JUNIOR STUDENTS EXPERIENCES AT OUR SCHOOL

MERCY SECONDARY SCHOOL, KILBEGGAN PROSPECTUS

WELCOME TO OUR SCHOOL

Welcome to Mercy Secondary School, Kilbeggan. We are a co-educational Catholicschool operating under the trusteeship of CEIST. Our school strives for each student tobe happy, to feel secure, and to realise their potential in a community environment thatis both caring and co-operative. All students from our multicultural society areembraced at our school and there is great trust and relationships between allstakeholders in our school. Attending our school fills me with joy and has helped toshape me as a person. I have formed unbreakable bonds with friends. I have broadened myknowledge base, I have matured and I have developed characteristics which will assist me inthe future. In this prospectus we give you an overview of what school life is about here. Ifyou require further information please visit our school website or contact our schooldirectly. I hope that you enjoy your time at Mercy Secondary School, Kilbeggan

Erin Heeney, Senior Cycle Student

I would like to welcome all prospective incoming First Years and their parents to MercySecondary School, Kilbeggan. Ours is truly a unique school, with a unique atmosphere.It is not only a place for education, but a place for friendships, a place where there isrespect for everybody, and a place where there is so much opportunity. The teacherscontribute to this atmosphere and are both approachable and motivational. I have madeand continue to make some unforgettable memories here. My friends and I won aLeinster Gaelic Football Championship, I have toured Germany, Belgium and TheNetherlands, and I successfully completed the Junior Certificate. The school has affordedme some amazing opportunities, and as my time here is drawing to a close I amthankful for the journey. Those aforementioned opportunities and your individualisedjourney at Mercy Secondary School Kilbeggan awaits you!

Darragh Seery, Senior Cycle Student

Students described the school as a family andexpressed themselves as feeling safe, cared for and happy in the school

Whole School Evaluation Report

PAGE 2 Tel: 057 9332292 • Fax: 057 9332737 • Email: [email protected] • Website: www.mercykilbeggan.ie

PAGE 3Tel: 057 9332292 • Fax: 057 9332737 • Email: [email protected] • Website: www.mercykilbeggan.ie

JUNIOR STUDENTS EXPERIENCES AT OUR SCHOOL

Conor Molloy Ballinagore N.S.I adapted quickly to secondary school life. I washelped by the teachers and the Sixth-Year mentors.Seeing some familiar faces who also attended myprimary school in the past was brilliant. There isso much to do here and there is something to getinvolved in every week. At the moment I reallyenjoy History.

Mary-Kate Finn Boher N.S.Upon entering secondary school, I immediatelyliked it. The time flies by during the day and itseems a shorter day than when in primary school.There is always something to do and the school isfull of energy. I really like my classes and myclassmates. My favourite subjects are TechnicalGraphics and English.

Morgan Redmond Castletown Geoghegan N.S.There are a lot of differences between primary andsecondary school, and I have really enjoyed thechange. I really like that we have different teachersfor different subjects throughout the day. We alsohave lockers to organise our supplies. I have gotinvolved in school sport and in other activities. PEis my favourite subject so far.

Leah Fagan Dalystown N.S.When I walked in on my first day, I was a littleapprehensive, but within minutes I knew I was goingto enjoy it here. There is a great atmosphere. TheSixth-Year mentors are so helpful in the earlydays. The food in our school canteen is really niceand there is a great selection to choose from. Ihave joined the girl’s football and soccer teams.

Ben Maguire Durrow N.S.My first impressions of Mercy Kilbeggan have beenvery positive. There is a wide selection of subjects,activities and sports to choose from. You will beplaced in classes with some of your old friendsand you will quickly make some more new friends.I am really enjoying my time here and it is not thatdifficult to find your way around after a day or two.

Katie Kincaid Dysart N.S.I was the only student in my class in my primary schooland I am so glad I have chosen Mercy Kilbeggan.Everybody is so friendly and the teachers are reallyunderstanding. In secondary school you have moreresponsibility and it is important to be organised.There are information screens which you can checkto plan your weekly activity schedule.

