Colaiste Bhaile an Droichid Bridgetown College
www.bridgetowncollege.ie 1
ETHOS Bridgetown College is multi-denominational, co-educational and non-selective in its intake. It is under the patronage of Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board (WWETB), and has long been a beacon of educational excellence in the South-East. Its ethos is rooted in a deep commitment to excellence in education, respect, care, equality and community.
MISSION STATEMENT Bridgetown College aims to provide a holistic educational experience meeting the diverse needs of the community in a positive learning environment. We encourage all students to realise their full potential and to develop a sense of self-worth by promoting mutual respect, cooperation and tolerance.
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The college understands that true education is not just about what one knows but also about who one becomes. With this in mind, Bridgetown College places a significant emphasis on character development, personal growth, and the nurturing of essential life skills. Bridgetown College believes that education should produce well-rounded individuals who are prepared to contribute positively to society.
PARENTS Staff in the college communicate with parents and guardians by means of the college website, circulars, letters, phone calls and texts. We conduct most of our correspondence via our college app, where appropriate. Parent-Teacher meetings are organised each year to give parents an opportunity to discuss their children’s progress in different subjects with teachers.
ROOMS The college has 41 classrooms including specialist rooms for Art, Home Economics, Metalwork/ Engineering, Sewing/Craftwork, Computer Aided Design and Construction/Wood technology. The college also has an auditorium, three science laboratories, three computer rooms, a large gymnasium, a library and a canteen. Each classroom has a computer and digital display. In 2020, we received approval for a substantial extension to our College and building is due to start in the near future.
LIBRARY The library has a wide selection of general reading material for students of all ages. There are also specialist books and magazines for those involved in project work.
CANTEEN Subsidised lunches (costing €1.50) and free breakfasts are available in our canteen to all students. Hot dinners are available for €2.50 with a different menu each day.
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THE CURRICULUM Six programmes are offered in the college: Junior Certificate, Junior Certificate Schools Programme, Transition Year, Leaving Certificate, Life, Community and Work and Leaving Certificate Applied.
BEING LITERATE COMMUNICATING
WORKING WITH OTHERS
MANAGING MYSELF
KEY SKILLS
BEING CREATIVE
STAYING WELL
We encourage all students to realise their full potential and to develop a sense of selfworth by promoting mutual respect, co-operation and tolerance.
MANAGING INFORMATION & THINKING BEING NUMERATE
JUNIOR CERTIFICATE Core Subjects
Optional Subjects (Students choose 3)
• CSPE
• Art
• English
• Business Studies
• History
• French
• Irish
• Geography
• Digital Literacy
• Home Economics
• Maths
• Wood Technology
• Physical Education
• Engineering
• Religious Education
• Music
• Science
• Graphics
• SPHE
• Spanish
JUNIOR CERTIFICATE SCHOOL PROGRAMME (JCSP) The Junior Certificate School Programme is designed to provide an inclusive and supportive educational experience for students who may face challenges in the traditional academic setting. It seeks to empower students by focusing on key skills, personalised learning and ongoing assessment. The program recognises the value of each student’s individual journey and progress.
TRANSITION YEAR Transition Year is an optional, one-year programme which is a very valuable and enriching experience for students. It provides an opportunity to step away from the pressures of exams and explore a broader range of interests and skills, helping students grow personally and academically before they enter the final phase of their secondary education.
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LEAVING CERTIFICATE This two year programme follows a good standard of achievement in the Junior Certificate examination or an equivalent examination.
Subjects at Leaving Certificate Level Core subjects
Non-examination subjects
• Irish*
• Religious Education
• English
• Physical Education (PE)
• Maths
• Career Guidance
*Students may obtain an exemption from studying Irish, based upon criteria laid out by the Department of Education.
• SPHE All subjects may be studied at Higher Level (A: Árd) or Ordinary Level (G: Gnáth).
