ABOUT OUR SCHOOL
We promote equality of access and parity of esteem for all learners, a participative and democratically run school, a co-educational environment and a child-centred, though not student-indulgent approach to all that we do.
Our school opened in August 2016 after a grassroots led campaign that began in 2010. As one of 19 second-level Educate Together schools in Ireland, we espouse the core principles of our patron.
OUR MISSION
North Wicklow Educate Together Secondary School is dedicated to creating a co-educational, learner-centred, caring, happy and positive environment where equality and democracy are celebrated and nurtured. We are committed to enabling students to become creative, empathetic, life-long learners who are prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century in a sustainable and ethical way.
We embrace collaborative educational practices both in our school and through engagement with the wider community. Through the process of teaching and learning we aim to inspire, support and challenge all students to develop their skills and passions. In doing so, we dedicate ourselves to empowering all students to truly understand themselves and others better so that when they leave school they are ready to actively engage in society and to lead purposeful, fulfilling and happy lives.
Virtual School Tour
Welcome to the NWETSS virtual school tour. Take a 3D tour throughout the whole school and hear from staff about subjects and school life. We hope you will get a true sense of this wonderful school community. Enjoy!
Our Team
Meet Our Principal & Deputy Principal
Billy Redmond, Principal
Billy joined North Wicklow Educate Together Secondary School in May 2020. For the previous two years he worked as a consultant with a number of schools and educational partners such as Global Schoolroom - where he was coordinating a project in Sierra Leone on Educational Leadership - the JMB (the governing body for many Irish secondary schools), and AsIAm where he worked on the Autism Friendly Schools Project with over 100 schools. Prior to this he was the Principal of St Laurence College in Loughlinstown for four years. Previously he worked with the support services as National Coordinator for Teacher Induction (Post-Primary) (NIPT) and as a Regional Development Officer with the National Behaviour Support Service (NBSS). Billy received his BEd Degree as a Home Economics and Religion teacher and taught for 12 years prior to secondment. He has studied at postgraduate level in Guidance & Counselling, School Development Planning, Educational Management and Mentoring, and Induction and CPD.
Email: principal@nwetss.ie
Fiona Keilthy, Deputy Principal
Our Deputy Principal, Fiona Keilthy, joined North Wicklow Educate Together Secondary School when it opened in 2016 as Head of Science and First Year Head. She was appointed Deputy Principal in June 2020. Fiona came to us from Newpark Comprehensive School where she taught Biology/Science. Prior to this, Fiona taught in London for twelve years. Fiona graduated with a BSc from UCD and completed a PGCE in Science Education and an MA in Educational Leadership from University College London.
Email: fionakeilthy@nwetss.ie
Meet Our Teachers
Lorraine Kenny, Second Year Coordinator, AS Class Teacher, Learning Support and Behaviour for Learning
Lorraine graduated from the University of Aberdeen with an MA in History and an MLitt in History from the Research Institute of Scottish and Irish studies. She also completed her PGDE in Secondary teaching at the University of Aberdeen. She has a Postgraduate qualification in Autism and Learning and a Post Grad Cert in Special Education. She has worked in the area of Special Education in a variety of settings in Scotland. More recently, Lorraine worked as an AS teacher in Wicklow.
Email: lorrainekenny@nwetss.ie
Martina Hanlon, Third Year Coordinator and Spanish
Martina lived and worked in Spain and South America for eleven years. Prior to that Martina taught in London and then worked as a journalist. Martina has a degree in Science and Higher Diploma in Education from NUI Maynooth as well as a Bachelor of Arts from Birkbeck College, University of London and a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism. Most recently Martina worked at San Silvestre, an International Baccalaureate school in Lima, Peru.
Email: martinahanlon@nwetss.ie
Laura Gibbons, First Year Coordinator, Business and Maths
Laura graduated from St. Patricks College, Thurles, Co Tipperary in 2016 with a BA in Education, Business Studies and Religious Education. Laura went on to complete the PDMT in mathematics teaching in UL. Laura teaches Maths, Business and Vocation Preparation and Guidance in NWETSS.