Ciara Kealy Horseleap N.S.I really enjoy Mercy Kilbeggan. The teachers arealways helpful and make their subject interesting.I love football and represent the school team. Thetaster programme in First-Year is great and ithelped me to decide on my favourite subjects. Ihave got to know new people and I look forward tocontinuing my journey here.

Emma Murphy Kilbeggan N.S.At Mercy Kilbeggan there is a friendly environmentand I love attending here. I have met so many nicepeople and continue to form new friendships. Myfavourite subjects are Music and Woodwork and Ireally like doing practical work in the classroom.The teachers are so nice. They are enthusiasticand help to motivate students within their subject.

Ruby Ward Loughnavalley N.S.After spending eight years in primary school, I wasreally looking forward to the new experiences thatsecondary school would bring. There is so muchgoing on each and every day. You move from classto class and you can get to know different people. Imade additional friends quickly and there is a greatcommunity spirit here.

Ava Flanagan Rahugh N.S.My favourite subjects are PE and Irish. I also thinkthe new subjects are a big positive about attendingsecondary school. For example, I am currentlylearning a new language, I can now speak German.The early finish on Friday is a good reward for workinghard throughout the week within your subjects.

Noel Killian Rosemount N.S.More than anything, I have learned that there is noneed to worry about moving to secondary school. InFirst-Year you get to sample different subjects in ataster programme. I got to choose subjects which I enjoyed and felt that I would be good at. Havingone-hour classes and moving rooms is great. I alsoenjoy lunch time when I catch up with my friends.

Sarah Conlon Streamstown N.S.Settling in at Mercy Kilbeggan has been easy, asevery student is made feel welcome and part of alarge family. I play football, camogie and basketballfor the school and enjoy trainings and games withmy teammates. Starting new subjects has been funand I have learned a lot, thanks to the assistance ofmy teachers.

Neale Pierson Tyrrellspass N.S.I am really enjoying my time at Mercy Kilbegganand I have made lots of new friends. I really enjoyEnglish and PE. I love sport and I am a memberof the school soccer and football teams. We alsoget the opportunity to play soccer on the astro atlunchtime. The teachers here are friendly. Havingdifferent teachers for different subjects is great.

Isobel Larkin Additional AvenuesI was one of only two students from my primaryschool to come to secondary school in MercyKilbeggan. I made new friends straight away andI am happy coming to school each day. The schoolis so welcoming and there is a tight-knit bondbetween the students here. I have really enjoyedHome Economics and Science so far.


PAGE 4

JUNIOR CYCLEDuring the first three years, all students are prepared for the JCPA. Subjects Offered:

• Irish• English• Mathematics• History• Geography• French

• German• Science• Business• Music• Art• Music

• Technical Graphics• Home Economics• Religion• Materials Technology Wood• Materials Technology Metal

• Well-being:- Physical Education- SPHE- CSPE- Digital Awareness

SENIOR CYCLESubjects Offered:

• Irish• English• Mathematics• Applied Maths• History• Geography

A Leaving Certificate Vocational Preparation Course (LCVP) is also offered to all Senior Cycle students.

• French• German• Accounting• Business• Music• Art

• Religion• Agricultural Science• Physics• Biology• Chemistry• Music

TRANSITION YEARModules Offered:

• Irish Language & Culture

• Classical Studies• Mathematics• History• Geography• Art, Craft & Design• Life Skills• French• German

The curriculum is both broad and balancedWhole School Evaluation Report

• Accounting• Business/

Mini Company• Physical Education• Gaisce• Future Leaders• First Aid• Foreign Trip• Science/Young Scientist• Computer Studies

• Music/Choir• Speech & Drama• Technical Graphics• Work Experience• Woodwork• Metalwork• Home Economics• Religion• Road Safety

• Home Economics• Construction Studies• Engineering• Design & Communication

Graphics• Physical Education

Tel: 057 9332292 • Fax: 057 9332737 • Email: [email protected] • Website: www.mercykilbeggan.ie

