Douglas Community School
Achievements as Individuals. Success as a Community.
Our Mission.
Douglas Community School is a Christian School which pledges to:
work with all members of the school community to accompany each boy on a journey of personal growth in an environment of happiness, safety and mutual trust
create the optimum conditions for all students to reach their full academic potential by challenging each one of them.
generate a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect leading to high quality learning
form the learning environment where our students can develop as individuals into well-educated, self confident and articulate young men
Why choose DCS?
Excellent academic achievement
Over the past five years we have had a staggering 97% progressing to third level education. Annually we have students progressing to study Medicine and very recently have had five students form the one cohort progress to University College Cork to study Medicine there. Each year we outperform the national averages of those achieving over 600, 500 and 400 points in the Leaving Certificate.
+ Entrance Assessment and Academic Monitoring
We use the CAT4 (Cognitive Ability Test) test as a basis for our Entrance Assessment. This assessment is divided into four areas namely: Verbal, Quantitative, Non-Verbal and Spatial ability. The results give us an idea of the natural ability of students in each of the four areas.
In DCS we don’t just look at this data but we take it to the next level. We have an Academic Monitoring Team of teachers. This team is responsible for the academic results tracking of our students. A link teacher and two teachers with the larger year groups work to monitor the progress of each student. If a student has a certain raw/natural ability (as indicated in their CAT 4 results) and their exam results do not match, then we investigate why this is the case. We examine why a particular student is not attaining their best, why are they not fulfilling their potential. Sometimes they may be lazy, not putting the required effort in homework, not concentrating in class or have a difficulty accessing the curriculum. At all times on this journey we keep parents informed and follow up with parental email, phone calls and meetings. Similarly, some students, through very diligent work will surpass their natural ability and these students will be commended. We acknowledge this achievement through letters of commendation, parental contact and plus points on VSware.
This system is in line with DCS’ policy of each student achieving their best and remains in place for their six years with us.
Comprehensive, Exciting and Unrivalled Subject Choice
Leaving Cert students study the core subjects of Irish, English and Maths and have a vast choice taking another four subjects from fifteen!! They choose from Accounting, Applied Maths, Art, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Construction Studies, Design Communication Graphics, Economics, Engineering, French, German, History, Geography, Leaving Certificate PE, and Physics. This diverse range of subject choice means that the students will find subjects which appeal to them and as a result, excel in. We do extensive work in matching subject choices to a student’s own personal strengths.
A Supportive Team
Here in DCS, we work together as a team to support the students in their secondary school journey. We pride ourselves on the care we give to our students. Students that are safe and content are able to optimise their learning. Every boy has a class tutor and year head who look out for them and challenge the students to reach their full potential. They strive to develop the students as individuals in an atmosphere of co-operation, respect and mutual trust. The Chaplain, Guidance Counsellor, Pastoral Care team and Special Education Needs team are on hand to support the students to overcome any challenges they may have along the way. All teachers care deeply for our students and this is reflected in the respectful relationships which permeate our school community.
Activities for All
Sports and extra-curricular activities are wide and varied and are offered by ultra-dedicated teachers. The boys are not forced to fit a particular mould but their individual interests and talents are fostered and encouraged. From GAA to Cricket, Robotics to Book Club and Chess to Basketball, these are just some of the weekly activities in school. We are the proud current holders of Munster Senior Cup and All-Ireland Senior Cup in Soccer. In 2019 we were County Football Champions. Our newly formed Rowing Club competes at a national level and holds indoor national records.
Community School, Community Spirit
We are an all-boys Community School located in the heart of Douglas, a vibrant and proud community on the south side of the city. Interestingly, the school was founded in 1926 as Colaiste Muire, however the Presentation Order passed the management of the school to the local community in 1974, creating one of Ireland's first Community Schools. DCS strives to serve our local community by educating its students with life skills and core values to contribute to the wellbeing of our local, national and international communities. We welcome and value contributions from all individuals which makes our school a thriving community.
Modern Technology
Recently, responding to students voice, we introduced the use of iPads to first years to support their learning. Students and parents can now decide whether to use the medium of the traditional textbooks or iPads as their learning medium. The school is comprised of a very modern building with state-of-the-art I.T. facilities, science labs, art room, technology labs and a newly refurbished sports hall. This is what allows the school to offer an extremely broad range of subject choice at both Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate.
