able to settle into College life in

Graduate Destination a relatively protected way. The next three years build up to the Junior Certificate examinations at the end of Third Form; most pupils enter at Over 95% of its graduates go on to third level Primary, First or Second Form level. Transition Year in Fourth Form; is an institutions, including major academically rigorous time, in which pupils are stretched in a variety of universities in Ireland, U.K., Europe and further afield interesting and different ways. Although formal academic examinations take place at Christmas and Easter, there is no public examination at the end of Sport this year, and pupils can and do develop a great deal academically without Rugby, hockey and cross- the pressures that this entails. There is a considerable emphasis on country; in the summer term extracurricular activities and personal development. We see this year as these are replaced by athletics and cricket. crucial preparation for the final years at the College. Fifth and Sixth form basketball, badminton, pupils take the two-year Leaving Certificate course. Throughout this process volleyball, archery, indoor football and hockey, and they benefit from small classes and close attention. We feel strongly that wintercricket nets. they also gain crucially from extracurricular opportunities: pupils who succeed academically are often those who also participate most outside the classroom. At every level, we encourage the ability to work independently, to learn research skills in the Library and on the internet, to co-ordinate project work, and to present work orally.

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International House Dublin Incorporating High School Ireland

The attention to the academic development of pupils extends beyond the Facilities classroom. While Housemasters and Housemistresses are the key figures in There is an aerobics room this support, pupils are also monitored and advised by academic tutors, and a fully-equipped fitness suite. Elsewhere on the guidance counsellors and our learning support department. Each pupil is grounds are a floodlit astro regularly given an effort mark in each subject: this system means that the turf hockey pitch spacious rugby and cricket pitches, school can quickly address any problem areas. Every term detailed outdoor hard tennis courts, assessments are made through formal examinations, and full written reports an outdoor swimming pool, fine cross-country mountain on these are provided for parents. runs, and the College's own Within the overall 'village' atmosphere of the school, the House system fosters golf course. a special sense of community. Four boys' and three girls' Houses are spread Boarding Facilities around the College in separate buildings. Each House has its own living and

In September 2004 the sleeping quarters and routine; each House also has its own distinct identity. A impressive new Grange Housemaster or Housemistress, assisted by at least one House Tutor, is in Building opened. Two Houses - Glen for charge and acts in loco parentis in every aspect of the pupils' welfare during senior boys and Hollypark for senior girls – are their years at the College, and is the main point of contact between parents accommodated separately and the College. here, with space for over 100 boarders, sleeping two, The musical life of the College is particularly vibrant. Over half the pupils take four and six per room. Each dormitory has its own en- individual tuition on musical instruments including piano, brass, guitar, strings, suite washrooms and woodwind and the fine Chapel organ, as well as singing and theory. In toilets. In addition there are extra facilities for day boys addition, individual pupils frequently perform in concerts, there are active and girls, eight common rooms and kitchens for Chapel, Chamber and Festival choirs, an annual Gala Concert, foreign tours leisure time, computer (recently to Salzburg and Budapest), and to cap it all once a year every pupil in areas, changing rooms, and adjoining accommodation the College performs in the intensely competitive House Singing for supervising House staff. The Library is spacious and elegant. Two large reading rooms flank the main Extra Curricular collection of 10,000 books. The computer facilities are connected to the

There are annual junior and College network, and pupils studying here with laptops also have wireless senior plays, a biennial Shakespeare Society access to the internet. production, drama The pupils are supported by two qualified Guidance Counsellors in examining workshops and shows. There is also an active their career options; indeed, the College is happy to continue to provide this video drama club, and public speaking is service after pupils have left the College. There is a six-year programme of encouraged through assessment and counselling, which culminates in the last two years, as third- debating. Current clubs include: Art, Bridge, level choices are made. Housemasters and Housemistresses are also valuable Fishing, Mountain Biking, Photography, Pottery, sources of advice, and, in the final Leaving Certificate year, each pupil has a Woodwork, Computers, Film, Yoga and Karate. special academic tutor, to help with college applications and work priorities. Individual tuition is available in a range of musical instruments, such as piano, guitar, brass, woodwind, violin and on the chapel organ, as well as individual singing.

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International House Dublin Incorporating High School Ireland

PRIVATE DAY SCHOOLS + HOST FAMILY

Ashfield College

– Nondenominational, Co-educational, Senior College The Institute of Education

– Nondenominational, Co-educational, Senior College Monaghan Collegiate School

– Co-educational, Protestant Notre Dame des Missions

– Girls, Catholic School

– Co-educational, Nondenominational Stratford College

– Co-educational, Jewish St Andrew’s College

– Co-educational, Interdenominational St Patrick’s Cathedral Grammar School

– Co-educational, Church of Ireland

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International House Dublin Incorporating High School Ireland

ASHFIELD COLLEGE, DUBLIN

Principal : Ashfield College Ireland was founded in 1977 in , South , Ms Louise Heeran Flynn Ireland. It is in a quiet, safe residential area, School Type: Private, co- on the main bus routes, well away from city educational, day school centre distractions. The College is non- Accreditation: denominational, co-educational and achieves

ACCA, FETAC, RHODEC, excellent results for its students, year after FasTracKids. CISCO, The year in a cheerful and productive University of Glamorgan, The ECDL Foundation, The atmosphere. Computing Technology Industry Association, The Ashfield offers a wide range of programmes ranging from University Department of Education and Science Preparation (The Leaving Certificate) to accredited Diplomas and Graduate Diplomas in Business/Accounting. Fulltime professional computer training Enrolment: Varies greatly from year to year. courses are also available as well as our cutting edge children’s educational enrichment programme FasTracKids. Academic Staff: 25

Subjects Ashfield College offers a wide range of academic programmes ranging from

Accounting, Applied Maths, innovative kids’ educational enrichment programmes (FasTracKids) to Art, Biology, Business, university preparation (The Leaving Certificate) to accredited Certificates, Classical Studies, Technical Drawing, Chemistry, Diplomas and Post Graduate Diplomas in a variety of academic offerings. Economics, English, French, German, Ashfield College recognises the advantages of and need for the small, Geography, History, Irish, Home Economics, Social & intimate and nurturing style of education that it continues to provide for Scientific, Mathematics, students. At Ashfield the student truly is treated as an individual and its small Music, Physics, Spanish classes and low student/teacher ratio intrinsically insists that every student is Graduate destination: acknowledged and assisted. Over 95% of students leaving Ashfield College go Never before have students had such an array of courses and careers at their on to their chosen disposal. Yet with such opportunities, come important decisions. At Ashfield University. they are with you all the way through the tough two years of Senior Cycle, International Students: helping you to achieve your best.

International students are catered for by the provision Ashfield’s success is grounded on the value that it places on four vital of the International Foundation Programme components – our students, their parents, our teachers and the teaching methodologies that we employ. It welcomes all students who want to achieve, whatever their individual academic abilities or ambitions.