OUR SCHOOL CURRICULUM


• Debating• Public Speaking• Choir• Musical Productions• Talent/Fashion Shows• Quiz Teams• Educational Trips

• Adventure Trips• Foreign Trips• Student Council• Book Club• Academic Competitions• Gaisce Awards• Green Schools

Our school believes that extra curricular activities and sports are central to each students personal development.Our selection includes:

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

• Gaelic Football• Hurling• Camogie• Soccer• Basketball• Rugby• Badminton

• Pitch & Putt• Golf• Equestrian• Volleyball• Athletics• Tennis• Water Sports

SPORTSThere is a commitment toproviding a fully roundededucational experience in acaring and supportiveenvironmentWhole School Evaluation Report

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES & SPORTS


PAGE 6

LEARNING SUPPORTOur learning support department is devoted toproviding academic assistance to students, when andwhere necessary, across subject domains. It strives toensure that each student is provided with the bestpossible opportunity to achieve at their own respectivelevel. The department has several contributing teachers.

ASD CLASSThe aim of our ASD class is to provide a holistic learningand caring environment which facilitates students withASD to reach their full educational potential. Theteachers, support staff and parents are partners in thestudent’s education. We place emphasis in areas ofcommunication, daily living skills, social skills, literacy,numeracy and other areas like Art, History andGeography, where students can excel. Differentiationis an integral part of the learning environment and allstudents have an Individual Educational Plan.

SCHOOL NUMBERSBoys: 303 • Girls: 299 • Total: 602

BUS ROUTES & TIMES• Routes, times and tickets organised by Bus Éireann

EVENING STUDY• Available to all students• Monday–Thursday 4.00 to 6.00pm, Friday 1.30 to 3.30pm

SCHOOL DAY8.15am School opens8.55am Students assemble outside classrooms 9.00am Classes start. There are six one-hour

classes each day3.45pm Classes finish. Early finish of 1.15pm on Friday


LEARNING SUPPORT & ASD CLASS

SCHOOL LIFE INFORMATION


BOOK RENTAL SCHEME• Available to all students• Helps defray the high cost of school books

BREAKFAST CLUB• A tea and toast Breakfast Club is stationed in the

canteen each morning

LUNCHTIME ARRANGEMENT• There is no permission to leave school for the

Junior Cycle cohort. Senior Cycle students andstudents going to their own home are permittedto leave

• Subsidised healthy lunches available in school,order between 8.15am and 8.55am

STUDENT COUNCIL• Made up of two representatives from each year

group• Voice opinions on behalf of student body on

matters relating to them• Fundraise for local and national charities

MENTOR PROGRAMME• Big Brother / Sister Programme• 6th Year students assist 1st Year students with

transition into Secondary School

NEW SCHOOL• Full Planning Permission for our new state-of-

the-art school has been granted• The school will be in place from September 2022• To be built on a green field site on Dublin Road

