St. Columbas College
Description of St. Columbas College
- Founded in 1843;
- Age of students: 11-18 years;
- Total number of students: 295 people, 80% of them at the boarding house;
- Location: Dublin, Ireland;
- Language of instruction: English;
- Accommodation type: guest-house on weekdays and host family on weekends;
- Programs: Irish Leaving Certificate, Transition Year;
- Type of education: mixed;
- Director: Dr. Lindsey Haslet Warden.
St. Columbas College is one of the best Irish boarding schools. It was founded in 1843. Today, about 295 people study here, 80% of them live in school residences at a boarding school. From the very beginning of the foundation, the staff of the institution strives not only to give the children academic knowledge and skills, but also to instill a love for learning, self-development, and motivation to achieve personal goals and results. Today, it is one of the best and most prestigious schools in Ireland and the British Isles.
The educational establishment was founded in 1843 in the county of Meath (Stakallan town), but in 1849 it moved to the territory closer to Dublin. Campus St. Columba's College is located close to the center of the Irish capital, just a few kilometers away, and is located among the famous scenic Dublin hills near the bay. The distance to the center of Dublin is 10 kilometers, to the international airport - only 30 kilometers, which greatly facilitates the transfer. The total area reaches 150 acres - it is home to ancient buildings of high architectural value (Victorian and Georgian era of construction) and well-kept green gardens, lawns and groves. Students like to relax in the fresh air, play sports and play active games, spend time in the sun and make picnics. Of particular value is the old chapel, created in 1880 by the great architect William Butterfield - today here are held general meetings, concerts and church services.
Just a short walk from the campus there is a bus stop: a regular bus runs to and from the city center.
St. Columba's College demonstrates the high quality of academic preparation - it is considered one of the strongest in Ireland and the territory of the British Isles. The school is part a of the prestigious educational organization HMC (the Headmasters '& Headmistresses' Conference). Many graduates become known and sought after by specialists in their industry - it is enough to mention the following names:
- Adam Clayton (guitarist of the Irish group U2, known all over the world);
- Stephen Darcy (an actor who gained fame after the release of the series "Tudors");
- Minister of Northern Ireland Bryan Faulkner;
- Michael Yates (politician of the Republican Party of Ireland) and many others.
Graduates show excellent results in exams - in recent years the average score of the certificates was 452, which is equivalent to three A scores on the A-level scale. According to data for 2014, 34% of students received 500 points, 73% - 400 points, which is much higher than the average for the country.
The full study program takes 7 years - Junior School and Senior School:
- 11 years - Form Primary (primary grades, equivalent to 6th grade in the British system);
- 12-15 years - Form I, Form II, Form III, preparation for the receipt Junior Certificate;
- 15-16 years - Transition Year (fourth grade, compulsory for all students);
- 16-18 years - Form V, Form VI (senior classes, obtaining the Leaving Certificate).
Classes are formed in small groups, and the older students, the less their group is - from 15 to 10 Person in each. Approximately 80% of pupils are international students. Students Columba's College at all levels instilled independence, the ability to work attentively and persistently, to observe the rules of conduct and etiquette. Mentors, teachers and educators constantly monitor the progress of students and their involvement in school life - a special Department for Academic Support has been set up for this. Parents receive a full account of the child's progress and successes every trimester. For high school students, a special Career Department has been created: it helps the student to decide on personal inclinations and talents, abilities, choose a future profession and a priority university; For the same purpose, graduates of the last year are assigned a personal mentor who helps to apply to the selected institutions.
Programs and prices, tuition fees in St. Columbas College
About the educational program: The program of junior and middle classes is formed according to the state standards of British education. The course is divided into several stages:
- Form Primary (11-12 years);
- Form I (12-13 years);
- Form II (13-14 years);
- Form III (14-15 years).
The general list of subjects and disciplines studied is generally the same - with the age of students, the number of directions, their complexity, increases. In 11-12 years schoolchildren have the following subjects in the curriculum, which are all obligatory:
- Gaelic (it is not necessary, it can be optional for foreign students);
- Social and personal education and health;
- French;
- Natural Sciences;
- Mathematics;
- English;
- Latin language;
- Geography;
- Art;
- Religious studies;
- Spanish;
- Physical culture and sports;
- Computer science;
- Music art;
- History.
