The Guidance Service

Introduction to the Role of the Guidance Counsellor for First Year Students and Parents

J. Meehan

2014

The Guidance Service

The aim of the Guidance Service, in keeping with the school ethos, is to assist and challenge each pupil to become aware of, and reach their fullest potential in each facet of their development.

3 Strands of GuidanceGuidance helps you

with learning

(at school-

educational)

Guidance helps you with your life (personal)

Guidance

helps you with your

career

Personal, Career & Vocational

The Guidance Counsellor:

• Acts as a support for students in their decision-making pertaining to education, career and personal development.

• Advise students with regard to Junior and Senior Cycle Subject Choices• Assess students- Incoming First Year Students and Transition Year Students• Advise students pertaining to Further Education- Third Level Options• Advise students regarding Effective Study Skills• Organise Career and College Talks and Guidance Activities for Senior Students• Prepare Students for Work Experience• Prepare Students for Transition from Second to Third Level Education

Guidance Counselling:

• Counselling offers students personal help on a wide range of issues:

• A chance to talk to someone in private

• The G.C. will listen and provide emotional support

• The G.C. will help the young people make their own decisions and solve their problems.

Counselling

One-to-one counselling is available:

• Self-referred and Referral

• Year Head

• Deputy Principal

• Principal

Confidentiality in Counselling

The Counsellor will not tell others what the student has

shared in a counselling session. However, there are limits to confidentiality.

Exceptions

• The student gives permission

• In case of danger to life or limb

• Where the law or ethics requires it

• In anonymous consultation with others