Guidance & Wellbeing

Student Support

Empowering Personal & Academic Growth

The Guidance service empowers students to take ownership of their personal growth. We focus on a holistic approach that balances emotional wellbeing with academic support, practical skills, and future career readiness.

Personal & Social Care

We provide a confidential, supportive space where students can explore personal challenges, build emotional resilience, develop positive self-esteem, and navigate adolescent life transitions with empathy and care.

Educational Support

Supporting students at every academic milestone through targeted study skills workshops, time management strategies, Leaving Certificate subject selection advice, and tailored support for their individual learning profiles.

Career Planning

We empower students to make informed future decisions through expert CAO and UCAS application guidance, comprehensive apprenticeship exploration, college open day visits, and structured career interest assessments.

Our Approach

Our Guidance Philosophy & Approach

Career Guidance is about helping students understand themselves and the opportunities and choices they are faced with. The philosophy of our Guidance Programme is pupil-centered, arranging classes and individual settings to facilitate student needs and interests. This involves inviting guest speakers to the school, attending seminars, careers exhibitions, and college open days. Parental involvement in this process is highly encouraged and welcomed; appointments can easily be made through the school office.

Core Objectives

To assist each student in their personal development, helping them know and accept their strengths and weaknesses.

To support each student in following an educational path which is appropriate for them.

To identify and explore unique future pathways and opportunities for students.

To support students through times of transition and help them grow in independence.

To provide a support system for students experiencing difficulties at home or at school.

Whole-School Pastoral Care

Student Support Network

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Guidance Team

Career advice, educational guidance, and 1-to-1 personal counseling.

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Year Heads & Tutors

Daily monitoring, academic progress, and student pastoral care.

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AEN Department

Tailored learning plans, inclusion support, and learning resources.

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HSCL Coordinator

Bridging home and school connections for family support and smooth transitions.

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Peer Leaders

Senior student mentors supporting First Year orientation and student integration.

Meet The Professionals

Our Guidance Team

Dedicated professionals providing compassionate support, expert advice, and a safe space for every student.

Ruth Carney

Ruth Carney

Guidance Counsellor

Seán Larkin

Seán Larkin

Guidance Counsellor

Bernie Lennon

Bernie Lennon

Guidance Counsellor

Veronica Morley

Veronica Morley

Guidance Counsellor

Whole-School Initiative

Davitt College Wellbeing Week

Promoting mental health awareness, physical wellness, positive mindfulness, and community connection across our entire school body.

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Mental Health & Resilience

Interactive workshops, guest speakers, and guided mindfulness sessions helping students build practical coping strategies and emotional resilience.

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Physical Wellness & Activity

Fun physical challenges, lunchtime sports leagues, active movement breaks, and healthy nutrition awareness initiatives across all year groups.

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Peer Connection & Community

Fostering an inclusive atmosphere through mentor activities, group bonding projects, music performances, and positive affirmation boards.

Junior & Senior Cycle Pillars

Wellbeing Across the Curriculum

Core Modules

SPHE & CSPE

Developing personal wellbeing, emotional awareness, physical health, relationships, active citizenship, and human rights through structured timetable classes.

✓ Junior Cycle Required Component
Active Movement

Physical Education (PE)

Encouraging physical health, stress management, teamwork, and lifelong fitness habits through diverse indoor and outdoor sports modules.

✓ Practical Physical Wellness
Personal Growth

Guidance & Pastoral Care

Delivering study skills, exam preparation, career discovery, transition workshops, and accessible 1-to-1 personal support throughout the school year.

✓ Academic & Personal Development
Student Portals & Resources

Careers Portal

Access essential national databases, college application hubs, further education directories, international opportunities, and downloadable planning handbooks.

Senior Cycle Subject Choice

Senior Cycle Subject Choice

Comprehensive guide detailing option blocks, modern languages, and subject pathways.

DARE Handbook

DARE Handbook

Disability Access Route to Education guidelines, criteria, and application assistance.

HEAR Presentation

HEAR Presentation

Higher Education Access Route school presentation slides and application criteria.

Hub

CareersPortal Hub

Explore career sectors, interest tests, and secondary school tools.

Courses

Qualifax Course Finder

The national database to research and compare third-level courses.

Applications

CAO Application Portal

Access online applications and track Central Applications Office choices.

Regional

MSLETB Course Directory

Discover local Further Education and Training (FET) options, PLC courses, and apprenticeships.

International

UCAS (UK Applications)

Research and apply for undergraduate courses in the United Kingdom.

Mobility

EURES European Mobility

Discover European job mobility networks and training placement utilities.

Policies & Ethics

Counselling & Confidentiality Policy

Clear guidelines on student support, professional ethics, privacy standards, and the duty of care within our Guidance Department.

The Central Role of Counselling & Referrals ›
The personal well-being of each student is central to the Guidance Department. Individual counselling plays an important role in the mental, psychological, spiritual, social, and intellectual development of each boy and girl. If a teacher is concerned about a student, they will refer them to a School Counsellor through the Care Team. Parents may also directly request an appointment for their son or daughter.
Confidentiality Policy ›
Our service abides by a strict code of ethics and confidentiality policy outlined by the Institute of Guidance Counsellors. Confidentiality offers safety and privacy to those who choose to discuss private concerns. Information is held in strict confidence, and no written or verbal information will be disclosed to a third party without the student’s explicit permission. This policy is always clarified during the first session. Counselling Service files are strictly confidential and are not attached to any academic records held within the school.
Limits to Confidentiality ›
In exceptional circumstances, Guidance Counsellors may need to break confidentiality if they believe there is a real intent of serious harm or danger to either the student or another individual. Such circumstances pertain to explicit child safeguarding protection issues, self-harm, or suicidal ideation. In as far as is possible, a full explanation will be given to the student regarding the necessary procedures that must be taken.
Student Welfare

Emergency & Support Services

If you or someone you know needs support, confidential help and professional guidance are available 24/7 through these established national services.

24/7 Immediate Help

Emergency Services

Gardaí, Ambulance, Fire, and Irish Coast Guard.

Counseling Support

Pieta (National)

Free support counseling for anyone experiencing suicidal ideation or engaging in self-harm. Text HELP to 51444.

Youth Support

Childline (ISPCC)

National listening service for young people up to age 18. Text 50101 (10am–4pm) or chat online.

Emotional Support

Samaritans

Confidential emotional support for anyone in distress or struggling to cope, available 24/7.

Text Support

Crisis Text Line

A confidential text messaging support service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Text TALK to 086 180 280
LGBTI+ Support

BelongTo Youth Support

Support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex young people in Ireland. Text LGBTI+ to 086 180 280.

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