At our school, we are committed to providing a diverse array of activities that go beyond the classroom and the standard curriculum, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to explore their interests, develop new skills, and grow both academically and personally. Our extensive range of initiatives and extra-curricular activities aim to enrich the learning experience and support the holistic development of our students.

Leadership and Participation

Student Council: We offer leadership opportunities through the Student Council, encouraging students to take an active role in school initiatives and decision-making.

Inclusion and Diversity Team: This team fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment, ensuring every student feels valued and supported.

Celebrating Literacy and Creativity

Book Fair: Inspiring a love of reading, our annual Book Fair is a highlight, sparking enthusiasm for literacy among students.

Dress Up Days: From Halloween to Christmas Jumper Day and World Book Day, these fun celebrations promote creativity and school spirit.

Promoting Health and Wellbeing

Food Dudes: This engaging initiative encourages healthy eating habits through fun and interactive activities.

Swimming Lessons (2nd–6th Class): We equip students with essential water safety skills through swimming lessons.

Amber Flag and Active Flag Initiatives: We are proud participants in these programs that promote mental health and physical activity within the school community.

Hands-On Learning and Field Trips

Field Trips: Educational outings to local woodlands, Mount Congreve, and Dáil Éireann offer hands-on learning opportunities outside the classroom.

School Tours: These exciting excursions broaden our students' horizons and bring learning to life.

Academic and Cultural Enrichment

Quizzes: Students in 5th and 6th classes can challenge themselves in competitions like the Kilmacthomas Quiz and the Br. Anslem Quiz.

Sacramental Preparation: We support students throughout their Reconciliation, Communion, and Confirmation preparations.

Celebrating Key Weeks: We celebrate Maths/Science Week, Seachtain na Gaeilge, Catholic Schools Week, and Inclusion and Diversity Week, enriching the academic and cultural experiences of our students.

Technology and Creativity

Computer Club: Students can develop essential technology skills for the future.

Christmas Concert & Nativity Play: Our infant classes celebrate the festive season through song and performance, showcasing their talents.

Photography and Christmas Annuals: Students and families can create lasting memories through annual keepsakes and photography.

Supporting All Learners

Three Autism Support Classes: We are the only mainstream school in Waterford with three dedicated support classes for students with autism, ensuring tailored support for each child’s needs.

Snoezelen Room, Sensory Room, and Sensory Garden: Our ongoing renovations and upgrades to these spaces provide a calm and nurturing environment for all students.

Sporting Opportunities for All

As a co-educational school, we pride ourselves on offering double the sporting opportunities available at single-sex schools. Our extensive program encourages participation in both individual and team sports, helping students develop important life skills such as teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship.

Soccer: Students can participate in 5-a-side and 11-a-side FAI competitions for both boys and girls.

National Games: We proudly enter boys’ and girls’ teams in Gaelic football, camogie, and hurling for U10 and U13 age groups, along with Mini 7s Hurling and Camogie tournaments.

Athletics: Track and cross-country events are open to students from 1st to 6th class, allowing them to showcase their athletic skills.

Indoor Sports: We participate in 4th Class Indoor Hurling and 5th Class Indoor Camogie, as well as two basketball tournaments each year.

Cycling: Our 6th Class students take part in a cycling program during the summer term, promoting fitness and road safety.

Special Coaching Programs: From Infants to 6th Class, students benefit from expert coaching, supported by the Waterford Games Development Officer and local club coaches.

Lunch Time Leagues: Friendly competitions within classes give students the chance to enjoy fun and inclusive matches during lunch breaks.

Sports Day: A highlight of the school year, where every student participates in friendly, enjoyable activities.

GAA Fun Day: This special event for substitute players on our GAA teams celebrates their efforts with fun matches and pizza.

In addition to our school-time sports, we also offer after-school training in hurling, camogie, and football, ensuring that students are well-prepared for both school and inter-school competitions.

Community Involvement and Charity

Our school places great value on community involvement, partnering with our active Parents Council to organize fundraisers such as quizzes, raffles, bake sales, and the popular Easter Egg Raffle. We are also dedicated to charity work, supporting initiatives like Christmas Jumper Day, which raises funds for charities such as Crumlin’s Children’s Hospital and Down Syndrome Ireland.

Preparing for the Future

Through initiatives like the Let Kids Be Kids Phone-Free Initiative, we encourage our students to enjoy their childhood without the distractions of smartphones. We also recently completed Cyber Safety Week and Safer Internet Day, helping students stay safe online.

Ongoing School Improvements

Our school is continually enhancing our infrastructure, with recent renovations to our sensory rooms and the development of a Sensory Garden. We are also focused on sustainability, installing solar panels and upgrading our heating systems.

Join Us on this Exciting Journey

We are proud of the wide range of opportunities we provide, helping every student find their passion and thrive. Stay connected with our school community and follow our journey through updates on our social media page @ballyduffns. Together, we are shaping well-rounded, engaged, and confident young learners.