CCS prospectus 2024-2025 : simplebooklet.com

Message CASTLECOMER COMMUNITY SCHOOLT: 056 - 444 1447Email: oﬃce@castlecomercs.comwww.castlecomercs.comX: @CastlecomerHighInstagram: @castlecomercsExpectationshighWEllbeingCommunity2024 - 2025Our commitment is to place Learning and Teaching at the heart of the school community and tofacilitate and foster lifelong learning within the wider community.Our commitment is to enhance the self esteem of all our students by realising their learningpotential. Within this context, we believe cocurricular and extra-curricular activities and positive behaviour management are essential to the life and well being of our school.Our commitment is to a school where the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) of all teachers is facilitated and nurtured through school initiatives and Departmental in-services and training.Our commitment is to create a school capable of engaging in the dynamics of continuous improvement and to foster among ourstudents, in co-operation with parents and guardians, a set of moral values and principles which will guide them now and into their adult lives.Our commitment is to expand our inter-school network in both the primary and secondary sector by cooperating on matters of mutual beneﬁt in both curricular and extra curricular areas.CASTLECOMER COMMUNITY SCHOOL@castlecomercs056 - 444 1447oﬃce@castlecomercs.comCastlecomer, Co. Kilkenny, R95 AF5Y@CastlecomerHigh

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Principal’s MessageCo-Ed or Single-Sex? Pat Murphy here, Principal of Castlecomer Community School. First of all, I would like to thank you for your interest in our school.I rst started teaching in Castlecomer in the late 1990’s. Having worked under all four previous principals of our school, I must say it was a great honour when I was appointed Principal of Kilkenny’s only Community School in June 2021. Community is at the heart of everything we do here. We are an inclusive rather than exclusive school, who include every child in our community in their pursuit of excellence whether that be on the hurling eld, the choir, the musical, the Young Scientist, the debating team, the trad band or the running track to name but a few.Of course Academic Excellence is at the heart of our school. Of the many changes that I have seen over my career here, there has been a sea-change in the level of academic performance and the attainment of third level education by our students. Our recent involvement in the Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools programme underpins this trend further.Over the last ve years we have seen our progression rates to third level reach unprecedented levels with an average of 85% of our Leaving Cert Students going on to study 3rd Level Degree Courses. Furthermore, a high percentage of those who choose not to go on to further education continue to secure very good apprenticeships.Community Schools were still a new and visionary concept when our school was formed in the 1980’s. Our school is an amalgamation of the Vocational and the Voluntary Secondary sector, the Presentation Order. The idea was and is to get the broadest possible educational opportunity for the whole of the community, thus we have the broadest range of subject options of any school in County Kilkenny. We see ourselves as being very much to the fore-front of educational innovation through such initiatives as The Magenta Principals.We believe that education should be an interesting and enjoyable experience. We work hard to ensure that the students in our care are safe and happy in their formative years. A child who feels happy and safe in our school will undoubtedly achieve their potential.2 3We believe that a co-ed second level education is far healthier for boys and girls. It also prepares them for life in 21st Century society. In the modern world what institution is single -sex? Recent Studies on this topic have conrmed what we always believed in Castlecomer Community School. A longitudinal study of 5000 teenagers attending 150 schools in Ireland has found that, There is no signicant dierence in academic performance between teenagers who attend single-sex or mixed schools. [University of Limerick Study 2023 published in the 'British Educational Research Journal]When our own students carried out their research project for the BT Young Scientist on the same topic they found [of 150 fteen/sixteen your old girls interviewed]: • The majority of girls in single-sex schools would go co-ed if they could. • The majority of girls in co-ed preferred co-ed. • Most girls felt that the competitive nature of boys pushed them to do better.In other words there is no academic advantage in going to a single-sex school. But there are huge benets in terms of developing young people's social development, self-esteem and general wellbeing in our co-ed model.To Pay of Not to Pay? Attending a fee-paying school does not greatly enhance a student's chances of getting into a high point university course. [UCD School of Psychology Report 2023, based on tracking of 3,105 students in Ireland, published in 'Irish Education Studies']""

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Castlecomer Community School came into existence in May 1987. It was an amalgamation of the Presentation Secondary School and the Vocational School. The school is managed by a Board of Management which is a statutory body responsible directly to the Department of Education and Science. As a Community School it is our responsibility to provide a comprehensive range of programmes and subjects which enable all students of the community both academically and otherwise to reach their full potential. The spiritual ethos of our school is that of a Christian Community which welcomes members of all religious denominations.Short History of the SchoolOur MissionAs the only Community School in Co. Kilkenny. We live by our mission statement which says: Our school is a respectful community of learning. We recognise that the many ways our students learn contribute directly to their holistic wellbeing. Our mission is to include all our students in the pursuit of excellence, to equip them for thechallenges of life. We are constantly striving to improve Teaching & Learning in our school. Our ambitious Transition Year Programme is re-vamped on an ongoing basis with new subjects such as Sustainability, Well-Being, Young Scientist, Computer Science, Applied Maths, the Future Leaders Programme, Barista and more being added in the last two years alone. At Senior Cycle we have added PE and Computer Science as Leaving Cert Subjects in the last four years. We have been at the fore-front of educational innovation in Ireland over the last decade through our involvement in such schemes as the Teaching & Learning for the 21st Century initiative in conjunction with NUI Maynooth. The Magenta Principles is a nation-wide and international programme aimed at improving the quality of education in Ireland and abroad with almost every second level school in Ireland now involved. When the ‘Magenta Principles Ireland’ was published, Castlecomer Community School had the second highest number of entries for the whole country, hence the book was launched in our school. In other words, schools all over Ireland are modelling their teaching practice on the teaching going on in our school!Teaching and LearningJUNIOR CYCLESENIOR CYCLETRANSITION YEARLEAVING CERT VOCATIONALLEAVING CERT APPLIEDProgrammes on Oer4 5

