Our Guidance Department plays a pivotal role in our Student Care System at Calasanctius College. Our many counsellors provide a caring and supportive role in the school where students can get advice and supports about a range of issues; from social to personal to academic. One of our Guidance Counsellors are always on hand to meet with students in a confidential environment where they can be cared for and supported throughout their time in the school.
On of the main aims of our Guidance Department is to help pupils explore their thoughts and feelings and the choices open to them. They give care and support to pupils learning to cope with the many aspects of growing up and school life and with their individual personal circumstances. Calasanctius College endeavours to offer a comprehensive guidance and counselling service to all our students. Operating in a variety of roles, our Guidance Department liases with Year Heads, Class Teachers, Learning Support Teachers, Subject Teachers, Deputy Principal and Principal. Again, depending on the context of each situation they are also in regular contact with parents/guardians, external medical professionals, employers, 3rd level institutions, external support services, fellow counsellors and the Department of Education.
Our Guidance and Counselling Programme is designed to support students to:
- Develop a positive self-concept and an awareness of their many abilities and talents
- Use career related information and sources appropriately
- Make informed decisions about choosing subjects (and levels), as well as educational and occupational options in line with the education/training associated with their chosen career path and abilities.
The Career Guidance and Counselling Department within Calasanctius College provides support for all students in three main areas:
- Personal and Social Guidance
- Educational Guidance
- Career and Vocational Guidance
Personal and Social Guidance
This area empowers students to make decisions, solve problems, change behaviour and resolve issues in their lives through:
- individual support
- group support
- referral to an external professional or support agency
Educational Guidance
This aspect of Guidance recognises students’ different learning abilities and their inherent talents. Each student is encouraged to optimise their learning skills. This involves:
- helping students with choices as with subjects, courses and levels
- aiding motivation and management learning
- showing students how to use available resources, study skills and exam techniques
- demonstrating how to use computer aided research
Career and Vocational Guidance
This area of Guidance helps students to identify career and vocational goals by developing their self-analysis skills and sourcing and managing career information. This involves:
- having an understanding of the pathways into higher education
- making and carrying out appropriate life choices and plans
- practising interview techniques, CV writing and cover letters
- identifying strengths and weakness from the results of various interest and aptitude tests
- becoming aware of employment opportunities