C.B.S. High School Clonmel Learning for Life
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MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL Welcome to The Christian Brothers High School Clonmel I would like to thank you for considering The High School for your son’s secondary education.
Mrs Karen Steenson Principal
We offer a broad curriculum and strive to provide high quality Teaching and Learning, both inside and outside the classroom, in order to help your son grow and develop as a person.
Our motto is ‘Learning for Life’ and we see every relationship, encounter and experience as an opportunity for learning. We endeavour to create a safe, stimulating and happy learning environment, where each pupil can navigate their journey to adulthood with support and encouragement. Through our broad curriculum and care structures we hope that each of our students can reach their potential, academically and personally. We aim to recognise your son’s gifts and talents as well as the areas of challenge that he may face. Furthermore, through our Teaching and Learning, our Pastoral Care structures and supports, as well as our Special Education Support Services we aim to meet every child ‘ where they are at’, and provide the support they need to grow. The school has an excellent reputation in a wide range of extra curricular activities, all of which are facilitated by a dedicated team of teachers and staff who strive to provide a holistic education to the student body. At the High School we believe that academic success is borne out of hard work, determination and a positive partnership between home and school. We hope to support you as parents in your role of facilitating your son’s journey of self discovery. These elements have ensured the attainment of consistently high results. I hope that our prospectus gives you an insight into the life of our school community and, should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Mr. Tom Ryan Deputy Principal 2
Olivia Corcoran Deputy Principal
C.B.S. High School Clonmel
The members of the senior management team bring with them a clear sense of energy, purpose and educational vision, with a focus on student care, wellbeing and improved outcomes.” Whole School Inspection Evaluation Report
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT Welcome to the CBS High School, Clonmel I am delighted to engage with you on behalf of the Board of Management of the school. Mr T.J. Kinsella The role of the Board of Management is to Chairperson Board of provide governance and oversight to the Management smooth running and strategic development of the school. To that end, the Board is made up of four representatives from the school’s trustees, the Edmund Rice School Trust (ERST), two representatives from the parent body and two representatives from the teaching staff. It is through this partnership that we endeavour to uphold the ERST Charter and provide for Excellence in Teaching and Learning within a holistic development environment for your sons. The future of the High School is looking bright. We have our wonderful staff and student body. In addition, the school has been sanctioned a major build in the form of an extension to the main school and our ASD support facilities. The extension will include two science laboratories and preparation rooms, a DCG room, a Home Economics and Textiles Room, a Multimedia Room, ten additional toilets, as well as the provision of two additional special classes. The funding for this project will amount to €6.5 million. The Board of Management is excited to be working on this expansion in the coming years. Alongside this project, the Board remains committed to the provision and ongoing development of high quality Teaching and Learning for the young men of Clonmel. I hope you enjoy looking through our prospectus. I have no doubt that, should you choose to send your son to The High School, the Principal and Staff will do their very best to welcome you to the school community and to support you in your role as parents in helping your son to grow into adulthood.
EDMUND RICE SCHOOLS TRUST The High School is part of The Edmund Rice Schools Trust, which has responsibility for 96 schools in Ireland. The Trust supports and guides the school Board of Management and Principal, in line with the values of the Edmund Rice Schools Trust Charter. Our school promotes equality of access and participation and children of any faith, or none, at every level of ability, of any nationality or ethnic grouping are all welcome in our school. All ERST schools recognise the uniqueness of each individual child and holistic development is nurtured. Enrolment processes are open and flagged in advance. High educational, developmental and pastoral standards apply in all our schools. The main objective of the school is to ensure and foster the advancement of each student’s education in the tradition of Edmund Rice.
THE FIVE KEY ELEMENTS OF THE ERST CHARTER ARE:
Nurturing faith, Christian spirituality and Gospel-based values
Promoting partnership
Excelling in teaching and learning
Creating a caring school community
Inspiring transformational leadership.
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MESSAGE FROM THE YEAR HEAD
JUNIOR CYCLE PROGRAMME
As your prospective Year Head, I look forward to welcoming you to the High School.
Three Year Programme
It will be my job to support and accompany you on your journey through five to six years of secondary school. The transition from primary to secondary presents many new and exciting challenges which may seem daunting at first. The school may be much larger than what you are used to, with a timetable, various buildings, long corridors, staircases and lockers. You will move from classroom to classroom every 58 minutes and you will be studying new subjects with new teachers. This may be confusing and disorientating at first, but remember this feeling is normal. Everyone starts at the beginning. Your teachers, the Deputy Principals, Principal, the pastoral care team and I will help you to settle into the routine of life in the High School and you should begin to feel at home in no time. The High School is committed to a vision of education in which our students are encouraged to grow and learn not just academically, but personally, socially, spiritually and creatively. We are particularly proud of the wide range of extra and co-curricular activities offered to our students in order to help you reach your full potential. This is a great way to meet new people and to make friends, whether through sports teams or the various lunchtime clubs. To the parents and guardians of our prospective First Years, I want to reassure you of our commitment to ensuring that your child feels valued and supported during their time in the High School; that their talents and abilities are nurtured and developed over their five to six years here. Education is a partnership between home and school and I am always available to speak with you about any concerns or questions you may have. An exciting journey of discovery and growth awaits you here in The High School and I look forward to welcoming you in September.