Ashfield College is intent on focusing on each individual student’s requirements, pastoral and academic, in order to help them attain their individual goals. It strives to ensure that all students are encouraged, motivated and driven towards achieving their best - whatever that may be. It is the aim that Ashfield students will learn a number of skills that will not only bring them exam success, but life skills that will benefit them in college and

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International House Dublin Incorporating High School Ireland

International Foundation beyond. Daily study sessions together with study skill seminars help students Programme: to organise their time and their work. Regular assessments help students to keep on top of their work. Course: Early September to early June Ashfield College is intent on focusing on each individual student’s Duration: One or two years requirements, pastoral and academic, in order to help them attain their individual goals. It strives to ensure that all students are encouraged, Candidates: Above average ability and motivated and driven towards achieving their best - whatever that may be. It prepared to work hard. is the aim that Ashfield students will learn a number of skills that will not only

Standard of English: The bring them exam success, but life skills that will benefit them in college and minimum standard of beyond. Daily study sessions together with study skill seminars help students English required is to organise their time and their work. Regular assessments help students to intermediate 5.0 IELTS, or 550 TOEFL. Students keep on top of their work. with a poor standard of English may be accepted The career guidance counsellor directs students through the difficult into the programme after they complete an decisions that need to be made and a full range of subjects are available to intensive English help broaden students’ choices. Parents may be assured that Ashfield College Language Training Course and undertake a will remain in regular contact about matters such as attendance, homework, final assessment to assessments, behaviour and punctuality. ensure they reach the required entry level. At the end of this The teachers are committed, driven and enthusiastic with an indisputable Foundation programme passion for their subject areas. They are approachable, personable and students must have generous with their time, often staying back after class to explain issues attained a score of 6.0 or above on IELTS. further. For the benefit of the students, class sizes are small; classes are not taught as lectures, rather students are actively encouraged to ask questions Entry requirements: and have points clarified. Year after year, such methods help the students to Students normally, between the age of 16 achieve outstanding results. and 19 years, and who are about to complete or have just completed The teaching is of the highest calibre and many of the tutors are subject High School with a examiners with the Department of Education. Ongoing assessment and exam history of good examination results and preparation are a central part of the programme. The International ambition to progress. Foundation Programme can be for one or two year's duration commencing early September and finishing early June. This course prepares students for University. Normally student’s study 5 or 6 academic subjects and this choice will be discussed at an early stage. In order to ensure that they can cope with this course, students should have above average ability and be prepared to work hard.

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International House Dublin Incorporating High School Ireland

Institute of Education, Dublin

Principal The Institute of Education (founded 1969), provides a unique learning environment and a team of outstanding Mr. Ray Kearns teachers who impart tuition of the highest quality. This fact School Type: 5th and 6th is now legendary and is borne out by thousands of students form Private, co- educational day school who, since 1969, have taken courses at The Institute of Education. The Institute of Education's teachers are renowned for: An Accreditation: To the Irish Department of Education & established reputation for teaching excellence and dedication; A proven Science record of exam achievement by their students; Their commitment to the

Enrolment: over 200 academic success of their students; Their energy and enthusiasm.

Academic Staff: 30 Many of its teachers are authors of standard school textbooks and are Subjects contributors to educational publications and educational radio programmes. Its teachers are keenly aware of examination techniques and requirements. Agricultural Science , Applied Mathematics, Art, The very successful "Leaving Certificate Exam Brief" and "Junior Certificate Biology, Business, Exam Brief" supplements published every year in the Irish Independent are Chemistry, Classical Studies, Economics, written and compiled by teachers from its teaching team. English, French, Geography, German, History, Home Economics The Institute of Education measures its success on the Leaving Certificate (Scientific & Social), Irish, results of its students. Since its foundation, the aim of The Institute of Italian, Mathematics, Music Education has been to provide excellent teaching in order to help students to (Listening & Composing only), Physics, Spanish, optimise their grades. The brief of the teachers is to cater for the complete Technical Drawing range of student ability and examination objectives that may exist in each of Graduate Destination their classes. One of the key aims of the Institute is to ensure that its students set realistic but challenging objectives and achieve them. Over 90% of students go on to various Universities. The tuition offered caters for the whole ability range, from those who seek good grades on Ordinary Level Papers to those who are striving for A's or B's Sport: Students avail of on Higher Level Papers. The results achieved by students of the Institute over the sports facilities, provided free by The the years have been outstanding at both Higher and Ordinary levels. Institute of Education, in the SPORTSCO The Sixth Form and Fifth Form College are a combination of traditional complex off the Georgian terraces and purpose-built educational buildings, providing the most Shelbourne Road . These facilities include up-to-date facilities. Our customised buildings have been tailored to the needs swimming, volleyball of a twenty-first century school. Many classrooms are equipped with cutting- and basketball, every edge information technology resources including custom-built lecterns Thursday afternoon and a bus will bring and equipped with Hitachi CPX 440 2500 lumens XGA multimedia projectors and collect students from the DVD/VCR combined units. facilities. (5th Form only)

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International House Dublin Incorporating High School Ireland

While the priority is, and always has been, the Study facilities excellence of the classroom tuition, the Institute further specialises in providing extra Supervised study is help for its students in the form of notes. available between the Summaries of topics taught, sample papers following hours: containing examination-type questions and model answers etc., are given wherever necessary, in order to clarify and Monday - Friday 8am - 8pm reinforce classroom tuition. These notes help to consolidate what has been Saturday 9am - 2pm learnt in class, and they are most useful for revision. Sunday 1pm - 6pm There is continuous student supervision including monitoring of attendance at (Sixth Form only) class, timekeeping, participation in class tests, and general behaviour. A strict disciplinary policy is enforced in the College. Parents/guardians are informed Length of a school day by student monitors on a regular basis if students are missing classes or tests,

Depends on the number of or are not working to their full potential. The Institute has been to the subjects taken, however, forefront of Irish Education in our innovative use of technology in monitoring student attendance and progress. Our revolutionary students must be in the AIMS (Academic Information Management System) building between the hours is a comprehensive management system designed of 9.30am - 3.30pm specifically for The Institute of Education. The system assists us to manage our enrolment, Monitoring academic, attendance, timetable and financial Students must be in school transactions between the hours of 9.30- The Institute provides all-day supervised study in two spacious, well-aired 3.30, they must sign in study halls. Attendance at day time study is compulsory at the times allotted in every day on arrival and each student's timetable. Our results show the effectiveness of this approach their attendance at study is on student performance. Supervised study is also available outside school also taken. Parents are hours: Monday to Friday up to 8 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and contacted if students are not Sundays from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. in attendance and the Relevant homework is regularly assigned and carefully monitored. In addition, school was not notified of the student's progress is encouraged and assessed by frequent tests. We their absence. believe that careful monitoring of students’ progress is crucial. By identifying and correcting any problem areas early on students are able to optimise their Class size performance at exam time. Parents are provided with detailed reports at Each student chooses their Christmas time and the members our dedicated student support team are own timetable and there are happy to discuss these with the parents and students. a wide choice of classes, however, class sizes vary. Classes are lecture style and students get superb notes.

