A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
On behalf of all our staff and students, it is my privilege to welcome you and your daughter to our school.
Coláiste Bríde, founded by the Sisters of Mercy and now under the trusteeship of CEIST (Catholic Education in Irish Schools Trust), is a Catholic, all girls, secondary school. In keeping with the Mercy ethos, we welcome girls of all religions and none, all nationalities and all traditions to our school, and strive to work together for the benefit of every student.
Teaching and learning is at the heart of what we do here in Coláiste Bríde, and we are committed to helping every student to achieve her full potential, while being provided with a first class education. Our state examination results reflect this commitment to excellence in teaching and learning and the achievement of high academic standards. We live in challenging times and this school offers our students the possibility of graduating with a lot more than academic achievement. A huge emphasis is placed on the social, spiritual and personal development of students outside of the academic sphere of the classroom. This is certainly evident in the vast range of extracurricular activities, in which all students are encouraged to participate.
As Principal, I am thrilled to be leading the school forward, building on the tremendous achievements of its past, and being part of its unfolding and exciting future. I am also very privileged to work with a staff that is highly professional, enthusiastic and energetic, and whose dedication underpins the warmth and vitality of this great school.
Coláiste Bríde is a happy, busy, vibrant community. I hope that this prospectus captures some of our energy and vibrancy, and gives you a glimpse of the richness and diversity of life in Coláiste Bríde. You will find further information on our school website www.colaistebride.ie.
Should you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Le gach dea ghuí, Kiera O’Sullivan
MISSION STATEMENT
“We are working to promote a secure and caring community environment, where respect, responsibility and Christian commitment grow; drawing forth the positive potential of each individual.”
AIM OF OUR SCHOOL
• To maintain a caring, stable environment where each student feels safe and secure.
• To foster in each child a sense of respect and tolerance for herself, for others and for the wider community.
• To encourage each student to take responsibility for herself, her learning and her property, and to instil in her an overall sense of honesty, loyalty and integrity.
• To develop in each pupil her diverse talents and potential: Spiritual, Academic, Social, Physical, Creative and Emotional.
• To recognise and reward effort and achievement, thus promoting a true sense of confidence and well-being.
CURRICULUM
In Coláiste Bríde, we aim to provide a caring, happy environment which enables our students to reach their full potential. The school offers Junior Cycle, Transition Year and Leaving Certificate. We offer a wide range of subjects to meet the changing needs of our students.
JUNIOR CYCLE
Our First Year students are divided into mixed ability classes. From our experience and from research, this has proven to be the best practice. It gives the students a chance to settle into their new environment before they make decisions regarding subject levels and subject choices.
During their first year in the school, students take all the following subjects:
CORE EXAMINATION SUBJECTS
Art Home Economics
Business
Irish
English Mathematics
French Music
Geography
Religious Education
German Science
History
NON-EXAMINATION SUBJECTS
Wellbeing/Pastoral Care
Civic, Social & Political Education (C.S.P.E.)
Physical Education (P.E.)
Social, Personal & Health Education (S.P.H.E.)
At the end of First Year students then select the core subjects they want to study for their Junior Cycle. We strongly believe that sampling all subjects in First Year allows students and their parents to make a fully informed decision about what subjects they should continue to study.
TRANSITION YEAR ACTIVITIES
Over 90% of our students choose Transition Year, a programme designed to foster maturity, independence and confidence while continuing academic studies.
• Broad Learning: Students explore languages (Italian, French, German) and cultures through music, drama, cooking and literature. They also enjoy modules such as Drama, Arts & Crafts, Song & Dance.
• Work Experience: Placements help students sample the world of work and plan for future careers.
• Enterprise & Awards: Students run their own mini-companies, compete in the National X-Cel Enterprise Awards, and many achieve GAISCE –The President’s Award.
• Community Involvement: Activities include volunteering in local workshops, homework clubs, Age Action projects and fundraising initiatives.
• Activities & Trips: TY offers a wide range of experiences – guest speakers, retreats, kayaking, filmmaking, sports, cultural trips, self-defence, and more.
• Creativity & Performance: All students take part in the Junk Kouture competition, fashion shows, quizzes and stage performances, building teamwork and self-confidence.
Transition Year at Coláiste Bríde is a vibrant mix of learning, creativity, enterprise and community engagement
– helping students develop essential skills for life.
CURRICULUM
SENIOR CYCLE
We take a student-centred approach to subject options. Students are surveyed and subject options are based on their choices, thus offering the highest possible satisfaction rate. All Leaving Certificate students are required to take seven examination subjects, which are offered at all levels.
CORE EXAMINATION SUBJECTS
English Irish Mathematics
OPTIONAL EXAMINATION SUBJECTS
Note: the availability of options is subject to sufficient demand and teaching resources.