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Junior Cycle caters for students in the rst three years of their post primary education. It features newly developed subjects and short courses (e.g. Computer Studies, Careers), a focus on key skills and new approaches to assessment and reporting. For students, the Junior Cycle curriculum available in schools is a mix of subjects and short courses as well as other learning experiences. In addition to classroom based assessments in second and third-year, students complete State examinations at the end of their three-year Junior Cycle and receive a Junior Cycle Prole of Achievement. [J.C.P.A.]. We also oer the Level 2 Learning Programme for a small number of students with additional educational needs. All our students study English, Irish, Maths, Science, French, History, Geography, Religious Education, CSPE, SPHE and PE as well as choosing two from the following: Music, Art, Home Economics, Woodwork, Metal Work, Graphics and Business Studies. Students sample each of these subjects for two weeks before making their nal decision. The six key skills developed during Junior Cycle are Managing Myself, Staying Well, Communicating, Being Creative, Working with Others and Managing Information and Thinking. The skills developed in their subjects along with the six key skills of Junior Cycle support learners in their personal, social and school life. Junior Cycle27:1JUNIOR CYCLEAVERAGE CLASSSIZE6 7The Senior Cycle caters for students in the 15-to-18-year group. It includes an optional Transition Year which follows immediately after Junior Cycle. During the nal two years of Senior Cycle students take one of three programmes each leading to a State Examination: the traditional Leaving Certicate with the option to take the Leaving Certicate Vocational Programme (L.C.V.P.) as an ‘add on’. Or the Leaving Certicate Applied (L.C.A.).The Leaving Certicate Established is a two-year programme that aims to provide learners with a broad and balanced education while also oering some specialisation towards a particular career option. Contrary to popular belief the Leaving Cert is currently undergoing a signicant shift away from the ‘exam only’ model of assessment. Only six of the nineteen Leaving Cert subjects we oer are assessed solely by nal exam.Senior CycleRESULTSLeaving Cert Subjests:In 2023 91% of our Leaving Cert Class went on to 3rd Level Education. On average 85% of our Students will go on to study 3rd Level Degree courses, 7% will do Apprenticeships, 5% PLC Courses and 3% seek employment.

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COMPUTER SCIENCEUnlike many schools TY is optional in our school. It is great credit to our programme that over 90% of our students choose this programme. Straight after 3rd Year, it gives students a gap-year to mature within the school system. It is a year lled with skills-based learning activities. Our TY Musical is a huge success with every student participating, infront of sell out crowds each night. We put a major focus on aptitude testing and careers in TY which we nd is a major help to focus students on their Senior Cycle options. We have found that this helps raise attainment levels in the Leaving Cert and also makes for a smaller drop-out rate amongst ourpast-students at 3rd Level than other schools.Transition Year DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AIMS: • Connecting to Adult & Working Life • Time for students to mature • Time to develop new skills TRANSITION YEAR PROGRAMME AIMS: Working with Teachers – Students – Parents – Community – Local EnterpriseLEARN BY DOING: • Transition Year programme Student Centred • Emphasis on Self-Directed Learning • TY Programme consists of projects, sampling subjects, work experience, outside activities and extracurricular tripsEXAMPLES OF ACTIVITIES:89SUBJECTS IN TRANSITION YEAR:IRISH LANGUAGEWOODWORK & FURNITURETY was the highlight of my school life. The trip to Delphi, the Gaiscetrip and especially Barcelona was the best craic I ever had. The TY musical was surprisingly an amazing experience as we got out of our comfort zone. I recommend you participate in as many activities as possible in TY so that you can get as much as possible out of it. You only realise how good TY was when you are in 5th year doing schoolwork.TRANSITION YEAR AND CAREER ACTIVITIES: • Timetabled TY Career classes • CAT 4 Aptitude Tests (helps direct students towards Career choices) • Informs subject choice for Senior Cycle • Leads to students being happier in their studies, leads to better performance in the Leaving Certicate • Leads to better performance at third level College Barcelona is an optional Trip that TY Students can go on at the end of the year. STUDENTS EXPERIENCE IN TY:ENTERPRISEGaisce Student Enterprise Young Scientist Junk KoutureTY MusicalLaw DayGeography Field TripDCU TY Open DayDelphi TripSubjects Sampling OrienteeringTY Fire SafetyOctagon Tree Top WalkKASA WorkshopHip HopMartial ArtsFuture Leaders ProgrammeSports Leaders ProgrammeBoating Activities3 weeks work experienceLaw Day Guest SpeakersCollege Open DaysFirst AidTY Wellness DayBarista ProgrammeEvolution ProgrammeGolfRoad SafetyAs part of our involvement in the 'Developing Equality of Opportunity in Schools' programme we were involved in the Maynooth UniversitySTEM project this year.This give our female students the opportunity to gain up to 50 additional Leaving Cert Points for entry into certain STEM courses in 3rd LevelSCIENCEENGLISHMUSICMATHSENGINEERINGHISTORYBUSINESSGEOGRAPHYSUSTAINABILITYWELLBEINGENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIAL STUDIESHOME ECONOMICSCAT 4 APTITUDE TESTART | CRAFTS | DESIGNCOMPUTER STUDIESCAREER GUIDANCE CLASSESWORK EXPERIENCE

