PROSPECTUS - St. Joseph's Mercy Navan - 2023/24

StJoseph’s

St Joseph’s

We inspire excellence in an inclusive, caring and respectful environment.

The transition from Primary to Secondary school is one of the biggest milestones in your daughter’s life. For students who choose our school we work hard to make this transition a happy, positive and stress-free experience. In order to help you and your daughter, we invite you to read our Prospectus, it will give you an insight into the life of our school. Through it you will learn about our aims, philosophy, values and our day to day activities: all of which make St Joseph’s a unique and exceptional school.

I am privileged to work with a most dedicated and talented team of teachers and support staff. Their outstanding commitment to our students ensures that our pupils are encouraged to be the very best that they can be.

Here in St Joseph’s Mercy Secondary School we are committed to creating and maintaining an environment that is centred on teaching and learning. Our school community is built on the principles of respect and care. We look forward with confidence and look back with pride on a distinguished history of excellence.

We have high expectations of all of our students. We continuously track their progress and actively encourage them to achieve their very best. All students are encouraged to take as many higher level subjects as possible. Over 80% of our students proceed to Third Level Education, and each year we are proud of our students’ achievements in the State Examinations.

St Joseph’s Mercy Secondary School is a community committed to the holistic development of all of our students.

Ms R. Meagher Principal

Ms C. D’Arcy Deputy Principal

Here in St Joseph’s Mercy Secondary School we understand that choosing the best secondary school for your daughter is a very important decision.

St Joseph’s

We are committed to enabling our students to reach their academic potential, grow in self-confidence, develop a sense of creativity, become independent learners and leave St. Joseph’s well equipped to cope with the modern world of further studies and work.

“I am Minister for Justice, a Meath TD, but most importantly I am a very proud Mercy Girl”. Helen McEntee TD

Learning

Department of Education Inspection Report, 2019

“Interactions between students and teachers are excellent. Students respond very well to the regular encouragement and affirmation provided by the teachers”

Learning Learning and Teaching

he highest academic standards are promoted in St Joseph’s and the majority of our students take higher level at both Junior and Senior cycle.

St. Joseph’s is privileged to boast educators who possess extensive expertise in their subjects. Our teachers are at the forefront of new approaches to improving student learning. Each teacher is committed to helping every student achieve her full potential. We are dedicated to providing a meaningful, relevant learning experience for all students.

Our school has excellent modern facilities which are very conducive to learning.

In St Joseph’s, students are offered a broad academic curriculum. A progressive approach to the use of new technology in education is a hallmark of our school.

Curriculum

Curriculum

For the first three years of their schooling, our students prepare for the Junior Cycle examinations. In their fourth year, our students have the option either to join the Transition Year programme, or proceed directly to our Leaving Certificate Established or Leaving Certificate Applied programmes.

Junior Cycle

In First Year our students study all of our Core Subjects; English, Irish, Maths, History, Geography, Science, a Modern Foreign Language; French, German or Spanish, CSPE, Religious Education, Choir, Physical Education and SPHE.

In Term 1 they sample the Modern Foreign Languages, of which they pick one. Students also sample Home Economics, Music, Art and Business. At the end of the sampling period they choose two. Studies have shown that an informed choice ensures that the students choose subjects that are best suited to them. They also perform better in them throughout their secondary school education. At the end of Third Year the students sit the Junior Cycle Examination.

Senior Cycle

Leaving Certificate Established

Core Subjects: English, Irish, Maths, Choir, Religious Education, Guidance and SPHE.

The students then have an open choice to pick four from the following; Accounting, Art, Biology, Business, Chemistry, French, German, Geography, History, Home Economics, Music, Physics and Agricultural Science.

Leaving Certificate Applied

Core Subjects: English, Maths, Physical Education, Religious Education, Spanish, Hair and Beauty, Social Education, Childcare and Community Care, ICT, Vocational Preparation and Guidance, Visual Arts and Work Experience.

Transition Year (Optional)

The Transition Year Programme is a unique oneyear programme that promotes the personal, social, vocational and educational development of students. Our programme aims to promote the holistic development of our students and to prepare them for their role as responsible members of society. Students engage in a full academic programme. They have two periods of work experience and are actively involved in community projects.

Additional Educational Needs

Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP)

The LCVP combines the academic strengths of the established Leaving Certificate with a dynamic focus on self–directed learning, innovation and enterprise. This two-year programme is part of an expanded provision that aims to cater for the diversity of participants’ needs at senior cycle. Students study 3 Link Modules on Enterprise Education, Preparation for Work and Work Experience.

Students of all abilities come to St Joseph’s and reach their potential in a safe, secure and excellent teaching and learning environment.

We provide specialised support for students with additional educational needs through our dedicated Learning Support Team and Special Need Assistants. This support can be offered on an individual, small group or whole class basis.

Technology Excellence in Technology

tudents have access to the Microsoft 365 suite of applications via their student email.

We understand the importance of technology in education. Every subject has a dedicated set of tablets or laptops for projects and research. This means that your daughter will have access to the tools they need to excel in any subject. Our commitment to providing comprehensive resources ensures that every student can reach her full potential.

St Joseph’s has been awarded the prestigious 2023 Meta Grant, a grant worth €10,000. This grant will be instrumental in the creation of our cuttingedge STEM Studio. In an ever-evolving digital landscape, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education is of paramount importance. Our STEM Studio will be at the forefront of this educational revolution, providing your daughter with hands-on experiences, opportunities for innovation, and a chance to explore the limitless possibilities of technology.

Our commitment to technology extends beyond the classroom. In our Library and Computer Lab, we have 60 desktop PCs, ensuring that your daughter has easy access to state-of-the-art computing resources. These facilities are designed to support both individual study and collaborative projects, fostering a well-rounded learning experience.