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International House Dublin Incorporating High School Ireland

Monaghan Collegiate School

Principal: Monaghan Collegiate School was first established in 1570 by decree of Elizabeth 1 as Mr. Michael Hall the Church of Ireland Diocesan School for

School Enrolment: 245 Clogher. The school is one of 28 Post Primary Schools, under Protestant Management within Current Staffing: 22 the Republic of Ireland that are represented by

School Type: Co- the Irish Schoolheads Association and governed educational private, day by a Board of Governors. Pupils from all faiths are accepted into the school. school

Accreditation: To the Irish The school is dedicated to providing a quality educational service, within a Department of Education & caring Christian environment in which the individual can develop full potential. Science. Monaghan Collegiate College is a co-educational, private day school. It is the Subjects: school’s policy to provide the widest education possible to its students and to Gaeilge, English, develop each pupil’s potential to the full. It is committed to developing special Mathematics, Geography, History, French, Science, abilities and interests of each student. Class sizes rarely exceed 20 allowing CSPE, Religion, Physical teachers to have greater opportunity for personal contact with pupils. Education, SPHE, Music, Business Studies, Art, Technical Graphics, Pupils entering First Year follow a three-year course for the Junior Certificate Materials technology (Metal Examination, followed by Transition Year and a two-year course for the & Wood), Agricultural Science, Career Guidance, Leaving Certificate examination. The curriculum is further enhanced by Car Maintenance, Child participation in Physical Education, Choir, Personal Health Education, care, Cookery,Information Technology, Construction Information Technology and Study Skills. Studies, Technical Drawing, Physics, The Transition Year Programme gives the students an opportunity to sample Chemistry, Biology, subjects such as Child Care, Film Making, Car Maintenance, Construction, First Business Aid, Food Safety and several others which they would not have had access to Examinations: in the Junior Certificate Programme. There are also opportunities to sample Junior Certificate, Leaving sports such as golf, swimming and outdoor pursuits during this year. The Certificate Transition Year students are also involved with Mini-Companies and many Graduate Destinations: have been very successful throughout the years with the 2006/07 year group becoming the All-Ireland Winners in the AIB Build a Bank Challenge. Over 80% of students go on to Third Level Institutions and Universities Seventeen subjects are offered to Leaving Certificate students. All student must do English and Mathematics (Irish students must also do Irish). Students take seven subjects in the Leaving Certificate Examination.

There is a very strong Learning Support Programme in the school so that students with difficulties are assisted to overcome them.

Sports facilities at the school include a Soccer pitch, Tennis Courts, Outdoor Basketball Court and Sports Hall. All pupils are

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International House Dublin Incorporating High School Ireland

actively encouraged to participate in the school’s sports programme. School Sport teams compete in the Ulster and National competitions in Basketball (girls), Basketball, Rugby, Soccer, Horse Riding (boys & girls), Rugby (boys), Soccer (boys) and Table Tennis (boys Table Tennis, Olympic & girls) and have had notable successes over the years. Handball, Badminton, Volleyball, Cricket, Athletics, Adventure activities, Horse The code of behaviour in Monaghan Collegiate School is designed to Riding, Golf. encourage the formation of character and encourages values that promote

good citizenship, operated in a fair and transparent manner. Working together is the school’s key concept so that all can flourish as individual. Uniform: Extra Curricular

Homework Club, Scripture For boys: Black School Blazer, Dark Grey Flannels, Whit Shirt, School Tie, Union. School jumper(optional) Black School Shoes

There are also very many other activities and many guest speakers are brought For Girls: Black School Blazer, Black skirt ( maximum 3 inches above the knee), in to speak to the students each year. White Shirts, School Tie, School Jumper (optional), Black School Shoes.

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International House Dublin Incorporating High School Ireland

Notre Dame des Missions, Dublin

Since 1952 the Notre Dame des Missions Sisters Principal have maintained a high standard of excellence in Ms. Mildred Brannigan the pursuit of the overall education of the young School Type: Private, girls person. The School's educational programme is day school directed to the growth of the whole person Accreditation: To the Irish through spiritual, intellectual, cultural and Department of Education & physical development with the objective of Science. helping each student achieve her full potential. In accordance with the Mission Enrolment: 300 Statement, a community spirit is fostered to cater for the needs of pupils,

Academic Staff: 35 parents and staff. The School's educational programme is directed to the growth of the whole person through spiritual, intellectual, cultural and Subjects physical development with the objective of helping each student achieve her Religious Education, Irish, full potential. Notre Dame des Missions is a Roman Catholic girls school that is English, Mathematics, French, German, Spanish, small enough to care. Each individual child is nurtured and encouraged.It is a Science, Drama, Business school that fosters independent thinking and cultivates an atmosphere of Studies, History, Geography, Art, Music, Home rigorous intellectual challenge.It is a school where children are taught to Economics, PE, Information question research and reflect with confidence. - a school where the pupils' Technology., Accounting, happiness is the foundation stone. Classical Studies, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Business. Transition Year A Pastoral Care programme, incorporating Tutor Croups subjects include: Information and Remedial Education, is in place to encourage each

student to achieve her full potential. Class sizes are small and the emphasis is on attention to and care for

each individual student. Students participate in the running of the school through our structure of Head

Girl, Deputy Head Girl and Prefects. Students are encouraged to visit Gaeltacht areas and European Technology, Fitness and health, Drama, careers, Self countries to foster their knowledge and appreciation of Defence, Fast Friends, First languages and culture. In line with the philosophy of Notre dame to educate Aid, Media Studies, Music Technology, Fashion, Yoga, the whole person, an active concern among our students for the Relationship and Sexuality disadvantaged of society is fostered by our varied programme of community education, SPHE, Student and Youth Environmental service. As part of this programme, our students team up with pupils from St. Studies, Driving Skills Michael's House in an educational programme involving Physical Education as Course, a Public Access to Law Programme and the St. well as Art and Craft activities. This engenders within our students a more Patrick's Festival. positive attitude towards the Mentally Handicapped and illustrates the rich

and mutually beneficial relationship that can be built up and sustained between students of different ages and abilities.

Music Plays a large part in the life of the school at vocal, Choral and instrumental levels. Classes recieve regular tuition in singing. Special Choirs are selected each year. Individual tuition in Singing, Piano and Flute is available. Weekly drama classes are provided for most pupils up to and including

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International House Dublin Incorporating High School Ireland

Sports Transition Year. All Transition year students enter for the Oral Communication Examination of the Royal Irish Academy which involves public speaking, Hockey, Netball, Badminton, Tennis, Volleyball, Softball, poetry, reading and testing communication skills. In recent years we have Athletics, Cross Country, performed such Classical dramas as "The Wakefield Mysteries" (Adrian Henri), Rounders, Gymnastics and Outdoor Pursuits. The "Oedipus" (W.B. Yeats), "The Caucasian Chalk Circle" (Bertolt Brecht) and "The Transition Year PE Crucible" (Arthur Miller), as well as joining with the music department to programme is enhanced to perform several popular musicals such as "My Fair Lady", "Fiddle on the Roof" include modules such as First Aid, Self Defence, and "Oliver". Fitness and Health and Coaching Skills. To extend the sport and leisure Great importance is attached to the role of the Parents in the joint venture of interests of the Senior their children's education and they are always welcome to the school. Parents Cycle, students can partake in Skiing, Horse Riding, are the primary motivators of their children and their support is essential in all Squash, Golf, Fencing, of the education process including dicipline. An active Parents' Association Swimming, Aerobics, Self defence and Gym related exists which provides valuable assistance on all aspects of school life and activities. promotes communication between parents and the school.