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A student who does LCVP can get 66 points in their Leaving Cert and use those points for their CAO application. LCVP is a Senior Cycle Programme which combines the virtues of academic study with a new and dynamic focus on self-directed learning, enterprise, work and the community. All relevant to the needs that our students have when they are preparing for further education or planning to go directly into the world of work. All our student have the opportunity to do the LCVP Programme.What is LCVP?• Students gain transferrable skills useful for their next stage of life. • Potential to get the extra points required to go to college. • Develop links with the community • Develop computer skills • Take responsibility for their own learning • Visits in and out of the school, developing social skills What are the advantages of doing the LCVP? Modules are assessed by Written Examination (40%) and by Portfolio of Coursework (60%). The Portfolio of coursework is submitted on the rst Wednesday in March. The written examination takes place the rst Wednesday in May of the Leaving Certicate Year. How is LCVP assessed? 1011The LCA is oered to all students in Castlecomer Community School who do not want to pursue the traditional leaving cert. It is a self-contained 2-year course. The Leaving Cert Applied suits the student who is good at learning by doing, who might not be as academically inclined as others. The Leaving Cert Applied is a very positive way to keep these students engaged with education.Leaving Certicate Applied Work experience is a signicant component of the programme. Our students here in Castlecomer Community School get to sample a range of jobs from hairdressing to mechanics to waitressing. Here in Castlecomer they get rst-hand experience of the world of work for one day each week. Work Experience Yes, you can go to college - A student who has been awarded the Leaving Certicate Applied can go on to a very wide range of Post-Leaving Certicate courses (PLCs). Most of our LCA students here in Castlecomer either do PLC’s, apprenticeship or go directly into a job. Can you go to college with Leaving Cert ?Leaving Cert Applied Certicate is awarded at 3 levels The nal exam accounts for one third of the marks. This takes a lot of pressure away from the students. Coursework accounts for a third of their result. The students complete key assignments during class time. There are also 7 tasks which account for the nal third of their results Assessment PASS MERIT DISTINCTION15,600 students sit the LCVP exam each year nationally, over 80% of these use their LCVP results as their best 6 subjects for points. 7 STUDENT TASKS FINAL EXAMINATION SATISFACTORY COMPLETION OF COURSE WORK

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In Castlecomer CS we encourage our students to make informed choices and take responsibility for their own futures through the following strategies:• Career Information and Employment Opportunities events.• Developing Self Awareness through personality tests and career suitability tests.• Timetabled Career Classes • Personal Interviews• Third Level College Ocers as guest speaker• Liaising with Community Business • Apprenticeships talks with local companies• One to one interview with Senior Cycle students linking to Career Choice • Use of IT sources in school for Career Investigation• Past Pupils as guest speakers • College Open DaysCareer Paths and Guidance We Aim to Assist decision making in relation to:• Course & Subjects • Subject Level• Study Skills • Exam Technique 12 13Castlecomer Community School is equipped with the following : School FacilitiesWe are currently at planning stage for our new €4 million School Extension. Due to our increasing and projected enrolment we were granted a major extension in 2021. Over the last decade Castlecomer Community School has developed a state-of-the-art Community Sports Centre on our site. At a cost of nearly one million Euro’s the school now boasts the best sports facilities in County Kilkenny including:• 3 Science Laboratories • Demonstration Room • 1 Art Room • Music Room • 2 Home Economic Kitchens • 3 Computer Rooms • Design, Communications and Graphics Room • 2 Woodwork Rooms • Engineering Workshop • 2 ASD Classrooms • Oratory • 1 SEN Room• 21 Classrooms • New 6th Year Social Area• Canteen• All rooms have a data projector and 100 mb internet access• This year we have re-equipped our Engineering and Construction Studies Rooms to the value of €450,000, to turn them into state of the art educational facilitiesFully Equipped State of the Art Strength and Conditioning GymSports Hall2 Sand Based All Weather GAA Pitches2 Outdoor Basketball/Tennis Courts 440X6 m Floodlit Athletics Track

