What our students say

My Name is Johnny, and I am in class 1.3. The differences between primary and secondary school are moving classrooms, longer classes, different classes, new friends and a bigger school, so there is nothing you need to worry about. The advice I would give you is to get your books ready and be at your next class 5 minutes before the break is over. I have joined the school badminton competition that TY are running for us.

Do not worry about 1st year; there are a lot of fun classes like Woodwork. Keep your boxes tidy and do your homework the day you get it. There are actually not a lot of new subjects. There is a catch-up weekend every two weeks. The teachers are nice, and they will give you help if you need it.

My name is Emily, and I am in class 1.2. On my first couple of days, the school seemed really big, but trust me when I say that when you are in the school for a couple of days, it really doesn’t seem that big. It is very exciting starting all the new subjects that you didn’t do in primary school, like Woodwork, T.G, Home Economics and Metalwork. You meet with your tutor every morning for ten minutes before your first class, and they make sure you’re organised for the day. The best tips I could give to you would be to make notes in your journal and concentrate in your classes.

My name is Emma. I started school here in Colaiste Cholmcille at the start of September. Starting school, I was a tiny bit nervous, but after a few days at the school I realised it wasn’t as big as I had expected, and you quickly learn where all your classes are. When I was put into my class 1:4, I only knew 1 or 2 people from primary school. Over the past few months, I have made loads of new friends with people in my class and others who aren’t in my class.

My name is Aoife, and I’m in 1.3. 1st year is great, and there is nothing to worry about going into it. This year, instead of lockers, we have the option to bring in a box to store our books in. We have a base room, which is for subjects that don’t need anything in a specific room, like Maths, English, Irish, etc. There are a lot of new subjects you get to do, and at the end of the year you choose your two favourite. We have six subjects in a day, each lasting an hour.

My name is Ciara, and I am in class 1.3. I remember the day before I started in Coláiste Cholmcille; I was so nervous, but now I know there was no need to be. All the teachers are very nice and approachable; you can ask or tell them anything. I recommend getting a folder for each class to be more organised. On the last day before our Halloween break, we got to carve pumpkins, and we watched a movie!

I started off on my own; all my friends and classmates were going to other schools. I would say I have settled in nicely. Starting on your own provides you with your own tasks, like making friends, but with the help of my Tutor and Year Head, I have made a bunch of new friends while keeping in touch with my friends from primary school.

My name is Eoin, and I am in 1.1. Coming from a small school, the thought of going to a secondary school with 600 students was daunting. Thankfully, I settled in really easily.