Extra Curricular Activities

School tours have become more and more popular over the years. Every year our first year students travel to the Adventure Sports Centre in Gartan, Co. Donegal. Our Transition Year students often travel to Paris. There have also been cultural tours in recent years to Greece and Rome and our Hockey players have been to Florida for an international tournament. Other activities pursued are : St. Vincent de Paul, Amnesty International, Co-operation Ireland, Debating, Arts and cratfs, Young Entrepreneurs, Photography, Information Technology, UNICEF/Concern Fundraising Project / Charity Fundraising Projects, Presidents Awards Scheme, Fast Friends, Young Scientists, Business Competitions, Young Home Economist.

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International House Dublin Incorporating High School Ireland

Sandford Park School, Dublin

Principal Ms. Edith Byrne Sandford Park School opened its doors to its first School pupils School Type: Private, on the 12th of September, 1922. Alfred Le Peton, its first boys‟ day school Accreditation: To the headmaster, attracted the services of a gifted and enthusiastic Irish Department of group of teachers and that same enthusiasm applies today. He Education & Science. believed that education had to embrace the whole person and

Enrolment 200 his regime at the school allowed for the experiences, which would foster this Academic Staff: 25 ideal. In the few documents which contain his writings there is a recognition Graduate Destination: The vast majority (over that the young will benefit only by a growing awareness that they must take 90%) progress to responsibility for their own lives; and that the role of the educator was to universities and third Level Colleges in Ireland, the provide the opportunities and the motivation to bring about this desired end. UK and beyond. If he believed in independence of spirit and individualism he also believed

Subjects strongly in a sense of community, often expressed in the catch phrases of English, Maths, Irish, “esprit de corp” and “play the game”. French, History, Geography, Science, Business, Art, Music, The school today is a very different school in some respects from the school of Spanish, PE, CSPE, SPHE, ICT, Drama. Lep in 1922. There are now 200 boys at the school between the ages of twelve Classical Studies, Biology, and eighteen years. The school now engages the services of twenty-three Accounting, Physics, teachers to provide programmes at junior cycle, Transition Year and senior Applied Maths, Chemistry, Music cycle level for 200 boys in the school. The teaching staff is supported in its work by another ten staff in its administration, catering, maintenance and the In Transition Year in addition to main subjects Bursar's office. Sandford Park now looks to the future, and its teaching staff the following are on offer ; have given the lead in developing innovative learning programmes which not Modulee in : Japanese / Personal & Social only benefit pupils of the school, but have been recognised by the Department Development / Film Studies/ Adventure of Education and Science as models of good practice and have been promoted Sports/ Judo / Martial Arts/ in all schools. Digital Photography / Russian / Architectural Studies and the option of Music or German or Music is an important part of the curricular and extra-curricular life of Design, Sandford Park School. There are opportunities to sing in choirs, play in

Examinations orchestra, participate in ensemble music activities and of course to take music Junior Certificate, Leaving as a subject for Junior and Leaving Certificate Pupils who enrol on the Certificate instrumental lessons option at Sandford Park School receive tuition during the Sport school day. The pattern of an individual’s lessons is designed on a rota to avoid Rugby, Cricket, Tennis, regular interruption to any single subject. Each student receives one 35 or 40 Badminton, Martial arts minute lesson per week with a total of 26 or 30 lessons given during the school year.

There is a purpose built Music Centre with specialist instrumental teaching rooms and a large classroom/rehearsal space, the department is well resourced and equipped to provide the pupils with a range of musical experiences. As well as a 25 site license for Sibelius music notation software in the IT room, the department has a large CD and book collection in the library and an excellent equipment inventory. www.ihdublin.com Page | 37

International House Dublin Incorporating High School Ireland

All boys study Musical instrument tuition music in first year.

A choice is made at Piano, Recorder, Flute, the end of the year Clarinet, Saxophone, between German

Trumpet, Classical Guitar, and Music. The aim

Rock Guitar, Bass Guitar of the first year programme in and Percussion. music is to It is also possible to arrange introduce the skills individual tuition for of listening, composing and performing as well as to give a firm understanding students preparing for of associated music theory and concepts. All first years study recorder in class

Associated Board and other and are also involved in class-based singing. Class singing is also a popular music theory examinations choice for boys to offer. The choir has performed in a variety of venues in Dublin including the National The choir Concert Hall, the Peppercannister Church Music performed has and the R.D.S. They also toured Sweden in included gospel music, 1998, Canada in 2003 and Chicago in 2005. popular and folk music and The orchestra usually performs in major choral works by an annual concert, a department of

Mozart, Fauré, Haydn, education examination and other events from time to time. Handel, Rutter, Vivaldi, Opportunities for ensemble playing are offered to all students. Provision of Scarlatti and Schubert. these ensembles depends on the availability of players. Generally the school operates a percussion ensemble, several guitar ensembles and a weekly jamming session open to all rock musicians in the school.

Extra curricular As well as a weekly assembly

Orchestra, Debating, Art , which generally includes a musical item, there are at least two major design, Technology, IT, concerts each year, an annual battle film, science and of the bands competition and an architectural studies can all informal music night for all be pursued through the performers in the school. At least many clubs and societies. one music department CD is released annually.

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International House Dublin Incorporating High School Ireland

Stratford College, Dublin

Stratford College is a teaching and learning community Principal committed to quality and excellence in education. It is Ms. Patricia Gordon dedicated to providing a nurturing environment where each individual can develop self-esteem and a sense of their place School Type: Private, co- educational Jewish/multi- in, and responsibility to, society. It instructs Jewish students in denominational secondary their religion while fostering mutual respect for all traditions. It promotes school personal achievement and academic success and it recognises the unique Accreditation: To the Irish potential of every student and encourages each one to maximise it. Department of Education & Science. Students from a broad Enrolment 140 (84 girls and 56 boys) cultural base are welcome at Stratford. However, Jewish Academic Staff: 20 students, pupils of Stratford Subjects National School, siblings and

Irish, English, Mathematics, past pupils’ children are French, given priority. All other History, Geography, Science, Business Studies, applicants will be Classical Studies or Hebrew, acknowledged and places will be allocated in the year prior to admission. Art, Music, Civics, Social Jewish students are obliged to attend Hebrew/Jewish Studies and all students and Political Education (CSPE), Information are required to observe the ethos of this Jewish/ Multi-denominational school. Communication Technology (ICT), Social, Personal and Stratford College was founded in 1953 by members of the Dublin Jewish Health (SPHE) incorporating Relationships Community. While retaining its Jewish ethos, the College today is a thriving, and Sexuality Education co-educational, multi-denominational school where the management and staff (RSE), and Physical Education (PE). Biology, are dedicated to fostering academic excellence and respect for the individual. Chemistry,Physics, Accounting, Business or Stratford College is recognised by the Irish Department of Education and Economics, Arts and Crafts. Science (DES). As such, it operates within the regulations laid down by the DES Co-curricular classes in ICT, Career and depends largely on the grants and teacher resources provided by the DES. Guidance, PE, SPHE, Film Studies and Public The school follows the curricular programmes prescribed by the Department, Speaking which may be amended from time to time. Opportunities for peer and student

leadership skills are facilitated and promoted through membership of the Examinations: Student Council, Senior Prefects, the Mentor Programme and the annual Junior Certificate, Leaving Certificate Awards Ceremony External Certification is also available in ICT; First Aid, Speech and Drama, Personal and Social Development. Certifying bodies Sport: Basketball and Tennis include Oxford, Cambridge and RSA Examinations (OCR), City and Guilds, European Computer Driver’s Licence (ECDL), The Order of Malta, the Leinster Co-Curricular Activities Drama, debating, An School of Music and An Gaisce / The President’s Award. Art, Music, Music Gaisce, music, multi-media and community Technology, Drama, Film Studies, Photography and Public Speaking are provided by the school through regular classes and after school activities.

