“Education is the Key to unlocking your Future”
Dungarvan CBS an Edmund Rice School
www.dungarvancbs.com
Principal’s Welcome As Principal of Dungarvan CBS, it is my pleasure to welcome you to our school brochure. Founded in 1807, Dungarvan CBS has a proud tradition of providing high-quality secondary education in West Waterford. Today, as part of the Edmund Rice Schools Trust (ERST), we continue that tradition while looking confidently to the future. We are a family of learning, built on strong relationships, high expectations and a genuine sense of belonging, guided by our belief that Every student matters. Every student is known. Life in Dungarvan CBS is guided by the five key principles of the Edmund Rice Schools Charter: • Nurturing faith • Promoting partnership • Excelling in learning and teaching • Creating a caring community • Inspiring transformational leadership Our highly qualified and dedicated staff place students at the centre of learning and teaching, supporting their academic, personal and social development while providing opportunities for every student to discover their strengths, develop their talents and achieve their potential. Inclusion is central to our ethos. We are proud to provide both an Autism Special Class and an Inclusive Special Class, ensuring that every student is valued, supported and given the opportunity to thrive. Partnership is at the heart of our school. We work closely with parents/guardians and are fortunate to have an active Parents’ Advisory Council, who play an important role in school life and development. We believe that the best outcomes are achieved when students, staff and families work together. Student voice and leadership are important features of school life, and we encourage our students to take responsibility for their learning, develop confidence and leadership skills, and make a positive contribution to our community. Our broad and varied curriculum offers a balance of academic and practical opportunities, complemented by a wide range of extracurricular activities, clubs and initiatives. We encourage students to embrace these opportunities, discover their interests and develop the skills and confidence they need for life beyond school. We set high standards while ensuring that our students are supported to meet them. We encourage them to work hard, pursue their goals, seek help when needed and show respect and care for others, and we are proud of their many achievements. I hope you enjoy exploring our brochure and gaining a sense of what makes Dungarvan CBS a special place to learn, grow and belong. Thank you for considering Dungarvan CBS for your son’s secondary education. I warmly invite you to visit us and experience first-hand the spirit, opportunities and sense of community that make Dungarvan CBS a school where every student matters and every student is known. 2
Agnes Guerin Principal
Eddie Our School Therapy Dog Eddie is a muchloved member of the Dungarvan CBS community. His calm and friendly nature brings a sense of warmth and positivity to the school. As part of our commitment to student wellbeing and inclusion, Eddie provides students with an opportunity to pause, relax and enjoy some quiet time during a busy school day. His presence can help students feel more settled, supported and connected.
First Years
Induction Programme We recognise that moving from Primary to PostPrimary school is a big step, and it can sometimes feel daunting for both students and parents. To make this transition as smooth and positive as possible, our 1st Year students return to school ahead of others for induction. Our Induction Programme has been carefully designed to support and welcome incoming students. The programme gives students the chance to get to know one another, meet their teachers and become familiar with their new school environment in a friendly and reassuring way.
First Year Bonding Day One of the highlights of the first few weeks for our new students is our annual 1st Year Bonding Trip. This provides students with an opportunity to step away from the classroom and get to know their new classmates and teachers in a relaxed and enjoyable setting. Through a range of fun, challenging and teambuilding activities, students are encouraged to work together, build friendships and develop a sense of belonging within their new school community. The day helps students to settle into life at Dungarvan CBS, build confidence and create positive relationships, laying the foundations for a happy and successful transition to secondary school.
Our Homework Club runs Monday to Thursday from 4.00 to 5.00pm and is open to all 1st Year students. Homework Club helps students establish positive study habits, develop strong learning skills, and manage their time effectively. Homework club is supervised by teachers, and assisted by Transition Year students who offer peer support and encouragement. For 1st Year students in particular, it provides a welcoming environment to settle into a good homework routine while balancing school and home life.
- Dungar van CBS - Prospectus
Homework Club
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Curriculum Junior Cycle
The Junior Cycle at Dungarvan CBS offers a broad and balanced curriculum that supports the development of key skills and personal growth. Students engage in a mix of subjects and classroombased assessments that encourage active learning and critical thinking. Our approach prepares students for the Senior Cycle while fostering confidence, creativity and a love of learning. First year students take part in a subject taster programme at the start of the year, giving them the opportunity to sample French, German, Visual Art, Applied Technology and Graphics. This allows each student to make informed choices based on their individual strengths, interests and academic ability.
