The role of the Guidance Counsellor can be divided into three main areas:

1. Educational Counselling
2. Vocational Counselling
3. Personal Counselling

This work is carried out in collaboration with the Principal, Deputy Principals, Chaplains, Year Heads, Parents, Resource Teachers and Subject Teachers. In this way, students are informed and supported so that they can optimise their learning, overcome any difficulties and make good career and life decisions.

The Guidance Programme aims to respond to the needs of the student at any stage of their education in the school. Educational counselling encompasses the support of incoming First Years making the transition to post-primary school, subject choice advice in preparation for Second year and Fifth Year, and the development of study skills. Vocational Counselling is delivered through timetabled careers classes in Transition Year and Sixth Year as well as individual careers interviews and careers presentations. The Guidance Counsellor is available to meet individual students and talk about any issues that might be affecting them. Workshops may also be available in the area of stress management and mental health.

Assessment is an integral part of the school guidance programme. It involves the integration and evaluation of data inventories, psychometric tests, interviews, scales, and other techniques which measure an individual’s abilities, aptitudes, interests, personality, values, attitudes, educational achievements, skills, and other relevant information. The guidance counsellor is responsible for the maintenance of professional standards in the administration, interpretation, and dissemination of tests and results.

The Career Guidance Counsellors in the school are Mr Brian Dowling, Mr Liam Smith and Ms Eadaoin Maher.

Career Guidance Counsellor

Mr Brian Dowling

Career Guidance Counsellor