The school offers a comprehensive and varied curriculum which provides students with a range of subjects that meet their needs and interests, whilst also building a solid foundation for subject selection at senior cycle and career choice in the future. Subjects studied at Junior Cycle include : Core
Optional Subjects
English
French or German
Irish
Art
Maths
Business Studies
Science
Classical Studies
History
Music
Geography
Technology
CSPE
Technical Graphics
Non exam
Woodwork
(Language + 2 others)
Religion PE SPHE BEING LITERATE
COMMUNICATING
WORKING WITH OTHERS
MANAGING MYSELF
KEY SKILLS
BEING CREATIVE
STAYING WELL
MANAGING INFORMATION & THINKING BEING NUMERATE
The framework for the new Junior Cycle programme developed by the NCCA contains 24 statements of learning, underpinned by eight principles and eight key skills.
Mr Diarmuid Bolger Year Head 4
In The High School we aim to ensure that all statements of learning and the key skills feature in the programmes of all Junior Cycle students.
SENIOR CYCLE PROGRAMME The Traditional Leaving Certificate course consists of the core plus four option subjects. The Leaving Certificate course contains an additional programme known as the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP). The LCVP course is the same as the established Leaving Certificate, but with the addition of two extra modules linked to the world of work and enterprise. The primary role of the LCVP is to encourage participants to develop skills and competencies fundamental to both academic and vocational success. The Traditional Leaving Certificate course consists of the core plus four option subjects Leaving Certificate: Core + four option subjects Leaving Certificate Life, Community & Work - Core + Module 1 & 2(Me and My future & Community & work)+ 3 options subjects. Core English
Option Subjects History
Chemistry
Irish
Geography
Agricultural Science
Life, Community & work (LCW) Me and my future
Maths
Music
Business
Community and work
Non exam Religion
Classical Studies
Economics
Art
Accounting
Politics and Society
Construction Studies
Physics
DCG
Biology
French
Computer Science
German
PE Wellbeing
TRANSITION YEAR The Transition Year (TY) is a programme that forms the first year of a three-year senior cycle. It is designed to act as a bridge between the Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate programmes. It is a highly structured programme that is designed to develop academic, social and personal skills. Students benefit from the opportunity to sample a wide range of subjects, free from the pressure of state examinations. Students also have opportunities to participate in work experience, educational outings, volunteering and fundraising events, as well as entering a variety of local and national competitions. Some of the subjects that students may experience as part of Transition Year:
Home Economics
Film Studies
Physical Therapy
Chinese
Spanish
Leadership Programme
First Aid
Law Education
Road Safety
TY Retreats
Hill Walking
Tennis
Pitch and Putt
Canoeing
President’s Gaisce Award
Make That Course
Work Experience
Charity and Fundraising Activities 5
SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS LEARNING SUPPORT In keeping with the Edmund Rice ethos of our school, we have a Learning Support team that aims to identify and support all students who have additional needs and to provide a coordinated, continuous and caring response to these needs as the student progresses through the school. The learning support team liaises with parents, students and subject teachers to offer assistance. Our learning support department provides support to individuals, small groups or in class support.
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)
THE HUB The Hub caters for the needs of boys that are on the Autism spectrum and supports their integration into mainstream education. •
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The Hub 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.
Reasonable accommodation for state exams
Very good leadership is evident in supporting students and their learning, as demonstrated by the work of the SEN department. Very good practice is also evident in the establishment of a core team with qualifications and expertise in the area, as well as a small team of mainstream teachers.” Whole School Inspection Evaluation Report
TEACHING AND LEARNING The High School have a highly committed teaching staff with a strong subject and pedagogical knowledge. The High School uses 'Google for Education', and students have access to shared Chrome Book computers in class and during supervised evening study.
Staff have a high level of interest in participation in ongoing professional development programmes and initiatives such as Forbairt, Instructional Leadership, Peer Mentoring, Wellbeing, and Assessment for Learning.
GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING SERVICE For each year the Guidance and Counselling service provides ongoing educational guidance, career guidance and personal/social development for students where appropriate.
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.
A positive and orderly classroom environment was evident throughout the school. Teachers were well prepared for lessons with appropriate resources to hand. They demonstrated good subject knowledge, with clear explanation of concepts, as well as energy and enthusiasm for their subject. Whole School Inspection Evaluation Report
Alongside this an additional programme called the Friends programme is run where smaller groups of first years are taken on a weekly basis to look at key personal developmental skills. Some of the content includes looking at confidence and self esteem and how to nurture these. The programme also looks at developing the skill of empathy. It also encompasses very useful life skills such as mindfulness and the practice of gratitude. It is found that students both enjoy the Friends programme and find it very useful in real life situations. 7
EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
The High School has a proud tradition of participating in and contributing to the rich cultural and sporting heritage of Clonmel and surrounding areas. Students and staff have represented club, county and country with distinction in Athletics, Boxing, Cycling, Equestrian, Football, Golf, Hurling, Martial Arts, Rowing, Rugby, Soccer, Swimming and Tennis. Musicians in the school have toured internationally with Banna Cluain Meala: we have students who are county, provincial and All Ireland winning traditional musicians, world champion dancers and remarkably talented artists.
