Our Curriculum
Our approach to learning at St. Mary’s is holistic & child-centred and therefore very individual.
Pupils also benefit from smaller class sizes. Usually 9 or 10 in classes for pupils with mild ID and 6 for pupils in Autism specific classes.
We offer the following curricula as pupils progress through the school depending on each individuals’ strengths and needs and following department guidelines for mild/moderate ID:
-Primary Curriculum (adapted to suit pupils’ needs)
-Junior Cycle Level 2
-Junior Cycle Level 3
-School Designed Leaver’s Program
St. Mary’s Curricula
Primary Curriculum
Pupils of primary school age will follow this curriculum where appropriate. Department guidelines for mild/moderate IDs are incorporated and each pupil’s learning is determined by their individual strengths and needs.
Junior Cycle Level 2
The Level 2 program lasts for 3 years and begins once pupils enter the Secondary phase of the school. The Level 2 program has been specifically designed for pupils with mild ID and the Level 1 program can be used to differentiate where appropriate. These programs are supplemented with Short Courses such as ‘Grow it, Cook it, Eat it’ and ‘Physical Education’ amongst others.
Junior Cycle Level 3
After the first 3 years, pupils can begin working on the traditional Junior Cycle Level 3 course in English, Maths, Home Economics and Woodwork. We have also begun to explore Art as an exam subject too. We have part-time specialist teachers for both Home Economics and Woodwork.
School Designed Leaver’s Program
Alongside the opportunity to sit Junior Cycle Level 3 exams, Senior Secondary pupils will participate in the School’s Leavers program. This focuses on building important life skills for pupils going forward. We are eagerly awaiting the promised Senior Cycle program from the Department, designed to follow on from the Level 2 program but have no date for this as yet.
St. Mary’s do not offer LCA or Leaving Certificate programs
If you would like further information on the Junior Cycle Programs mentioned above, check out these links.