Creagh College is an exceptional, joyous and inspirational school.”
– Irish Times, May 30th 2022
OPEN EVENING
Thursday 3rd October 2024, from 6pm to 8pm
ENROLMENT PERIOD
Opens Tuesday 1st October 2024 and closes Monday 21st October 2024 at 4pm.
MUSIC AND THE PERFORMING ARTS IN CREAGH COLLEGE
Creagh College is a school of music, dance and drama. Our classrooms and corridors reverberate with rhythmic sounds. We have a new and ultramodern music room and our very own stage in our General-Purpose area that can be viewed from all three floors. We offer a range of Performing Arts subjects from Junior through to Senior Cycle. We offer Music all the way to Leaving Certificate.
We have a certified short course in Performing Arts and a Drama Activities class exclusively for our newest First Year students. Our students regularly perform outside the school for the local community. Last year’s performance of Grease wowed the crowds in the Gorey Little Theatre during its sold out run and we will continue to develop new shows and performances throughout the academic year. We are also home to an active and vocal School Choir and a powerful Student and Teacher Trad group who meet and perform regularly.
PRINCIPAL’S ADDRESS
We live in straitened times. Never has education been so important in shaping the destiny of our children’s lives. Creagh College is an innovative, modern and inclusive school attuned to the needs of our time. Our students will receive a rounded education that will allow them to thrive in the emerging Digital Age. We work very hard to make sure our first years enjoy a smooth transition to second level. Our comprehensive induction programme will ensure our new students settle in quickly to a happy, caring, and respectful environment where they can achieve their fullest potential. We place a strong emphasis on caring for our students’ wellbeing, encouraging positive behaviour and on providing an environment in which our students learn effectively, grow and flourish.
We offer a diverse range of educational experiences. Creagh College has been to the forefront in embracing Junior Cycle Reform as well as new Senior Cycle subjects such as Leaving Certificate P.E., Politics and Society and Computer Science. Our Junior Cycle students participate in a comprehensive Wellbeing programme and have access to courses as diverse and varied as Philosophy, Computer Coding and Performing Arts. These exciting new programmes run
alongside a myriad of more traditional subjects at both Junior and Senior Cycle. Full details of all our subjects and programmes will be found within the pages of this prospectus.
Our dedicated, energetic, and hardworking teachers are committed to nurturing and caring for each and every one of our students. They ensure each individual student’s needs and capabilities are recognised and met in full. Our students can be confident that they are working with an exceptionally competent cohort of teachers and support staff.
At Creagh College we want our students to embrace new challenges and to expand their horizons outside as well as inside the classroom. We believe in the holistic growth and development of our pupils. We offer a vast and diverse range of clubs and extra-curricular activities where students can make new friends and learn new skills and abilities.
It is now over ten years since our school moved into our fabulous state-of-the art building. It is a vast and generous facility. I often have the pleasure of welcoming visitors to our school who are invariably impressed by the scale and quality of our building. “It feels more like a university than a post primary school” is a common
observation. But what those same visitors are most likely to remark upon when leaving Creagh College is actually our students and how well behaved and respectful they are and the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere within our school. I believe those visitors get to see a glimpse of what I experience every day, the essential essence of what our school is. Creagh College is a community of care, kindness and inclusion.
We are united, staff, students and parents, in pursuing excellence in education and meeting the complex challenges of the twenty first century. I’d like to extend my fullest welcome to you and your families to our school and I hope to welcome you all again in September 2025.
Creagh College
MISSION STATEMENT
Creagh College believes in the provision of a POSITIVE learning experience that nurtures MUTUAL RESPECT and personal RESPONSIBILITY within a SAFE, fair and CARING environment.
We are committed to the pursuit of excellence in all of our activities.
Paul Glynn
WHAT CREAGH COLLEGE CAN OFFER YOU
EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AND LEARNING
• Excellent State Examination results.
• A dedicated team of hardworking teachers and committed support staff.
• Varied, adaptive and progressive curriculum.
• Teacher Student Mentoring Programme for sixth year students.
• We use Athena Analytics to digitally track and monitor student progress and engagement. We have tailored attainment plans in place for all of year groups and place a special focus on our Senior Cycle cohort.
• One of a small number of schools in Ireland currently offering Leaving Certificate P.E., Leaving Certificate Computer Science and Leaving Certificate Politics & Society.
