BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

The school prides itself on its outstanding provision for games, music and drama, and on the dedication of staff and the support of parents, both of which enable these and other extracurricular activities to flourish.

There is a rich musical culture in the school which ranges across several musical styles from choral and classical music to traditional Irish music and more contemporary music styles.

There are regular fixtures with other schools for all age groups in the major team games. Sports offered include: rugby, soccer, tennis, and athletics.

Sports Facilities
Although rugby is the predominant sport there are plenty of other opportunities for sporting activity and exercise. There are four rugby pitches, a training pitch, a soccer pitch and six all-weather tennis courts. The indoor sports hall is used for badminton, basketball and indoor soccer and has an extensive weights/cardiovascular suite. During the summer term there is a six-lane 400 metre grass track for athletics. One of the five lakes is used for supervised swimming.  

Recreation and Leisure
The unique location of Glenstal allows pupils to explore such pursuits as fishing on private lakes, photography, pitch & putt at the local course. Regular golf, sailing and horse-racing outings take place. The school bridge team have competed successfully in the All-Ireland tournaments. There are also active chess and debating clubs in the school. Theatrical productions, including original musicals, are staged in the school annually.

Information Technology
The IT department is a particular strength of the school, with a well-equipped and heavily-used open-access computer room. Every pupil is encouraged to apply for his own email address. Internet access is readily available to students. IT classes are timetabled for all 1 st and 2 nd Year students. Transition Year students use IT extensively in several subjects and are prepared to sit the ECDL examinations.

Music
Outside the classroom, all students may avail of private instrumental or vocal tuition in the school. Talent thus nurtured is showcased in regular performances, including annual school musicals, which have achieved considerable renown for originality and musical accomplishment. Every Sunday the boys' choir sings at Mass with the monks, thus uniting the school's musical achievements with the centuries-old Benedictine tradition of Gregorian chant. More contemporary music is also encouraged and the regular “battle of the bands” concerts are a popular part of school life.