CBS Thurles Secondary School
Scoil na mBráithre Chríostaí Durlas Co. Tipperary | Founded 1816
Mission Statement
CBS Thurles is a place of learning where students are prepared for adult life academically, emotionally, spiritually and culturally. We strive for a safe environment, free from bullying. We aim to promote the Christian values inspired by the vision of Blessed Edmund Rice. We seek to create an atmosphere of respect for the needs and talents of all members of our school community, while challenging all to reach their full potential.
Principal’s Welcome Note
Dr.
Tiernan
O’ Donnell Principal
Mr. Ollie Kelly Deputy Principal
It is with great excitement and expectation that I welcome prospective students to our school. There is an old Chinese proverb that states, ‘Teachers open the door, but you must enter by yourself.’ I invite you through this prospectus to enter the world of CBS Thurles and to sample an array of pursuits from the academic to the liberal, from sporting to musical, from individual pursuits to team pursuits.
You will be challenged and encouraged in our school, and you will have the opportunity not just to discern what your talents are but also to use those talents and develop them to their optimum. We offer you a team of committed, dedicated teachers whose prime concern is to help you achieve your dreams. I am very proud of this school, but I am even prouder of our students. You can see the work of our students and their achievements as you traverse these pages, and you will perceive the dreams that they have made come true. Our teachers operate on a very simple principle in
CBS Thurles ‘Docendo discimus’ (by teaching, we learn). We will learn as much from all of you as you will from us, and together we can achieve great things academically in the classrooms, on the sport’s field, in the music room, in the art room and in the debating chamber. I know we will make excellent mentors and guides if you allow us to.
I invite you to visit us in person and explore the many other successes on our website, www.cbsthurles.ie, where you will gain a flavour of life in our school. In CBS Thurles, friendships are made, strong bonds are formed, and the exciting world of knowledge, success and endeavour is open for you. Have no fears about secondary school, it is a time to be embraced and enjoyed. You will progress through the years and leave as happy, confident and innovative people. That is the wish of us all in the CBS and I hope we can accomplish that goal together.
Dr. Tiernan O’ Donnell Principal
LivingtheEdmundRiceTradition
CBS Thurles is part of the Edmund Rice Schools Trust (ERST), which oversees and supports 96 schools across Ireland. The Trust provides guidance to our Board of Management and Principal, ensuring our work aligns with the core values outlined in the Edmund Rice Schools Trust Charter.
Our school is committed to promoting equality of access and participation. We welcome students of all faiths and none, of every ability level, nationality, and ethnic background. At CBS Thurles, we recognise the unique potential of each student and are dedicated to their holistic development—academic, personal, and spiritual.
We operate an open and transparent enrolment process, which is communicated well in advance. Across all ERST schools, high standards in education, personal development and pastoral care are a constant priority.
At the heart of our mission is the advancement of each student’s education in the spirit and tradition of Edmund Rice.
The
5 Key Elements of the ERST Charter are:
Nurturing faith, Christian spirituality and Gospel-based values
Promoting partnership in the school community
5 KEY ELEMENTS
Creating a caring school community
Inspiring transformational leadership
Excelling in teaching and learning
Excelling in teaching and learning
At present, CBS Thurles offers four programmes: Junior Cycle / Transition Year / Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme / Leaving Certificate
JuniorCycle
The Department of Education introduced a new framework for the Junior Cycle on a phased basis in September 2014. The rationale underpinning the new Junior Cert is to enable learners to achieve their full potential and contribute to Ireland’s economic, social and cultural development. As a progressive school, we are continually updating our curriculum and developing the programme we offer at Junior Cycle.
“The school offers a broad curriculum and has recentlyintroducedHomeEconomics,which isprovingapopularoptionwithstudentsand parents.Shortcoursesareofferedaspartof thenewJuniorCycle,andTYandLCVPare optionsavailabletostudentsinSeniorCycle. Asubjectsamplingprogramme,whichruns inthefirstterm,allowsfirst-yearstudents toexperiencesubjectsbeforedecidingon options.”
Recent School Inspection Report
Our Junior Cycle Programme
Core Subjects
• English
• Maths
• Gaeilge
• History, Science and Religion
Optional Subjects (pick 4)
• Business Studies
• French
• German
• Home Economics
• Wood Technology
• Engineering
• Visual Art
• Graphics
• Music
• Geography
Short Courses (pick 2)
• Coding in Action
• Digital Literacy
• Artistic Performance
Wellbeing Subjects
• Social, Personal & Health Education
• Civic, Social & Political Education
• Life Skills
• Physical Education
How we help students settle in
Supports
• Class Tutor
• Year Head
• Guidance Counsellor
• Chaplain
• Buddy programme with TY students
• Two-day induction programme.