DEDICATED TO STUDENT CARE
• Attentive and caring first year induction program which ensures a smooth transfer to second level education.
• Positive Affirmation Committee which focuses on rewarding positive behaviour.
• Wellness Wednesday which focuses on the wellbeing of the school community.
• Restorative practice creates a culture of positive relationships.
• Creagh College is a health promoting school. We aim to improve the wellness of all our students through the promotion of exercise and healthy eating.
MODERN FACILITIES
• State-of-the-art building.
• Excellent sporting facilities and playing fields.
• €22 million educational campus. Fully equipped gym and indoor sports hall.
• Specialist classrooms equipped with every educational resource required.
TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION THAT EMPOWERS STUDENTS
• Hi-tech 21” century approach to education with computing and technology at the core of our curriculum.
• One of the only schools in Wexford to offer Coding and Digital Media Literacy courses as well as Computer Science as Leaving Certificate subject.
• iPad and eBooks mean lighter schoolbags.
• Our specialist rooms are equipped with the very latest technology and equipment.
TESTIMONIALS
I really enjoy attending the school because the teachers will always try and help you the best way they can. If you need anything or missed a class and are not sure what the work was or where the notes are they always try and find a way to help you”.
Third year student, 2023.
LIFE IN CREAGH COLLEGE
JACK BUGGY First Year Student, 2023
Hi. My name is Jack Buggy and I came to Creagh College in 2023. I was nervous at first going into first year. It really helped me that I knew a lot of the other students, but I also made friends quickly from doing things that I enjoyed. There are a lot of different places in Creagh to go and meet people, like the gym, P.E.
hall ,GAA and soccer pitches, the library, and the games room. One of the best parts of Creagh is that it is an iPad school. Having the iPad is very handy because it helps me catch up on any work I might have missed. Choosing Creagh College was one of the best decisions I have made in my life.
CARLA SHERIFF First Year Student, 2023
Hi. My name is Karla Sherrif and I entered Creagh in 2023 from Kilanerin National School. When I got into Creagh I was a bit nervous but then realised there was nothing to be worried about. I found it a bit difficult to find my way around at first but now I really enjoy moving to the different classrooms for all the different subjects. Trying the new and different subjects allowed me to make lots of new friends.
I enjoy playing sports. When I came to Creagh I decided to try some new sports. This also gave me the opportunity to meet new people. My favourite sport in Creagh is Basketball which I now love playing. I also play Football, Camogie, and soccer. My favourite subjects are Applied Technology, English and Home Economics. I am really enjoying my time here so far and I am really happy I came to Creagh.
On a separate note I just want to thank you and all the staff for fighting so hard for our child for the last six years. We would not have got this far without you all. Thank you for always going above and beyond. The support over the last six years has been everything to us. It takes a really special person to care so much for our kids and I truly believe Creagh has that in its staff”. Parent of 6th year student 2023.
The sports in Creagh are excellent. They offer a way to make new friends by doing what you love. Playing sports here has created a bond between me and my teammates and my coaches. I have improved my skill levels and fitness and the extra training and matches have made me a better player for my club.”
Transition Year, 2023.
A DIVERSE AND BROAD CURRICULUM
ABOUT CREAGH COLLEGE
Creagh College is a co-educational post- primary school. Every student is a valued member of our community, and we ensure that they are given every opportunity to develop their full potential. Students of Creagh College thrive because they are supported, cared for and feel a real sense of belonging. From September 2023, Creagh will operate a of one-hour classes. This will enrich educational opportunities within the school for all.
JUNIOR CYCLE WELLBEING PROGRAMME
Creagh College operates an extensive three year Junior Cycle Wellbeing programme. The programme sees our students undertake weekly Wellbeing classes, P.E. classes as well as learning about active citizenship in their weekly C.S.P.E. classes. We try to empower our students to speak out about their problems and issues. These are often explored during tutor time with each classes individual class tutor. These tutors play a crucial role in empowering our students’ voices and are the first port of call for our student’s cares and concerns.
We also offer a number of extra Wellbeing activities aimed exclusively at our firstyear students. Our first years can choose from a range of stimulating pursuits that are organised around the facilitation of making new friends and trying out new things. Some of the activities offered include G.A.A., Baking, Art Club, Basketball, Drama and Science Club.
