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 1
-Junior Cycle Level 2
-Junior Cycle Level 3
-Senior Cycle Level 1
-Senior Cycle Level 2
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 1 & 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
Where appropriate, pupils work 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.
Senior Cycle Level 1& 2
The Senior Cycle Level 1 & 2 Learning Programmes are new initiatives from the Department of Education that build on the Junior Cycle Level 1 & 2 programmes. They provide a two-year, flexible curriculum designed to support students’ individual learning needs, with a focus on practical skills, independence, and preparation for life after school.
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.