Guidance

Supporting every student to find their way

Guidance is about helping young people to understand themselves, recognise their strengths, make informed decisions, and move forward with confidence.

We recognise that every student’s journey is different. Some students know exactly where they are heading, while others need time, support and reassurance as they figure things out. Our role is to ensure that every student feels known, supported and guided at key points throughout their time in school.

A whole-school approach to Guidance

Guidance is not confined to one office or one person. It is part of how we work as a school community. Students are supported through:

• strong relationships with teachers
• Year Heads and the student support team
• wellbeing provision
• mentoring
• the student support team
• access to the Guidance Counsellor when needed
• structured guidance learning opportunities throughout the school

This whole-school approach helps ensure that support is always available, approachable and responsive.]

The areas of Guidance support

Guidance in St Michael’s supports students in three interconnected areas of development.

These areas are closely connected, as students are best able to make decisions about learning and future pathways when they feel supported and confident in themselves.

Helping students make informed choices

One of the most important aspects of Guidance is helping students to make informed and thoughtful decisions.

Students are encouraged to:

• reflect on their strengths and interests
• understand how they learn best
• develop confidence in decision-making
• explore subject and career options
• recognise that pathways and opportunities can evolve over time

We actively support students through important decisions, particularly around subject choice and future pathways, so that they feel informed and supported rather than overwhelmed or uncertain.

Subject Choice in First Year

Students receive careful support when choosing subjects for Junior Cycle. They are encouraged to think about:

• subjects they enjoy
• where their strengths lie
• how they learn best
• keeping options open for the future
• the value and relevance of different subjects

Students select subjects in order of preference, and every effort is made to build a timetable that reflects those choices as closely as possible. We also recognise that students continue to learn about themselves as they settle into secondary school. Changing your mind is part of learning and growing, and students are supported to review and adjust choices where appropriate.

Guidance throughout the student journey

Guidance support evolves as students move through the school.

Students are encouraged to explore a wide range of pathways, including university, further education, apprenticeships, training opportunities and employment across many sectors.

Accessing support

Students can access Guidance support:

We aim to ensure that support is available when it is needed, in a way that is respectful, student-centred and responsive to individual needs.

Our approach

At St Michael’s, we believe that students make better decisions when they feel known, supported and confident in themselves. Our role is not to decide for students, but to help them develop the confidence, self-awareness and decision-making skills that will guide them throughout school and beyond. Guidance is ultimately about helping each young person to find direction, recognise possibility, and move forward with confidence in their own path.