Guidance in St. Raphaela's
Sarah Whelan, Cara Murphy and Laura Murphy are the school’s Guidance Counsellors.
Guidance in St. Raphaela’s refers to the range of learning experiences that aim to assist students in developing an awareness and appreciation of their talents, interests and abilities. There is a particular emphasis in our school on independent learning and growth mind-set and this is reflected in the goals of the guidance plan. The scope of the plan encompasses the three interlinked areas of:
- Personal and Social Development
Counselling in St. Raphaela’s is a key part of the school guidance programme. Counselling is offered mainly on an individual basis, though group counselling may, at times, be deemed appropriate. Students may self-refer, or referrals may come from parents/guardians, teachers, management, other students. A person-centred approach plays an integral part in counselling in this school.
Here is a sample of the range of services offered to each year group:
| 1st Year |
2nd Year |
3rd Year |
Transition Year |
5th Year |
6th Year |
- First Year individual check-ins
- 6 weeks of Guidance Related Learning
- Individual Counselling Sessions
- First Year Parents Information Evening
- Subject Choice Advice
- Speed-Friendship
- Circle of Friends Workshop
|
- 6 weeks of Guidance Related Learning
- Individual Counselling Sessions
- Bodywhys Workshop
- Internet Awareness Workshop
|
- 6 weeks of Guidance Related Learning
- Individual Counselling Sessions
- Subject Choice Advice
- Study Skills
|
- Individual Counselling Sessions
- Subject Choice Advice
- Psychometric Testing
- Work Experience
- Guest Speakers from Higher Education Institutes
- Mentor Programme
- Timetabled Guidance Classes
|
- Individual Counselling Sessions
- Study Skills
- Guest Speakers from Higher Education Institutes
- Mentor Programme
- Timetabled Guidance Classes
|
- Vocational Interviews
- Individual Counselling Sessions
- Study Skills
- CAO/HEAR/DARE webinar for parents
- Guest Speakers from Higher Education Institutes
- Mentor Programme
- Higher Options and World Skills
- Timetabled Guidance Classes
- HEAR/DARE applications
- UCAS/EUNICAS applications
|
For our Guidance Classes, we primarily use Careers Portal. Students have full membership of Careers Portal. This website is a digital suite of information on options for when they leave school.
The CAO Handbook 2025 is an excellent tool to review up-to-date information regarding how to set up an application, the points system, rounds and offers process.
If your student is considering applying to HEAR or DARE, the Access to College website provides all information regarding the applications. We support your students with the application process.
For financial support while attending further education, SUSI applications open in April each here. Follow the link to the eligibility criteria test.
We advise all Sixth Years to download the CAO points calculator. The website can be accessed here.