Guidance & Counselling
O’Connell Secondary School – Guidance Scheme of Work (Academic Year 2025–2026)
Guidance Counsellor: Mrs. O’Doherty
Whole-School Theme: Equity, Inclusion, and Lifelong Guidance
Aligned Frameworks:
- National Strategic Framework for Lifelong Guidance (2024–2030)
- DEIS Plan
- Wellbeing Guidelines (NCCA)
- School Self-Evaluation (SSE) Cycle
Overview
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Term
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Focus Area
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Guidance Strands
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Key Activities
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Term 1 (Sept–Dec)
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Transitions, Induction & Self-Awareness
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Personal & Social / Educational
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Induction programme for 1st Years; CAT4 testing; parent info evening; SPHE link lessons; personal goal setting; career values workshop; early senior cycle career prep.
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Term 2 (Jan–Mar)
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Exploration & Development
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Career / Educational / Social
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Subject choice guidance; career exploration; TY work experience prep; Higher Options fair; 5th Year aptitude tests; resilience workshops (Jigsaw/Pieta); CAO & SUSI clinics.
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Term 3 (Apr–May)
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Transition & Progression
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Career Management / Lifelong Learning
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Transition to senior cycle; Leaving Cert debrief; CAO final checks; FET/HEI visits; TY reflection portfolios; destination data collection; evaluation surveys.
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Year Group Breakdown
1st Year
Theme: Transition & Belonging
- CAT4 cognitive ability testing and feedback
- “Big Brother” mentoring
- SPHE-linked sessions on identity, goal setting, and friendships
- Group guidance: study skills and organisation
- Individual meetings for settling-in concerns
- Parent information session
Learning Outcomes:
- Identify strengths/interests
- Understand school supports
- Develop self-management and wellbeing skills
2nd Year
Theme: Self-Awareness & Learning Skills
- Personal development workshops (communication, empathy, resilience)
- Study habits and motivation sessions (link with DEIS literacy/numeracy targets)
- Early introduction to career interests via MyFuture+ or CareersPortal
- Group check-ins for wellbeing
Learning Outcomes:
- Build confidence and self-awareness
- Recognise career interests and aptitudes
- Strengthen study and coping skills
3rd Year
Theme: Choices and Transitions
- Subject choice guidance for Senior Cycle / LCA / LCVP
- Study and exam preparation seminars
- Group counselling for exam stress and wellbeing
- Targeted intervention for early school-leavers (SCP collaboration)
- Parent information night on senior cycle options
Learning Outcomes:
- Make informed senior cycle choices
- Apply decision-making frameworks
- Manage examination stress positively
Transition Year (TY)
Theme: Exploration and Self-Discovery**
- Guidance module (8–10 weeks): career research, work experience prep, reflection journals
- Work experience placement support and debrief
- CV & interview workshops
- Career values inventory and reflection portfolio (e-Portfolio / P-TECH integration)
- Guest speakers and employer talks
- Volunteer/community engagement projects
Learning Outcomes:
- Develop employability and life skills
- Reflect on personal strengths and growth
- Explore further education and career pathways
5th Year
Theme: Career and Learning Planning
- Weekly careers class
- Interest inventories and aptitude assessments
- Research using CareersPortal/Qualifax
- HEI/PLC/apprenticeship talks
- Work on career e-Portfolios (P-TECH framework)
- Guidance interviews (Term 2)
Learning Outcomes:
- Identify post-school goals and pathways
- Develop decision-making and research skills
- Create and maintain digital career portfolio
6th Year
Theme: Transition to Adulthood
- Weekly careers class
- CAO, UCAS, DARE, HEAR, SUSI, and scholarship guidance
- Interview and personal statement workshops
- Mock interviews with alumni/employers
- Emotional wellbeing and stress management (SPHE/Jigsaw/Pieta House)
- Exit survey and destination tracking
Learning Outcomes:
- Complete applications for progression
- Demonstrate readiness for post-school life
- Build resilience for transition to higher/further education or work
LCA (Leaving Certificate Applied)
- Modules: Guidance, Jobsearch, Work Experience, Enterprise, Community Work
- Individual guidance sessions for placements and progression
- Employer and community partnership projects
- Skills reflection logs and portfolio building
Learning Outcomes:
- Apply employability and teamwork skills
- Reflect on work experience and set next-step goals
Cross-Year & Whole-School Activities
- Mental Health Week & Wellbeing Assemblies
- Study Skills Seminars (3rd & 5th Years)
- Open Days (HEIs/PLCs/Apprenticeships)
- Employer and Alumni Talks
- Parent Information Evenings (subject choice, CAO, wellbeing)
- Continuous collaboration with SST, SEN, DEIS, and HSCL teams
- Digital literacy in career management (P-TECH e-Portfolio)
Monitoring & Evaluation
- Student feedback forms after major guidance modules
- Parent and teacher feedback annually
- Review of DEIS and SSE data (attendance, retention, progression)
- Annual update to the Board of Management
- Continuous CPD for Guidance Department
Thank you
Dr. Mary O'Doherty (Guidance Counsellor)