We also encourage our students to engage in events related to class subjects. Students have won awards at local, regional and national level in Business competitions, Science and Maths quizzes, Debating, Model United Nations Club, Writing competitions, and Public Speaking.
We take every opportunity to support and acknowledge the hard work, dedication and talent of our students within the community and give them the opportunity to develop and showcase their talents within our school.
All students can avail of educational trips to sites around the country while non exam years have many opportunities to embark on school trips ranging from Premiership games in England, tours to Italy for the Classical Studies classes, walking the Camino in Fifth Year, or the annual school tour to such places as Poland, Italy, France, Germany or Spain.
We have teams in Football, Hurling, Basketball, Rugby, Soccer, Athletics, Orienteering, Golf, Tennis, and Chess. In addition, our students have represented the school in equestrian events, rowing, swimming and other sports, as inter schools competitions arise.
Students are involved in charitable work too, whether that is with the school branch of St.Vincent dePaul, fundraising for The Hope Foundation, collecting for the Shoebox Appeal or raising awareness of the issue of homelessnes with Focus Ireland.
One of the highlights of the school year is our school show. We have had over 40 years of collaboration with The Presentation Secondary School and each show is a memorable, formative experience for those involved. The school has also recently joined the Creative Schools initiative, bringing The Arts into the classroom.
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Students are provided with a wide range of valuable co-curricular and extracurricular learning experiences that allow them to develop their talents and skills through participation in activities of a sporting, artistic, musical or charitable nature. The commitment of teachers to supporting these activities is acknowledged. Whole School Inspection Evaluation Report
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“For incoming students into first year, transition arrangements are in place to facilitate progression from primary to secondlevel. Furthermore, a recent project has examined ways of supporting students with special needs in making the move to a new school.” Whole School Inspection Evaluation Report 10
STUDENT VOICE AND LEADERSHIP Student Voice is welcomed and encouraged in our school. Students have the opportunity to vote for Student Leadership representatives and have the support of a liaison teacher. The Green Schools Committee and Amber Flag Committee also promote environmental and mental health issues respectively. Students also have the opportunity to join The Peer Ministry Group in Fifth Year, a faith based leadership programme.
PARENTS’ ADVISORY COUNCIL The Parents’ Advisory Council meet every month/six weeks to discuss matters of concern for parents and to engage with the Principal on a variety of matters. We aim to provide a forum that supports parents and guardians in our parenting role and to interact effectively with the school, discussing issues that impact on the education and development of our sons. We support the school in various fundraising initiatives including the annual Parents’ Advisory Council Table Quiz, Church Gate Collection and collections at Parent-Teacher Meetings. We participate in a number of committees including the Policy Committee, Book Rental Committee, Social Committee and we organise the Study Skills Course that takes place each autumn.
Student leadership is promoted in a number of ways, and in particular through the junior and senior leadership groups. The students are elected to these groups by their peers. The groups meet regularly and have the support of a liaison teacher. A very positive element of students’ engagement in these groups, and of how their opinions are valued, is the regular meetings with the principal to discuss their contributions, especially in the review of policies. Students from the leadership groups have raised issues which have then been discussed by staff, parents, and the Board of Management as part of a consultative process. Whole School Inspection Evaluation Report 11
C.B.S. High School Clonmel CONTACT DETAILS PRINCIPAL Karen Steenson
principal@cbshighschoolclonmel.ie
DEPUTY PRINCIPALS Tom Ryan
thomasryan@cbshighschoolclonmel.ie
Olivia Corcoran
ocorcoran@cbshighschoolclonmel.ie
SEN CO-ORDINATOR Angela O’Connell
aoconnell@cbshighschoolclonmel.ie
ASD COORDINATOR Paddy O’Gorman
pogorman@cbshighschoolclonmel.ie
GUIDANCE COUNSELLOR Aoife Leahy
aleahy@cbshighschoolclonmel.ie
052 61 24459 www.cbshighschoolclonmel.ie @hsclonmelcbs CBS High School Clonmel - An Edmund Rice School cbs.highschool.clonmel
OPEN NIGHT
THURSDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER 6PM TO 9:30PM
OPENING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS - 1st October 2026 CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS - 22nd October 2026 at 1pm Successful applicants will be notified in writing by 5th November Applicants must confirm acceptance of an offer of admission by 19th Nov 2026, 1pm.
APPLICATION FOR OTHER STUDENTS Please contact the Principal. 12