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International House Dublin Incorporating High School Ireland

St. Andrews College, Dublin

St. Andrew's College was founded by the Presbyterian community of Dublin in Principal : Arthur Godsil 1894 to provide a good, broadly based, liberal education in the Christian School Type: Private, co- tradition for the sons of its members and those of other parents who wished educational, boarding & day school their children to attend. From its inception, the College attracted students from a variety of backgrounds and strove to unite them through a shared Accreditation: To the Irish Department of Education & experience of working, Science, European Council learning and playing of International Schools (ECIS) and New England together. St. Andrew's Association of Schools & was, in effect, an Colleges (NEASC) 'integrated' school School Curriculum and it remains so

The Secondary School today. curriculum incorporates seven major components. Over the years the College has evolved in many ways, and is now a flourishing These are: The Junior Certificate programme; The international, interdenominational, co-educational school .It offers a very wide Transition Year programme; range of academic subjects, sports, cultural and other extra-curricular The Leaving Certificate programme ; The activities, organizes major student events such as the annual Arts Festival, the International Baccalaureate Model European Parliament and the Model United Nations (SAIMUN) all of programme; The ESL programme; SATs, PSAT; which attract participants from Ireland and abroad. The high quality of the European Annexe 'mother education offered by the College and its commitment to continuous tongue' programme improvement are internationally recognized. Academic Staff

Just over 100 Though three-quarters of the pupils are Irish, it educates boys and girls from more than 40 different countries. St Andrew's is the first school in Ireland Enrolment accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and the There is a student European Council of International Schools. St Andrew's is a progressive school, population of approximately 1200 drawn from many preparing children for the new Ireland and the new world. different countries St. Andrew’s is largely an academic school, with over 95% of its graduates Subjects going on to third level institutions, including major universities in Ireland and Irish, English, Mathematics, abroad. History, Geography, Science, Music, Italian, The objectives of St. Andrew’s are threefold: Latin, French, SPHE, CSPE, IT., American Studies, English as a 1 Provide a high-quality, broadly-based, liberal education inspired by Christian Foreign Language, principles for children between the ages of four and eighteen, from Ireland Technical Graphics, Classical Studies, Physics, and around the world. Chemistry, Biology 2 Create an atmosphere within the College in which all children can feel

respected and valued, in which their talents, aptitudes and skills are given every opportunity to emerge and develop, and in which they can mature into happy, well-adjusted, self-confident young adults.

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International House Dublin Incorporating High School Ireland

3 Promote an awareness among the St Andrew's community of the rights and Facilities needs of others, of our obligations to the disadvantaged in our society and our 2 Synthetic hockey pitches, wider responsibilities to the underprivileged worldwide, so that students will 2 Rugby pitches‟, a weights learn to appreciate the vital contribution such awareness can make both to facility and a state of the art sports hall with changing their own character formation and the promotion of human rights around the facilities. world. Sport Our student population Girls play Hockey, Basketball, Badminton, of approximately 1200 Swimming, Life-Saving and is drawn from many Indoor Hockey , while boys play Rugby, Hockey, different countries, and Badminton Swimming, Life- the international Saving and Basketball.There are also character of the school opportunities provided for is officially recognised students to compete in a in the fact that we have wide range of other sports at Leinster and National been accredited as an international school by the Council of International Levels. These include Schools and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges since 1984. Golf, Swimming, Cross Country, Concerned parents naturally seek a quality education for their children. Show-jumping and Expatriate parents in particular are faced with the additional difficulty of living Sailing to name but five. In summer, all students in a strange environment which offers few guidelines on how best to select the have the opportunity to most appropriate school for their offspring's needs. In some areas there may participate in Cricket, Tennis be only one international school available for the children of the expatriate and Athletics. There is community. Thus the fact that a school is accredited provides parents with a also an internal, boys‟ football tournament. number of assurances.

Extra Curricular Parents know that the school has been evaluated by a team of experienced Ballet, Chess Club, professionals, meets a large number of academic and professional standards, Computer Club,Creative Writing - Wine Dark Sea is subject to regular visits and monitoring by an external agency and has (College publication), achieved high standards. Debating Society, Drama Club, French Club, Grapevine (College magazine), Irish Dancing, In becoming accredited the School joins a growing network of similar Model United Nations institutions dedicated to providing high quality education responsive to the (MUN) Model European Parliament (MEP), One Act needs of international communities world-wide. Drama Festival, Orchestra and Choir, Peace Club and Peer Mediation, Sign Language, An Gaisce (The President's Award), Video and Photography Club, Young Scientist

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International House Dublin Incorporating High School Ireland

St Patrick’s Cathedral Grammar School

In the year 1432 six choristers began their education in the Robing Room in St. Principal Partick’s Cathedral. That was the beginning of the Cathedral Choir School. St. Mr. B.R. Lewis Patrick’s Cathedral Grammar School was established in 1574. The Choir School

School Type: Private, co- and Grammar School comprise the only cathedral school in Ireland. The school educational day school is proud to be the oldest school in the country. For nearly five hundred years it

Accreditation: To the Irish existed solely for the education of choristers, but non-choristers have Department of Education & attended since the end of the nineteenth century. In 1969 it became co- Science. educational. Enrolment 150 While music is an important element in the ethos of the school a child does Academic Staff: 20 not have to be musically inclined to enrol. The main teaching block was Subjects completed in 1988 and is bright, comfortable and well equipped. This together

Irish, English, Mathematics, with 39 Kevin Street and two smaller buildings make up the school’s buildings. French, History, Geography, Further accommodation is in the pipeline and will be built in the near future Business, Science, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Home on the vacant sites on Kevin Street. It is planned to have classrooms, a library, Economics, Music, Art, a computer room, a music room, an art room and toilets in the new building, CSPE, Computer studies, to replace the current facilitiesin each case. It will also enable us to have a Religious Education and Physical Education. second science laboratory in the present building. The Grammar School is a Remedial Education, small school with approximately 150 pupils, so the emphasis is on the Careers Guidance and Counselling individual. It is the only Protestant secondary school remaining in the center of Dublin. Priority is given to pupils form the Choir School, Protestants and Examinations siblings of current pupils and children of those involved in the Cathedral Junior Certificate, Leaving community. After children in those categories have been offered places, the Certificate remaining places are offered on a first come first served basis. The largest Graduate destination: group of pupils would be Over 75% progress to universities and third level Institutions. Protestant but the school welcomes Sport pupils of all Swimming, soccer, denominations and basketball, badminton, volleyball, and uni-hoc. none. It also welcomes students from abroad. After school activities include basketball, tennis The ethos of the and skiing. school is Christian, its approach is always ecumenical, open and welcoming. It

Extra Curricular aims to foster an atmosphere in which the students can study and learn effectively, can express themselves confidently, respect each other’s opinions, Drama, Trips to the theatre, cinema, exhibitions, understand their responsibilities as citizens, and are prepared for life outside concerts and field trips. the protective cloak of the school. Lessons are offered in a range of musical Debating instruments and pupils can be prepared for examinations. Girls may audition for the St. Patrick’s Cathedral Girls Choir. There is a tradition for Transition Year pupils to stage a musical each year.