Subject Choice
First year students experience all subject options until Christmas, when they decide what subjects they wish to study for their Junior Cycle.
One-Hour Classes
One-hour classes supporting effective teaching and learning. We also operate split lunches, ensuring plenty of space and access to facilities during lunchtime.
Focus on Key Skills
We support First Year students with a dedicated Wellbeing class each week focusing on
• Study Skills
• Team Building
• Guidance
• Building Resilience
Transition Year
The Transition Year Programme is a unique one-year optional programme that promotes the personal, social and educational development of students and prepares them for their roles as autonomous, participative and responsible members of society. TY enables students to make the transition from the more dependent type of learning associated with the Junior Cycle to the more independent learning environment associated with the Senior Cycle. It encourages the development of a wide range of transferable critical thinking and creative problemsolving skills. In addition to traditional subjects, TY students experience a wide range of interesting modules such as
Film Studies
Home Economics
Horticulture
Law Studies
Eagle’s Flight
First Aid
Car & Driver Safety
Spanish
GAA Future Leaders & Coaching
Media Studies
Mindfulness
Yoga
Mini Company Career
Enterprise Education
Forensic Science
Personal Development
Work Experience
Young Social Innovator Community Care
Gaisce
Mentoring
Coding
SciFest
Social Studies
Irish Culture and Heritage
GAA Coaching Course Team Building
LeavingCertificate
We provide a wide variety of subjects for the Leaving Cert.
Gaeilge Chemistry
English
Maths
Applied Mathematics
French
German
Biology
Agricultural Science
Construction Studies
Music
Career Guidance
History Religion
Geography
Home Economics
Business
Accounting
Economics
Computer Studies
Physical Education
Design & Communication
Art
Link Modules
Dedicated Learning Support
Additional Educational Needs
At CBS Thurles, we are committed to ensuring that every student receives the support they need to thrive academically and personally. Long before students join us, we connect closely with their primary schools to gather important information that helps us understand their individual needs.
We arrange meetings with our Special Educational Needs (SEN) department and parents before entry to ensure that the right supports are in place from day one. For students requiring extra assistance, we carefully map out personalised learning plans tailored to their strengths and challenges.
Our Learning Support Team works in partnership with the Department of Education and is supported by the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS). We provide a range of supports, including team teaching within the classroom and targeted withdrawal sessions for additional help. Special Needs Assistants are also an integral part of our team, offering one-
Supports for mainstream students with Learning Difficulties/Special Educational Needs include but are not limited to:
One-to-one teaching
Small group resource
Team teaching in core subjects (Maths and English)
Assistive technology (where applicable)
SNA support (where applicable)
Reasonable accommodation for state exams
to-one support to students who need it. Building strong, trusting relationships between students, parents, and the AEN team is at the heart of what we do. All interventions and plans are developed in close consultation with parents/guardians and the student to ensure the best possible outcome.
Our Learning Centre caters for the needs of boys that are on the Autism spectrum and supports their integration into mainstream education.
The Learning Centre aims to provide access to an extended curriculum to help develop social and life skills and employs a variety of resources and teaching strategies to meet the individual needs of the students. Students can also avail of the sensory room and structured lunchtime activities.
We believe that with the right support, every student can achieve their full potential.
Creating a Caring School
Wellbeing
The wellbeing of our students is at the core of what we value, as it is vital in order for students to achieve their full potential. We are proud to be a Jigsaw ‘One Good School’ with staff involved in the One Good Adult programme which is available to our students whenever they may require a little bit of extra help. We nurture positive relationships with peers and staff to help our students feel safe supported and connected to the school community.
The importance we place on wellbeing is evident throughout our curriculum, especially in First Year, where students partake in life skills classes focusing on resilience and team building, which promote positive mental health and wellbeing.
GuidanceandCounselling
At CBS Thurles, guidance is a central part of our Pastoral Care system. Our experienced Guidance Department provides a caring, confidential space where students can seek support on a range of issues — from personal concerns and study skills to subject choices and career planning.
