GCS is noted by visitors as a warm, happy and inviting place. This reflects the care and compassion shown by our staff to the students. Our students return this consideration creating a mutual atmosphere of respect.
GCS prides itself on the promotion of academic excellence, the formation of a strong value system and the holistic development of each student. The school was established in 1993 with the amalgamation of Loreto Abbey, the Christian Brothers and the Vocational College, and GCS, under the auspices of the Association of Community and Comprehensive Schools (ACCS), this year celebrated the thirtieth anniversary of its opening.
Our academic programme aims to provide a broad and balanced curriculum so that all of our students have the opportunity to reach their potential using their own individual talents and abilities. Students are encouraged to be the best that they can be, to strive for excellence and to contribute to the school community in a positive manner. Student progress is monitored by the Year Team including a Year Head, Assistant Year Heads and Class Tutors. Additional supports are provided by the Care Team, which includes four Career Guidance Counsellors and a vibrant Additional Needs department.
Each year group has a designated Academic Monitor who has the role of monitoring and tracking the students’ academic progress. The success of this academic support is visible in the progression of 84% of the GCS Leaving certificate class of 2023 to third level education, with many of these students receiving Entrance Scholarships from UCD, TDC, and DCU in recognition of their outstanding performance in the Leaving Certificate. Indeed, with two students from the class of 2022 and an additional two from the LC class of 2023 being awarded the prestigious JP MC Manus sponsored All Ireland Scholarships, GCS is proud of its excellent academic record.
This strong level of academic success is made possible by the commitment and dedication of our committed and dedicated team of teachers and SNAs, who, together with the parents, work cohesively to ensure the best possible outcomes for the students. Our team of staff live out the ethos of the school on a daily basis by going over and beyond to assist the students in reaching their potential.
In GCS our students are encouraged to take part in the extracurricular life of the school. GCS, in recognition of the large and diverse student population is pleased to offer a broad extra-curricular menu which caters for all talents and interests, many of which are captured on the website.
We believe that students will thrive when they are happy and healthy, spiritually, mentally and physically. We offer them opportunities to develop in a caring, academic, cultural, pastoral and sporting domain. We place a high value on our co-operation with parents. It is through a positive partnership with parents that we can work together to ensure our students realise their full potential in all aspects of their lives.
I hope you enjoy visiting our website and that it gives you a real sense of the exceptional strengths of our school.
Michael Finn
Principal.