Accounting Economics French
Applied Mathematics Geography German
Art Home Economics (Social & Scientific) History
Biology
L.C.V.P (Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme) Physics
Business LC Physical Education LC Religion
Chemistry Agricultural Science Music
NON-EXAMINATION SUBJECTS
Career Guidance Religious Education
Choir
Physical Education (P.E.)
Social, Personal & Health Education (S.P.H.E.)
Climate Action and Sustainable Development
SENIOR CYCLE – LEAVING CERTIFICATE APPLIED (LCA)
We introduced the Leaving Cert Applied (LCA) programme in 2024. This is a two-year programme which follows a practical and vocationally oriented educational path. Students are prepared for adult and working life. LCA helps students to apply what they learn to the world of work.
ACHIEVEMENTS
AWARDS’ CEREMONY
Our Awards’ Ceremony is held each May to showcase and celebrate the successes of our students.
We recognise their academic achievements and acknowledge outstanding Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate exam results. It is an occasion where we also get to recognise our students’ sporting achievements, as well as their personal successes and positive contribution to school life.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Many Coláiste Bríde students have been awarded significant and impressive scholarships over the years. These include International Scholarships, Sport Scholarships, Entrance Scholarships to NUI Maynooth, TCD, UCD, UCC and UL, and Scholarships to DCU. We have also had the great honour of having some of our students receive the very prestigious J.P. McManus ‘All Ireland Scholarship’.
SCHOOLS OF DISTINCTION
In 2023 and 2024 Coláiste Bríde was recognised by Trinity College Dublin as a School of Distinction. This award aims to acknowledge and showcase the efforts of schools to promote a positive school culture and to develop innovative approaches to teaching and learning. The School of Distinction programme rewards schools that support the development of ‘college-going’ practices and student-centred, innovative learning environments. Coláiste Bríde has also recently received both an Irish and European Digital Schools Award and received an award from Maynooth University in recognition of our involvement with their Teaching & Learning for the 21st Century programme.
FIRST YEAR
We understand that the transition from Primary to Post-Primary school can be an anxious and stressful time for some pupils and parents. To ease the change and make it as enjoyable as possible, we have induction programmes in place to support and reassure our new students. Those who deliver these programmes include Year Head, Assistant Year Head, Principal, Deputy Principals, Class Tutor, Guidance Counsellor and Cara Leaders.
In early May, an information evening is held for parents / guardians of incoming First Year students. Here the parents / guardians have an opportunity to meet the Principal, Deputy Principals, Year Head and other teachers. It provides an ‘open forum’ for any queries or concerns they may have, it provides an insight into how the school operates and provides helpful strategies that will enable their daughter / ward adapt and settle into school.
First Year students are the first group of students to start school in late August. This allows them to meet each other, to become familiar with their new surroundings and to meet their teachers.
STUDENTS WITH ADDITIONAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS (AEN)
Coláiste Bríde welcomes st udents with AEN. We aim to provide for, as far as is practicable and having regard to the resources available, inclusive educational opportunities to all students with AEN. To date the school has successfully provided for the following categories of students with Additional Educational Needs:
• Academically gifted students
• Neurodivergent (e.g. ASD, ADHD)
• Borderline / Mild General Learning Difficulties
• Emotional / Behavioural difficulties
• Learning Support students
• Physical Difficulties
• Sensory impairments
• Specific Learning difficulties (e.g. Dyslexia, Dyscalculia)
• Speech and Language Disorders
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY (ICT)
Our Cara Leaders consist of Fifth Year students who are role models, mentors and leaders for our First Year students. Young people relate best to their peers and in this capacity our Cara Leaders are invaluable in caring for our new students. They arrange activities that help the First Years to get to know the school and to make friends. They visit the class group regularly and are always watchful that everyone is settling in well. They alert staff to any concerns our new students may have.
In 2020 Coláiste Bríde became the first secondary school in the state to receive the Digital Schools Award and in 2021 we were among the first schools to receive a European Digital Schools award. We received both awards for the innovative way we use ICT to enhance the learning experience in all subjects.
As our students are increasingly ICT literate, the use of technology in schools can be a significant motivational factor in students’ learning and can also support students as independent and self-directed learners. However, we believe that while ICT is an important tool, it is just one of the many innovative active learning tools that our teachers use in their classrooms.
Our TY students also have the opportunity to earn a Level 6 qualification from Maynooth University with the STEM Passport for Inclusion Programme.
CARA LEADERS...
SCHOOL COMMUNITY
STUDENTS’ COUNCIL...
Our Students’ Council is a very active group who work in partnership with students, staff and parents to contribute to the running of the school. They are a voice for the students and allow them the opportunity to air their opinions and to keep the student body informed about events which take place in the school. The Council is run by the students for the students and with the support of teachers and management. They also have an input into any school policy which concerns our students.
HEAD STUDENTS...