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International House Dublin Incorporating High School Ireland

PUBLIC DAY SCHOOLS + HOST FAMILY

Beech Hill College, Monaghan

- Co-educational, Multidenominational Castleblaney College, Monaghan

- Co-educational, Multidenominational Inver College, Monaghan

- Co-educational, Interdenominational Malahide Community School, Dublin

- Co-educational, Multidenominational Our Lady’s College, Monaghan

- Girls, Catholic School Patrician high School, Monaghan

- Boys Catholic School Portmarnock Community School, Dublin

- Co-educational, Comprehensive School St Aidan’s College, Cavan

- Co-educational, Interdenominational

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International House Dublin Incorporating High School Ireland

Beech Hill College, Monaghan

Principal The school mission is to provide the best possible education for all students thus Mr. John Heaphey enabling them to make the most of their School Type particular talents and aptitudes. The Co-educational and management and teachers ensures that Non-denominational State this objective is achieved in an funded Public School environment where students feel safe and Accreditation Irish happy. The quality of teaching and learning will therefore be enhanced thus Department of Education anc Science ensuring that students are stimulated and challenged. Personal attention is given to each student in Beech Hill College. The results achieved in examinations Enrolment 400 and the subsequent progression of our students to further education or the Academic Staff 40 world of work is a source of satisfaction to us all. Subjects In addition, mindful of its partnership role within Irish, English, Mathematics, History, Geography, CSPE, the wider community, the College is committed to Science, French, German, an interactive relationship with the community Home Economics, Technical Graphics, involving both expertise and facilities. At school today, students speak many Materials Technology (Metal different languages and come from countries in an ever-expanding European and Wood), Business Studies, Art, Music, Union. Beech Hill College has very close links with Evangelisches Gymnasium, Computer Studies, Physical Werther, a second level school in Germany and through the Comenius School Education, Religious Education , Accountancy, project our teachers and students meet with and share ideas with teachers and Agricultural Science, students from other European countries. Biology, Business, Construction Studies, Engineering, Physics, The Leaving Certificate Applied curriculum is a relatively new programme. It is Technical Drawing, LCVP geared to those who are principally interested in entering the world of work at Module the end of second level. Like the other Leaving Cert. programmes, it is a 2 year Sport Gaelic Football, course. The emphasis, however, is focused on three special areas: Preparation Soccer, Basketball, Track and Field Athletics, Cross for work, General Education and Vocational Education. Country - all for both boys and girls, as well as in Students participate in games and athletics, poetry and short story writing, Hurling and Camogie. . All students are taught to swim. quizzes, public speaking and debating as well as art competitions. The fact that The modern sports facilities Beech Hill College students regularly feature as award winners ranks not only as are complimented by a 400 metre, 8-lane all weather an expression of their own abilities running track but it is also is a tribute to those Extra Curricular teachers who provide the encouragement and stimulation Drama, quizzes, debates, work for charitable needed to identify that innate talent. organisations and music

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International House Dublin Incorporating High School Ireland

Castleblaney College, Monaghan

Our school is a medium sized school, co-educational and multi-denominational. Principal Our motto “Saothar le Sonas” or Mr. Gerard Hand “Working Together in Happiness” School Type Medium encapsulates the ethos of our mission sized, co-educational and statement. The school has an excellent multi-denominational State funded Public school track record in academic achievement across a wide range of subjects with Accreditation Irish Department of Education an average of 80% of its students and Science receiving 3rd level offers each year.

Enrolment 297

Academic Staff 26 The school also has a proud record of achievement in sport, music and drama. Subjects The school recognises the importance of partnership between teachers,

Irish, English, Mathematics, students and parents in helping the students to achieve their potential and French, History, Geography, become responsible citizens. All Science, Business Studies, Materials Technology students must wear the regulation (Wood), Materials uniform to College. The uniform Technology (Metal), consists of a Green V-necked jumper, Technical Graphics, Art, Craft and Design, Home a White Shirt, Black Trouser, College Economics, Spanish, tie and Black soft soled shoes (no Biology, Physics, Business, Construction Studies, platforms) In 2000 a new state of Engineering, Technical the art extension was opened. This has Drawing, Art, Computers Studies, Physical provided new facilities in general education, computers, science, construction Education, Religious studies, art, craft, and design, and library. This has enhanced the already existing Education, C.S.P.E., S.P.H.E. Other options in facilities in other subject areas such as engineering, languages and general Transition Year include Mini subjects. Company, Administration and Production, Home Economics, Drama, Art, Tourism, French, Spanish, Film Studies, Social Education, Catering Studies, Beauty Therapy, Car Maintenance and Welding

Sport

Gaelic Football, Soccer, basketball.

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International House Dublin Incorporating High School Ireland

Inver College, Carrickmacross

Principal: Inver College mirrors the community it serves, in that young people of Ms. Breda Moroney - Ward different backgrounds, religion and

School Enrolment: 573 abilities are educated together in a Co-educational, Christian atmosphere. Current Staffing: 30

School Type: State funded A comprehensive range of subjects public, co-educational and and courses ensures that each interdenominational day school, student's aptitudes are catered for. The student is at the heart of Accreditation: To the Irish Department of Education & everything the College does. Its aim is Science. to foster the full human potential of Subjects students enabling them to grow to be balanced, responsible persons who Gaeilge, English, Mathematics, Geography, can take their places in life to the best History, French, German, of each one's ability. Science, CSPE, Religion, Physical Education, SPHE, Home Economics, Music, There is an emphasis on each student Business Studies, Art and Crafts, Technical Graphics, achieving his/her potential Materials technology (Wood academically and striving to be the & Metal) Relationships and Sexuality Education, very best they can be in terms of Information Technology, achievement and fulfillment through Construction Studies, education. Modern Information Economics, Accounting, Technical Drawing, Physics, Technology is a big part of the Biology, Business, Careers curriculum and the extracurricular Guidance, IT, Computer Studies, Engineering activities of the school.

Examinations Sport plays an important part in the Junior Certificate, Leaving life of the school and through sport Certificate many students are enriched and Sport learn the basics of teamwork and Basketball, Athletics, Ladies collaboration with others. Our extra Football, Gaelic Football, curricular activities are varied and Table tennis involve music, drama and other such Extra Curricular activities.