Email: lauragibbons@nwetss.ie
Darren O’Sullivan
, TY Year Coordinator & LCA Programme Coordinator and
Science (Physics and Biology)
Darren has a BSc with Education from the University of Limerick and a Postgraduate Certificate in 21st Century Teaching and Learning from Trinity College. Darren joined NWETSS from Templeogue College, where he taught biology and science and was the AEN and SSE coordinator. He was a physics and science teacher in Castleknock College and has worked as a Science Associate with Junior Cycle for Teachers.
Email: darrenosullivan@nwetss.ie
Úna Curran, Sixth Year Coordinator, AS Class Teacher and Home School Liaison
Úna graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (UCD) and holds several post-graduate qualifications in Special Educational Needs (UCD) and Autism Spectrum Disorders (St. Patrick’s College). She holds a Master’s Degree in Special Educational Needs (UCD). Úna has worked in special education for well over a decade with experience in special schools and came to NWETSS from East Glendalough School, where she co-ordinated their AS Class.
Email: unacurran@nwetss.ie
Dara McGarrigle-Woodman, Fifth Year Coordinator, Music and Artistic Performance
Dara holds a BA Hons International in Music and Sociology, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (with additional Special Educational Needs training) and a Masters in Musicology. Her studies have taken her from University College Dublin (where she was a President’s Award Scholar) to the University of California, Berkeley, USA, and the University of Worcester, UK.
Email: daramcgarrigle@nwetss.ie
Deborah McEvoy, Irish
Deborah graduated from NUI Galway with an honours degree in Gaeilge and French, followed by a Higher Diploma in Education. Deborah has taught Irish and French for over 20 years in a variety of schools and has worked as a Junior / Leaving Certificate Examiner.
Deborah joins Roinn na Gaeilge here and is a fourth year class tutor.
Email: deborahmcevoy@nwetss.ie
Stephen Magrath, History
Stephen holds a BA in History and Sociology from UCD, together with a Professional Diploma in Education. He has taught History and Social Studies for 5 years at an International School in Abu Dhabi and, prior to that, taught History and English for 3 years at a school in London. Stephen brings a wealth of experience in pastoral care and support for student welfare and wellbeing. He is also a qualified rugby coach and holds level 2 coaching accreditation from World Rugby.
Email: stephenmagrath@nwetss.ie
Emma Begley, Music and English
Emma graduated from UCD after completing a Bachelor of Arts with Music and English. She also holds a Bachelor of Music degree. Emma went on to complete a Professional Masters of Education at UCD. Emma currently teaches English and Music, and is also a First Year class tutor.
Email: emmabegley@nwetss.ie
Danielle O’Brien, Career Guidance
Danielle graduated from Trinity College with a BA in French and Sociology. She returned to Trinity in 2013 to complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Education. Danielle taught French for nine years, with a special interest in pastoral care. She received a Masters in Guidance Counselling from DCU in 2022.
Email: danielleobrien@nwetss.ie
Sarah Kernaghan, Visual Art, Ethical Education and Social Education
Sarah graduated from Crawford College of Art and Design in Cork with a BA in Fine Art and a Postgraduate Diploma in Art and Design Education. She holds a Certificate in Ethical and Multi-denominational Education Qualification from St. Patrick’s College / DCU. Sarah is a Third Year class tutor.
Email: sarahkernaghan@nwetss.ie
Beartla de Búrca, Irish
Beartla is a native Irish speaker from West Galway who studied at the National University of Ireland, Galway, and the University of Sunderland. Beartla previously taught Irish, History and World Studies in the European School of Brussels IV for five years.
Email: beartladeburca@nwetss.ie
Kate Minnock, Art, Climate Action and Ethical Education
Kate holds a BA in Fine Art, a Postgraduate Diploma in Art & Design Education, a Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurial Education and a Masters in Learning for Sustainability. She has been working to promote Education for Sustainability, receiving grants from Wicklow County Council to develop and deliver workshops in schools.
Email: kateminnock@nwetss.ie
Ruairí Carroll, Biology and Science
Ruairí qualified from UL with a Bachelor of Science with Concurrent Teaching Education in Biology and Chemistry in 2021. He taught for a year in Cork city before joining the staff in NWETSS. Ruairí currently teaches Biology and Science, and is also a Second Year class tutor.
