an Edmund Rice School
Principal’s Welcome
As Principal of CBS Dungarvan, it is my pleasure to present our school brochure. Here you will learn about our wonderful students and our school. Moreover, you will get an insight into the spirit, vibrancy, and strength of our school community.
CBS Dungarvan is one of the leading providers of secondary education in West Waterford. Founded in 1807, our school is part of the Edmund Rice Schools Trust (ERST). Life in CBS Dungarvan is guided by the five key principles of the Edmund Rice Schools Charter:
Nurturing faith
Promoting partnership
Excelling in teaching and learning
Creating a caring community
Inspiring transformational leadership
We work in close partnership with our parents/guardians & are fortunate to have an active Parents’ Advisory Council who play a central role in the overall development of the school. Together we pride ourselves in being a caring, learning community. At CBS Dungarvan, staff, students & parents are encouraged to involve themselves fully in all aspects of school life.
We have a team of highly qualified, dedicated teachers who work diligently to support students of all abilities. In CBS Dungarvan, the student is at the centre of teaching and learning where the focus is always on the holistic development of every student to reach their full potential. Students are encouraged to be active, engaged learners who take ownership and responsibility for their learning. Student leadership and student voice are very important in the daily life of the school.
Our education programme is wide and varied, offering students a range of subject options, both practical and academic. In addition, we offer a large number of extra-curricular activities in which all students are encouraged to participate. We set high standards in all that we do and urge students to work hard, reach their goals, seek help and be sensitive to the rights and needs of others. We have had many successes to date and look forward to many more in the future.
I hope you enjoy exploring our school brochure. Thank you for taking the time to consider entrusting us to provide a second level education for your son. Finally, may I invite you to visit our school to experience first-hand what CBS Dungarvan has to offer and what makes it so special.
Agnes Guerin Principal
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, First Year students return to school ahead of others after the summer break. During this time, they take part in our Induction Programme, designed to support and welcome them. 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.
Dunmore East
September is a very exciting time for the first year students as they all head off on the annual trip to the Dunmore East Adventure Centre. This trip gives the new students the opportunity to get to know their peers and foster bonds which will last well into their adulthood. Throughout the day, students take part in a variety of outdoor activities ranging from rafting and kayaking to assault courses.
Homework Club
Our Homework Club, supervised by teachers, runs Monday to Thursday from 4.00–5.00pm and is open to First and Second Year students. This initiative helps students establish positive study habits, develop strong learning skills, and manage their time effectively. Transition Year students also assist during Homework Club, offering peer support and encouragement. For First Year students in particular, it provides a welcoming environment to settle into a good homework routine while balancing school and home life.
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.
CBS Dungarvan devises our own timetabled programme to cater for the needs of its 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.
Subjects:
Journalism
Mathematical Methods
Photography Career Guidance
Public speaking Chemistry
Cultural Activities Social Studies
Heritage Studies Music
Art Speech & Drama
Film Studies Graphics
Gaelic Studies Business Management
Engineering Religious Education
Enterprise Education Agriculture
Subjects:
English
Irish
Maths
History
French Music
German CSPE
Business Studies SPHE
Visual Art
Religious Education
Geography Graphics PE
Science Applied Technology Digital Literacy
Senior Cycle
The new Senior Cycle provides a more inclusive, student-centred approach to learning and assessment. It emphasises key skills development and a balance between written exams and continuous assessment. This new Senior Cycle aims to better prepare students for further education, work and life in a changing world.
Subject choices for Senior Cycle are based on students aspirations, career choice and entry requirements for third level entry. Students generally study seven subjects in Senior Cycle.
Subjects:
English Business Agricultural Science
Irish Accounting Engineering
Maths History DCG
French Geography PE
German Biology Career Guidance
Art Physics Religious Education
Economics Chemistry
Special Class
In August 2025, Dungarvan CBS proudly opened the doors to its new Special Class, offering a supportive and inclusive learning environment. This dedicated space is designed to meet the individual needs of students, promoting personal growth, confidence and academic development. Our commitment to inclusion ensures that every student has the opportunity to thrive as part of our school community.
Leaving Cert Applied (LCA)
Dungarvan CBS offers Leaving Certificate Applied as an alternative to the traditional Leaving Certificate. LCA recognises the talents of all students and provides opportunities for development in terms of responsibility, self-esteem and self-knowledge. It is an innovative programme in the way students learn, in what they learn and in the way their achievements are assessed.
The advantage of Leaving Certificate Applied is that it focuses on the talents of each individual student and helps students apply what they learn in the real world. 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.
Wellbeing of our School Community
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. Each year, our entire school community takes part in our annual Greenway Cycle/Walk—a special event that highlights the importance of exercise, fresh air and connection. This shared experience not only supports physical wellbeing but also strengthens the sense of unity and belonging within our school.
Pastoral Care & 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 and members of the AEN team, the group works collaboratively to identify and support students who may need additional help, whether academically, socially or emotionally. Year heads provide valuable input and regularly attend these meetings, ensuring a well-rounded 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 future. Through classroom guidance, career events
and individual counselling, we ensure each student is empowered to reach their full potential.
The Additional Educational Needs Department
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. Regular communication with parents/guardians is central to the success of the programmes and interventions run by the AEN department. The AEN department also liaises with external agencies to seek advice on providing the best support for our students.
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.
Extra-Curricular Activities & 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.
Lunchtime Clubs
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 Walking Club, Singing Club, Reading Club, Dungeons & Dragons, Games Club and Soccer on the astro. Open to all students, the clubs provide opportunities to explore new interests, build friendships and develop confidence and teamwork in a relaxed, inclusive environment.
Our annual Academic & 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.
• BT Young Scientist FSAI award 2025
• Garda Youth Community Overall Community Safety Award 2025
• Bronze & Silver Gaisce Awards 2025
• Engineering Technology Teachers Association National Award 2025
• Scifest - Junior Science Category
• Young Economist of the Year 2021
• UCC Young Philosopher Award 2021
• Certified Irish Angus Beef School Competition Award 2020
• Young Economist of the Year Bronze Medal 2020
• Waterford GAA Awards WLR - Schools Award 2019
• Student Business Enterprise Awards
• Naughton Foundation Scholarship
• Trinity College Scholarship 2019
• DCU GAA Sports Scholarship
• Eurofins Essay Competition
Dungarvan CBS
Scoil na mBráithre, Mitchell Street, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. X35 VW31
T: 058-41185
E: admin@dungarvancbs.com
W: www.dungarvancbs.com
Edmund Rice School