Ar Aghaidh: Strategic Plan 2006-10

St Patrick’s College, Drumcondra

To mark the 130th anniversary of St Patrick’s College in 2005 and to chart its future direction in the period ahead, the Governing Body initiated a strategic planning process.  Following extensive internal and external consultation and discussion, a new strategic plan has now been launched. 

This seeks to build on the history and traditions of the College, to consolidate the progress made in the period of the previous strategic plan and to ensure that the College is well prepared to meet the challenges that lie ahead.

In recent years, St Patrick’s College has grown and developed in response to the changing educational needs of Irish society.  Student numbers and programmes have increased dramatically:  the College currently has a cohort of more than 2300 students on eighteen different programmes. 

The new strategic plan identifies a range of strategic priorities and related key actions through which they will be addressed.  These are set in the context of  the recent development of the College and the national and international environment both in terms of third level generally and teacher education in particular.

The College aspires to create a learning community which has the student at its heart.    The shared values of that community include a commitment to excellence in teaching and learning, academic freedom within the confines of truth and the common good, a holistic philosophy of education and a concern for the poor and the voiceless.  The College cherishes diversity and seeks to promote tolerance, understanding and mutual respect.  The College values excellence, equity, community and innovation and seeks to produce graduates who are skilled, knowledgeable, flexible, reflective and creative.

The linkage with Dublin City University has been an important catalyst in the progress of the College over the past decade.  The College is committed to developing the relationship with the University confident that it has much to give as well as to gain from the collaboration. 

In pursuit of its aim to be the foremost Irish educational institution in its field, College priorities are identified under a range of headings including: the role of the College in the University; Learning and Teaching; the Centrality of the Student; e-Learning; Programme/Curriculum Development; Research; International Affairs; Collaboration; Wider Community/Inclusion; Partnership and Strategic Links; Quality Improvement; Staff Development/ Performance Management; Organisation and Structure; Campus Development; and Finance.   Particular priority is attached to campus development and funding. 

Key actions are identified in relation to all these priorities and target dates for implementation are specified.   An annual report of progress will be made to Governing Body and a formal review will be conducted at the end of the third year. It is also intended that each Department/Unit in the College will prepare their own plans arising from the institutional strategy outlined here.

A PDF version of the Strategic Plan as available at:

Strategic Plan PDF