The service helps students explore their feelings, develop coping strategies, and make informed decisions throughout their time in school. The Guidance Team works closely with school staff, parents, external agencies and the Department of Education to ensure each student receives the support they need.
For First Years in particular, the
Guidance Counsellor is involved in the Wellbeing Programme in the school. This programme involves assisting students with the transition from primary into post-primary school. This includes developing self-management and organisational skills and promotes an awareness of support structures in school and how to access them. Through this class contact, the Guidance Counsellor may identify students who need further supports such as one-to-one counselling.
Guidance at CBS Thurles focuses on three key areas:
• Personal and Social Guidance
• Educational Guidance
• Career and Vocational Guidance
Leadership through partnership
At CBS Thurles, we believe leadership flourishes best in a culture of collaboration. By nurturing strong partnerships between students, staff and parents, we create a school community where everyone has a voice — and every voice matters.
Our Student Council is central to this ethos, giving students a real say in school life. From shaping school policies to leading initiatives in sustainability and wellbeing, our students take on meaningful
responsibilities that develop their confidence, critical thinking and sense of purpose.
Beyond the classroom, students lead a range of charitable and communityfocused projects — organising fundraising events, supporting local causes and promoting global awareness. These opportunities allow students to grow as compassionate, active citizens who understand the power of teamwork and service.
Crucially, this culture of leadership is supported by a strong partnership with our parent community. Our Parents' Council plays an active role in the life of the school, supporting key initiatives and contributing to a shared vision for success. Together, we model the very leadership we seek to instil in our students — collaborative, inclusive and committed to positive change.
“There is a broad curriculum on offer, and teachers are very committed to providing a range of extra- and co-curricular opportunities for students.”
Recent Inspection Report
Beyond the Classroom
Extra-Curricular Activities
At CBS Thurles, education extends far beyond textbooks. Our students thrive through a wide-ranging extracurricular programme that nurtures their talents, teamwork and school spirit. We are proud to offer a rich and varied programme of extracurricular activities that supports the development of well-rounded, confident and passionate young people.
Co-Curricular Activities
We actively encourage students to take part in a wide range of cocurricular activities that complement their classroom learning. Our students have achieved recognition at local, regional and national levels through participation in Business competitions, Science and Maths quizzes, Debating, Writing contests, and Public Speaking events.
Charitable and social awareness initiatives also play a key role in school life. Students contribute meaningfully to causes such as the school branch of St. Vincent de Paul, The Hope Foundation, the Shoebox Appeal and Focus Ireland, helping to raise funds and awareness around issues such as homelessness.
Educational trips enrich the student experience, with opportunities to visit historical, cultural and scientific sites across Ireland. Non-exam year groups benefit from a range of school tours and international trips, including educational tours to Germany and Spain.
We offer top-level coaching and competitive opportunities in hurling, football, soccer, basketball, rugby, athletics and more. Whether representing the school at a competitive level or simply enjoying sport for fun and fitness, students are always encouraged to get involved, challenge themselves, and experience the value of teamwork, discipline and school spirit.
A standout event in our school calendar is the annual school musical, a collaborative production involving students from both the Ursuline and Presentation schools. This experience provides students with a valuable opportunity to develop confidence, creativity and teamwork through active participation in the performing arts.
In keeping with our commitment to creativity and innovation, the school has recently joined the Creative Schools initiative, bringing the arts more fully into the classroom and supporting creative expression across all year groups.
Starting First Year at CBS Thurles
A Smooth and Supportive Transition
Moving from primary to secondary school is a major milestone in a young student’s life. At CBS Thurles, we understand that this can be both an exciting and daunting time for boys and their families. That’s why we go above and beyond to make the transition into First Year as smooth, supportive and reassuring as possible.
We pride ourselves on creating a warm, inclusive environment where every boy feels welcome, valued and understood from the very beginning. Through strong relationships with our feeder primary schools, we take the time to get to know each student’s individual needs, strengths and interests — even before they set foot in the building as First Years.
Our comprehensive First Year programme includes:
• Early Induction – Sixth class pupils visit CBS Thurles multiple times, taking part in fun team-building activities while getting to know teachers, classmates and the layout of the school.
• Parental Involvement – We value partnership with parents, holding information evenings both before and after entry to keep families fully informed and involved.
• Small Class Sizes – With a maximum of 24 students per class, teachers can give greater individual attention and build strong relationships with each boy.
• Pastoral Support – Every First Year class is assigned a caring Class Tutor, overseen by a dedicated Year Head, who monitors both academic and personal development.