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14 15BooksCanteenIn 2023 our school joined the School Meals Programme. Under this programme all our students get a free hot snack at morning break and a hot healthy meal at lunchtime under the Healthy Eating Scheme for a subsidised price of €2.20Here in Castlecomer Community School we put a huge emphasis on the importance of Extra Curricular activities. We believe it plays a major part in helping our students to develop their social skills and learn how to work in a team to achieve a shared goal. These activities allow our students the opportunity to explore dierent areas of interest, increase self-condence, build leadership skills, improved physical and mental health, and ultimately improve their grades. All students are encouraged to participate in the many activities in the school as part of their personal and social development. Here at Castlecomer Community School we understand the value that participation in sport brings to all students and we strive to oer a wide range of opportunities for everyone to participate in -Extra-Curricular Programme HURLINGATHLETICSGAELIC FOOTBALLHANDBALLSCHOOL MUSICALCHESSDEBATINGEQUESTRIANFIRST AIDGOLFGUEST SPEAKERSMOCK INTERVIEWSQUIZZESSCHOOL BANKYOUNG ENTREPRENEURCAMOGIEBASKETBALLLADIES FOOTBALLCHARITY AWARENESSART EXHIBITIONSCHOIRDRAMAFIELD TRIPSGAISCE  PRESIDENT'S AWARDGREEN SCHOOLS INITIATIVELITURGICAL SERVICESMUSICAL INSTRUMENT TUITIONRETREATSWORK EXPERIENCEYOUNG SCIENTISTAnother of these computer labs is used primarily for students to work on their Junior Certicate CBAs. The third lab is used by LCA students. The remaining two labs are for general use as well as for specic subjects such as LCVP, Transition Year ECDL and Leaving Certicate Music. Every general classroom has a laptop and projector for teacher use. All these facilities are supported by very fast broadband connection and a school wide WIFI and wired network.All students and teachers have an Oce 365 account which includes access to school email, Teams and many other Oce 365 applications such as word processing, PowerPoint and online cloud storageCastlecomer Community School boasts excellent, up-to-date IT facilities. The school has ve computer labs, each equipped with new PCs, data projectors and printing facilities. One of these computer labs is specically for use in Leaving Certicate Design and Communication Graphics, with high-end computers specically built for this task.IT FacilitiesIn addition to the Free Book Scheme for 1st 2nd and 3rd Years, we oer a Book Rental toall out 5th Year Students.SCIENCE CLUBEDUCATIONAL TOURS  AT HOME & ABROADVISIT TO LOCAL BUINESSES / ENTERPRISESSchool Books

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Being where we are hurling and camogie are our main sports in Castlecomer Community School. We have ve hurling teams where we compete in Leinster Colleges Rionn A and B as well as local competitions. We have three camogie teams competing in Leinster Rionn B competition. Our teams train all year round and our philosophy is that everybody who wants to play gets the chance to play. We also eld teams in various grades in boys and girls in Gaelic Football, Ladies Football, Basketball, Athletics, Golf and Handball. In total we eld over twenty teams in various competitions. Our Sta give generously of their time when it comes to sport, with 25 of our 50 teachers involved in training sports teams.SportsFACILITIES We recently completed our state-of-the-art sports complex which is second to none. At a cost of close to one million euros. We have two all-weather grass pitches, a running track, 2 long jumps with ood lighting, cross country track, outdoor courts, 2 gyms, dressing rooms and a sports hall.STARS OF THE PRESENT KATIE NOLANAll Star, and Player of the Match All Ireland Camogie Final 2022.“What I really loved about my camogie career in Castlecomer Community School was that it was a school team that felt like a club team. Everybody got to play but we always strove to be the best we possibly could. The teachers involved showed exceptional commitment and I have no doubt that I would not be where I am today only for Castlecomer Community School”. 16 17STARS OF THE FUTURESTARS OF THE FUTURE I had a brilliant time playing hurling in Castlecomer Community School. I was lucky enough to be on the School Team when we won our rst ever Leinster Colleges Senior Rionn A title. It was a major stepping stone for me on my journey to becoming a Senior Inter-County Hurler. The training I got and the dedication fo the teachers was second to none. Looking back now, maybe the most important thing of all was the friendships I made.CONOR FOGARTY 6 GOLD MEDALS LEINSTER ATHLETICS FINALSPAST PUPIL WHO IS A CURRENT INTERCOUNTY SENIOR STARSTARS OF THE FUTURESTARS OF THE FUTURESTARS OF THE FUTURESTARS OF THE FUTUREPupils from Castlecomer Community School who played underage Hurling & Football for Kilkenny in 2024.Pupils from Castlecomer Community School who played underage Camogie & Football with Kilkenny in 2024.

