Dear Readers,

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to our school website. I hope you will find it interesting and informative.

Since the establishment of Coola Post Primary School in 1954, the school has adapted and responded to the many changes that have taken place in education and society in general. Whilst the school has changed radically in terms of physical structure, curriculum, numbers of students and staff, the values underpinning the education provided here in Coola remain.

Students at Coola Post Primary School discover a welcoming, inclusive environment in which they can develop their abilities to the fullest extent. The rural location of Coola ensures students are removed from the many negative influences associated with larger town schools. Our current enrolment of 401 students who attend from a wide catchment area is testament to the fact that we offer an educational experience of the highest quality. The 50% increase in student enrolment over the past five years has enabled the curriculum to develop to one that is on a par with many larger schools and it is now possible to offer a wide range of programmes, i.e. J.C., L.C, L.C.V.P., L.C.A., and the hugely successful Transition Year Programme which was introduced in September 2008.

High academic standards are ensured by the dedicated teaching team of thirty staff and this is reflected in our success in State Examinations. Results in state exams are consistently higher than the national average and many of our past students are at present attending degree courses in colleges and universities all over Ireland and abroad. An Irish Times schools’ survey in November 2005 showed Coola to be the number 1 feeder school in Sligo to third level colleges in the Republic of Ireland. We endeavour to provide students with opportunities and experiences that will enable them to become confident individuals equipped with the skills and knowledge they will need for their future. Students are encouraged to participate in extra curricular activities as we believe these contribute to the overall maturation process and personal development of each student. Successes in sport are too numerous to mention, but in recent years the school has produced Connaught and All Ireland champions in Gaelic football, Basketball and Track and Field Athletics. Students participate in music and public speaking and have achieved considerable success at county and regional level.

Increasing enrolment and curriculum developments have necessitated improved resources and buildings. In the recent past we have developed a state of the art science lab, a second I.T. suite, four new classrooms including a modern music room. In the most recently completed building project we have provided a much needed student dining facility. All of these developments will enhance the holistic education that we strive to provide here in Coola.

High academic standards, high standards of behaviour, delivered in an atmosphere that is both caring and understanding, make Coola a school that is proud of its past and confident of its future. These are the values we live by and which set us apart. Indeed, they provide the foundation for everything we do.

Sincerely yours,

Damien McGoldrick
PRINCIPAL