• Cairdeas Buddy System – Our trained Transition Year mentors provide First Years with friendly faces, helpful advice and daily support to help them feel secure and confident.
• Full Subject Sampling – Before making subject choices for the Junior Cycle, First Years experience all subjects to make informed, confident decisions.
• Academic Guidance – Guidance classes cover study techniques and time management, while our Homework Club offers quiet, supervised support after school.
• Social and Extra-curricular Activities
– From team-building days to First Year trips, inter-class hurling leagues and club introductions, students have every opportunity to build friendships and feel part of school life.
• Tailored Learning Support – Our Special Education team provides personalised plans and in-class assistance for students with additional learning needs.
At CBS Thurles, we are deeply committed to nurturing the personal growth and emotional wellbeing of each student. We want every boy to feel a true sense of belonging and to know that he is supported every step of the way. From day one, our message is clear: you are cared for and you are part of a supportive learning community.
Our Facilities SupportingExcellenceandGrowth
At CBS Thurles, we are proud to offer a comprehensive range of modern, well-equipped facilities that support academic excellence, creativity and physical wellbeing. Our learning environments are designed to inspire students, foster innovation and provide the resources needed for success across a broad curriculum.
Our facilities include:
• 4 Modern Science Laboratories
• 2 Computer Rooms
• 2 Woodwork Rooms
• Graphics/DCG Room
• Music Room
• Art Room
• Gymnasium
• Canteen
• Assembly Hall
• Engineering Room
• Wi-Fi and Apple TV in all Classrooms
• Home Economics Room
• Library
• Edmund Rice Room
• 3 Learning Support Classrooms
• Railway Field
• State-of-the-art Astro-Turf Facility featuring:
• 4G Pitch
• Hurling and Ball Walls
• Outdoor Basketball Court
• Spectator Viewing Area
• Two ASD Classrooms with Sensory Rooms
Our modern sports complex includes a full-sized sports hall, outdoor basket court, all-weather pitch, and a fitness suite, encouraging a healthy, active lifestyle. Meanwhile, our vibrant library offers a welcoming space for quiet study, research, and a love of reading.
Every corner of our school campus is crafted to provide a safe, stimulating, and supportive environment—giving our students the tools they need to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
Technology in Teaching and Learning
At CBS Thurles, we embrace the power of technology to enhance teaching, learning and student engagement. Our aim is to equip students with the digital skills they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving world, both in education and beyond.
The school is supported by high-speed broadband and a secure, managed network, ensuring students have safe and reliable access to online learning resources. Whether researching, collaborating or submitting assignments, students benefit from a digital environment that is both modern and monitored.
As part of our curriculum, students have the opportunity to study Coding and Digital Literacy as part of their Junior Cycle programme. These subjects encourage problemsolving, creativity, and computational thinking — all essential skills for the future.
All students are issued with a school email address, allowing them to access their Microsoft Teams class accounts, communicate with teachers and participate in class activities online. Many students also choose to use eBooks and digital textbooks on their own devices, which supports flexible, mobile learning and helps them stay organised across all subjects.
At CBS Thurles, technology is not just an add-on — it is an integral part of how we teach, learn and prepare students for life in a digital world. We are proud to provide a learning environment where innovation supports achievement and every student has the tools to succeed.
Celebrating Success
At CBS Thurles, we believe in recognising and celebrating the many ways our students achieve and contribute. We foster a positive school culture where effort, good behaviour and success are consistently acknowledged and rewarded.
Clear routines and expectations support a respectful, focused learning environment, while our recognition system highlights students’ achievements in a wide range of areas. Throughout the year, students are commended for:
Outstanding personal or group achievements
Sporting accomplishments, in school and beyond
Consistent or improved attendance
Success in extra-curricular activities, including music, drama, debating and volunteering
Good manners, behaviour and a positive attitude
Academic excellence and progress
From class commendations to awards ceremonies and team celebrations, we ensure students feel valued for their contributions. We encourage all students to engage in both curricular and extra-curricular life, knowing that success takes many forms. We make it important to celebrate the effort, growth and character of every student.
CBS Thurles Secondary School
Scoil na mBráithre Chríostaí Durlas
Rossa Street, Thurles, Co. Tipperary
T: 0504 22054
F: 0504 23645
E: reception@cbsthurles.ie
W: www.cbsthurles.ie @cbsthurles
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