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The Art Department has a strong reputation within the local and wider community, regularly competing in competitions both locality and nationally. Creative Arts Art is a non-pre-prescribed dangerous world full of possibilities. TY students Emily, Ava and Honey qualied for the Junk Kouture Regional Final fashion competition in the Helix, Dublin.Tonn Chlíona was one of eighty costumes selected from over 1,200 nationally, their creation made completely out of plastic bags.18 19As well as being a curricular subject at both junior and senior cycle, music plays a central role in the various activities and events that take place at Castlecomer Community School. In the classroom, students have the opportunity to study music theory, explore an array of musical genres and learn how to play both ukulele and recorder. Our school choirs (junior, senior and whole school) have ample opportunities to perform at numerous occasions throughout the school year including the opening ceremony, Christmas carol service, awards night, graduations and competitions. The choir is often accompanied by our school trad group which is directed by Karena Dowling who also oers instrumental tuition to students in our school in ute, ddle, bodhran tin whistle and more. MusicFor students, parents and sta alike the school musical demonstrates the importance of teamwork and commitment, and it nurtures a sense of school spirit. This gives all Transition Year students the ultimate music experience. Music holds the power to bring people together in dierent ways. It fuels the mind thus fuels our creativity leading to an extremely positive and nurturing environment in Castlecomer Community School. School MusicalOwen Stewart, Dylan Morrison and Amy Slattery received outstanding results for their college portfolio assessment in Limerick School of Art and Design.

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Autism Classes5th Year MentorsEvery year, several students in 5th year are chosen to be mentors to the incoming rst years. They are there to help 1st years transition into secondary school. The mentors help organise the Week of Welcome where students get involved in various activities and get to meet other students in the year group. The week ends with a mass in the local Parish Church. This is a very important week in the school’s diary for our rst years. PASTORAL CARE The Pastoral Care team in Castlecomer Community School includes the Principal, Deputy Principal, Guidance Counsellors, School Chaplain, Year Heads, Class Tutors, Home School Liaison Ocer and School Completion Ocer. We know that our additional Guidance Counsellor and our Home School Liaison Ocer will be of huge benet to all our students. The school is very fortunate to have access to a qualied counsellor who comes to the school on a weekly basis and meets students if necessary. This is a very important service to the school and students benet greatly from it. Pastoral CareThe School Chaplain The role of the school chaplain is to look after the spiritual needs of our students. The Chaplain does this by teaching Religious Education, organising religious services and retreats and being available in a pastoral counselling role to any student in the school who may need a ‘listening ear’ or a ‘helping hand’ from time to time.“Well, I think ever since I came into the ASD Classroom at the start of second year my time in school has become a lot better overall. The support here is great”.Current Student Testimonial 20 21Castlecomer Community School is in the privileged position to have two Autism classrooms as part of the school. The classrooms, known as The Loft and The Den, have their own purpose-built extension. These were opened in 2014 and are directly adjoining the main school building. Each classroom caters for six students and each class has the support of two Teachers and two Classroom Assistants.Additional Educational NeedsNationally it is estimated that one in ve students in school need some form of extra educational support. Our AEN team work with our primary schools from the time our students are in 6th Class to put the best possible support plans in place for students who need some extra support. Such supports can range from the use of team teaching to extra numeracy & literacy support in small groups, English as a foreign language support, use of assistive technology, dierentiation in the classroom to helping with reasonable accommodations for State Exams.

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WELLBEING The school timetables environmental science classes for its TYs. They become the think tank and taskforce now working towards the 7th Green Schools Flag. They raise awareness to their peers on global issues such as food import, packaging and sustainability and they carry out incentives on reusable bottles and recycling. They go on ecology walks and collaborate with biodiversity workshops. They teach other students and work on the school grounds creating wildlife corridors as part of the All-Ireland Pollinator plan: no-mow areas, sowing native wildower patches, installing a pond and water butt, al fresco area, bird boxes and bug hotels, planting bee-friendly plants and pollinator-friendly bulbs and herbs. They planted 70 trees from Coillte around the school last year. They expand their action to community partners such as Kilkenny County Council, Castlecomer Tidy Towns, Discovery Park, Nore Vision and the Heritage Council.Green SchoolsThe wellbeing of our students is paramount. It is our aspiration that all students are resilient, responsible and active members of their communities. Wellbeing has a central place in the school curriculum. Students in Junior Cycle receive classes in Physical Education (PE), Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) and Civic, Social and Political Education (CSPE). Computer classes provide students with the IT skills necessary for Second Level education and beyond. Career Guidance is also a central element of our wellbeing programme.It is important to us that all students feel connected to, and a part of, the school community. Our active Student Council ensures that the student voice is 2223heard clearly. We hold an Open Day which allows incoming First Years the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the school and to sample some of the courses on oer. A Week of Welcome sees our new students take part in fun group activities at the start of the academic year. End of year tours and our Tutor System foster class spirit and promote a class identity. The popular whole-school Halloween fancy dress is another highlight of the school year.As part of the Transition Year Programme in Castlecomer Community School, students are given the opportunity to participate in Gaisce - The President’s Award. Students work towards the Bronze Award which is the rst of three possible awards.Students participate in three key elements, followed by an overnight Adventure Journey. Students must complete one hour participation per week, for thirteen weeks, in each of the following areas; Community Involvement, Physical Activity and development of a Personal Skill. Students then complete an additional thirteen weeks in ONE of the above areas. Students complete these elements outside school time but under the guidance of a PAL (President Award Leader), usually a teacher, in school. Gaisce provides students with an opportunity to set personal goals, challenge themselves and achieve The Bronze Presidents Award. It is an optional aspect to our Transition Year Programme.GAISCE

