Extra & Co-Curricular
Music
In the Music Department of Holy Child Killiney, we are committed to supporting each student in all aspects of their education and development both in and outside of the classroom. Music can enrich all of our lives and here, we aim to provide that opportunity to all students.
Above all, we want to encourage young people to enjoy music.
We believe passionately that the process of learning to play a musical instrument or to sing offers immense benefits for children and young adults, not only in terms of academic achievement but it also enhances physical and mental wellbeing.
Music as a Junior or Senior Cycle subject allows for the nurturing of one’s musicianship and opens up so many career opportunities.
We have recently invested in state of the art music technology software and recording equipment which is incorporated into all areas of music in HCK and across all year groups.
We are very proud of our students involved in Music in Holy Child Killiney who give their time and talents to the Choir, Orchestra, Ukulele Club, Rock Band and many more musical endeavours within school life.
Choir
The HCK School Choir is open to all students from 1st to 6th Year who are passionate and dedicated in developing their choral ability.
1st and 2nd Year Choir takes place during the day and for 3rd-6th Years, they rehearse before school in our school Chape on Thursdays from 7:45 – 8:35am.
The Choir repertoire encompasses a huge scope of music genres, such as classical, jazz, musical theatre and modern pieces.
Some of the main events in the Choir calendar include the Christmas Carol Service and our end of year April Airs Concert. The Choir also competes in various competitions including the Lyric FM Choirs for Christmas, Wesley Interschools Music Festival, Feis Ceoil, Navan Choral Festival and the Cork Choral Festival.
The Choir is under the direction of one of our committed and passionate music teachers, Aoife Murray.
Orchestra
The HCK Orchestra was set up in September 2021 by one of our music teachers, Úna Moore. We meet on Fridays before school at 7:45-8:35am in our lovely Chapel. It is a really great opportunity to get to know others in the school and develop musicianship.
Performing in your instrument as part of a team brings a great sense of community, confidence and reward. We are so proud of our students who share their musical talents with the wider school community.
Throughout the year, we are always rehearsing towards something, be it school liturgies, the Christmas Carol Service, April Airs Concert, Music Week, HCK Garden Parties or Assemblies.
Our repertoire is growing and we are always excited to learn new pieces, whether it is pop, rock, jazz, classical or festive! We are always looking for new members so please contact our conductor, Úna Moore if you have an interest in joining.
Debating
HCKSpeaks Public Speaking and Debating Society
The ability to stand in front of a group of people and effectively communicate an idea or a belief is an essential life skill. We believe it is important for young women to develop the confidence and skills to speak in front of others in school and further afield.
Debating builds resourcefulness and helps students to develop essential communication skills. Students are prepared for competitions with a range of confidence and communication building exercises, speech-writing and weekly debates.
Participating in debating and public speaking develops critical thinkers, thoughtful and more informed students. Junior debaters participate in the Matheson Junior National Mace debates and the UCD Junior schools competition.
Participation in the UCD Women’s Federation Public Speaking Competition and the International Competition for Young Debaters (ICYD), which has its finals day in Oxbridge is also encouraged.
Senior speakers participate in the L&H Debating competition, the PhilSpeaks ProAm, the Hist Girls Debating Mace, the Matheson Senior Mace competition, Cambridge Schools, Oxford Schools and the European Youth Parliament (EYP). Chamber debates are held to showcase skills to families and friends. Trips are organised to Trinity College Dublin to watch the best college level debaters in action.
The HCKSpeaks Public Speaking and Debating Society meets once a week on a Monday afternoon.
If you are interested in taking part, please come along or email debating@holychildkilliney.ie for more information.
