Ethos and Core Values

As an ETB School, Coláiste Pobail Bheanntraí is a second-level Designated Community College under the patronage of Cork Education and Training Board (Cork ETB), a statutory authority responsible for the provision of education and training services in County Cork.

ETB Schools are state, multi-denominational, co-educational schools. They provide high- quality education and training opportunities that meet the needs of learners and employers in their region by promoting social inclusion, personal development, and lifelong learning for all members of the community.

The ETBI Patrons Framework on Ethos was launched in November 2022 and provides guidance on the development, promotion and consolidation of ethos in ETB Schools.

The framework outlines the key values, principles, and practices that should underpin the ethos of such schools and provides

The document highlights the importance of promoting an ethos that is grounded in the Core Values of: Respect, Excellence in Education, Care, Community, and Equality.

Respect: Treating others with dignity and promoting an inclusive culture where diversity is valued.

Excellence in Education: Striving for high standards in education and promoting a culture of continuous learning.

Care: Providing a supportive and nurturing environment that promotes student well-being and development.

Community: Fostering a sense of belonging and connection among students, staff, and the wider community.

Equality: Treating all members of the school community equally and recognising and celebrating the diversity of these members

In addition to these Core Values, the framework is built upon the fact that all ETB schools are Multi- Denominational, which means respecting and accommodating the beliefs and practices of different religions, faiths, and worldviews. Our ETB schools are Co-Educational, promoting gender equality and creating an inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their gender identity. Finally, being State means operating within the framework of government policies and regulations while also promoting the values of the school’s ethos.

You can access the ETBI Patrons Framework Document by clinking on the link below.

https://www.etbi.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ETBI-Patrons-Framework-Digi.pdf?x61565

Coláiste Pobail Bheanntraí as a Designated Community College

Cork ETB pioneered the development of the Designated Community College model in partnership with the Diocese of Cork and Ross and the Diocese of Cloyne. The designated community colleges provide a model of second-level education that is inclusive and learner-centred, in order to foster and encourage the academic, personal, social and spiritual development of students. The co-trustees are committed to the partnership model set out in the Model Agreements governing the operation of the Designated Community Colleges, and to supporting these colleges in meeting the needs of the communities in which they operate.

You can access further information on Cork ETB as a patron and management body by clicking the link below

https://www.corketb.ie/about-cork-etb/schools/

Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI) is the national representative body for our member ETBs and comprises of the staff of ETBI, the ETBI Chief Executives, Directors of Further Education and Training, Directors of Schools, Directors of Organisation, Support and Development Forums and the respective networks and groups associated with these forums.

You can access further information on Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI) patronage and ethos by clicking the link below

https://www.etbi.ie/etb-schools-ethos/

Coláiste Pobail Bheanntraí Characteristic Spirit Statement

Coláiste Pobail Bheanntraí is a designated Community College. Designated Community Colleges are established by the signing of a model agreement between Cork ETB and the Bishop of Cork and Ross.
Cork ETB is the patron of the school. The model agreement provides for the participation of Diocese of Cork and Ross in the organisation and management of the community college on an ongoing basis.

Coláiste Pobail Bheanntraí was established in 2011 in a spirit of partnership between Cork ETB and the Diocese of Cork and Ross through an amalgamation of St Goban’s College and Ardscoil Phobail Bheanntraí. The inherited traditions, values and founding intentions of Cork ETB and the Diocese of Cork and Ross remains enshrined in the characteristic spirit and in the life of our school.

All members of our school community are treated equally, regardless of their race, gender, religion/belief, age, family status, marital status, membership of the Traveller community, sexual orientation, ability or socioeconomic status. In our school all students are given equal opportunity for enrolment, in line with the Education (Admissions to School) Act (2018). Once enrolled, our school strives to provide all our students with equal opportunities to engage with the curriculum and school life.

Our school Coláiste Pobail Bheanntraí provides a safe physical and social environment that reinforces a sense of belonging
to the school community and wider society. We strive to enable every student to realise their full potential regardless of any aspect of their identity or background. Our school promotes a fully inclusive education
which recognises the plurality of identities, beliefs and values held by students, parents and staff. We prepare open-minded, culturally sensitive and responsible citizens with a strong sense of shared values.

Our school is multi-denominational. We welcome, respect and support students of all religions and beliefs. The provision of religious education, religious worship and the work of the Chaplain all combine to reflect
the founding intention of the school, the school’s mission statement and the needs of the students within the school. The characteristic spirit of the school finds practical expression through the provision of pastoral, liturgical and social outreach activities, as appropriate, for each student.

Coláiste Pobail Bheanntraí Mission Statement

‘Ní neart go cur le chéile’

‘In partnership, through a comprehensive curriculum, we aim to provide quality teaching and learning in the pursuit of excellence, to promote intellectual, spiritual and personal development in an atmosphere of respect thus enabling students to contribute positively to their community.’