Supporting Students through School and Beyond
Our Guidance & Counselling Department at Portmarnock Community School supports students in their personal, educational and career development throughout their time in PCS.
Our Guidance Counsellors provide a welcoming and supportive service where students can explore their interests, strengths, concerns and future opportunities, while also providing a confidential space to talk when things may feel difficult or overwhelming.
Guidance
Guidance supports students to make informed decisions about their education, further study, training and careers. This includes:
- Exploring interests, strengths, abilities and career options
- Providing information on courses, colleges, apprenticeships, training and careers
- Supporting subject and programme choices
- Providing individual guidance and career counselling
- Developing students’ self-awareness and career management skills
- Supporting transitions to further education, training and employment
- Providing information on applications, pathways and access routes
Counselling
Counselling is available on a one-to-one basis, generally for short-term support. Students may seek support for a wide range of personal, emotional, social or school-related concerns.
Students do not need to have a particular problem or know exactly what is wrong before seeking support. Sometimes, simply feeling that things are not quite right is enough reason to talk to someone.
Students are encouraged to self-refer to the Guidance & Counselling Service. Appointments are available during the school day, with priority given where there is an urgent concern.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality is an important part of the counselling process. Information shared during counselling is treated with respect and kept confidential within the professional and ethical guidelines of the service. Counselling records are kept separately from students’ academic records.
There are some important limits to confidentiality. Where a Guidance Counsellor has serious concerns about a student’s safety or the safety of another person, information may need to be shared with the appropriate people in accordance with professional and child safeguarding requirements. Where possible, this will be explained to the student.
Resources & Support
Students and families can also access a range of useful information, advice and support services through our Guidance & Counselling resources.
Online resources can provide helpful information and practical strategies, but they should not be considered a substitute for professional medical, counselling or other specialist support where this is required.
Contacting our Guidance Counsellors
Our Guidance Counsellors can be contacted by email, during school hours, or through the school office on 01 803 8056.
Mr. F. Farrell – ffarrell@portmarnockcommunityschool.ie