Email: ruairicarroll@nwetss.ie
Niamh Swan, English, Learning Support, ASN Coordinator
Niamh holds a BA in English and German, and an HDip from UCD. Niamh worked as a secondary school English teacher and English/Literacy consultant in London for eight years. She also worked in Adult Basic Literacy and family learning before returning to secondary teaching in 2014. Her further qualifications include an Advanced Diploma in Special Educational Needs (SEN) from Leeds University and a Diploma in Special and Inclusive Education from DCU.
Email: niamhswan@nwetss.ie
Niamh Rainey, Geography, Ethical Education, Politics & Society
Niamh graduated from UCD in 2016 with a BA Joint Honours in Music and Geography. Following this, she completed a Bachelor of Music and then a Professional Masters in Education in UCD. Niamh is a Fifth Year Class tutor.
Email: niamhrainey@nwetss.ie
Óscar Sanchez Campos, PE and SPHE
Oscar has a Master's and Bachelor's Degree in Economics & Business, Master's Degree in Direction & Management of Sports Societies, Professional Master in Education, and a Higher Technical Diploma in Animation of Sports Activities. Oscar was a professor and lecturer for ten years at the Real Madrid University School in programmes related to the management of sports, leisure and recreation. He collaborates as a member of the board of directors of National Deaf Village Sports and Leisure CL (Ireland) and the Spanish Sport Federation for people with intellectual disabilities (Spain).
Email: oscarsanchezcampos@nwetss.ie
Robert Doyle, Business Teacher and Behaviour Support & Intervention Teacher
Robert graduated with an honours Bachelor of Arts from University College Dublin, where he subsequently returned to complete an honours Post Graduate Diploma in Education. He also graduated with an honours Master of Science in Technology and Learning from Trinity College and holds several other qualifications in the field of computer science. Robert has completed a postgraduate diploma in Inclusive and Special Education. Robert is a Sixth Year class tutor.
Email: robbiedoyle@nwetss.ie
Anne Purcell, Maths
Anne graduated from University College Cork with a Bachelor of Music, majoring in performance. She went on to complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Education in Trinity College. After teaching Music and Learning Support Maths for over a decade, Anne went to University of Limerick and graduated with a Professional Diploma in Mathematics for Teaching. Anne currently teaches Maths and is a First Year class tutor.
Email: annepurcell@nwetss.ie
Bernidina Roche, School Counsellor
Bernidina holds a BA in Counselling and Psychotherapy from ICHAS. She is also certified in CBT and NLP. Bernidina is an integrative therapist and uses different modes of counselling to suit the needs of the students.
Email: bernidinaroche@nwetss.ie
Evangelin Durojaiye, Spanish
Evangelin holds a Professional Masters in Education, and a BA Honours in Humanities. She lived in Spain for many years and moved to Ireland in 2006. She worked as a Spanish tutor for the Carlow Vocational Education Centre and the local community centres before teaching in Secondary Schools.
Email: evangelindurojaiye@nwetss.ie
Gina Potts, Learning Support
Gina graduated with a BA in Fine Art, HDip in Art Education and MA in Fine Art from NCAD. She was awarded the Post Graduate Diploma in SEN from Trinity College, Leadership and Management from University of Limerick and MA in Inclusive Education from the University of Northampton. Gina was the AEN Coordinator in Ballinteer Community School for a number of years. She has also worked for Enable Ireland and TU Dublin.
Email: ginapotts@nwetss.ie
Will Henebry, English and History
Will graduated from UCD with a BA in History and Politics and a Master's in early modern European History. He completed a Postgraduate Diploma in History Education at Trinity College. He has taught in England, as well as spending eight years teaching English, social studies, and IB MYP Individuals and Societies in Bilingual and International schools in Germany, Italy and Denmark. Will currently teaches English, TY History and LEGO stop motion, and provides AEN support.
Email: willhenebry@nwetss.ie
Monica English, AS Class Teacher
Monica graduated with a BA in English Literature and Archaeology from TCD and holds a Masters in Education from TCD. She also holds a Postgraduate H-Dip in Autism and learning from DCU. Monica has completed various NCSE training in the area of Special Education and Autism Studies and has been working as an AS teacher for the past four years.
Email: monicaenglish@nwetss.ie
Josna Joy, Maths and Numeracy Support
Josna graduated with BSc in Mathematics and holds a Masters in Mathematics and Bachelors Degree in Education and Training from Mahatma Gandhi University, India. She worked as a teacher in India for four years. Josna also has qualifications in Accounting (ACCA-CAT) and a Higher Diploma in Business Studies from Dorset College, Dublin.
Email: josnajoy@nwetss.ie
Darren Gillespie, English, Geography and Politics & Society
Darren graduated from UCD after completing a Bachelor of Arts in English and Geography. He then went on to complete a Professional Masters of Education at UCD. Darren teaches English, Geography, Politics & Society along with being a TY class tutor.
Email: darrengillespie@nwetss.ie
Ciara McCrann, Science, Chemistry and Maths
Ciara graduated from DCU with a BSc in Analytical Science. She then went on to complete a Professional Masters of Education in DCU. Ciara teaches Chemistry and Science along with being a TY class tutor.
Email: ciaramccrann@nwetss.ie
Jonathan Codd, PE and SPHE
Jonathan has been coaching sports for 10 years at primary and secondary school level. He has worked as a gym instructor, personal trainer and as a primary school Physical Education teacher. He has a Professional Masters in Education from Maynooth University. Jonathan is also involved with Leinster Hockey as a junior development coach. Jonathan is a Fifth Year class tutor.
Email: jonathancodd@nwetss.ie
Mimi Doran, Learning Support and CSPE
Mimi has a Degree in Fine Art, a Higher Diploma in Art & Design Teacher Training, a Masters in Equality Studies, a Masters in Broadcast Production and a PhD in Media Literacy & Social Justice. Mimi has taught a variety of subjects and worked in special education for a number of years. She previously worked as a Whole School Associate with Junior Cycle for Teachers (JCT) and is currently a Creative Associate with the Creative Schools initiative.
Email: mimidoran@nwetss.ie
Andy Millington, AEN
Andy began his teaching career as an SNA in Monkstown Educate Together. The school ethos resonated so much that he went on to work as a Learning Support Teacher in three Educate Together primary schools. He taught Maths in Germany in both primary and secondary school. Andy graduated from TCD with a BA in Geography and Economics and then a Hdip in Education. He currently teaches in the AS Classes, Learning Support and is also a Second Year class tutor.
Email: andymillington@nwetss.ie
Alice Connors, Learning Support, Business Studies and CSPE
Alice graduated from Hibernia College with a Professional Masters in Education after completing her Bachelor of Business (Honours) Technological University Dublin. She completed a certificate in Special Education from DCU. Alice is a learning support teacher as well as teaching Business Studies, CSPE and Hospitality and Catering. Alice is an LCA class tutor.
Email: aliceconnors@nwetss.ie
Suzanne McEneaney, English and AEN
Suzanne teaches AEN and English. She holds a BA from Trinity College, Dublin, a PGCE (English and RE) from Queen's University, Belfast and her Masters in Education, (Diversity and Inclusion) is from the Open University. Prior to joining NWETSS, Suzanne was head of Additional Educational Needs in St. Columba’s College.
Email: suzannemceneaney@nwetss.ie
Mira Fox, English, CSPE and Ethical Education
Mira studied Philosophy, Politics, Economics and Sociology before realising that she wanted to teach. She graduated from DCU with Bachelor of Religious Education with English, with specialisation in Life Writing, AEN and youth mental health. Mira also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching Chinese Language and Culture from UCD. Mira is a Third Year class tutor.
Email: mirafox@nwetss.ie
Neil Butler, Maths
Neil holds a degree in Pure Mathematics from Trinity College and a Masters in Theoretical Physics from DIT. Neil also has postgraduate qualifications in Technology and Learning (TCD) and Special Education Needs (St. Patrick’s College).
Email: neilbutler@nwetss.ie
Nicholas Tierney, Materials Technology (Wood), Technology, Graphics
Nicholas graduated from University of Limerick with a Bachelor of Technology (Education) degree in Graphics and Construction Technology.
Email: nicholastierney@nwetss.ie
Emer O’Neill, PE
Emer graduated with a BSc in Physical Education from Florida Southern College and holds a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from Southeastern University Florida. Emer was an Irish basketball international from 2000-2008, Head Coach in 2015 of the Irish Under 20s women’s basketball team, and Ambassador for the ‘Free Being Me’ – a self-esteem and positive body awareness programme with the Irish Girl Guides.
Emer is currently on leave
Tim Healy, Materials Technology (Wood), Technology, Construction Studies
Tim graduated from University of Limerick in 2022 with a Bachelor of Technology degree in Materials and Architectural Technology. Tim taught in City West in Dublin, before moving to NWETSS.
Email: timhealy@nwetss.ie
Naomi Kerry, Learning Support
Naomi holds a BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Education in addition to an ordinary Bachelors degree (Level 7) in Early Education. Naomi spent ten years working with young children in a preschool environment and also taught English and Maths in Abu Dhabi. Naomi is trained in paediatrics first aid and has completed the FAR (First Aid Responder) training.
Email: naomikerry@nwetss.ie
Meet Our Special Needs Assistants
Christine Dunne Bazigou
Christine holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Linguistics and Sociology from UCD and a PGDip in English Language Teaching (ELT) from Trinity College Dublin. Christine worked as an ELT tutor for 20 years at home and abroad. She has a TESOL qualification from Trinity College London, a certificate in Psychology from NUI Maynooth, and a Diploma in Inclusive School Support from UCD.
Tina Murphy
Tina graduated from Trinity College Dublin with a Bachelors Degree in Deaf Studies.
Dee Dooley
Dee obtained her Diploma in Special Needs Assistant in 2004. She had thirteen years’ experience working as an SNA in an Educate Together Primary school before moving into secondary education.
Heather Hogan
Heather holds a BA Honours Degree in Business Studies and Arts Management from IADT. She also holds a Fetac level 5 Special Needs Assistant and is currently studying for her level 6. She has completed multiple first aid training courses, a speech and language course, a LAMH course and volunteers with the Special Olympics.
Sinéad Fitzgerald-Lucey
Sinead holds a Diploma in Autism Studies from University College Cork, level 6 Special Needs Assistant and Child Psychology and a Level 5 in Early Childhood Care and Education.
Sinead coaches with her local GAA club where she helped to set up their All Star team for children with additional needs. She holds certificates in lamh, autism in sport and completed the Cara inclusive volunteer programme.
Jo Sheehy
Jo has worked for 15 years with special needs children, principally as an Occupational Therapy Assistant. She holds a Special Needs Assistant Certificate and Diploma, and certificates in Occupational Therapy, Healthcare,Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (T.C.I.), and LAMH (Irish Sign Language), as well as a Postgraduate Diploma in Library and Information Studies from TCD. In 2023 Jo was awarded the UCD Diploma in Inclusive School Support with Distinction.
Kevin Macken
Kevin holds a BA Honours Degree in Performing Arts and Theatre Studies from University of Wales, Trinity St. David specialising in Performance and Applied Drama (Community & Education). He holds both Level 5 & level 6 Special Needs Assistant awards from Cabinteely Adult Education and holds an Inclusive School Support Diploma from UCD. Kevin has a level 5 cert in Community & Health Services and is also a Narrative 4 Facilitator in Ireland.
Fionnuala O’Hara
Fionnuala holds Fetac Level 5 and has completed several AS courses over the last ten years. She is also a qualified yoga teacher and children’s yoga teacher.
Ian Shortt
Ian worked as a professional chef for over 15 years. He has mentored young people through his time playing and coaching football and also in the kitchen. Ian returned to education to qualify as an SNA.
Sabina Jordan
Sabina holds a FETAC Level 5. She also has a Diploma in Clothing and Fashion Design from Poland.
Louise O’Sullivan Lepri
Louise holds Fetac Level 5 and Level 6 Special Needs Assistant qualifications. She also has a Level 5 qualification in Equality and Disability.
Sarah Foster
Sarah has been working as an SNA in NWETSS since November 2021. She is currently on the National Training Programme for Special Needs Assistants (Inclusive School Support) through UCD and the NCSE.
Programmes and Subjects
Junior Cycle Programme
The new Junior Cycle features newly developed subjects and short courses, a focus on key skills, student wellbeing and new approaches to assessment and reporting.
In First Year, we place a strong emphasis on transitioning from primary to secondary and we begin to help students develop their own individual and independent learning skills. Students will study six core subjects, have access to wellbeing and other learning experiences, ranging from SPHE to IT Skills, and will spend the first term doing two-week tasters of optional subjects, after which they will choose for themselves the final two subjects they will study for the remainder of their Junior Cycle journey.
In Second and Third Year, students will continue with the same subjects in First Year. We offer access to both Higher and Ordinary Level in any subjects where it is appropriate and we place a strong emphasis on preparing students for their state examinations. We encourage our students to develop key skills and discover what methods of learning work best for them. As part of the new Junior Cycle, the focus on student wellbeing remains constant throughout the three year programme.
Transition Year Programme
Transition Year (TY) is a one-year optional programme which links the Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate. It provides students with an opportunity to learn and engage with their education without the academic pressure of a state exam. The TY programme places on emphasis on discovering or rediscovering an enjoyment of subjects. Students are offered a range of academic, social, cultural, and vocational experiences and we aim to base their learning on activities, projects and experiences. In addition to school experiences, students will spend three weeks of the academic year participating in external work experience. The TY programme also helps students to make appropriate and relevant choices for Leaving Certificate.
Senior Cycle Programme
Leaving Certificate Traditional
The Leaving Certificate is a two-year course of study which completes a young person’s education in Ireland at second-level. It is likely that a senior cycle review will result in some changes to the structure and content of this programme. The Leaving Certificate remains a high-stakes examination which students in our school will sit for the first time in June 2022.
We are committed to preparing our Leaving Certificate students for their state examinations by providing them with key learning and study skills to help them reach their full potential. Students will study three core subjects (English, Maths and Gaeilge) as well as four choice subjects. In addition to preparing students for their exams, we also focus on building their independence, resilience and problem-solving skills to prepare them for life after school. Our main aim in Senior Cycle is to enable students to develop into capable and independent young people who have the confidence and skills to tackle challenges and opportunities they face.
We are always available for consultation to ensure that our students are fully informed to make decisions about their futures.
Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA)
Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) is a two-year self-contained Leaving Certificate Programme aimed at preparing students for adult and working life. The programme sets out to recognise the talents of all students and to provide opportunities for developing personal responsibility, self-esteem and self-knowledge. The programme focuses on the talents of each student and helps students apply what they learn to the real world. Students spend one day a week outside the classroom participating in work experience.
The National Framework of Qualifications places the LCA at level 4. LCA students earn up to 200 credits across 4 sessions during the two-year programme. Credits are awarded for key assignments in each course (subject), 7 student tasks and 7 exams. Upon completion of the programme students are awarded a distinction, merit or pass based on credits earned. A student who has been awarded the Leaving Certificate Applied can go onto a wide range of Post-Leaving Certificate courses (PLCs).
Extra-Curricular Activities
We offer a wide range of sporting, musical, linguistic and scientific activities – at break, lunchtime and after school. All these activities are free of charge and we encourage students to make the most of these amazing opportunities.
Sports
Basketball is the main competitive sport in our school. We also organise extra-curricular football and athletics, as well as table tennis every break time.
Music
All welcome to come and join our school choir! We also offer music rehearsal space for exam students of music.
Games
Students are welcome to join our board games club, our Marvel/DC club and our Warhammer club. Come and have some fun!
Climate Action
We have a very active Schools' Climate Action Network (SCAN) group in school, in addition to a Tree Planting Club.
Other Groups
Book club, Science club, Model United Nations, Irish Debating club - there’s something for everyone.
Wellbeing
We run a Friendship club and a LGBTQ+ and Friends club. These groups give students a safe space to socialise and expand their friendship groups in a safe, inclusive, friendly environment.