Every year the teachers and the students in Sixth Year vote to elect our Head Students. This is a great honour for the students, as it is an acknowledgement of the esteem in which they are held by the school community. It is awarded to the students who display maturity, strength of character, trustworthiness, courtesy and leadership qualities. These students can be relied upon to bring commitment and energy to the tasks entrusted to them. As Head Girls they represent the school at many functions and address guests and parents. They generally act in a leadership capacity in the school, taking particular care to monitor First Year students.
SCHOOL WEBSITE & SCHOOL NEWS...
Parents and students can keep up with the latest school news on our Twitter Feed @Colaiste_Bride and through our regular Digital Newsletter. See our school website www.colaistebride.ie
Instagram: @colaistebrideenniscorthy
Facebook: Coláiste Bríde Enniscorthy
ANNUAL EVENTS
• Awards Ceremonies
• Debating, Public Speaking and Drama
• Choir
• Field trips / Educational trips
• Student Exchanges / International Student Exchange
• “I Am Worth It” Positive Mental Health Week
• Inter-cultural & Diversity Days
• Healthy Active Week
• Gaisce Awards
• Pope John Paul II Award
• Liturgical Events
– Mass for opening of the school year
– November masses for bereaved members of the school community
– School retreats for each year group
– Christmas Carol Service
– Advent and Lenten Services
– St. Brigid’s Day celebration
– Ash Wednesday / Lenten services
– Sixth Year Graduation Mass
• Open Evening
• Parent / Teacher meetings
• Christmas Table Quiz
• Various Transition Year activities such as the Junk Kouture fashion show
• School fundraising
– Parents Council Easter Raffle –subsidises activities and busses for students when representing the school
– No Uniform Day raises funds to send four Fifth Year students to Lourdes to act as helpers on the Ferns Diocesan Pilgrimage
FACILITIES
General classrooms include: Art, Computer, Geography, History, Home
Economics kitchens and Needlework rooms, Language, Music, Religion and Prayer room, Science Laboratories and a Demonstration room.
Other facilities include: Career Guidance room, Hot Food Canteen, Lunch Hall, Library, AEN rooms, Sensory Room and Activity Room. Sports facilities consist of multi-sports astro-turf & hurling wall, playing pitch and a Sports Hall that contains an indoor stage and fitness room.
We are currently designing a major new extension with building scheduled to begin in 2026. This extension includes a new school entrance and lobby, seven new classrooms, new school canteen, two science labs, technology, computer, music and home economic practical rooms and a two class AEN Unit.
SUPPORT STRUCTURES
Pastoral Care
Coláiste Bríde is committed to the ongoing development of the Pastoral Care of all students in the school. Pastoral Care integrates the academic, social, personal and religious dimensions of the school’s educational endeavours.
Pastoral Care helps to provide an orderly atmosphere and firm framework which will allow the students to get maximum benefit from their schooling and prepare them realistically for life as adults.
It is the caring response of the members of the school community towards each other. It seeks to
• help pupils with decision making
• prepare them for educational choices
• enhance their personal lives
• encourage respect for person and property
We plan for this caring approach by assigning to each junior class a
a) Year Head
b) Assistant Year Head
c) Class Tutor
The Year Head provides the administrative support necessary to ensure that the pastoral care structure functions effectively. He/she co-ordinates the caring structure by meeting subject and class teachers regularly to discuss and evaluate the students development. He/she meets individual students and classes regularly and encourages a high standard of work and behaviour. He/she conducts regular assemblies of the year group. He/she maintains contact with parents.
The Class Tutor provides a supportive caring role to students. They support their students’ well-being in weekly Pastoral Care classes. He/she will monitor the educational progress of each student by checking their journals regularly. He/she motivates the classes to achieve their highest possible standards.
Guidance and Counselling
The Guidance and Counselling service in the school is concerned with the personal and educational development of students. The service of our counsellor is available to assist students in making career choices and to provide individual counselling. Pupils may go to the counsellor to request an appointment.
Home School Community Liaison
Our Home School Community Liaison Coordinator (HSCL) works to improve educational outcomes for students through supporting parents/guardians. Our HSCL Coordinator provides support through Home Visits, Parent classes/courses (recreational and educational), Transition Programmes and offers information on other family supports available locally.
Supervised Evening Study
Students may avail of supervised evening study each day for two or three hours after school.
Catering
Catering Coláiste Bríde has recently partnered with The School Food Company, to provide a range of healthy hot food options each day for students.
Chaplain
Our school chaplain visits the school on a regular basis and is available for the celebration of school liturgies.
SPORTING &
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES IN COLÁISTE BRÍDE
• Camogie
• Gaelic Football
• Outdoor Pursuits
• Athletics
• Badminton
• Basketball
• Board Games Club
• Book Club
• Chess
• Debating
• Dry Rowing
• Equestrian
• Golf
• Gardeners Club
• Hockey
• Maths Club
• Public Speaking
• Rounders
• Rugby
• Soccer
• Crochet & knitting
