This coming Sunday sees the first episode of "A Rebel Education" being aired on Virgin Media One and Virgin Media Play, commencing 8pm. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who came on board to help create this 4 part documentary series showing aspects of life inside a modern day secondary school in Ireland.

The Irish Examiner wrote earlier this week - "What sets A Rebel Education apart is its focus on authenticity. There is no scripted drama here. It captures unvarnished realities: successes, failures, disagreements and breakthroughs. All of it is raw and relatable".  There are joyful moments, testing moments, heartfelt moments - while it shows but a fraction of what goes on "behind the scenes" it was a great opportunity to give some students, staff and parents a voice.

Taking on a mammoth task like this was not for everyone but I believe once all 4 episodes are viewed you will, like I do, feel justifiably proud of your children and the students of our school.

I hope you enjoy it.

Paul Burke

Principal

Students in Year 2 complete Classroom Based Assessments (CBA's) in all subjects (except RE, DML and SPHE). Classroom Based Assessments allow students the opportunity to show learning and skills that may not be assessed in a traditional examination. They include things such as an Oral Communication task in English and French/German, a Business in Action Group Project and  Creative Textiles work in Home Economics. 

The Department of Education and Youth have requested that Classroom Based Assessments would replace Term Exams (Christmas/Summer Exams) in the term in which they are completed. 

The current Year 2 students will complete a Classroom Based Assessment in History, Geography, English and Irish between now and Christmas. They will not have a formal Christmas Exam in these subjects instead they will take time to reflect on their learning from the CBA.  They will then have a formal written exam in these subjects in the Summer.

Between January and May students will complete a CBA in Maths, French/German, Science, CSPE, PE and their Option Subjects., and these will replace the Summer Assessment Examination. The term report for Year 2 students at both Christmas and the Summer will be in two parts, one with results from the tests and a comment from the teacher and the other part will have the CBA result with feedback from the teacher.

The final result for the Classroom Based Assessment is included in the final Junior Cycle Certificate of Achievement. CBA's are given descriptors - Not Reported, Yet to meet expectations, In line with expectations,  Above expectations and Exceptional.

The Chromebooks will be a very useful tool for students in preparing their CBA's. The CBA's are essential for helping to develop skills that will be of importance in Senior Cycle with the new Additional Assessment Components.  

6th Year enjoyed a very worthwhile study seminar with Inspire Education on the 22nd of September. They learnt the importance of regular study, engaged in various different models and examined all the different ways that students process information. The feedback from the year group was hugely positive. It was the second part of a two part process which began in fifth year. We hope that it will provide our senior students the platform they need to settle down to productive and serious study as the year progresses. 

Thank you to Hickeys/McCauley Pharmacy for facilitating the Flu Vaccine in school in early October.  This was a useful opportunity for those who wished to avail of the vaccination.

There was a huge turnout for our annual Open Night in CCS in late September.  It was wonderful to welcome such large numbers and to be in a position to show families around the school. There was a fantastic atmosphere on the night. Thank you to all the students and staff that showcased the school so well for prospective students and their families. Thank you to Maeve Lillis (Year 6) for addressing parents and new students and for sharing her experiences in school. 

The spirit of volunteerism is very strong with huge numbers of students offering to lead tours, direct the car park, display subjects, perform artistically and musically and to help in any way possible. We are very grateful to the students for their commitment to showcasing our school. Thank you.

Reminder: 

Closing date for application forms for first years for 2026/2027 is 14th October 2025.

www.seemyskills.org/ 

As part of the "See My Skills Training" a group of students accompanied by Ms Punch and Ms Smyth went to Cork Airport for a tour. The managing director of Cork Airport Mr Niall McCarthy greeted us and gave a talk on the expansion and development plans for the coming years. 

We were then brought around to see how all the operations work. From departures to baggage claims, to customs; all areas were open to us and we really got a "behind the scenes view" of the logistics and work it takes to run such an expansive operation. 

One of the many highlights was our trip to the airport fire station where the students got to try on the uniforms,  ,got a bird’s eye view from the fire station watch tower and even got a spin down the runway on the fire truck.  A huge thanks to Cork airport staff for being so accommodating and making it such a fantastic day out.

A huge well done to the students that received their Junior Cycle Results on Wednesday. Your commitment and effort throughout the year are reflected in the excellent results

We are very proud of all you have achieved. Well done!

Updates and information pertaining to the running of the school 

Thank you to all families that have paid the student activity fee of €120. We appeal to families to please pay this fee as it enables us to provide the best possible educational experience that we can for our students.

Please note that prior to midterm break we will start to send out individual text reminders to families that have yet to pay the fee. We appreciate that for some families there may be difficulties in paying the activity fee. If this is the case please note that it can be paid off in installments if this would be of assistance (simply select how much you can pay on the vsware payments, or pay at the school office). If you need to speak to the Principal in confidence about any issue around payment of the activity fee please contact the main office.

No school for students on Tuesday 14th October due to staff training on Senior Cycle

Year 3 PTM will take place on Thursday 16th October from 16.00-18.30. Classes will finish for all students at 15.20.

Next week (13th-17th Oct) will be the first week block of work experience for our Transition Year students.