Guidance and Counselling in Gallen Community School refers to a range of learning experiences designed to assist students to make choices about their lives and to make transitions to these choices. These choices may be categorised into three distinct but interlinked areas educational, career and personal/social. The Guidance Counsellor focuses on the following areas during the various stages of a students educational journey through the school.
In Junior Cycle
Develop an understanding of themselves as individuals and in relation to others.
- Become aware of own strengths and weaknesses.
- Acquire the competency to consult with Guidance Counsellor and Pastoral Care staff with regard to personal/educational concerns.
- Develop good note taking skills, homework routine and study skills.
- Demonstrate pride in self and school, i.e., have a sense of the school as a supportive community and their role in it.
Senior Cycle
- Develop an awareness of interests, aptitudes and personality traits in themselves and others.
- Understand own intelligence type and learning styles.
- Understand the relationship of academics to the world of work and to life at home.
- Develop career awareness and develop employment readiness.
- Acquire the skills to investigate the world of work in relation to knowledge of self, and to make informed career decisions.
- Develop decision — making, planning communication and problem solving skills.
- Assess personal qualities as a basis for career exploration.
- View career development as a continuous process.
Counselling is a key part of the school guidance programme, offered on an individual or group basis as part of a developmental learning process and at moments of personal crisis. Counselling may include personal counselling, educational counselling, career counselling or combinations of these.
Target Groups
- First Years-in making the transition from primary to secondary school. Counselling is available when necessary.
- Second Years-continuing to assist them in their personal and social development. This may include coping with ambiguity and conflict. Classes are given on mental health and coping skills in S. P. H. E. time. Counselling is available on request of student.
- Third Years – as with second years but help in focusing on study skills and exam preparation at different stages of the year. Also they will look at decision-making skills around senior cycle programmes and /or subjects.
- Transition years — an opportunity to explore higher education and enterprise education and projects and work experience programmes. Knowledge of one’s own aptitudes and interest in order to make informed subject choices for senior level. Aptitude tests are administered and in conjunction with subject teacher’s assessment are offered as guidelines for subject choice.
- Fifth years-career investigation in LCVP classes and explores possibilities of further education and training, work experience. Through a range of guidance activities, to enable them to explore their interests and aptitudes and suitability for different career pathways. They need help in assessing their capabilities realistically. C.V. preparation, interview skills, preparation for the world of work. Counselling is available.
- Sixth years – Guidance in the management of setting goals, writing study plans, study skills and examination techniques is required. Help is needed with the increased workload and exam pressure. Vocational Guidance needs include assistance in the final course choices, form filling, CAO application, personal statements, C.V. preparation, grant/scholarship applications and meeting deadlines. Support in their transition from school is a vital part of Sixth Year Guidance. A careers night in December/January as well as Open days is part of this Guidance Plan for Sixth Years.
- Students with special educational needs-to be helped choose appropriate programmes in school and to assist them leaving school and progress into adulthood with the skills to participate to the level of their capacity, to live independent and fulfilled lives.
Parents/Guardians are always welcome to make an appointment to speak with the guidance counsellor. You can do this by
1. Using the contact email on this website and the secretary will ensure she gets your message.
2. Ring the school on 090 6453600 and your call will be forwarded to her office. If she is in class she will get your message and call you back as soon as possible.