At St Joseph’s we believe in nurturing young minds to be adaptable, innovative, and ready to thrive in the digital age. With our extensive IT facilities and the support of the 2023 Meta Grant, we are confident that your daughter will receive the finest education in a technologically advanced environment.

As a school dedicated to providing your daughter with the best possible education, we believe that cutting-edge technology is an essential tool for preparing them for the future.

nspired by the vision of Catherine McAuley, Mercy education is influenced by the teaching and example of Jesus Christ. It is committed to holistic development and to the advancement of the full potential of each student, regardless of ability, creed or background.

We encourage our students to use and share their talents as a way of reaching their full potential, to recognise God’s presence in their lives; to celebrate their faith and to show respect to all persons in all areas of life and work. The faith and development of our students is nurtured through opportunities for fundraising and volunteering, prayer and meditation in our oratory, retreats and liturgical celebrations.

We are a Catholic school community, under the trusteeship of CEIST.

CEIST – Catholic Education, an Irish Schools Trust – is the organisation for school trusteeship to which the school belongs.

CEIST core values

• Promoting spiritual and human development

• Achieving quality in teaching and learning

• Showing respect for every person

• Creating community

• Being just and responsible

St Joseph’s, as a Mercy Secondary School, inspired by the vision of Catherine McAuley, is committed to the holistic development of all our students.

The characteristic spirit of St Joseph’s Mercy Navan, is based on the Mercy Philosophy of Education which promotes the core values of respect, justice, care and joy.

Leadership Student Leadership

eadership development is an integral part of St Joseph’s. Our students are enabled to develop into caring, responsible, confident young women who can make a worthwhile contribution to society.

In St Joseph’s, students are strongly encouraged to become actively involved in all aspects of school life. We seek to develop leaders with heart and vision. The Student Council, the Mentor and Prefect Systems and the Sports Council all facilitate leadership development and greatly contribute to the smooth running of the school.

The Student Council is made up of elected representatives from each year group and provides a line of communication between students, management, staff and parents. Senior students make up the Sports’ Council and assist in the running of the many sporting activities in the school. The position of Prefect is one of responsibility and leadership. Becoming a Prefect forms a valuable part of a student’s personal development, opening her mind to new levels of responsibility and participation in a very positive way. Prefects are a tremendous help to the school and mentors play a particularly important role in assisting first year students in their transition from primary to post-primary school.

Our Students are part of a welcoming, learning community in which they can develop their abilities and talents to the fullest extent.

We inspire excellence in all areas of our students’ lives.

Support Supporting our Students

Caring for our First Year Students.

n St Joseph’s Mercy Secondary School we are very aware of the importance of a good start. Our First Year Students receive a two day Induction Programme at the start of the school year. This Induction Programme prepares them for the challenges that their new school will bring and covers areas such as timetables, building layout and lockers.

Each of the Home Room classes has Senior Students assigned to them. These students act as Mentors and help the students to ease into the busy life of Secondary School.

The highly developed support structures in St Joseph’s ensure a caring and effective system. The Student Support Team, Guidance Counsellor, Year Heads, Class Tutors and HSCL all work together to promote the wellbeing of our students.

We encourage all First Years to join in the many lunchtime and after school clubs and sports that are on offer.

Sports

Extra and Co-Curricular Activities

hysical Education is a very important part of our curriculum in all Year Groups. Our on-site facilities include an all-weather hockey pitch, basketball and tennis courts, a gym and a football pitch. The Department of Education and Skills have recently approved a significant extension to our school building to include a full size Sports Hall. We also have access to facilities at the neighboring O’Mahony’s GAA grounds.

All students are encouraged to participate in the many team sports on offer: Hockey, Camogie, Football, Basketball, Athletics, Tennis, Equestrian and Ballroom Dancing, many more.

Our school has an impressive record of success in these sports.

Extra and Co-Curricular Activities

Activities

We place great emphasis on encouraging a love of the arts, drama and creativity.

comprehensive range of co-curricular and extra-curricular activities is offered in St Joseph’s. These enable students to discover their academic, artistic and sporting talents.

Sports Sport

enriches the life of every girl throughout her time at St Joseph’s.

Music

“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.” Plato

Music Music

There is a long tradition of excellence in Music in St Joseph’s Mercy Secondary School. The Music Department offers music at Junior and Senior Cycle.

very student has choir on their timetable and the sound of singing throughout the day is one of the unique hallmarks of our school. Our liturgical “schola group” performs at many school and parish liturgies. Our All School Choir has previously gained national acclaim from their performance in the RTE programme “All – Island School Choir Competition”.

Our musicians have performed on the RTE Sunday Mass Programme.

Private tuition is offered in piano, violin, singing, woodwind and guitar. Our Transition Year Musical performances are of an exceptional standard.

Inspiring Excellence

2023 Excellence

Once a Mercy Girl, always a Mercy Girl

A Mercy Girl is a Mindful, Educated, Respectful, Caring Young woman. We take great pride in the unique, caring, respectful and happy atmosphere that is our school. This respectful learning environment is maintained through mutual trust and co-operation between staff and students. School rules exist to ensure a safe and orderly learning environment.

Bullying is not tolerated in St Joseph’s and activities such as our annual “Friendship Week” reinforce this.

St Joseph’s is supported by the extensive work of our dedicated Board of Management and Parents’ Council.

Our Graduates

Graduates 2023

ur Mercy girls have commenced their studies in a wide variety of third-level institutions including:

Trinity College Dublin University College

Dublin City University

Dublin

Marino Institute of Education

Maynooth University

Technological University

NUI Galway

Dublin University of Limerick