Catholic University School

Origins

The foundation of the Catholic University School has its basis in the Catholic Revival movement of the late 1820s. For over 250 years, the only university in Ireland had been Trinity College, Dublin – the sole constituent college of the University of Dublin. WHile the Trinity College, Dublin had been opened to Catholics in 1793, only a few attended. Those Catholics who did were mainly educated in England at schools such as Stonyhurst College.

In response to this issue, in 1850, Queen Victoria granted a Royal Charter founding three colleges of the Queen's University of Ireland. The colleges in Cork, Belfast and Galway were non-denominational. However, at the Synod of Thurles in 1850, the Catholic Church officially condemned these institutions as "Godless Colleges" and declared a need for a Catholic University. Thus, the Catholic University of Ireland was founded in 1851 – though not fully established until 18 May 1854 with Cardinal John Henry Newman as its first Rector.

Early years

To ensure larger numbers of students for the new university, Dr Daniel Murray, the Archbishop of Dublin established a school at 16–17 Harcourt Street and named the school after Saint Laurence O'Toole, the patron Saint of Dublin. St. Laurence's Academy, founded in 1850, was accompanied by the establishment of Belvedere College by the Jesuits in 1832 on the north side of the city. The University, as yet, had no dedicated preparatory or feeder school.

By 1862, Dr. Bartholomew Woodlock took over as rector of the Catholic University, and suggested that the university proceed with the foundation of its own feeder school. Over time, St. Laurence's Academy developed a close relationship with the University. Woodlock was the first President of the school and professors from the University also taught in the school. The school was given a name reflecting its function: the Catholic University School.

The first teachers in the school were mostly young Dublin priests who had studied at the Irish College in Rome. Among them was Dr. James Quinn, who set about enrolling students from wealthy Catholic families. Within a year the school had an enrollment of 130 students. The subjects taught were classical rather than practical and included Greek, Latin, French, German, Italian and the Arts. Pope Pius XI eventually chose Quinn as the first Roman Catholic Archbishop of Brisbane, Australia – and he left the school.

Marist takeover

In the early 1860s, the finances of the Catholic University School and University were intertwined, and the rent for the Harcourt Street premises was a high £2600 per annum. Neither the school nor the University were able to cope with this burden. Archbishop of Dublin, Paul Cullen was adamant that it was not possible for C.U.S to close down even for a year – because it would be possible that the school would never open again.

In 1867 both Cardinal Cullen and Woodlock travelled to Dundalk for the consecration of Michael Kiernan as Archbishop of Armagh. While there, they visited the Marist College and believed that Marist administration would be beneficial to the Catholic University School. Subsequently, Cullenbrought the offer to the General Council of the Marist Fathers in Lyons in France. After a two-day petition, he convinced the Council of the benefit of taking on the Dublin school. In July 1867, Woodlock informed Cullen of the financial burden the Harcourt Street premises had been. He recommended that the Marists purchase new premises, and when 89 Lower Leeson Street became available, the Marists purchased it. The Harcourt Street site remained on as the premises for the school for a short while as refurbishments were carried out on the Leeson Street building. On 29 September 1867 the Catholic University School opened on Lower Leeson Street.

Church historian and cleric Leo Chamberlain has suggested that the foundation of the school was an important development in education in Ireland. Commenting on the form of education espoused by the school, Chamberlain describes the school as a Catholic Eton. He suggests that the schools aim was to provide an education to wealthy Catholic elites preparing them for University education with future leadership roles in mind.

Curriculum

The curriculum offered at the school is broad, covering all common subjects in the State Examinations including Classical Studies, Art History, German, Art, Chemistry, Physics, Accounting and Economics. Leaving Cert scores are high, with over 70% of students scoring 500 points or more. Academically, the school is ranked at 12th place nationally (2016) with an average of 100% of students accepting a place in high points university courses each year. CUS is also a feeder school for top Irish and international universities. The pupil to teacher ratio is 9:1, which is low by general school standards. Class sizes start at around twenty in first year and are below ten for most senior cycle subjects. The Preparatory School offers the full Primary School Curriculum as well as Classics, Latin, Spanish and Mandarin.

Awards

School Songs

The school has a long musical history and this is displayed through the school song “Walking On” which is sometimes heard at school rugby matches, and other celebratory school events. The primary religious anthem of the school in recent years has been Dominican Magnificat, taken from The Magnificat passage in The Gospel of Luke.

Other school traditions and cultures

Religious traditions of the school include weekly services in the school Oratory and annual services for deceased past pupils. The school also has a long-standing connection to SVP and holds an annual "hamper fund" in order to raise funds to the charity. In line with the schools charitable outlook, each year students travel to Davao in the Philippines where they teach English to the homeless, and also help with the various Marist Missions.

Houses

Historically, the school was divided into three houses; Colin, Sarsfield, and Hogan. Students were accepted into a house upon admission to the school and placed under the supervision of a housemaster, usually a clerical member of the teaching staff. Different colours and patterns on students ties identified them as members of their respective houses. This house system remained in use in the early 20th century.

School facilities

The school is located near St. Stephen's Green in Dublin. The Georgian buildings to the front of the school are home to a Georgian library, debating chamber as well as the school Oratory and Headmasters residence. The old buildings of the school include a hall decorated in the Victorian style, a sports hall with underground gym and changing rooms and the "old school" building, a Victorian building home to the English, Classics and History departments of the school. The school also owns a large area of land in Milltown, Co. Dublin, this is home to the school's rugby pitches and cricket field as well as the sports pavilion.

Sports

The school has a long association as a rugby school, with students released on Wednesday afternoons to participate in sports. Rugby and cricket take place in Bird Avenue, Milltown. The school plays Cricket from Easter on. CUS is regarded as one of the dominant cricket schools in Leinster and Ireland. Other sports played during summer half include Golf, Badminton, Tennis, Squash and Athletics. All sports are under the jurisdiction of the school games-master responsible for the organisation of all sporting activity within the school. Three Olympic Gold Medalists have attended the school.

Literary and Debating Society

The Literary and Debating Society was established in 1890. Students have represented Ireland at The World Schools Debating Championship. Past pupils have also become prominent at university level with former members noted as auditors of The Trinity College Historical and Philosophical societies.

Past Pupils Union

Catholic University School Union is one of the oldest past pupils associations in Ireland. In June 2002, the Past Pupils Union was hosted by then President of Ireland Mary McAleese at the presidential residence, Áras an Uachtaráin, in recognition of the school's contribution to Irish history. Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern also spoke at the school's annual dinner in 2002. The union also organises annual events such as the President's annual dinner, Christmas Lunch at the Stephens Green Hibernian Club or the Past Vs Present pupils golf competition. Former union presidents include Sir Arthur Chance – Royal Surgeon, High Court Judge Mr. Justice Richmond McLoughlin, and businessman Niall O'Farrell.

Notable alumni

Formr Pupils have included:

Academia

Government and Politics

Law, Medicine and Business

Religious

Sports

Arts, Entertainment, and Literature