Transition Year Transition Year is a one-year optional programme. It offers students a unique opportunity to develop personally, socially and academically in a supportive environment. The programme includes a wide range of learning experiences, from work placements and project-based learning to workshops, trips and community involvement. It encourages independence, creativity and practical skills, helping students make informed choices for their future. At Dungarvan CBS, we devise our own Transition Year programme to cater for the needs of our students. Our programme offers students a broad and balanced curriculum and provides the opportunity to try out new subjects from Senior Cycle. These subjects vary from year to year.
Sample Modules:
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First Aid
Legal Literacy
Sustainability
Graphics
Road Safety
Gaelic Studies
Guidance
Business Management
Public speaking
Engineering
Chemistry
Religious Education
Podcast Creation
Society and Politics
Exploring AI
Enterprise Education
Music
Game Design
Art
Money Smarts
Subjects: English
French
Music
Irish
German
CSPE
Maths
Business Studies
SPHE
History
Visual Art
Religious Education
Geography
Graphics
PE
Science
Applied Technology
Digital Literacy
Senior Cycle
Leaving Cert Applied (LCA)
Senior Cycle Reform places students at the centre of their learning, with a strong focus on developing key skills, personal growth and preparation for life beyond school. A balanced approach to assessment, combining written examinations with ongoing assessment, supports students in demonstrating their learning in a variety of ways. The programme aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed for further education, employment and life in a rapidly changing world.
Dungarvan CBS offers Leaving Certificate Applied as part of their Senior Cycle Pathways. LCA recognises the talents of all students and provides opportunities for development in terms of responsibility, selfesteem and self-development. It is an innovative programme in the way students learn, in what they learn and in the way their achievements are assessed. The LCA Programme has a practical basis, with students applying their knowledge, skills and experience to practical tasks at school, in the workplace and in the wider community. The LCA programme is delivered in partnership with Ard Scoil na Déise, providing students with greater choice, variety and opportunities for social engagement.
At Dungarvan CBS, Senior Cycle subject choices are guided by students’ interests, aspirations, career goals and third-level entry requirements. Students generally study seven subjects, allowing them to develop a broad range of knowledge and skills while focusing on areas that support their future pathways. We also continue to strengthen our collaboration with Ard Scoil na nDéise, providing greater flexibility in Senior Cycle subject provision across both schools. This partnership enables us to accommodate a wider range of subject choices and respond more effectively to the interests and aspirations of our students.
Subjects: Business
Agricultural Science
Irish
Accounting
Engineering
Maths
History
DCG
French
Geography
PE
German
Biology
Career Guidance
Art
Physics
Religious Education
Economics Home Economics
Chemistry
Music
Special Class In August 2025, Dungarvan CBS proudly opened the doors to its first Special Class, providing a supportive, inclusive and welcoming learning environment for students with additional needs. In 2026, we further strengthened our commitment to inclusion with the opening of a second Inclusive Class. These dedicated spaces provide a nurturing environment where students can develop their individual strengths, build confidence and achieve their full potential. Through personalised support, meaningful inclusion and a strong sense of belonging, we ensure that every student is valued and has the opportunity to thrive as an active member of the Dungarvan CBS community.
- Dungar van CBS - Prospectus
English
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Wellbeing of our School Community
future. Through classroom guidance, career events and individual counselling, we ensure each student is empowered to reach their full potential.
At Dungarvan CBS, promoting wellbeing is a core part of our school ethos. We support students’ mental, emotional and physical health through a range of initiatives, including wellbeing-focused lessons, mindfulness activities and access to pastoral care.
The Additional Educational Needs Department
Pastoral Care and Student Support Teams The size of our school allows teachers to know each student by name, fostering a warm and caring school community. Each year group is supported by a dedicated Year Head, while every class has a Tutor responsible for the day-to-day welfare of students. The Year Head works closely with the Student Support Team, as well as parents and guardians, to encourage and support students in managing all aspects of school life, both academic and personal. The Student Support Team at Dungarvan CBS plays a vital role in promoting the wellbeing and success of every student. Comprised of senior management, the Guidance Counsellor, Wellbeing Coordinator and members of the AEN team, the group works collaboratively to identify and support students who may need additional academic, social or emotional support. Year heads provide valuable input and regularly attend these meetings, ensuring a wellrounded approach. Through weekly meetings, early intervention and strong communication with families, the team ensures that each student receives the care, encouragement and resources needed to reach their full potential in a safe and inclusive school environment.
