Guidance Counselling
Guidance Counselling in the CBS High School Clonmel endeavour to create a safe, caring and supportive environment for all our students. We help our students to make informed choices in the personal, social, educational, and vocational areas of their lives. The Guidance Counsellor engages with students from First to Sixth Years in a variety of ways.
A range of learning experiences appropriate to the student’s age and developmental stage are provided. These include a wide range of experiences which include some of the following:
- One to one counselling and guidance
- Careers classes
- Support with college, grants, accommodation and scholarship applications
- Subject Choice Presentations
- Study Skills workshops
- College Campus Visits
- Guest speakers (College, Careers and Mental Health)
- PLC Mock Interviews
- Psychometric Testing (For example: Aptitude and Careers Interests)
- Parent CAO Information Night
- Partnership and referral to outside support agencies
- Mental Health Support and Education
Career Guidance
Information on the Careers Service for 6th Years
Parents play a central role in assisting their children with career decisions.We would like to take this opportunity to inform you about aspects of the careers service for 6th years in the CBS High School.
Appointments with the Guidance Counsellor
Each 6th year student is invited to make at least one appointment with the Guidance Counsellor(s) to discuss his career choices/plan. Further appointments can be arranged by request with the Guidance Counsellors. We are also available to meet parents by appointment.
Careers Research
It is the responsibility of the student to do the recommended research. As an aid to this research there are a number of excellent websites, in particular www.qualifax.ie and www.careersportal.ie
Open Days/Exhibitions
(Due to Covid restrictions all College Open Day are online for 2020/2021)
Open Days are opportunities to visit a college, research specific courses and speak to College staff and students. They are useful days only if the students do some research before their visit i.e. check college prospectus or the college website. Open Days will be advertised on the Careers Noticeboard. The school will arrange transport to some relevant Open Days/ Career exhibitions.. Most are now held on Saturdays and this is an opportunity to attend with your son. We will provide all relevant information regarding the schedules at these Saturday Open Days.
Other events such as career exhibitions and seminars are notified to students as they occur. Speakers from the colleges are invited to the school and this may be an opportunity to hear about and explore their courses
Applications to Higher Education
There are a vast range of options available to your son in progressing to further and Higher Education, from Post Leaving Certificate Courses to University degrees. Every year the 1st of February is the closing date for applications to the CAO.
Applications to UK Colleges can be submitted until – January 15th
Earlier applications are required for Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science and for application to Oxford and Cambridge i.e. October 15th. An early appointment with one of the guidance counsellors is essential.for any student thinking of applying to the UK.
Subject Choice for Leaving Certificate
A number of subject options are available to students to Leaving Certificate. They can be classified into the following groups;
Practical Group
These subjects are ‘hands-on’ and involve working with tools and machinery on physical things like wood, metals and plastic. They may involve designing, planning and building things. Subjects offered in the High School include Construction and Design Communication Graphics
Science Group
These subjects demonstrate how to explore nature using carefully planned methods, and teach the basic methods and findings of scientific investigation. Subjects offered included Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Agricultural Science.
Artistic & Creative Group
These subjects involve developing creativity and the appreciation of the work of others. This involves learning the methods and techniques of the subject and producing your own work using these skills. Options available included Music and Art.
Humanities Group
These subjects explore the ways in which humans live and communicate in the world. Human life is examined by looking at our past, our present and into our future. These subjects help people to express themselves clearly and develop their reasoning ability. History and Classical studies are options available to students in the High School.
Social Group
These subjects explore common issues faced by all people living in society. They develop the skills and knowledge used to manage personal resources and guide human behaviour. Geography and Politics & Society are available.
Business Group
These subjects teach the skills and knowledge needed to understand how business works. In the High School the subjects offered in this option include Business, Accounting, Economics and LCVP.