Choir, Computer club, Drama, Modern Dancing, Chess Club, guitar lessons

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International House Dublin Incorporating High School Ireland

Malahide Community School, Dublin

Principal Malahide Community School was established in 1976 as a Community School. It was an amalgamation of an existing girls’ school and a small private school in Mr. Brian Cannon Malahide village.

School Type: State owned In 2008 the present building was opened to replace the original. It is a state of and financed co- educational public day the art school with the very latest in equipment and generous classroom sizes. school The population of the school has grown from the initial 512 students in 1976 to the present numbers of just over 1,200. Accreditation: To the Irish Department of Education Malahide Community School is a co-educational, non-selective school which & Science welcomes pupils of all religious denominations and none. The school seeks to Enrolment: 1,200 with provide a climate in which students find encouragement to develop spiritual slightly more boys than and moral values, personal and social skills and the highest standards of girls excellence of which they are capable in all aspects of their school activities. It Academic Staff: 65 recognises the complementary roles of parents and teachers in educating the young and in partnership it pursues the common aim of educating the Subjects: Irish, English, students according to Christian principles. Maths, History, Geography, French, German, Science, Students find that the school provides an environment which helps to promote Business, Art, Music, Home Economics, Physics, all types of abilities and talents. The diversity of the curriculum helps students Woodwork, Biology, to develop the skills necessary for a satisfying personal, social and working life, Engineering, Chemistry, enabling them to become responsible and adaptable adults. The curriculum Religious Education, followed is very broad and varied and all students can find the combinations of Physical Education. IT studies subjects they require to achieve their individual academic goals.

Examinations: Junior The well-ordered and structured school environment facilitates and Certificate and Leaving encourages learning. Certificate

Graduate destinations:

The majority, over 75%, of graduates go on to further education in universities and third level colleges throughout Ireland.

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International House Dublin Incorporating High School Ireland

Sport: Gaelic Football, Sport plays an important role in the hurling, soccer, rugby, life of the school and there are basketball, volleyball, many sports from which the badminton, gymnastics, student population can choose. golf, canoeing, cricket, Many local sports facilities are used swimming, tennis, table tennis, athletics, karate, by the pupils of the school and by chess school teams. Many students have won representative honours on Extra-curricular activities: county, provincial and national Students get involved in teams in several sports. The school’s Sports Hall has a comprehensive range of Quiz teams, Theatre and facilities which are in demand by the students and by the local community Film Trips, Debating, Fund- throughout the year. Raising for Third World Projects and Charities, The school’s care and compassion UNICEF, Co-operation North, Musical for the students is shown in the Productions, Public concern and the effort it makes to Speaking, student promote their general welfare as exchanges, Field Trips for well as their intellectual Geography, History Science and Art and Outdoor development. In order to facilitate pursuits such as the school’s caring role its Orienteering. organisational structure is based on the Tutor and Year Head system, with the Tutor in charge of a class group and the Year Head responsible for the year Facilities: State of the art new building with top group. The Tutor gets to know each pupil in the class group individually and class, up to date has daily contact with this group. The Year Head’s responsibility is the equipment for students academic, and teachers in all subject administrative and areas. Specialist rooms fully equipped. disciplinary aspects of the year group. Sports Hall, Assembly and Concert Hall, the use of top The school also has the class sports facilities. services of a full-time career guidance counsellor. The counsellor is available to all students during the school day for individual help with study, subject choice, career or personal matters.

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International House Dublin Incorporating High School Ireland

Our Lady’s Secondary School,Monaghan

Principal: Gerard Mc Guill Since Our Lady’s Secondary School came in being in 1971 with the amalgamation of St Mary’s Boy’s Secondary and The Convent Girls Secondary School Enrolment: 650 school, it has constantly aimed for excellence in all aspects of school life, It is a

Current Staffing: 50 Co-Educational institution which strongly believes in providing each student in its care with the best possible learning environment and giving them the School Type: Privately opportunity and encouragement to develop their talents and realize their owned but state funded public co-educational day potential. It strives to help it’s students come to know and appreciate his or school her own dignity and worth as well as the dignity and worth of others and to

Accreditation: To the Irish embrace life’s challenges positively. Department of Education & Science. The awards its students have won are many and varied from European Young Subjects: Gaeilge, English, Scientist of The Year, to European essayist and young journalists. Outstanding Mathematics, Geography, History, French, German, also has been the schools achievement in environmental awards as well as art, Science, CSPE, Religion, music and drama. Physical Education, SPHE, Home Economics, Music, Business Studies, Art, On the sporting field Our Technical Graphics, Lady’s is known Materials technology, Information Technology, nationally and Construction Studies, internationally for its Economics, Accounting, Technical Drawing, Physics, success in Basketball Chemistry, Biology, having won numerous Business All Ireland awards in Examinations Girls and Boys Basketball

Junior Certificate, Leaving and also representing Certificate Ireland in the World

Sport Schools Basketball Championship. Added to Basketball, Gaelic Football, Soccer, Camogie this, a number of its students have, over the years, been selected for the Irish schools basketball teams. In Gaelic football Our Lady’s have also experienced Extra Curricular success winning a number of Ulster Colleges Competitions. In recent years the Debating, Quizzes, Music school has introduced Ladies Football and here too it is making its mark and Drama and also Art, winning a number of Post Primary County titles. Poetry and Short Story competitions

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International House Dublin Incorporating High School Ireland

Patrician High School, Carrickmacross,

Monaghan

Principal: The Patrician High School provides secondary education for all boys in the area. From the beginning, it has aspired towards academic excellence, and Mr. Joe Duffy that tradition is proudly upheld to this day.Its pupils have succeeded in all School Enrolment: 350 walks of life and it is believed that this success is due in no small measure to the solid grounding they received in essential subjects. Current Staffing: 25

School Type: Privately While maintaining a proud sense of owned, state funded public tradition of academic achievement, day school for boys the school has never been slow to Accreditation: To the Irish adapt to the need of a rapidly Department of Education & Science. changing world. It reviews its courses frequently and the school has been Subjects involved recently in the working with

Irish, English, Maths, the Department of Education in developing new courses in Woodwork, History, Geography, Modern Languages and Technology. The school has earned a high reputation Science, French, German, Business Studies, Material in Inter -Schools Debating and Ulster Colleges' Football. Since 1994 Patrician Technology, Technical Graphics, Art & Craftwork, High School has featured on the Ulster Colleges' Roll of Honour on 15 Religious Education, occasions and won 8 Ulster Football Titles. Over 90% of our pupils stay in Computers, Physical education, CSPE ,SPHE, school and do their Leaving Certificate. This is the examination that Accounting, Physics, Technical Drawing, Biology, determines the course of education Business ,Chemistry and/or training a pupil may follow ,Construction Studies , Craftwork, Design, and is therefore vital for career Economics, Information Technology, Computers purposes. Pupils take a minimum of seven subjects at Leaving Cert. All Examinations subjects are taught to higher and Junior Certificate, Leaving ordinary level our excellent results are Certificate well-known and over 75% of pupils go Sport to further education. All Fifth Year pupils take Enterprise Education to encourage them to consider creating employment for themselves, rather than Gaelic Football, Hurling< Basketball, Soccer, Rugby, relying on others to offer employment to them. Counselling begins in the first Volleyball, Athletics, Uni – year. Career Guidance begins in Third Year and a profile is built on each pupil Hoc, Cross Country< Handball, Cycling, Golf, in the succeeding years to ensure that the choice of a career is made with full Snooker Table Tennis knowledge of the options available and that the subjects and levels are suited Extra Curricular to career choice.