Guidance and Counselling Guidance and Counselling at Dungarvan CBS supports students in their personal, educational and career development. Our Guidance Counsellor provides one-to-one support, helping students navigate challenges and make informed decisions about their
The AEN Department supports, nurtures and encourages all students to reach their full potential. Extra help and support are provided for students at the whole school, class, small group or individual level based on identification of needs. A key focus of our AEN Department is ensuring a smooth and supportive transition from primary to post-primary education. Members of the AEN team visit primary schools during March/April to meet with relevant staff and gather information to help us understand the individual needs and strengths of incoming students. In May, the AEN team also meet with parents/guardians of incoming students with additional educational needs to discuss their son’s transition and how best we can support them as they begin their journey in Dungarvan CBS. Regular communication with parents/guardians is central to the success of the programmes and interventions provided by the AEN Department. The department also works closely with external agencies and other professionals to seek advice and ensure that students receive the appropriate support to enable them to thrive in school.
Student Voice and Participation At Dungarvan CBS, your voice matters. We think it is important for students to have a say in how the school is run. When students are listened to and get involved, it makes the school a better place for everyone. We have different student leadership teams who help with this, like the Student Council, Mentors, Digital Leaders, and TY Leaders. These groups share students’ ideas, help with school initiatives and make sure our school is a friendly and welcoming place where everyone feels included and listened to.
A Forum for Student Voice The Students’ Council is the official forum by which the student body can express their views and opinions on school-related matters. Elections are held each September where each class elects their own representative. A designated teacher liaises between the Students’ Council, the Principal and staff so that students’ voices are heard in our school.
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Extra-Curricular Activities and Sport Educational Trips At Dungarvan CBS, educational trips are an important part of our students’ learning experience, helping to bring classroom subjects to life. These outings include museum visits, theatre performances, historical sites, wildlife parks, science exhibitions, and university open days, all designed to enhance students’ understanding and curiosity. Our trips also support personal development by encouraging teamwork, independence and a broader view of the world beyond the classroom.
Transition Year Foreign School Tour Transition Year students at Dungarvan CBS have the exciting opportunity to participate in a foreign school tour, enriching their learning beyond the classroom. These tours offer students the chance to experience new cultures and broaden their global perspective while building lasting friendships.
Sport At Dungarvan CBS, sport plays a central role in student life, supported by our newly developed gym. Students have the opportunity to engage in a wide range of physical education activities and competitive sports, including hurling, football, soccer, rugby, swimming, athletics and cross country. We encourage all students to take full advantage of these opportunities, promoting personal wellbeing and overall development both physically and mentally.
At our school, a variety of lunchtime clubs are run by teachers, offering students a fun and enriching way to spend their break. These include the Soccer Club, Walking Club, Running Club, Reading Club, Dungeons and Dragons, Games Club and Lego Club. Open to all students, the clubs provide opportunities to explore new interests, build friendships and develop confidence and teamwork in a relaxed, inclusive environment.
- Dungar van CBS - Prospectus
Lunchtime Clubs
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Our annual Academic and Sports Awards take place every May. This evening allows the school, parents and students to celebrate our students’ performance and hard work over the year as well as honour sporting achievements in school as well as those attained outside of school. Dungarvan CBS has a long tradition of providing excellent education and boasts many achievements. •
Waterford/Kilkenny Garda Youth Award 2025 and 2026
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Garda Youth Community: Overall Community Safety Award 2025
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Naughton Foundation Scholarship 2025
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BT Young Scientist FSAI award 2025
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Bronze and Silver Gaisce Awards 2025
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Engineering Technology Teachers -Association National Award 2025
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Scifest - Junior Science Category
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Young Economist of the Year 2021
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UCC Young Philosopher Award 2021
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Certified Irish Angus Beef School Competition Award 2020
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Young Economist of the Year Bronze Medal 2020
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Student Business Enterprise Awards
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Trinity College Scholarship
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DCU GAA Sports Scholarship
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Eurofins Essay Competition
Dungarvan CBS an Edmund Rice School
Scoil na mBráithre, Mitchell Street, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. X35 VW31 T: 058-41185 E: admin@dungarvancbs.com W: www.dungarvancbs.com
All CBS School Policies are available on our website