Ballinteer Community School is proud to say that it is a 'College for Every Student' School. College for Every Student, or CFES as it is known, is an American programme that was rolled out in eleven schools by the Trinity Access Programme (TAP) & Bridge 21 in 2014.
The aim of CFES is to raise the academic aspirations and performance of students so that they can prepare for, gain access to, and succeed in college. The essence of College For Every Student is the engagement of every CFES Student in four high-impact practices that research has shown effective in not only getting students on track toward college, but also helping them persist once there. These practices are Mentoring, Leadership through Service, Pathways to College and 21st Century Teaching and Learning/Key Skills.
- Mentoring fosters academic and personal growth by providing CFES Students a supportive relationship with an older, more experienced individual who can serve as a role model. All CFES schools have mentoring programs for their Scholars that utilise peers, adults, teachers, community leaders, and/or college students as mentors.
- Leadership through Service helps CFES Scholars identify and express their leadership potential through activities that make their school and/or community a better place. CFES schools create meaningful opportunities for Students to provide leadership through service to others. Gaining leadership skills and taking responsibility for others builds self-confidence, encouraging personal aspirations for college and developing resilience that leads to college success.
- Pathways to College partners CFES schools with colleges to provide opportunities for CFES Scholars to visit college campuses, interact with students and faculty, and gain exposure to the admissions process, financial aid options, and other higher education components.
- 21st Century T&L helps students develop the skills necessary for life and further progression after their time in Ballinteer Community School. These skills include communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity.
Ballinteer Community School has been awarded the highest honour of being an International School of Distinction for the last three years.