Virtual Open Night
Every September we are proud to host our annual Open Night where we welcome prospective students and parents to our school. In this event we showcase our school and its excellent facilities and we aim to give those who attend a true sense of our school. In 2020 the arrival of Covid 19 meant we were unable to welcome you to our school in person. However, realising the magnitude of the decision regarding the choice of second level school for your son, we still wanted to organise an event to replicate an Open Night. It was from this mind-set that the Virtual Open Night was born. In the Virtual Open Night, you will see footage of our school and hear from members of the school community. I hope you enjoy it.
Meet our Team
Mr. Pat Barry
Principal
My name is Pat Barry and I am the proud Principal and leader of learning in our progressive Community School. I began my role as Principal in 2018. Previous to this I was Deputy Principal in another Cork city school for four years. Prior to this I taught Materials Technology (wood) and Construction Studies for 12 years. During my teaching career I also fulfilled the role of Year Head. I am the holder of an Honours teaching degree from the University of Limerick, an Honours Post Graduate Diploma in Educational Leadership from the National University of Ireland Maynooth and an Honours Masters in Education from University College Cork. I believe in lifelong learning in both my personal and professional life. I bring my experience from working in other schools as well as my theoretical knowledge to DCS to enhance this community even further.
On a personal note, I have children, two finished with second level education and two who will be entering second level education very soon. Firstly, I am a parent and also Principal of DCS. I understand parents want the best for their children. We all want our children to succeed, be happy and develop in their learning environment. I want my children to be challenged, get involved in school life and diligently apply themselves to their school work. As a parent I have high expectations of my children's school and I use this personal insight to best serve our school community.
Mr. Chris Hickey
Deputy Principal
My name is Chris Hickey and I am the Deputy Principal of Douglas Community School, a position I have held for the last 11 years. Prior to that I taught English and Geography both in DCS and in a number of schools in Ireland and England. I am a graduate of UCC obtaining a Bachelor of Arts, a Higher Diploma in Education and a Masters in Education.
Throughout my career I have been committed to a student centred approach to education firmly believing that the holistic development of our students is at the core of what we do as educators. I have taught in various types of schools and find the collaborative ethos of a Community School to be ideally placed to ensure that students achieve and realise their full potential.
Ms. Ber Clarson
Year Head
My name is Ber Clarson and I have been a full time teacher in Douglas Community School since 1997. I currently teach Chemistry, Science and Maths. Prior to taking on the role of Chemistry teacher I also taught Biology. I have been a Year Head since 2011. I achieved my Science degree in NUI Maynooth and followed that up with a Graduate Diploma in Food Science & technology from DIT, Kevin Street. I worked in the food industry for a number of years before enrolling in UCC to do the Higher Diploma in teaching in 1994. I had spent some time teaching part time and realised, quite by accident, that I was happiest and most fulfilled in the classroom. I completed my Masters in Science Education (Hons) in UCC in 2004.
I engage regularly in continuous professional development to try and keep up with the increasingly rapid changes in society and technology. I also actively participate in a number of sporting activities including golf and tennis. I believe that we are in a better position and will have more energy to guide, facilitate and understand our students if we look after ourselves both mentally and physically.
What People Are Saying
“A particularly striking element of leadership in the school is the commitment of staff to providing a wide range of extra-curricular, co-curricular, and cross-curricular activities.”
— Whole School Evaluation in January 2019
“Student behaviour in lessons was universally of a high standard with a clear focus on undertaking and completing the work at hand.”
— Whole School Evaluation in January 2019
Our Success In Numbers
Growing Enrolments
Douglas Community school’s enrolment is on an upward trajectory with the past 3 years. The enrolment in 2021 marks a significant milestone in the history of the school as it is the highest number of fist year students for over 20 years. The physical building can accommodate these numbers very comfortably. This is a phenomenal achievement in just a short few years. The significant growth can be attributed to the dedicated teachers whose students achieve well above the national averages in state exams and a progression rate of close to 100% to third level education. This is a most progressive school.