St. Columba's College
A JOURNEY LIKE NO OTHER
WHY STUDY IN DUBLIN, IRELAND?
Over the years students visit ‘’the land of saints and scholars’’ for the ultimate experience of their high education and culture. In Ireland, their international reputation as one of the best quality educations in Europe is based on their strong contribution to excellence. It has been a key factor for their economic growth, high-quality scientific research, and strong programs (5000+) in different areas. The capital of the island nation, Dublin, is an exciting and artistic city with fascinating history and culture and a beautiful green landscape. You can appreciate its beauty and live a social and modern life with Irish people who are known for their friendliness, which eases your stay overseas. Moreover, it’s an English-speaking country that opens future doors for you and is a valuable tool for your education. With its modern cities, friendly citizens and safe environment you can live an exciting cultural experience. 2LearnGroup is here to guide you and smooth the process for your 2experience!
Lucia's experience
” My time at Columba made me feel like I was part of a big family. At first, I was anxious about living with other girls, but the environment was comforting and the older girls helped me integrate easier! “
“The capital of Ireland is waiting for you for a time of introspection and growth. Take ship of your future and embark on this journey with us 2learn and 2experience. “
We are ready when you are!
ACADEMIC PROGRAM
EDUCATION SYSTEM
Irish education encourages interactive teaching methods and critical judgment for the active participation of the students in class. Since ST. Columbus’s founding in 1843, the goal of the school is to inspire students a love for learning, self-development, and motivation. Apart from the supportive learning environment, students are challenged to explore new hobbies and sports which is why they offer extra-curricular activities. The classes are small (average 14) with the great support of professional teachers who are subject specialists. Further, throughout the year there is a careers & guidance department that prepares the students for a future profession and a smooth transition from secondary education to university.
COLUMBA’S SCHOOL LIFE
Columba’s College is a 7-day boarding school focusing on education and a strong community, where most of their teachers live on campus with their family and participates in sport- and extra-curricular programs. The school believes growing up should be a journey of discovering one’s talents and interests. Which why there are six days of required sports and opportunity for artistic expression. To enhance the student’s artistic side there are over 30 musical performances or concerts planned for them to showcase their talent! Apart from that, the school has a strong reading culture which is why the pupils have a spacious library with over 11,000 books with a full-time qualified Librarian.
The beautiful campus set in the Dublin Hills also accepts day pupils who go home after each school day. A school day starts with breakfast at 7:00 am (dependent on your form), chapel service at 8:20, and with lessons starting at 8:40 – exception for Wednesday (half-day lesson). After there is a 30-min break and two lunches course, in the evening there are games, prep, and homework supervision. On the weekend there is Saturday school (half-day lesson), Saturday Night activities and chapel on Sunday.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
To support the personal development of the students the school offers a wide program of extra-curricular activities as arts & craft, musical performance, drama, and public speaking & debate. For these activities, there are separate buildings where the student practices them. Hereby we provide a brief description of the clubs:
BOARDING HOUSES
About 80% of the pupils live on campus on one of the 8 boarding houses, considering their gender and age. Each house has its housemaster, assistant housemaster, and a team of house tutors to support the pupil’s academic and personal performance.
BOYS
Tibradden is for the youngest boys on campus (Form I) with old pupils assisting as mentors and house staff.
Gwynn is a house for day pupils and ay boarders (senior boys). They have a safe place where there are lockers, workplaces, showering areas, etc. This house is known for its motto RESPECT.
Glen is the oldest house and is the home of the boys from Form II to Form VI. This house is currently busy with the charity to help homelessness.
Stackallan is the home of 28 boarders’ pupils and 10-day pupils. This house is recognized for their values of honesty and integrity and is involved in all areas whether is sport or volunteering.
GIRLS
Beresford was a family home but is now the main building and a lovely building for the girls. In this house, some senior pupils help the junior girls and day pupils integrate.
Hollypark is the largest house for girls where there is a responsibility, acceptance, and caring environment.
