Curriculum

The school follows the Department of Education and Science programme for secondary schools in preparing students for the Junior and Leaving Certificate Examinations.

Junior Cycle

The present policy in the school is that all first year students have an opportunity to experience the following wide range of Junior Certificate subjects:

The following non-exam subjects are also offered:

In second and third year the number of examination subjects is reduced to 11 and must include Irish, English, Maths, History, Geography, C.S.P.E. & Religion.  The other four, one of which will be a modern European language, are chosen from the remaining list of subjects on offer at the school.

For students who might benefit from it, both Learning Support and Resource Teaching are available. Third year students have classes in Career Guidance as well as personal interviews.

Senior Cycle

Transition Year

This is an optional non-exam one year Course of Studies which is designed to help students broaden their interests and widen their educational experience. Subjects and learning activities are reviewed annually and may include the following:

Short courses are provided in the following:

The T.Y. programme also includes trips of educational and social value and can vary in length from half day, full day, week-end and possibly a  foreign trip.  They have also designed outfits for the Futuristic Fashion Competition and have reached the National  Final  in the event.

As well as the above,  T.Y. students have staged drama productions for the local primary schools and have performed in Musical Productions.

Leaving Cert

Our students take 4 core subjects in the Leaving Certificate: 

Irish, English, Maths and a Continental Language.

Three optional subjects are also chosen from the following range:

Students whose subject combination follows a certain vocational pattern are entered for the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme and take the Leaving Certificate exam in Link Modules.

Academic excellence has for many years been one of the hallmarks of St. Mary's and strenuous efforts are made to ensure that each person reaches her full potential while also endeavouring to develop the whole personality. Today's world needs students who have well-rounded personalities, who are able to make informed decisions and who are able to act with conviction and responsibility.  With this in mind all our senior students follow a well-planned non-examination programme which includes the following:

Students have an opportunity to participate in debating and public speaking. Senior students are encouraged to develop leadership skills or accept responsibility by accepting positions as prefects, participating in the Meitheal Programme or volunteering to work on any of the committees organised for senior students.

Adult Education

St. Mary’s Secondary School also runs an  Adult Education Programme.

Classes  commence at the beginning of each term and usually last for 8 weeks.