JUNIOR CYCLE SHORT COURSES
Secondary schools now have a greater ability to offer a wider range of subject choices. At Creagh College we are proud to offer a number of new Junior Cycle Short Courses as part of our expanded curriculum. Our short courses are designed to offer students a brief but stimulating introduction to a wide variety of topics. Our students can choose from the range of disciplines below:
ARTISTIC PERFORMANCE
Follow your passion. Students engage in both collaborative and individual artistic performance and practices. There are three distinct strands explored in this course: Experiencing the Arts, Planning and Preparation and Participation and performance.
G.A.A. WELLBEING
Improve your health and wellness by taking part in physical activity. This programme is designed to boost selfesteem and to empower students to positive relationships with one another. Students take part in the class through engaging in sporting activities and submitting an e-portfolio online.
PHILOSOPHY
Have you ever wondered why? This short course will give you an engaging introduction to Philosophy and answering life’s greatest questions. Our aim is to introduce students to philosophical enquiry and develop critical, creative, and caring thinkers who can act in the world in a thoughtful and reflective manner.
CODING
Shape and build your future. Our coding short course will teach you to formulate problems logically and to design, write and test code through the creation of apps, websites and programs. Through self-directed learning students will receive a strong grounding in computer sciences that they can continue to Leaving Certificate.
DIGITAL MEDIA LITERACY
Learn how to use Digital Media in a safe and engaged way. As human communication increasingly moves online, we aim to teach students how to communicate with others in a safe and meaningful way so they can participate effectively in social and community life.
WELLBEING AND GUIDANCE AT SENIOR CYCLE
Senior Cycle Students in Creagh College engage in an hour-long Wellbeing class each week. Every Senior Cycle student in Creagh receives Career Guidance, Wellbeing and R.S.E. on a rotating basis throughout their time in fourth, fifth and sixth year. We believe in preparing our students for all the challenges that may face both in second and third level.
COLLEGE PROGRAMMES
JUNIOR CYCLE
1st - 3rd Year
Subjects Offered:
• Gaeilge*
• English*
• Mathematics*
• Science*
• Modern Foreign Languages* (French/Spanish)
• Geography
• History*
• Applied Technology
• Business Studies
• Classics
• Engineering
• Graphics
• Home Economics
• Music
• Religious Education
• Visual Art
• Wood Technology
Short Courses:
• Philosophy
• GAA Going Well (Pilot short course in Creagh College)
• Coding
• Digital Media Literacy
• Artistic Performance
Short courses for Wellbeing:
• Physical Education*
• Social, Personal and Health Education*
• Civic Social and Political Education*
TRANSITION YEAR
Subjects Offered:
• English*
• Gaeilge*
• Mathematics*
• French/Spanish
• BT Young Scientist
• Chinese Language and Culture
• Linguistics
• Agriculture
• Music
• Performing Arts
• Engineering
• Bake-Off
• Road Safety
• Wellbeing*
• Construction Studies
• Design & Communication Graphics
• Embedded IT Systems
• International Cuisine
• Young Social Innovator
• Global Development
• Mini-Company
• Craft
• Japanese
• Forensic Science
• Junk Kouture
• Careers
(* Core Curriculum Subject.)
SENIOR CYCLE
5th and 6th Year
Subjects Offered:
• Mathematics*
• English*
• Gaeilge*
• Physical Education*
• Career Guidance*
• Wellbeing
• Accounting
• Agricultural Science
• Applied Mathematics
• Art
• Biology
• Business
• Chemistry
• Classical Studies
• Construction Studies
• Computer Science (New L.C. Exam Subject)
• Design & Communications Graphics
• Economics
• Engineering
• French
• Geography
• History
• Home Economics
• Music
• Physics
• Physical Education (New L.C. Exam Subject)
• Politics & Society (New L.C. Exam Subject)
• Religious Education
• Spanish
• Technology
Subjects will be offered based on student demand and availability of places. History is now a core Junior Cycle subject and all students entering first year will study the subject.
OTHER PROGRAMMES
Transition Year is a one year optional programme designed to develop self-directed learning and to promote self-esteem and maturity. It affords students the opportunity to acquire new skills while continuing to work in their core subject areas. Students take modules in a variety of subjects which enables them to make informed choices when they enter Senior Cycle.
