Convent of Mercy,
Ennistymon, Co. Clare
Email:admin@scoil-mhuire.ie
Phone: 065-7071224
Fax:065-7071918
 
 
 

Prospectus

School Background

To look around our school today, much has changed, both in its physical construction and its cultural development. This beautifully located building has indeed come a long way from that day in 1872 when the first Convent of Mercy School was set at Bridge House, Ennistymon.

 

School Today

Today’s school was opened in 1979. Despite many changes through the years, the school now stands as proudly and as firmly within the traditions of its foundress, Catherine McAuley, as at any other period of its history. That this is a relatively small all-girls school brings with it many advantages. The girls have the opportunity of individual attention at all times. A sense of community within the school is fostered and newcomers find that this eases their transition from primary or other second level schools.

 

School Mission Statement

“to foster the holistic development of each student in a supportive learning environment enabling all to live fulfilling lives”

 

School Building

The school contains 16 classrooms, a modern Science Laboratory, a Home Economics Room, an Art Room, Library, Career Guidance Room, Music Room and a fully equipped Computer Room. Girls from Ennistymon, Lahinch, Liscannor, Kilfenora, Corofin, Carron, Moy, Kilnaboy, Rineen, Kilshanny, Inagh, Miltown Malbay and Ennis attend this school. The fine facilities in the Parish Community Centre are used for games and P.E. while outdoor games are played on the school playing pitch.

All classes receive religious education. The school’s prayer/religious resource room is available to all students. School masses are celebrated. The priest’s of the parish visit the school and there is a chaplain on staff. Pastors from other religious denominations are most welcome to meet members of their congregations in the school.

 

School Philosophy

At Scoil Mhuire we recognise the uniqueness of each student. Our focus is on a broad-cased approach to education with a firm commitment to high academic standards and an equal commitment to the recognition of all levels of intelligences.

Our philosophy is based on Christian principles that find expression in our policies and practices. We endeavour to create a warm and welcoming faith community characterising particularly by care and justice for all involved in the education process.

It is our wish that students leave us with an academic qualification in keeping with their abilities, a genuine appreciation of the aesthetic and a respect for the environment and the world we live in.

 

School Programme

Junior Cycle

EXAMINATION SUBJECTS

Irish

English

Mathematics

French

History

Geography

German

Technical Graphics

Home Economics

Music

Science

Art, Craft and Design

Religious Education

Business Studies

Civil, Social & Political Education

NON EXAMINATION SUBJECTS

Physical Education

Choir

Computer Studies

Social, Personal & Health Education

Senior Cycle

Students in Senior Cycle pursue a one-year Transition Year Programme followed by a two-year Leaving Certificate Programme.

 

Transition Year Programme

The transition Year offers a broad educational experience with a view to the attainment of increased maturity before proceeding to further study. Areas of study included in the programme are Careers Education, European Studies, Information Technology, Communications, Entrepreneurial Skills and Presonal & Social Development as well as the traditional subjects.

Leaving Certificate Programme

Every student must follow each of the following subjects:

Irish

English

Mathematics

French


Three subjects must be chosen from the following range:

Business

Physics

History

Accounting

Chemistry

Geography

Art

Biology

Agricultural Science

German

Technical Drawing

Home Economics (Social and Scientific)

Every possible effort will be made to facilitate students’ choice of subjects but this cannot be guaranteed.

LCVP – Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme

Students with specific subject options/combinations are eligible for LCVP.

NON EXAMINATION SUBJECTS

Computer Studies

Physical Education

Choir

Personal Developement

Religious Education

 

Educational Support

A Pastoral Framework

Scoil Mhuire's pastoral care approach endevours  to value and develop each member of the school community. It seeks to respect and nurture the quality of relationships and infuences all aspects of school life including policies, curriculum, roles and structures.

Learning Support

The services of a Learning Support teacher is provided to ensure that students who are experiencing difficulties in their academic curriculum can be identified and aided to reach their potential

Year Heads

Each year group has a designated teacher with specific responsibility for directing, motivating and disciplining students. The Year Head offers support, understanding and encouragement so that students benefit fully from the curriculum and extra curricular activities offered in the school.

Code of Behaviour

At the beginning of every school year a Code of Behaviour is issued to protect the health and well-being of our students. Pespect, courtesy and punctuality are central to the school's code.

Involvement of Parents

The Parent/School Association is well established and is a means of strengthening home/school links. Parents are welcome to meet the Principal, Deputy Principal or any staff member by appointment during school hours. Parents are encouraged to attend meetings, concerts and other school functions to which they are invited.

Careers Guidance & Counselling

Career Guidance and Counselling are two seperate areas and may take place in the classroom setting or on an individual basis. Areas covered include; Subject Choices, Study Skills and Exam Techniques. The philosophy of the Guidance Programme is pupil-centred and classes are arranged to facilitate their needs and interests. An integral part of the Career Guidance and Counselling Programme involves inviting guest speakers to the school, attendign Seminars, Careers Exhibitions, Open Days etc... Parental involvement in the Guidance process is encouraged and welcomed.

 

Timetable

School Hours

Mon, Tues, Wed Thurs:   08.55 - 15.55

Fri:                                  08.55 - 13.50

Break:                             11 - 11.10

Lunch (except Fri):          13.10 - 13.50

 

Homework

Completion of assigned homework is a school requirement. It is recommended that junior students do a minimum of two hours and senior students three hours each evening. Part-time work during school term is considered a hindrance to satisfactory study habits and is discouraged.

Supervised Study:

Monday - Friday (Nominal fee)                     16.15 - 18.15

Additional study for seniors on Friday            15.00 - 18.00

 

Adult Education

A programme for Adult Education was introduced in September 2000. Classes to date have included computers, guitar, art, relaxation, yoga, ethnic and Christmas cooking, conversational Irish, Spanish, Italian and French and parenting the adolescent.

Since September 2002 a Back to Education Programme is offered to Social Welfare recipients who may not have completed formal schooling. Participants retain Social Welfare benefits while attending the course.

Contact: Anne Butler, Programme Co-ordinator Tel: 065-7071224