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24 25YOUNG SCIENTIST The BT Young Scientist Competition has always been an integral part of our transition year programme with all students entering projects each year. We’ve had great success in qualifying projects over recent years with a total of 12 groups qualifying for the National Finals over the past two years, more than any other school in County Kilkenny. The competition gives students an opportunity to get involved in various projects in a broad range of scientic areas. It is a hugely benecial programme for students.“The BT Young Scientist Competition was a wonderful experience. We enjoyed the group work and really improved our knowledge of science. We improved our research, communication, part in the Young Scientist Competition was one of the highlights of our TY experience and we would encourage any future TY students to get involved” Cora Dooley (TY 2022)Past Student Reections I did my leaving cert in 2015 and was accepted into my rst choice course, Multimedia in DCU. I decided to study Multimedia as it was very broad and covered a variety of dierent modules such as advertising, production, animation and PR. It was a good choice for me as I wasn’t 100% sure what path in media I wanted to take. Throughout my time in DCU I developed my photography and videography skills and learned more about social media marketing. After I graduated in 2018 I got my rst full time job with a creative employer branding agency in Dublin. I worked as a Production Assistant on photo and video shoots for corporate clients like Airbnb, Hertz, Secret Escapes and Slack. This threw me into the deep end as I was working on huge scale projects with global team of freelancers without any previous experience. I then decided to move to London and joined the world of Fintech with a company called Curve. My role as a Customer Experience Champion within the Social Media team allowed me to learn even more about social media and how it can be used to market a business. I quickly progressed into managing a team of 5 and then became a Community Manager, which involved interacting with customers, writing updates, blog posts and press releases, and organising events. After almost two years I decided to move on from Curve and joined a sustainable grocery businesses called Good Club. As the Social and Content Manager I’m responsible for every aspect of social media like planning, copywriting and producing posts. I also work on website content, marketing emails, brand partnerships and PR. I think the most important thing for a job in any tech or media related eld is to learn as much as you possibly can. Most skills are transferable and as long as you can demonstrate how to use those skills then your opportunities are endless.HANNAH DOWD Kian, Aidan and Niall won the Dawn Meats Group Ag Sci Award at Scifest In TUS Thurles for their project comparing dierent types of fertiliser

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LAURA MOONEY My name is Laura Mooney and I am a past pupil of Castlecomer Community School. I completed my Leaving Certicate exams in the school in June 2017. I have recently graduated from DCU, St. Patrick’s Campus where I completed a four year Bachelor of Education degree. I am now a qualied Primary School Teacher and I am currently working in the role of a Special Educational Teacher in Scoil Phádraig Naofa, Athy, Co.Kildare. Many factors inspired me to persue a career in teaching, one being my teachers in both Primary School and in Castlecomer Community School. I have many fond memories of being a student in Castlecomer Community School, that I will always cherish. Here, I learned so many life skills from such professional teachers that have helped me through college as a student and up to now, working as a newly qualied teacher. I am glad I chose this career path. I enjoy and look forward to making a change to many children’s lives and to make school a safe and enjoyable experience for so many children, like my own experience of school.SEAN NOLAN I sat my leaving cert in 2013 at CCS and was accepted to my rst choice of Theoretical Physics at Trinity College Dublin. I had chosen applied maths and physics as 2 of my subjects at leaving cert level which led me to my choice of Theoretical Physics at Trinity. I had 2 very good teachers in these subjects which no doubt helped my decision in pursuing the subjects further. After graduating from Trinity I received a scholarship to study Computational Mathematics at the University of Edinburgh where I completed my master’s degree, graduating rst in the class. I had been interested in computer programming since being introduced to it by my maths teacher in Transition Year, I wrote my rst line of code in one of the computer rooms in CCS and haven’t stopped since. I also had the opportunity in 5th year to do an extra curricular course in Computational Thinking. On the mathematics side I was a member of the school’s maths and applied maths quiz teams in both 5th and 6th year. All these opportunities outside of the classroom to explore my interest in maths and computer science have led me to the career I am in today.26 27I started my secondary school education in Castlecomer Community School in 1996. I completed both my Junior and Leaving Certicates there, graduating in 2001. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. In particular the science, engineering and maths subjects I chose for my Leaving Certicate inspired me and set me up to pursue a career as an engineer. Away from the classroom, I played both hurling and football for the school, winning Leinster championships in both.After secondary school, I studied Mechanical Engineering at Dublin City University and graduated with a rst-class honours degree in 2005.After graduating I was awarded a scholarship to do research in mechanical engineering. I used signal processing and vibration analysis techniques to develop a novel method of generating vehicle suspension simulations. I was awarded a Ph.D. in 2011 for my work in this area. During my time at Dublin City University, I also worked as a product development engineer at the Irish National Centre for Sensor Research. I designed and developed autonomous chemical sensors for air and water quality monitoring.In 2012 I moved to the UK and joined Jaguar Landover where I worked in their research and development technical centre. I worked in the chassis department developing suspension systems. I was the lead engineer for suspension performance and loads on the Range Rover, Discovery and Defender SUVs. I moved to Dyson in 2018 to work on the Dyson Electric Vehicle project. My role was as subject matter expert for suspension performance within the vehicle dynamics team.In 2020 I moved to my current role with a start-up automotive company called Arrival. At Arrival we are developing electric vans, buses and cars with the goal of improving air quality in cities. I am the multibody simulation team lead. I have a team of ve engineers doing vehicle dynamics, durability and suspension performance simulations across all the vehicle programmesDAMIEN MAHER