Chess, Debating, Theatre

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International House Dublin Incorporating High School Ireland

Portmarnock Community School, Dublin

Principal Portmarnock Community School is situated close to Portmarnock village and the famous Velvet Strand, ten miles north from Dublin City. The school is a co- Pat O‟Riordan educational public school that caters for student secondary education. The School Type: State school, built by the Department of Education and Science, was opened in owned and financed co- 1979. It provides a fully comprehensive education which is designed to ensure educational public day school quality of educational opportunity for all its students.

Accreditation: To the Portmarnock Community School is committed to an educational policy that Irish Department of fosters the development of the whole person. It provides a structure that Education & Science facilitates religious, social, physical and intellectual growth in an integrated Enrolment: 1,100 with manner. It recognizes the importance of preparing students for the a little over one third girls participation in the; family, community, country and in the wider European and the rest boys. and World context. School programmes are aimed to provide each student Academic Staff: 60 with broad, relevant and personally fulfilling experiences. Education is recognised as a life-long process, providing opportunities for continuing Subjects: Irish, English, Maths, History, education to the community. Geography, Science, CSPE, French, German, Mission Statement: To instil a spirit of Intellectual Enquiry and academic IT Studies, Physical endeavour to foster the desire for participation and challenge to build Education, Art, Business individual and compassionate men and women of character. Studies, Home Economics, Music, Technology, Students, irrespective of economic circumstances, gender, religious or Engineering, Biology, philosophical outlook, race or social situation are welcome. The school regards Chemistry, Physics, them as an individual and encouraged to develop an awareness of his/her own Economics, Accounting, Applied Maths. worth.

Examinations: Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate.

Graduate Destinations:

Over 75% of the student graduates go on to further third level education in universities and colleges in Ireland and abroad.

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International House Dublin Incorporating High School Ireland

Sport: The Science faculty in Portmarnock Community School is very strong with six full-equipped Science Laboratories. There are also six specialist rooms Athletics, badminton, dedicated to Engineering, Construction Studies, Technology and Home basketball, camogie, chess, gaelic football, Economics. Students regularly enter the National Young Scientist and Young gold, gymnastics, Engineer competitions. Information Technology is not neglected either with hockey, hurling, rugby, two well-stocked Computer Laboratories available to students. sailing, soccer, swimming, table tennis, On completion of the Junior Cycle, Transition Year is available for all students. volleyball. This year aims to promote the personal, social, educational and vocational Extra-curricular development of the students, allowing them the opportunity to experience a activities: wide range of subjects and activities. During this year, business skills and Annual Fast Concern, enterprise are developed through mini-companies and a very successful work Choral work, Musical experience programme. production, Co-operation North, Cycling, Debating, The school recognised that there are no short-cuts to success. Students are Drama, Gaisce, Leadership training, expected to work hard and their academic development is assisted in every Maths Olympaid, Music way. Day-long study skills seminars are held for different year groups tuition, Photography, throughout the academic year. Supervised study periods are available in the Speech & Drama, St. school on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. It is considered important that Vincent de Paul Society, Yearbook Committee, the very able students are given work to test them and high academic Young Scientist standards are expected and demanded for them. Ultimately, all students are Exhibition. helped to achieve their own personal levels of excellence. This is why many go Facilities: on to third level education.

40 classrooms, 6 Science Laboratories, 2 Home Economics Kitchens, a demonstration room and a language laboratory.

Large modern gymnasium with international basketball, volleyball and badminton courts. Large playing pitches and the use of top class sports facilities in the area.

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International House Dublin Incorporating High School Ireland

St. Aidan’s Cootehill, Cavan

Principal : Ms. Mary Ann St. Aidan’s was among the first three comprehensive schools to be established Smith School Type: State owned in Ireland, in 1966. The pastoral care approach in St Aidan’s seeks to enable and state funded co- quality teaching and learning by respecting and nurturing all relationships educational and interdenominational public within the school. It promotes effective and caring leadership and partnership day school Accreditation: To the Irish in the whole school community. St Aidan’s also follows the guidelines attached Department of Education & to the comprehensive sector of secondary education. In accordance with the Science. Enrolment 500 schools mission statement, Respect is the principle at the heart of school life in Academic Staff: 40 St Aidan’s Comprehensive School. Respect for self, others and the school Subjects : Gaeilge, History, Metalwork, community is the key to building a school community where all feel secure and English, Geography, have a sense of belonging. All who come to school at St Aidan’s have the right Technical Graphics, Mathematics, Art, to learn and work in an atmosphere of mutual respect. The Code of Behaviour Materials Technology in St Aidan’s reflects that all have a responsibility to uphold this principle. (Wood), French, Business Studies, Technology, The professionalism, commitment, dedication and teamwork of the staff German, Home ensure an excellent education for all students in a caring and supportive Economics, Civic, Social & Political Education, environment. This environment encourages and challenges our students to Science, Music, Physical participate and achieve their full potential. Education, S.P.H.E, Religious Instruction, Engineering, The after school homework Technical Graphics, Art, Construction Studies, club provides a quiet, fun and Business, Career supportive environment for Guidance, German, Information Technology, students to complete their Biology, Physics, homework. It is a voluntary Accounting, Chemistry, Economics club for first, second and third year students. The club is Examinations: Junior supervised by a teacher and the Certificate, Leaving Certificate, Leaving Cert. students can get help with their Applied programme and The Leaving Certificate homework if needed. The fun Vocational Programme. activities enjoyed by the students range from indoor soccer, to film club, board

Graduate destinations games and quizzes catering for all.

A large percentage of Transition Year students have demonstrated their entrepreneurial skills over a students go on to third level education and many enter period of time. They have participated in the Student Enterprise Awards run post-leaving cert courses. by Cavan County Enterprise Board. Sport The Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme is a Leaving Certificate with a The school has many sporting interests, especially strong vocational dimension. It provides students with the opportunity to Gaelic football, soccer and others. realise their potential for self-directed learning, for innovation and for enterprise.

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International House Dublin Incorporating High School Ireland

In addition to the schools presented in this booklet, International House Dublin works with other schools both private and public, around Ireland. These include: King’s Hospital School, Dublin – Co-educational, Church of Ireland, 7 Day boarding; Our Lady’s Bower, Athlone – Girls, Catholic, 5 Day Boarding; Rathdown School, Dublin – Girls, Protestant, 7 Day Boarding; St. Mary’s Secondary School, Baldoyle, Dublin – Girls, Public Day School; St. Paul’s College, Raheny, Dublin – Boys, Public Day School; Santa Sabina College, Sutton, Dublin – Girls, Catholic, Public Day School; De La Salle College, Churchtown – Boys, Catholic, Public Day School; St. Fintan’s High School, Sutton, Dublin – Boys, Catholic, Public School Profiles for these additional schools are being compiled and will be added to this booklet as soon as possible.

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