Creagh College offers both the Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) programme and the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP) alongside the established Leaving Certificate
CREAGH COLLEGE A SCHOOL FOR THE DIGITAL AGE
Creagh College encourages our students to develop a high degree of digital literacy. These skills are essential in everyday modern life and for the development of future career paths. All entrants to Creagh College have their own personal iPad which opens up a plethora of technologically advanced learning opportunities. Technology is at the core of all that we do. We have embedded I.T. deeply within our classrooms and our lessons. At Junior Cycle our students are taught both Coding and Digital Media Literacy. Our most proficient student I.T. users become Digital Leaders who are taught to teach and empower others to use the same technologies. We believe in teaching our students to use new media safely and to engage with them in an active and meaningful way.
As a school, we ourselves are progressive and engaged users of digital media. We communicate with our local community. Parents can see what we do and all that their children may achieve. Our school website is an extensive and rich resource for any information you might need on what’s going on in the school. We keep it constantly updated. We want you to use this resource to experience your child’s journey through school together with us.
Our student’s journey is one of continued change and growth. We believe in empowering them every step of the way. We offer several different programs to promote and enhance their voices and leadership abilities. We offer the Meitheal Leadership Program. Our students also write and produce their own newspaper, The Creagh Chronicles, which can be read online. There is a Student Council Committee which meets regularly with senior management as well as our Prefect system that offers mentoring support to our first-year students. We want our students are to become resourceful and caring leaders. We want them to be able to greet the future with confidence and competency.
Subject provision and whole-school support was of a high quality with a comprehensive range of digital subjects being offered at both junior and senior cycle.” Findings from Computer Science Subject Inspection, March 2023.
Creagh College has high expectations of all its students with regard to: Work Ethic , Attendance, Punctuality, Uniform, Equipment and Attitude EXPECTATIONS
Meitheal Leaders, 2024
STUDENT WELLBEING AT CREAGH COLLEGE
FIRST YEAR INDUCTION
Creagh College has a comprehensive induction programme to ensure our first years have the best possible transition from primary to post primary. Our entrance tests are spread over two days and run alongside induction activities. These help students get a better idea of what lies ahead when they commence their second level education and to be prepared for it. There are two dedicated induction and orientation days at the beginning of first year. Support is provided by our Prefects and Meitheal leaders. All of our students have daily contact with their class tutor. Our ongoing Wellbeing classes support students in the development of good study habits, social skills and the making of new friends.
STUDENT SUPPORT SYSTEM
Creagh College has an extensive student monitoring and support system. Our Tutors work closely with each individual Year Head, who in turn is supported by the Deputy Principal assigned to each year group. Student issues are flagged and dealt with speedily and fairly. We have an experienced and established S.E.T. core team who are skilled in meeting the diverse and complex needs of our students and offer a wide range of adaptive supports. We also offer valuable guidance and counselling services, and we have a Student Care Team that meets weekly to review our practices and ensure the best possible care is given to our students.
POSITIVE AFFIRMATION COMMITTEE
We believe in rewarding good conduct. Our Positive Affirmation Committee celebrates the excellent conduct and kindness of our Pupils. We believe that our students are our greatest resource and the greatest help to each other. Our P.A.C. program helps us to reward them and to build an atmosphere of care, kindness and support within our school.
COMMUNICATION WITH HOME
At Creagh we believe that a partnership built upon clear and open dialogue is the best way for us to support the wellbeing of our students and their families. We are open, accessible and always willing to discuss with parents and guardians any issues they may have concerning our students. We regularly hold Parent-Teacher meetings, issue student progress reports, send home texts and emails and communicate events via our Website.
We also have a very active and supportive Parents Council within the school who are always seeking new members to become involved.
Interactions among students and between students and teachers were very respectful and conducive to wellbeing. This positive environment engaged all learners to work independently and collaboratively in a very purposeful and productive manner.”
Findings from Computer Science Subject Inspection, March 2023.
CULTURE CLUB
Creagh College is an inclusive school. We embrace and celebrate all cultures, nationalities and orientations. Our Culture Club works to find ways to bring our students together. We run events through the year to acknowledge all of the diverse identities who make up our school community. We make sure everyone is connected and respected. Culture club is a key part of our school and wholly embodies our ethos and everything we strive to be.