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I completed my Leaving Certicate in Castlecomer Community School in 2006 and was accepted in the University of Limerick for my rst choice in Business Studies. I always loved Business and Accounting in secondary school and from a school visit to U.L. I knew it was the college for me. I left school not knowing what exactly I wanted to do, but always had the idea of owning my owning and running my own business one day. The sporting aspectof U.L. was also a huge draw for me, as I played and coached soccer with Deen Celtic AFC from a young age. I spend four years completing my degree in Limerick, throughout that time I learnt a great deal, but most vitally from a nine-month work placement in a large companies nance department, I realised sitting at a desk ve days a week just wasn’t for me. I graduated from my degree in 2010 and I found it dicult to nd a meaningful job, for a career I would be passionate about. Luckily from the encouragement from close family members I found myself subbing classes back in Castlecomer CC. Mr. O’Connor, Mr. Johnson, Ms. Campion, and Trish were extremely helpful to me at the time, considering my classroom management skills were very much non-existent. This lead me back to U.L. once again where in 2012 I became a Business and Accounting teacher, graduating with a Professional Diploma in Education. Opportunities in teaching, like in most sectors at the time was very competitive, meaning I had short spells in a variety of schools in Kilkenny, Laois, and Dublin, gaining experience in private and public, religious and non-religious and co-education, male and female schools. In 2013I found what I considered the perfect school for me in Greenhills Community College, in Walkinstown, Dublin. The school is a small all boys secondary school and Further Education college with DEIS status. Since starting in Greenhills I have never thought of working anywhere else, the small community creates an atmosphere like no other workplace I’ve belong too. In my nine years there I met my now Fiancée, made lifelong friends and now hold the roles of Year Head to 1st-3rd year and the SEN coordinator of the school. I also used the lockdowns to return to my own education and U.L. (virtually) completing a Professional Diploma in School Leadership and subsequently a Master of Education in School Leadership. Parallel to my teaching career I never stopped working on my entrepreneurial ambitions and in 2014 I was named Kilkenny’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year for my sports-based app, Clubman. The app upon its launch was the most downloaded sports app in Ireland, however despite its popularity, diculties with the developers lead to it being discontinued in 2016. At the time I took the risk and with a Credit Union loan I began my own app development company, Square Root Solutions, with Kilkenny GAA commissioning the rst app. Initially through a start-up-based program, running from Carlow IT, the company has grown signicantly over the last six years. The company to date has created 100+ apps, with some clients gaining national and international success. In 2018 the company received All-Star Accreditation at the All-Ireland Business Summit along with winning the Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce ICT award. Most recently we have featured in a Fortune Magazine article highlighting our work with tech start-ups across Europe. CIARAN STONE28 29I attended Castlecomer C.S. from 2000 - 2008 following on from my brother and sister who had attended previously. I have very fond memories from my time spent at Castlecomer C.S. from sporting occasions, making great friends, participating in the TY program and achieving a Leaving Cert which set me up for a future career. Not all subjects came easy to me during my time in school and I naturally progressed towards the practical subjects, particularly Engineering. Highlights from my school days: Winning the Senior Hurling Leinster A for the rst time in the school’s history was a very special feeling, we had a great group of players with a wide range of characteristics. This talent had to be moulded and shaped however and we were very lucky to be in the capable hands of Pat Murphy and Terrance Fahey who dedicated so much of their time to training and progressing us. Unfortunately, we came up short in the All Ireland Semi Final to eventual winners De La Salle which was a very hard defeat to take. None the less, after that year we were all well equipped with belief and ability to take with us in our future hurling careers with Club & County. In Castlecomer C.S we also got an opportunity to sample other sports also such as Rugby. Our teacher Paddy O’Driscoll formed a school rugby team and we went on a great journey in the Junior Cup competing with some of the top teams in Dublin, similarly to the hurling our preparation was excellent and it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. While sport formed a huge part of my experience in Castlecomer C.S it must be said that there are so many other opportunities available at the school also. There was an excellent range of subjects available to me during my time there and I always felt that all the teachers and management would do their utmost best to help you in any way possible, there was a great atmosphere within the school and I’m very proud to say that I attended Castlecomer C.S. Career Path After nishing my Leaving Cert in 2008 I was a little unsure of the Career Path I wanted to take. Initially I had applied for an apprenticeship as an electrician but after the CAO oers were made I decided to go to UL to study my second option of Sports Science. After 2 months in Sports Science an opportunity arose to move into Engineering Teaching in UL which I took. I studied to become an Engineering teacher for 4 years in UL and graduated in 2012. After graduating in 2012 I took up a teaching job in Dublin for a year, however, the daily commute proved to be challenging and the following year I found myself working with an Engineering Company in Kilkenny. I was very grateful for this opportunity to work close to home particularly with my sporting commitments and working in Industry thought me a lot. In 2015, I went back into Engineering teaching when a position arose in Callan, Co. Kilkenny. At present I am still teaching in Colaíste Eamann Rís and am looking forward to our school amalgamation which will be taking place this year. My time in Castlecomer C.S has been hugely benecial to my current position as a teacher and I look forward to carrying some of the values I was thought into our new school in Callan. CONOR FOGARTY

