Vol 27 No 03     17 Sept 2021

Leaving Certificate Results

I am delighted to report that Leaving Certificate examination results at The High School in 2021 were the best recorded in the history of the school.  In summary, 96.6% of the papers taken at higher level achieved H5 or above; H8 or less was recorded on only 0.1% of all papers.  I should like to offer my warmest 
congratulations to all candidates on their individual successes which were achieved in challenging circumstances. 

There have been significant improvements in examination performance at The High School over the past decade which reflects the professional excellence of our teaching staff, the determination and hard work of pupils, and the dedicated support of parents and guardians. This trend led to The High School being ranked by The Irish Times as the best-performing school in south Dublin following 100% entry to third level education in 2012.  The school recorded an average of 105% entry to third level education in 2013, 2014, and 2015. 

In 2015, 55% of this overall cohort were admitted to undergraduate degree courses at Trinity College, Dublin and University College Dublin - the highest-ranking universities in Ireland - where recent past pupils of The High School were awarded six Entrance Exhibitions and two Entrance Scholarships, respectively.  The High School recorded a 100% and 110% progression rate to third level education in 2016 and 2017.  Our past pupils were awarded two Entrance Exhibitions to TCD and eight Entrance Scholarships to UCD in 2016 followed by three Entrance Exhibitions to TCD and five Entrance Scholarships to UCD in 2017.  In 2019, The High School recorded a 111% progression rate to third level education.  In 2020 The Sunday Times ranked The High School as the top co-educational school in its sector in Ireland.

I should like to congratulate all our pupils on their outstanding results and to thank my colleagues who have worked tirelessly on their behalf throughout their time at The High School.   

Mr G A Forrest
Principal

Form 4 Outdoor Activities

Last week, pupils in Form 4 spent two days doing outdoor activities as part of their Physical Education course.  We completed a variety of activities such as hiking, survival skills, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.  We went to the Kippure Estate where we hiked up a mountain, built a den out of sticks and moss, and learned how to start a fire.  On the second day we made our own way to Grand Canal Dock to participate in water sports.  We were given wetsuits and lifejackets and participated in lots of activities.  We started off by kayaking and playing games and finished the day with stand-up paddling and swimming in the canal.  We had so much fun and it was a great start to the Transition Year Programme.
Isabel Sheehan

Form 2 Hockey

On Wednesday Form 2 pupils played their first match of the year for The High School against Temple Carrig School.  It was an eight a side, playing two matches.  It was tough but The High School still came out on top with a win.  This match was the first of many and we hope to continue the winning streak on Saturday in the away game against Loreto Beaufort.
Kate Likely 

Return to Rugby

Last week Form 2 pupils played their first rugby match for The High School against Catholic University School.  Pupils were excited and energised to put all of their recent training into practise against their formidable rivals.  While the result ultimately favoured the opposition, the players were happy with their team effort and are looking forward to donning their rugby boots again in the very near future. 

Swimming Fun

We are back with a splash!  Thankfully swimming has started again on Tuesday evenings in Terenure College Swimming Pool. There is a junior session for pupils in Forms 1 - 3 at 6.15 pm for 45 minutes, followed by a senior session for pupils in Forms 4-6 at 7.00 pm.  It is a great way to have fun whilst learning how to swim and being active.  It is also a good way to meet pupils from other classes and year groups.  In the 45 minutes we complete a warm-up, stroke drills, and finish with fun games or races at the end.  We have three great coaches who help us to become better swimmers.  We hope you will join us in the pool for some fun soon. 
Esmé Donaghy 

Minor Hockey

The Minor Boys Hockey team played their first match for The High School on Wednesday 8 September.  There were three teams, each playing two matches against St Andrew's College.  While we played well the results didn't go our way and we lost 1-0 in a few matches.  For our first match it was a very good effort. It was a great experience for everyone to be back playing matches against other schools again. We are looking forward to a busy season ahead.  Well done, Minors!
Ethan Clarke 

Lego Club

The HSD Lego Club is once more up and running with meetings taking place on  Thursday after school in the Technical Block.  All pupils are welcome to attend.  Lego Club is an exciting way to make new friends and show off all those engineering skills.  Click on the video above to see some highlights of recent year's Lego Club experience and contact Mr O'Sullivan or Mr Deane for details.