Form I (12-13 years) adds Spanish as an additional subject, and on Form II you can choose up to 2 optional courses:
- Classical civilization;
- Music art;
- Technical graphics;
- Art;
- Latin language.
Schoolchildren of 14-15 years necessarily begin the study of sociology and politics, faculties remain the same or can be replaced by new directions.
Brief information: This program is especially recommended for foreign students aged 15-16 (Form IV) who plan further study abroad. This is a feature of the Irish educational system: a transitional year will not only deepen and actualize academic knowledge, but also immerse themselves in the atmosphere of British educational institutions and fully adapt to the new field. In addition to lessons, children are engaged in charitable and social projects, develop their leadership skills, go on various excursions, actively engage in creative and sports clubs.
About the educational program: Mandatory subjects include English and Gaelic, a foreign language (French or Spanish), and mathematics. But international students can not learn the Gaelic language without fail, and attend it as an elective. The remaining 5 items are chosen according to the students' personal taste:
- Spanish;
- Career;
- Social and personal education;
- Business;
- Drama art;
- Classical civilization;
- Physical culture and sports;
- Geography;
- Chemistry;
- Health;
- Astronomy;
- Architecture;
- History;
- Art;
- Religious studies;
- Latin language;
- Music art;
- Physics;
- Computer science;
- Biology.
About the educational program: Stage V is designed for international children 16-17 years old, preparing to enter the university. Mandatory subjects include English and Gaelic, a foreign language (French or Spanish), and mathematics. But foreign students can not learn the Gaelic language without additional preparation, and attend it as an elective. Students choose three or four additional disciplines for themselves, focusing on personal interests and needs:
- Geography;
- Agriculture;
- Business;
- Chemistry;
- Art;
- History;
- Graphics and design;
- Biology;
- Classical civilization;
- Economics;
- Architecture;
- Latin language;
- Physics;
- Higher mathematics;
- Music art.
Also, weekly lessons are organized for personal and social upbringing and health, an additional lesson on religious studies are provided. Student can add to the personal curriculum two lessons per week in higher mathematics, art, physical education and sports, art history, geology or computer science. In case of successful completion of the course, students receive a prestigious Leaving Certificate, which is recognized and appreciated all over the world.
Accommodation, meals, prices
There are 8 residences for students on the territory of St. Columba's College, the age and sex of children are taken into account in the resettlement: for the youngest - a residence for 20 seats, and for senior students of the hostel can accommodate up to 45 people each. Approximately 80% of children live in residences full time:
- Glen, Grange, Gwynn and Stackallan are for high school boys;
- Hollypark and Iona - for high school students;
- Beresford - for young girls;
- In Tibradden, boys of junior classes live.
In general, the residence provides cozy, comfortable rooms for 2-6 people, amenities are included. In each hostel, the manager and his assistant live together with the children: they monitor the observance of order, cleanliness, discipline, form a warm and friendly atmosphere of each house, guarantee the full safety of children, help them solve administrative and everyday issues.
In the general spacious dining room meals are organized on the principle of a full board: mainly they are dishes of traditional British and Irish cuisine, there are rations for vegetarians or for representatives of certain religions (Muslim, Jewish).
Subjects and sports
Activities St. Columbas College
St. Columba's College is very strongly developed school of dramatic skill - the level of students' preparation almost corresponds to the profile faculties of colleges and universities! You can attend classes in acting and stage language, create scenery and costumes (the size and fullness of the local dressing room can surprise even a professional actor). Every year, performances and large concerts are organized - for the last seven years the most notable of them was the Showbuild project (it was implemented by the English Actiontrack team).
Much attention is paid to sports, individual and team play: hockey, rugby, cricket and track and field are the most priority and popular. In winter, cross-country running and trekking are also popular. The institution has a developed sports infrastructure, all necessary fields and sites, equipment. The main sports building was rebuilt in 1998: there are basketball, cricket, football, volleyball and hockey games, aerobics studios, a gym. There are also two hockey grounds, 5 tennis courts, a golf course, cricket and rugby fields, and a spacious outdoor pool. All classes and trainings are conducted by professional instructors (often invited professionals from Dublin) and senior teachers.
At all levels (from primary to practically professional) musical art is taught, it can even be chosen as an examination subject. Regular performances are arranged and joint concerts, evenings and performances. Every second pupil has the skills to play musical instruments: it can be a cello, a violin, a guitar, an organ, a piano, a saxophone or a clarinet. In addition, the theory of music is taught, lessons are being conducted on vocals. The main musical building is Cadogan, which was recently restored and renovated and now provides an opportunity to learn how to play percussion, wind and harp.
A separate building is also available for creative arts and fine arts - a former gymnasium, it was updated and modernized in 2000. Here you can master photography, painting or ceramics, pottery. Cognitive, interesting excursions to museums, art galleries, exhibitions and performances are arranged for artistically gifted children. St. Columba's College remembers in its walls such famous artists as Patrick Pye, Patrick Scott and Paqui Smith, fashion designer Mark O'Neill. The quality of academic training is so high that many students after graduating successfully enter art colleges and universities - both in Ireland and the UK, and abroad.
Facilities and equipment at St. Columbas College
Almost every classroom includes a multimedia board and a projector, there are functional scientific laboratories (practical lessons are usually held there, especially in the natural sciences), a sports center, creative workshops, a music school and a theater with the necessary modern equipment. The whole territory has access to wireless high-speed Internet, pupils are provided with modern tablets with school applications and programs. There is also a beautiful library built in 1994 - its fund has more than 11,000 different sources and books. A separate Cadogan music department has been set up, a drama hall for performances, musicals and concerts, the Center for Art.
Admission dates and extra charges
Some services are not included in tuition fee and paid additionally:
- Consular fee (payable in Embassy);
- Visa fees and services;
- Educational deposit (refundable);
- For students of the Transition Year - additional excursion program;
- Transfer in both directions;
- Fly tickets;
- Medical insurance;
- Supplement for accommodation during the Christmas and Easter holidays (if necessary);
- Uniform;
- Teaching aids, books and materials;
- Courier delivery of the original invitation.
Entry requirements, how to apply, what is required to enrol
St. Columba's College accepts international students aged 11 to 16 years. The following documents should be provided:
- Report card for the previous 2 years;
- Characteristic from the class teacher and 2 teachers (preferably in English and math);
- All certificates, awards, medals, letters of appreciation confirming achievements in various spheres (academic, creative, sports);
- Certificate about birth;
- A small essay written by the student himself (about himself, his goals and achievements, his family and friends, his hobbies);
- IELTS / TOEFL certificate, if they are not available, you can write a test directly at the school.
St. Columba's College can organize entrance exams - most often tests in English, mathematics and passing a personal interview.
Institution on the map
Residence permits, citizenship and other services
- Guardianship services during the studies
- Student supervision
Review about St. Columbas College
Recommendations on when to apply
| Language courses, schools and children's language camps | Primary and secondary education - private schools | Preparation programmes for entering universities - higher education | Higher education (after completing accredited programs A-level, IB, High School) - Bachelor, Master, MBA |
| - we recommend to apply 6-9 months before the start of the course (some camps and schools offer discounts for early booking or for lengthy study programs) - there are some very popular and high demand children's camps, where the applications need to be submitted 1 year in advance (in particular Switzerland , Great Britain , USA , Canada , Austria) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the training program, - some schools have a specific time frame (September-November - please specify an individual school) - some schools require tests in several stages (UKISET, internal tests of the school: English, mathematics, logics, subjects, interview, some require a personal visit) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the program, - for Foundation and Pathway programs, IELTS and TOEFL certificates are usually required, respectively | - recommended submission one year before the start of the program, - the deadline normally closes in January, for TOP HEIs and, as a rule, in March in other universities - for a bachelor, a Foundation or Pathway preparatory program a completed A-level, IB, High School + IELTS / TOEFL are required - for Masters you need a graduated higher education, in some cases you need a pre-Masters program - MBA requires completed higher education, work experience preferably at least 2-3 years, etc. |
