Carolyn Murphy, art and design teacher, contributed her memories of Stratford for the 60th Anniversary book, '60 Years A Growing', which was launched in November 2014.
I started in Stratford College in 2003 when I was 13. I took a variety of subjects but one in particular caught my fancy. I spent all my free time in the Art Room working on projects, finishing work and learning new techniques. My teacher at the time, Tanya Twyford Troy, recognised my passion for the subject and introduced me to the idea of Art College, which I wasn't familiar with at that stage.
I went on to gain my Honours Bachelors Degree in Art & Design Education (Painting Major) which allows me to work as a Secondary School art teacher. During my studies I completed a teaching practice block in the place that inspired me to teach, Stratford. Being on the other side of the staffroom door was nerve-wracking at first, but soon I was welcomed in by all the staff and had the privilege of working alongside those who had been my teachers and role models throughout my second level education. I was even luckier to be able to be involved with the incredible pupils that fill the hallways with laughter and spark.
I am currently working in New York State and looking forward to continuing my teaching career upon my return, whether it be in Ireland or another country. Stratford College has been a huge part of my education and work ethic. It has given me a solid foundation on which to build, expand and create my own career knowing that I have the full support of every staff member and alumni of the school. For that I will be forever grateful.
Carolyn Murphy
Read the 60 Years A Growing eBook for more Stratford memories.
The 1st years completed a zombie lab today where they used their scientific methods and thinking to identify patient zero from the zombie suspects. Using measuring skills, pH, observation skills and much more they successfully identified the source of the outbreak!
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The TY Horticulture class were out in the Autumn sunshine planting Spring bulbs using the chaos planting method. This is when a multitude of different spring bulbs (Hyacinths, Daffodils, Tulips, Crocuses, Narcissi) are mixed together and randomly planted so that we have a mixture of flowers and patterns emerging in the spring. It mimics nature and so is more enticing to pollinators and native insects that need the food in Spring.
Stratford is celebrating Maths Week 2026 (12th - 18th October) with daily activities around the school, at breaktimes and in Maths classes! The tutor-time daily quiz is proving to be extremely competitive as each form group tries to solve it and then run to find Ms Matthews in order to win the box of chocolates!
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