out of Kilbeggan

SCHOOL LIFE INFORMATION


PAGE 8

Muiread Breathnach Irish, Religion

Maria Kate Carberry Maths, ASD Class Teacher

Aida Carroll Music, French

Emer Clarke History, Religion, LCVP

Sarah Clarke Biology, Science, Learning Support

Mary Conmy Music, Religion, SPHE

Sarah Corcoran Irish, German

Mark Corrigan Engineering, Metalwork, DCG, Technical Graphics

Craig Cox Construction Studies, Woodwork,Technical Graphics, Computers

Caitlin Ní Chuinneagáin Irish, Geography, SPHE

Niamh Daly Biology, Science, Physical Education

Ryan Delaney Physical Education, Mathematics

Laura Dempsey Mathematics, Physics

Gareth Donnelly History, LCVP, ASD Class Teacher

Brendan DoyleGeography, Physical Education

Triona DunneGeography, Computers

Daniel DuffyEnglish, Geography

Ruth Duignan German, English

Pauric EarleyBiology, Science, Mathematics

Maureen FallonGeography, History

Garrett FarrellPrincipal

Ann Marie Fitzgerald Science, Biology, Home Economics

James Flynn English, Geography, Business

Bernadette GallenDeputy Principal

Jennifer GrennanGerman, Geography, History, CSPE

Maria GlynnEnglish, Irish, CSPE

Gerry Hagan Geography, ASD Class Teacher

Dara Harper Art, SPHE

Edward HeeryMathematics, Applied Mathematics,Science

Shauna HeffernanFrench, Irish

Karen HennessyIrish, Religion, Learning Support

Catherine HeratyIrish, Mathematics

Edel KellyEnglish, Religion, SPHE

David LynchEngineering, Metalwork, Technical Graphics, Mathematics

Cora MackenMathematics, Business

Jennifer McArdle Chemistry, SPHE, Career Guidance

Kevin McGauranMathematics, Science

Sarah MulliganBiology, Learning Support

Angela O’BrienCSPE, Learning Support

Padraig O’CarrollConstruction Studies, Woodwork, DCG, Technical Graphics

Darren O’MearaBusiness, Mathematics

Donnacha PrendergastEnglish, Religion

Laura QuigleyEnglish, French

Anthony QuinnBusiness, Accounting, Mathematics, CSPE

Aisling RaymondChemistry, Science, Mathematics, Ag Science

Mairead RelihanHome Economics, Biology, SPHE

Eleanor StensonHome Economics, Business

Colin StobieScience, MathematicsLearning Support

TEACHING STAFF


SNA STAFF

ANCILLARY STAFF

Anne BrayMaurice ColtonFiona DunneMary McDonnellDamien MinnockDenise MurrayMary NolanHeather Seery

Finola Seery Secretary

Donal Fox Caretaker

OUR STAFF


JUNIOR CYCLE

Our programme begins in First Year. It involves notonly the Guidance Counsellor but the Pastoral CareTeam, Year Heads and Teachers of Religion andSPHE. Guidance is provided in the following areas:

• Transition from Primary School toSecondary School

• Study Skills• Working and co-operating with others• Taking responsibility• Appreciation of school and for code of

discipline• Self-awareness and aptitude

SENIOR CYCLE

At Senior Cycle our programme is expanded toinclude:

• Assistance with career/educational planning• Career options, occupational choice, third

level options• Preparation for and evaluation of work

experience in both Transition Year and LCVP• Personal guidance/counselling

OUR FACILITIES

CAREER GUIDANCE & COUNSELLING

Art RoomComputer RoomsDCG RoomMusic RoomStaff RoomTeacher WorkroomDressing RoomsGymAstro PitchSports FieldOutdoor TrackOutdoor CourtASD ClassDining HallPrayer Room

LibraryScience LabsScience RoomsWoodwork RoomMetalwork RoomHome Economics RoomTextiles RoomCareer Guidance RoomHistory RoomsGeography RoomsBusiness RoomsMathematics RoomsLanguage RoomsLearning Support RoomsUse of St James’s Hall


PAGE 10 Tel: 057 9332292 • Fax: 057 9332737 • Email: [email protected] • Website: www.mercykilbeggan.ie

SCHOOL LIFE GALLERY

Principal: Garrett Farrell Deputy Principal: Bernadette Gallen

Tel: 057 9332292 • Fax: 057 9332737Email: [email protected]: www.mercykilbeggan.ie

MISSION STATEMENT

Mercy Secondary School Kilbeggan is a Catholic co-educational school committed to the holistic education

of all students, to ensure that individually, they each realise their full potential in a social and physical environment

that is caring, supportive and joyful. We work in partnership with students, staff,

parents and the community and welcome all students from our multicultural society.

Mercy Secondary School, Kilbeggan, Co. WestmeathTel: 057 9332292 • Fax: 057 9332737

Email: [email protected]: www.mercykilbeggan.ie

Principal: Garrett Farrell • Deputy Principal: Bernadette Gallen

Brosna Press Creative Design & Print 090 6454327

Documents

JUNIOR STUDENTS EXPERIENCES AT OUR SCHOOL