Plus 4 optional subjects • Accounting
• Engineering
• Agricultural Science
• French
• Art
• Geography
• Biology
• History
• Business
• Home Economics
• Chemistry
• Music
• Construction Studies
• Physics
• Design and Communication Graphics
• Leaving Cert PE
• Spanish
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LIFE, COMMUNITY AND WORK (LCW) The Life, Community and Work Programme aims to provide students with a well-rounded education that combines academic and vocational elements, equipping them with practical skills and knowledge for future employment and educational opportunities. Students also gain valuable work experience and entrepreneurship skills through the program.
LEAVING CERTIFICATE APPLIED (LCA) The Leaving Certificate Applied course offers an alternative pathway for students who prefer a more practical and hands-on approach to education, focusing on vocational skills and personal development. It provides an opportunity for students to explore career options and gain valuable work experience while earning a Leaving Certificate Applied certificate.
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DIGITAL LEARNING AND TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION At Bridgetown College, we are proud to offer a one-to-one laptop programme for all incoming students, ensuring every learner has direct access to digital tools that support and enhance their educational journey. Technology is embedded across our curriculum, enabling interactive learning, real-time collaboration, and personalised feedback. Platforms such as Microsoft Teams and free access to the Microsoft suite of learning tools, empower students to engage with content in flexible and meaningful ways, both in and beyond the classroom. Digital learning also plays a key role in accessibility. Assistive technologies and inclusive design features help ensure that all students — regardless of ability — can participate fully and confidently in their learning. By fostering digital literacy and encouraging responsible, creative use of technology, we prepare our students not just for exams, but for life beyond the classroom — as confident, capable, and connected global citizens.
ADDITIONAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS The provision for students with Additional Education Needs includes co-teaching, one-to-one tuition, small group tuition and reduced class size in English and Maths (where feasible). Our AEN Support teachers work closely with students, their parents/guardians, other teachers, the SENO, educational psychologists and other professionals and agencies.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION The college offers an extensive programme in physical education which is compulsory for all year groups. A well-equipped gymnasium, outdoor tennis and basketball courts and a sports ground, including walking track, and athletics facilities are available to students.
GUIDANCE A guidance and counselling service is provided for all students in class and on a one-to-one basis for individual educational, vocational and/ or personal guidance.
STUDENT SUPPORT The college operates a Year Head, and a Tutor system. Additional supports are provided by our Guidance Counsellors, Meitheal Leaders, the Student Support Team, HSCL Co-ordinator, Additional Education Needs teachers and School Completion Programme staff.
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SUPERVISED STUDY This takes place after school throughout the school year, runs for a two-hour period and is supervised by teachers. This service benefits student progress considerably in their preparation for examinations and enhacing academic projects.
SPORTS AVAILABLE • Athletics
• Handball
• Basketball
• Outdoor Pursuits
• Camogie
• Rugby
• Equestrian events
• Soccer
• Football
• Rounders
• Hurling
FOREIGN TRIPS At Bridgetown College, students have exciting opportunities to travel, learn and explore through our Erasmus+ programme and foreign trips. Recent destinations have included Poland, Spain, France, and Germany, while our upcoming ski trip will provide adventure, challenge, and unforgettable memories. These experiences broaden horizons, build confidence, and help students develop a greater understanding of different cultures and communities.
OTHER EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Students take part in the college choir, orchestra and each year a variety of musical productions. We also encourage participation in competitions in art, public speaking, enterprise and essay writing. There are various clubs in the college and we are always open to new suggestions.
WORK EXPERIENCE LCW, TY and LCA students do work experience placement as part of their course, upon the approval of the placement by their teacher. This is a great opportunity to sample different types of jobs and gain confidence through engaging with the wider community. 10
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Colaiste Bhaile an Droichid Bridgetown College Bridgetown Co Wexford Y35 R628 (053) 913 52 57 bridgetowncollege@wwetb.ie
www.bridgetowncollege.ie
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