The development of effective study skills is a fundamental component of student learning and academic achievement. Research consistently demonstrates that students who are equipped with good study habits, revision strategies, and an understanding of their own learning styles are better positioned to reach their potential across all subject areas.
Presentation Castleisland has embedded study skills guidance and support as an integral part of our whole-school programme of teaching and learning. Rather than treating study skills as a once-off intervention, the school takes a layered, progressive approach — building students’ capacity to manage and organise their own learning from First Year through to Leaving Certificate.
The following outlines the range of measures currently in place to support students in developing effective study skills:
- Subject Teacher Instruction: Each class teacher, as part of their day-to-day teaching, provides subject-specific guidance on how best to study their subject and approach exam questions. This ensures that students receive practical, targeted advice tailored to the demands of each individual subject.
- Study Skills Workshops: Study skills workshops are organised with external third-party providers for selected year groups, at least on an annual basis. These sessions offer students structured, expert-led input on effective study techniques, time management, and exam preparation strategies.
- SPHE Programme: Study skills guidance is incorporated into the Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) curriculum from First through to Third Year. This ensures that all students receive age-appropriate, structured input on effective study and learning habits as a regular part of their school experience. In addition, a dedicated unit of learning on ‘Managing My Learning’ is included as part of Guidance in Third Year.
- ExamRevision.ie: Students have access to ExamRevision.ie (subscription paid by the school), an online platform offering subject-specific presentations, notes, and interactive quizzes to support revision and consolidate learning across the curriculum.
- Reach+: Fifth and Sixth Years have access to the Careers Portal Reach+ platform, which provides a suite of apps and self-assessment tools designed to help students gain insight into their strengths and areas for development in study, and to manage their overall wellbeing during the Leaving Certificate cycle.
- After-School Study: The school provides supervised after-school study to offer students a quiet, distraction-free environment in which to work on their studies. This structured time supports students in establishing consistent study routines and making productive use of their time outside of class.
- School Wellbeing Padlet: Students have access to the school’s Wellbeing Padlet, which includes a dedicated suite of videos and resources focused on study skills. This provides an accessible, self-directed resource that students can return to at any time throughout the school year. The padlet can be accessed here.
- External webinars: Students and parents are notified of study skills webinars and workshops happening throughout the year, as the school becomes aware of them.
The following resources are also very helpful to support students and parents with effective study:
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