MISSION STATEMENT
Bridgetown College aims to provide a holistic educational experience meeting the diverse needs of the community in a positive learning environment. We encourage all students to realise their full potential and to develop a sense of self-worth by promoting mutual respect, cooperation and tolerance.
ETHOS
Bridgetown College is multi-denominational, co-educational and non-selective in its intake. It is under the patronage of Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board (WWETB), and has long been a beacon of educational excellence in the South-East. Its ethos is rooted in a deep commitment to excellence in education, respect, care, equality and community.
The college understands that true education is not just about what one knows but also about who one becomes. With this in mind, Bridgetown College places a significant emphasis on character development, personal growth, and the nurturing of essential life skills. Bridgetown College believes that education should produce well-rounded individuals who are prepared to contribute positively to society.
PARENTS
Staff in the college communicate with parents and guardians by means of the college website, circulars, letters, phone calls and texts. We conduct most of our correspondence via our college app, where appropriate. Parent-Teacher meetings are organised three times each year to give parents an opportunity to discuss their children’s progress in different subjects with teachers.
ROOMS
The college has 41 classrooms including specialist rooms for Art, Home Economics, Metalwork/ Engineering, Sewing/Craftwork, Computer Aided Design and Construction/Wood technology. The college also has an auditorium, three laboratories, three computer rooms, a large gymnasium, a library, a tiered demonstration room and a canteen. Each classroom has a computer and digital display.
In 2020, we received approval for a substantial extension to our College and building is due to start in 2024.
LIBRARY
The library has a wide selection of general reading material for students of all ages. There are also specialist books and magazines for those involved in project work.
ASD UNIT
The college has a purpose-built Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Unit which provides support for students with Autism. Admission to the Unit is governed by the college’s Enrolment Policy and the ASD Unit Enrolment Policy.
CANTEEN
Subsidised lunches (costing €1.50) and free breakfasts are available in our canteen to all students.
THE CURRICULUM
Six programmes are offered in the college: Junior Certificate, Junior Certificate Schools Programme, Transition Year, Leaving Certificate, Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme and Leaving Certificate Applied.
E Y S K I L L S
JUNIOR CERTIFICATE
Core Subjects
• CSPE
• English
• History
• Irish
• Digital Literacy
• Maths
• Physical Education
• Religious Education
• Science
• SPHE
We encourage all students to realise their full potential and to develop a sense of self-worth by promoting mutual respect, co-operation and tolerance.
Optional Subjects (Students choose 3)
• Art
• Business Studies
• French
• Geography
• Home Economics
• Wood Technology
• Engineering
• Music
• Graphics
• Applied Technology
• Spanish
JUNIOR CERTIFICATE SCHOOL PROGRAMME (JCSP)
The Junior Certificate School Programme is designed to provide an inclusive and supportive educational experience for students who may face challenges in the traditional academic setting. It seeks to empower students by focusing on key skills, personalised learning and ongoing assessment. The program recognises the value of each student’s individual journey and progress.
TRANSITION YEAR
Transition Year is an optional, one-year programme which is a very valuable and enriching experience for students. It provides an opportunity to step away from the pressures of exams and explore a broader range of interests and skills, helping students grow personally and academically before they enter the final phase of their secondary education.
LEAVING CERTIFICATE
This two year programme follows a good standard of achievement in the Junior Certificate examination or an equivalent examination.
Subjects at Leaving Certificate Level
Core subjects
• Irish*
• English
• Maths
*Students may obtain an exemption from studying Irish, based upon criteria laid out by the Department of Education.
Plus 4 optional subjects
• Accounting
• Agricultural Science
• Art
• Biology
• Business
• Chemistry
• Construction Studies
Non-examination subjects
• Religious Education
• Physical Education (PE)
• Career Guidance
All subjects may be studied at Higher Level (A: Árd) or Ordinary Level (G: Gnáth).
• Engineering
• French
• Geography
• History
• Home Economics
• Music
• Physics
LEAVING CERTIFICATE VOCATIONAL PROGRAMME (LCVP)
The Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme aims to provide students with a well-rounded education that combines academic and vocational elements, equipping them with practical skills and knowledge for future employment and educational opportunities. Students also gain valuable work experience and entrepreneurship skills through the program.
• Design and Communication Graphics
• Leaving Cert PE
LEAVING CERTIFICATE APPLIED (LCA)
The Leaving Certificate Applied course offers an alternative pathway for students who prefer a more practical and hands-on approach to education, focusing on vocational skills and personal development. It provides an opportunity for students to explore career options and gain valuable work experience while earning a Leaving Certificate Applied certificate.
TEXTBOOKS
The college runs a book rental scheme for all students in Junior Cycle. Textbooks and a calculator are provided on loan to Junior Certificate students for a rental fee of €150. This includes a deposit of €25 which will be refunded if all books are returned in good condition at the end of the Junior Certificate. At Senior Cycle, there is a School Book Grant Scheme which operates for students who need assistance.
SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
The provision for students with special educational needs includes team-teaching, one-to-one tuition, small group tuition and reduced class size in English and Maths (where feasible). Our SEN Support teachers work closely with students, their parents/guardians, other teachers, the SENO, educational psychologists and other professionals and agencies.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
The college offers an extensive programme in physical education which is compulsory for all year groups. A well-equipped gymnasium, outdoor tennis and basketball courts and a sports ground, including walking track, are available to students.
GUIDANCE
A guidance and counselling service is provided for all students in class and on a one-to-one basis for individual educational, vocational and/or personal guidance.
STUDENT SUPPORT
The college operates both a Year Head, Assistant Year Head and a Tutor system. Additional supports are provided by our Guidance Counsellors, Meitheal Leaders, the Student Support Team, HSCL Co-ordinator, three Special Education Needs teachers and School Completion Programme staff.
SUPERVISED STUDY
This takes place after school throughout the school year, runs for a two-hour period and is supervised by teachers. This service benefits student progress considerably.
SPORTS AVAILABLE
• Athletics
• Basketball
• Camogie
• Equestrian events
• Football
• Hurling
• Handball
• Outdoor Pursuits
• Rugby
• Soccer
OTHER EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Students take part in the college choir, orchestra and each year a variety of musical productions. We also encourage participation in competitions in art, public speaking, enterprise and essay writing.
WORK EXPERIENCE
LC1, TY and LCA students do work experience placement as part of their course, upon the approval of the placement by their teacher.