SCHOOL OF SANCTUARY
Creagh College is very proud of the fact that it is the first school in Co. Wexford to be awarded ‘School Of Sanctuary’ status. Being a School of Sanctuary means that we are recognised for helping pupils, students, staff and the wider community to understand what it means to be a person seeking sanctuary. We try extending a welcome to everyone who needs it and treat those who joins us as equal, valued members of the school and the community. We are committed to making sure our community is place of safety and inclusion for all.
HEALTH PROMOTING SCHOOL
Creagh College has been awarded the "Health Promoting Schools" flag by the HSE. We promote physical activity and healthy eating within the school. In our general purpose are we have an excellent school canteen providing nutritious food throughout the day. We also recognise the profound importance of the emotional needs of our students. We ensure our students are safe and well cared for. Our students are encouraged to be mindful of others around them and to care for and respect our school facilities.
CREAGH COLLEGE SPORTS
THE HOME OF CHAMPIONS
Creagh College offers you competitive and challenging competition across any number of different sporting disciplines. We are the premier sporting school in Wexford. We regularly compete and win at the highest levels in Gaelic Games, Soccer, Rugby, Athletics and Basketball. We welcome and cater for all levels of ability, and we strive to make sure that sport is a place where our pupils can make new friends, learn valuable life skills and develop healthy habits. From chess to golf to table tennis our new students will be sure to find something to be involved with and take part in.
Next year promises to be an exciting year and we want you to be part of it. Whatever sport you are passionate about we can help to make you better. We can give you year-round training and support to augment your club performances. We offer you a team of dedicated and skilled coaches who will improve you as a player and person and a wide range of sporting activities that everyone can take part in. Come and be part of our story. Write your place in our history. Or just have fun and get to know new people. The intensity at which you pursue your dreams is entirely up to you. We will just make sure you enjoy it.
The atmosphere across the school community is extremely good, mainly because the teachers are so friendly”
First Year Student
EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
“The school offers a wide range of extra-curricular and co-curricular activities”
There is a massive range of extra-curricular activities for students to choose from.
• Art Club
• Science Club
• School Tours
Planned tours for the 2024/2025 academic year are: London, Barcelona, New York, Madrid and France
• Basketball
• Equestrian
• GAA (Football, Hurling & Camogie)
• Debating
• School Business Enterprise
• Drama
• School Musicals
• School Choir
• Soccer
• Gaisce Awards
• Cycle Against Suicide
• Charity Work
• Health Promoting School Initiative
• Green Schools
• Computer Coding Club
• Student Council
• Rugby
• Creative Writing
• Athletics
• Cookery Club
• Book Club
• Conversational French (senior students)
• Ciorcal Comhrá (Senior students)
• Indoor rowing
• Culture Club
• Golf
• School Bank
• Christmas Show
• Volleyball
• Mindfulness
Whole School Evaluation Report
• Promotion of STEM subjects
• St. Vincent de Paul
• Film Appreciation
• Literacy events throughout the school year
Other student leadership opportunities:
• Meitheal (6th year students)
• Class Captains
• Senior Prefects (6th year students)
• Student Council
• Yearbook (6th year students)
SPORTS SCHOLARSHIPS
Creagh College are pleased to announce the further expansion of our Sports Scholarship Programme. From 2023 onwards we will consider applications from any sixth-class primary school student who excels in team sports.
The aim of our sports scholarships is to produce thriving, highly skilled and capable athletes who will go on to represent our school, local clubs, or county with distinction. We are striving to ensure that with the support of our caring and committed coaches focused and dedicated students can be empowered to achieve their fullest potential.
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME BENEFITS
Each Scholarship recipient will receive:
• Individually tailored nutrition and strength conditioning plans
• Access to top Class coaching in excellent facilities.
• Fully supplied school uniform and Creagh College Sports Scholarship gear.
APPLICATIONS:
Scholarship applications to be submitted along with a completed Creagh College application between Tuesday 1st OctoberMonday 21st October 2024 @ 4pm.
“Teachers provided students with wellchosen activities that ensured high levels of student engagement and very good incremental learning”
Subject Inspection in Business Subjects, April 2019
Application and scholarship forms are available on www.Creaghcollege.ie and a minimum of five scholarships will be awarded each year.
Photography by: Michael Stokes