Iona is a house for girls from Form II to Form VI. This academic year they are supporting the Deaf and Dumb School in Sicuani, Peru.
STUDYING
The curriculum of the school is determined by the NCCA and is supported by the teachers who spend hours preparing challenging lessons at the highest standards. The full study program is 6 years and at the school, there is junior-, transition- and senior year, which are divided into forms:
FORM I
- At the beginning of the year, in October the students make a test in English and mathematics.
- Subjects: English, Maths, French or Spanish, Irish (unless exempt), History, Geography, Science, Computer Studies, Art, Music, RE (religious education), SPHE (social, personal, and health education), PE (physical education).
- Students who have difficulty learning can enroll in remedial English and Math classes.
FORM II
- Subject: English, Maths, French or Spanish, Irish (unless exempt), History, Geography, Science, Computer Studies, SPHE, RE, Civic, Social and Political Education (CSPE), PE plus a choice of Art/Music and Classical Studies/Technical Graphics.
- Students who have difficulty learning can enroll in remedial English and Math classes.
FORM III
- Pupils achieve their Junior Certificate (passing the subjects with an ordinary or high level)
- Subjects: English, Maths, French or Spanish, Irish (unless exempt), History, Geography, Science, SPHE, RE, CSPE, plus a choice of Art/Music and Classical Studies/Technical Graphics.
FORM IV
- The transition year is mandatory and it includes a balance of academic and extracurricular activities.
Form IV & Form VI
- In the last two years, pupils prepare for the Leaving Certificate, which takes place in June of Form V
- Most pupils study 7 subjects (includes arts & sciences) and it can be taken at an ordinary or higher level.
- Compulsory subjects are: English, Math’s, French or Spanish and Irish (unless exempt), which allows choosing examined subjects: applied Math’s, History, Geography, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Business, Economics, Art, Classical Studies, Music, Construction Studies, Design, and Communication Graphics.
Ireland
Capital of Ireland
Dublin
CURRENCY
Euro
OFFICIAL LANGUAGES
English and Irish
Largest city
Louth
Population
4,937,786 people
Area
68,890 Km2
REQUIREMENTS
In order to be accepted to this program, the student must meet certain requirements.
- The age must be between 12 and 18 years old
- The student has the capacity to integrate into a new environment
- Due to limited space, applications for boarding places may be submitted on October 1st two years in advance
VISA
As a citizen of the EU country you do not need a visa to stay in Ireland.
COLUMBA’S COLLEGE FEES
The fees for junior and senior pupils include lessons, games, prep, accommodation, and meals — this is payable bi-annually (August & January). However, it must be noted that there are items that the school can charge you such as music instruments, college activities, weekly house allowance, external exam fees, etc.
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JUNIOR (FORMS I TO III) EUROS
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EU PUPILS 19,956
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REGISTRATION (NON-REFUNDABLE) 150
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CONFIRMATION OF ENTRY EU RESIDENTS (BALANCE REFUND AFTER PUPIL LEAVES) 1500
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SUMMER WORKS LEVY 680
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SENIOR (FORMS IV & VI) EUROS
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EU PUPILS 23,952
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REGISTRATION (NON-REFUNDABLE) 150
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CONFIRMATION OF ENTRY EU RESIDENTS (BALANCE REFUND AFTER PUPIL LEAVES) 1500
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SUMMER WORKS LEVY 680
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Columba’s College only accepts 250 boarding pupils and to maintain a healthy balance during the terms in each group year there is a maximum number of pupils. In the forms I-III a maximum of 45, and the forms IV-VI 70 pupils.
If there are more applications than the places that Columba’s College has available, the pupils will be put on the waiting list until there is a place available in the school year applied. Late applications will be listed at the end of the waitlist. In this case, a request must be made for a review of the applications at the admission department.
The school does not tolerate bullying, which is why the school has prevention strategies by providing staff support, supervision, and an anti-bullying poster in the boarding houses.
No, the school welcomes students of all faiths and none.