Robert Downes, Drama Performance - DIT, contributed his memories of Stratford for the 60th Anniversary book, '60 Years A Growing', which was launched in November 2014.
I think it’s true to say, I loved this school from the moment I joined. The small class sizes and friendly atmosphere meant I made friends quickly and became heavily involved in the life of the school.
When I joined Stratford, my dream was to become an actor, and this dream was nurtured and encouraged by the staff whole-heartedly. I was given the chance to be in a stage production each year, which gave me an artistic outlet, and I joined the Choir, which taught me to sing, something I had not done before. I was also given the chance to get involved in poetry reading competitions, drama exams, and workshops with many different performers during our highly anticipated Arts Weeks.
In Transition Year, I was even given the opportunity to direct the end of year play, and to write, act in and direct my own film. I also was given the chance to create my own company and organise a ‘Battle of the Bands’, which tuned my event management skills, essential skills for my profession.
When it came to choosing a college, my teachers encouraged me to audition for all drama courses. Both my English teachers (who have backgrounds in Drama) helped pick the monologues and meticulously rehearse for these auditions. I am currently studying Drama Performance in DIT Rathmines. I owe my success in no small part to Stratford College. I will always be thankful to the staff for their support and assistance in helping me to reach my goals.
Robert Downes
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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