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I left Castlecomer Community School in 2015, I then went on to do Hairdressing in the Institute of further education in Carlow (now called Tyndall college). I completed my level 5 and 6 there. After my courses, I started my apprenticeship in hairdressing which I’m hoping to be qualied in by the summer 2022. The time frame it takes to qualify as a hair stylist is 4 years. When I’m qualied the jobs prospects are varied and there are loads of options. For example you could work in a salon, or on a cruise which is a great way to travel, or you could work in television or on magazine shoots. This trade has great opportunities to travel with as hairdressers are always in high demand. Hairdressing is always evolving so there is always new techniques or styles. You never stop learning which is what I love about it. Although it can be tough, it’s a very enjoyable and rewarding job. GILLIAN COOGAN I did my Leaving Certicate In 2011 and studied a B.A in English, History and Music at Maynooth University between 2011-2014. I moved to Germany working as an English Teacher and Musician between 2014 - 2018. I completed a Master’s of Education at St. Patrick’s College Drumcondra in May 2020. I’ve spent the last two years working as an English, History and music Teacher at International German Schools in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.COLM EGAN30 31CORMAC MEALEY Age: 33Location: LondonOccupation: Technology Consultant in Financial Services Industry, with a focus on Financial Crime TechnologyCCS Leaving Cert Class: 2006Third Level: BA Natural Sciences (Geology), Trinity and MSc Information Systems Management, NUIG Path to here: I didn’t really know what I wanted to do once I left school but I was lucky enough to be able to follow my interests somewhat. So an interest in Geography and Biology in CCS developed into a Natural Sciences degree where I specialised in Geology. After graduation, I did work in that eld for a few years. I moved to Australia and worked in the mining industry. What I loved about the work was the travel, the freedom (and the weather!) - it was perfect for someone in their early twenties. But the industry has a very poor work-life balance. You’re generally ying to a very remote work site for two to three weeks at a time, with no time o while out there. So I looked at what I was doing, realised I had some transferable skills in technology that I could build on and went back to university to do a masters in Information Systems Management. The masters was basically training to be someone who works at the interface between technology and business and understands both. To work with a business moving to cloud infrastructure, for example - or as I currently do, with businesses in nancial services who need technology to help them nd nancial crime and money laundering in their systems. My route to where I am has been quite convoluted and I’ll probably continue to change industry or focus - that’s not something to be afraid of. I’ve generally tried to follow a couple of principles. Find something positive or some benets from whatever role you are in, even if it’s not what you want to be doing. That sort of positive attitude is very apparent to others and will help your own mental health as well. There’s always something to learn. And remember that people probably won’t remember what you knew (or didn’t know!) and they may not even remember things that you did. But they’ll always remember how you made them feel.

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CASTLECOMER COMMUNITY SCHOOLT: 056 - 444 1447Email: oﬃce@castlecomercs.comwww.castlecomercs.comX: @CastlecomerHighInstagram: @castlecomercsExpectationshighWEllbeingCommunity2024 - 2025Our commitment is to place Learning and Teaching at the heart of the school community and tofacilitate and foster lifelong learning within the wider community.Our commitment is to enhance the self esteem of all our students by realising their learningpotential. Within this context, we believe cocurricular and extra-curricular activities and positive behaviour management are essential to the life and well being of our school.Our commitment is to a school where the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) of all teachers is facilitated and nurtured through school initiatives and Departmental in-services and training.Our commitment is to create a school capable of engaging in the dynamics of continuous improvement and to foster among ourstudents, in co-operation with parents and guardians, a set of moral values and principles which will guide them now and into their adult lives.Our commitment is to expand our inter-school network in both the primary and secondary sector by cooperating on matters of mutual beneﬁt in both curricular and extra curricular areas.CASTLECOMER COMMUNITY SCHOOL@castlecomercs056 - 444 1447oﬃce@castlecomercs.comCastlecomer, Co. Kilkenny, R95 AF5Y@CastlecomerHigh