We learn a lot during secondary school, from Maths to English to Science to Music, but it’s important for pupils to learn about themselves too: their strengths, weaknesses, interests, values, anxieties and dreams. The Guidance Team at St. Columba’s have created a programme which aims to strengthen the personal and career development of each pupil throughout their time at St. Columba’s. The aim is that this allows them to work to the best of their ability in school while making a smooth and healthy transition to the world of work or to further education. Our objectives are established by the good practice outlined by the Institute of Guidance Counsellors and the National Centre for Guidance in Education. We see guidance as a continuous developmental process which begins prior to the entry of the pupil to St. Columba’s College and continues throughout the pupil’s life in the school. Above all else, the needs of the pupil are central to any guidance practice.

The Guidance Programme involves a series of guidance lessons for all pupils from Form I to Form VI, supplemented with other appropriate interventions and activities, including psychometric testing, workshops and events. A new Guidance Centre has been established in the “Submarine”, a room located within the College Library – the heartbeat of the College. 

What are psychometric tests? 

Psychometric tests consist of both cognitive and career based assessments which help a pupil to acquire information for self understanding and to enable adequate monitoring of academic progress. Aptitude tests, interest inventories and examination performance can help in problem solving, decision-making and planning for the future.

Below is a brief outline of the lesson themes and activities in place for each Form group: