Innovation at ETSS Wicklow
At ETSS Wicklow, innovation is centred on how students experience school life, develop leadership skills, and contribute meaningfully to their community. We place a strong emphasis on student voice, responsibility, and collaboration, creating opportunities for students to lead, support one another, and engage with real-world issues.
Innovation at our school extends beyond technology. It reflects new approaches to student leadership, wellbeing, and learning that empower students to take an active role in shaping their school experience.
Student Voice and Leadership
Student voice is a central feature of school life at ETSS Wicklow. Through the Student Council, students are encouraged to represent their peers, contribute to decision-making, and engage constructively with school leadership.
Members of the Student Council work collaboratively to raise issues, suggest improvements, and support initiatives that enhance school life. This process helps students develop confidence, communication skills, and a strong sense of civic responsibility, while also ensuring that student perspectives are valued and heard.
Student Voice in Practice
Student voice at ETSS Wicklow is embedded in everyday school life. Students are encouraged to share ideas, provide feedback, and contribute to discussions that shape the school community. Through structured opportunities for consultation and dialogue, students develop a sense of ownership and responsibility, while learning how to express their views respectfully and constructively. This approach supports a positive school culture where students feel heard, valued, and actively involved in their learning environment.
Transition Year Mentorship Programme
Innovation in student support is reflected in the Transition Year mentorship programme. As part of this programme, Transition Year students act as mentors for first-year students, providing guidance and reassurance during the transition into post-primary school.
TY mentors check in regularly with first-year students, helping them settle into daily routines, understand expectations, and feel more confident navigating school life at ETSS Wicklow. This peer-support model promotes empathy, leadership, and responsibility among senior students, while fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for new students.
Model United Nations
The Model United Nations programme at ETSS Wicklow provides students with an opportunity to engage with global issues through structured debate and diplomacy. Students take on the roles of international delegates, researching world issues, negotiating resolutions, and participating in formal debate.
MUN promotes critical thinking, collaboration, public speaking, and an understanding of global citizenship. Students develop leadership skills while engaging respectfully with diverse perspectives, reflecting the values of equality, inclusion, and democratic participation.
A Culture of Innovation
Together, initiatives such as the Student Council, the Transition Year mentorship programme, and Model United Nations reflect a broader culture of innovation at ETSS Wicklow. These programmes prioritise student leadership, wellbeing, and active participation, supporting students to grow as confident, responsible, and engaged members of their community.
As the school continues to develop, ETSS Wicklow remains committed to innovative practices that strengthen student voice, support positive transitions, and prepare students for active participation in school life and beyond.