Coláiste Daibhéid opens its doors

Grace Sweeney

Coláiste Daibhéid is holding an open night on Thursday 12 October from 7pm until 9pm for prospective students and parents.

The city centre school is celebrating 30 years of existence and the journey it has taken as a coeducational gaelcholáiste.

Attracting students from Douglas, Ballyphehane, Cobh, and Blarney, Coláiste Daibhéid has high academic standards with over a third of Leaving Certificate students achieving a H1 in Gaeilge this year.

The school welcomes students from both English-speaking primary schools and gaelscoileanna and offers a comprehensive induction programme. The programme helps students and parents with the transition into second level education and includes a module on using Gaeilge with friends and in practical school situations.

It also includes the student leadership role that involves members of the Meitheal team, the student council and the Ceannairí Spóirt in welcoming the new students.

PríomhOide, Tadhg Ó Laighin said: “Connection is the key to students succeeding in school and in life. In Coláiste Daibhéid we focus on building those key relationships from day one, and this opens the door for academic success. Basically, if a student is happy in school they will learn better and achieve more. Other schools speak of building the leaders for tomorrow, we strive to support the leaders of today.”

The school has 220 students and offers a range of subjects. Options include Spanish, French, Chinese, Japanese, home economics, music, art, woodwork, graphics, business, biology, chemistry, and physics.

There is also a range of extra-curriculars for students to choose from with clubs in photography, debating (English & Irish), art, board games, chess, lego, and robotics.

For sport, students have a choice of football, camogie/hurling, soccer, basketball, hockey, tag-rugby, cross country, orienteering and track & field.

“Our approach to sport is reflective of our belief that every student should be, and can be, involved in something. This is sport for all, not an elite few. We want our students to take responsibility for their own development both mentally and physically, as well as to contribute to the school community,” said the PríomhOide.