St. Columba's College, Stranorlar

Our Guidance & Careers Programme

The Guidance Programme at St. Columba’s College is designed to provide students with the support they need to make informed personal, social, educational, and career choices.

Our Guidance Department is committed to inclusivity, catering to the needs of all students—junior, senior, minority, international, students with special educational needs, learning-supported, and gifted students.

The Guidance Plan provides a structured framework for delivering the school’s Guidance and Counselling Programme, incorporating all guidance activities and recognizing the essential role of staff members in planning and implementation of a whole-school approach to Guidance in order to enable students:

• To develop independence and take ownership of their rights and responsibilities.
• To explore and understand their talents and abilities.
• To identify and navigate personal, educational, and career opportunities.

The Guidance Programme at St. Columba’s College is structured into three key areas:

• Educational Guidance
• Social/Personal Guidance
• Career Guidance

Educational Guidance

• Supporting students in transitioning from primary to post-primary education.
• Encouraging students to remain in formal education.
• Promoting independent learning and study skills.
• Offering programme options such as the Transition Year Programme and the Leaving Certificate Applied.
• Providing guidance on subject choices and study motivation.

Social/Personal Guidance

The school provides one-to-one and group/class support where appropriate:

• Access to Personal Counselling.
• Support for students facing challenges or personal crises.
• Assistance in exploring thoughts and emotions.
• Guidance on relationship issues, bullying, suicide prevention, and mental health awareness.
• Integration of wellbeing topics in SPHE, R.E., and CSPE programmes.

Career Guidance

The Career Guidance Programme supports students in exploring future career and study opportunities, including:

• Self-assessment of skills and personality traits.
• Providing careers information.
• Guidance on CAO, UCAS, and international study applications.
• Information on scholarships, grants, and access routes.
• Supporting students in vocational decisions and work experience.
• CV writing, interview preparation, and employability skills.
• Collaboration with LCVP teachers for career development.

The Guidance and Counselling Programme at St. Columba’s College is designed to support students at every stage of their academic journey. Students are encouraged to seek guidance through the school counsellors or staff members.

Meet Our Guidance Counsellors

Ms Sproule and Ms Mc Nulty are our dedicated Guidance Counsellors here at St. Columba’s College. They play a central role in supporting the academic, personal, and career development of our students.

Students are encouraged to speak with them for advice, support, or just a chat about their options. Both counsellors are available in the Guidance Offices located opposite Ms Rogers’ room.