The school sets out to create a happy, caring and secure environment in which the individual student is able to develop his or her full potential. An awareness of the needs of others in our community is recognised and respected.
Within a supportive atmosphere every student is expected to behave responsibly, and through enjoyment, enthusiasm and self-discipline become a better person.
We recognise the need for mutual respect, trust and support, and every possible encouragement is given to develop good patterns of behaviour. Discipline is based upon common sence and reason.
All students are encouraged to build on their own achievements; while success at public examinations is important, student contributions on the sports field, in the debating hall or on the stage are equally recognised.
It is important that parents are fully involved in their children's education. We expect our parents to support and contribute to the day-to-day activities of the school.
There is an active Parent Teacher Association and parents also serve on the Board of Management. Regular contact between parents and staff occurs by way of yearly meetings, written reports and individual appointments. Fundraising events, social evenings and special school occasions such as Prize Day, all give our parents an opportunity to meet each other and the school staff.
A structured Pastoral Care programme is followed by the students. Each form has a Form Tutor. There is a Dean of Boys and Dean of Girls to oversee student welfare, and the School Guidance Counsellor is there to help with individual and group difficulties. Students are encouraged to discuss problems with members of staff, who are there to help, advise and guide when necessary.
The school is multidenominational and guidance reflects the fundamental moral principles of our society. Our morning assemblies contain silent prayer and readings; once a week the school assembley is addressed by one of the local clergy.
Students who board at Drogheda Grammar gain a sence of value in community life and a degree of self-confidence and independence. There is a full programme throughout the day and evening, with classes, study, sports, extra-curricular activities and leisure time - all under the watchful and caring eyes of the duty staff, Housemistress and Headmaster.
Students find boarding enjoyable; the atmosphere is disciplined, yet friendly and cheerful.
We have always welcomed students from abroad at the Grammar School and in recent years a number have joined us from Spain, France, Germany, and the United States.
Most come for just one year but some stay for longerand their presence adds a multi-cultural dimension to school life.
The school offers five day boarding and weekend home accomodation is arranged for the students with local families.
Drogheda Grammar School was founded under Royal charter in 1669 by Erasmus Smith and is one of the oldest secondary schools in Ireland, now enjoying its fourth century of continuous educational service to the community.
Originally a boys' boarding school, it has now been a co-educational boarding and day school for over fifty years. The Trustees today are largely drawn from the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) and the Board of Management includes parents and teachers.
Until 1976, the school was located in Drogheda town centre, beside St. Laurence's Gate, but now enjoys a twenty-two acre rural setting just three kilometres outside the town, along the south bank of the River Boyne.
The campus consists of a beautiful Regency House flanked by woodland, with modern classroom and dormitory buildings and extensive playing fields to its rear.
The School Guidance Counsellor is available throughout the year to both students and parents. She is responsible for career advice, for administering the Transition Year Lifeskills Programme and liaising with outside agencies, colleges, parents, headmaster and staff.
Additional club activities include chess, computers, debating, arts and crafts, gardening, science, cycling, canoeing, horse-riding and choir.
An annual European tour offers the students the chance to visit a location of cultural and historical interest, or to enjoy the thrills of a skiing holiday. At home frequent visits are made to the theatre and other places of interest.Adventure pursuits are also catered for and the Transition year students spend a week at an adventure centre.
A number of our students participate each year in Gaisce ( the Presidents Award Scheme). Participation in these activities helps to develop a student's talents and interests. Challenges met on the way will enrich their lives for many years to come.
It is an integrated and exciting part of the school curriculum, providing opportunities for students to explore and develop their interests and career options. The year includes work experience, student exchange, life skills, and a wide curriculum including modules in car mechanics, media studies, woodwork, arts and crafts, celtic studies, computers and home economics.