SANCTA MARIA COLLEGE
Louisburgh
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE
Welcome to Sancta Maria College. You are at the beginning of a journey in choosing the most suitable school for your son or daughter. Here at Sancta Maria College we feel we have a lot to offer you and we are showcasing this offering here, in our school prospectus. We encourage you to engage both with the written and video content, visit us on Open Night and follow us on social media so you get a real sense of our school culture and educational philosophy.
Sancta Maria College has always been to the forefront of innovation and inclusion. We were the very first co-educational secondary school to open in Ireland in 1919. Of course, today inclusion and innovation means much more than merely educating boys and girls together. At Sancta Maria inclusion and innovation is seen through our curriculum, our pedagogy, our extra-curricular activities and our school culture. Individual differences are not only accepted, they are encouraged and celebrated. We live in a diverse world and in Sancta Maria College we prepare all our students to embrace this reality and to find their place in it.
Sancta Maria College is a familial place where every students’ individual talents and skills are promoted and all members of our school community are encouraged to offer back our giftedness in service of others.
The students, staff and leadership team warmly welcome you and look forward to your visit to our wonderful school.
Dr. Áine Moran Principal
Mr. Michael Davitt Deputy Principal
A SHORT HISTORY OF THE SCHOOL
In 1919 a group of Mercy sisters travelled from their convent in Tuam to Louisburgh and made the decision to set up a school. The sisters set about making plans to open a secondary school and by late 1920 they held their first classes in the dining room of McDermott’s Hotel. By 1924 building had begun for a new convent and school. Both boys and girls were accepted from the beginning, making this the first co-educational secondary school in Ireland. The first intake comprised twenty pupils.
Over the following century Sancta Maria College has grown and developed and is now the school of choice for 620 students. It moved into a state of the art building in 2019 and has received confirmation of €10 million additional funding to further expand the school before 2025.
MISSION, VALUES AND ETHOS OF THE SCHOOL
Sancta Maria College is a voluntary Catholic secondary school under the trusteeship of CEIST whose core values are inclusive of the Mercy philosophy of education.
Our animating principle “Let all we do be done in Love” serves as an everyday reminder of how we relate to one another and to our learning journey. Our core values highlight the values that are most important to us and our root beliefs explain how these values are actioned.
SCHOOL CURRICULUM
JUNIOR CYCLE
We offer a wide range of subjects at Junior Cycle. We are committed to maximising student choice and ensuring that the curriculum is particular to every student, affording them the opportunity to use all their gifts and really thrive during their time in school. To this end students sample all subjects in first year and make a bespoke choice for Junior Cycle in Second Year.
Core Subjects
English History
Irish (unless a student has an exemption)
Maths
Religious Education (NCCA Exam)
Short Course
Climate Action Coding
Civic, Social and Political
Education (CSPE)
Physical Education (PE)
Social, Personal and Health
Education (SPHE)
Optional Subjects
Art, Craft and Design Business Studies
French Geography
Home Economics
Music
Spanish
Technology
Material Technology Wood
Science
Technical Graphics
SENIOR CYCLE
At senior Cycle we offer:
Transition Year Students and Leaving Certificate Applied students spend one day per week on Work Experience.
Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme students have work experience for two week block periods.
The subjects offered for Leaving Certificate Traditional and Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme are:
Optional
Accounting
Art
Chemistry
Biology
Computer Science
Economics
Design Communication Graphics Society and Politics
Home Economics (Social and Scientific) Physics
Music Spanish
Religious Education (exam) Applied Maths
Agricultural Science Business
Core
English
Irish (unless student has an exemption)
Maths
Construction Studies
French
LCVP students take an enterprise class.
Physical Education (exam)
Technology
Drama, Film and Theatre Studies
Geography
All students partake in non-exam Religious Education and non-exam Physical Education.
All students also receive Career Guidance classes throughout senior cycle.
English and Communication
Gaelic Studies
Information and Communication Technology
Mathematical Applications
Science
Vocational Preparation and Guidance
TRANSITION YEAR
Transition Year is a long established and successful optional year in Sancta Maria College. Students who choose to do Transition year develop new skills, discover personal strengths and are better equipped to choose subjects at senior cycle.
The Transition Year programme is a unique one year programme that promotes the personal, social, educational and vocational development of students. Students are encouraged to take greater responsibility for their own learning and decision making.
The students get to experience the world of employment with work placement taking place every Friday for the year.
The highlight of Transition year is the annual School Musical. All TY students become involved whether it is onstage or backstage and develop key life skills as they fully run the musical.
All core subjects are studied in Transition year and students get to sample all Leaving Certificate subjects on an 8 week module basis.
Arts Education
Religious Education
Social Education
Leisure and Recreation
Spanish (Year 2)
Active Leisure Studies, Hair and Beauty, Construction Studies, Hotel, Catering and Tourism Studies (Choose Two)
Non-Exam subjects on offer include:
• Career Guidance class
• European Studies: These modules explore the role of the European Union and Citizenship. The modules are further enhanced by incorporating our Erasmus+ programme.
• Craft
• Photography
• Drama
• Personal Development. Personal Development class encourages students to become involved in the community through different means, fundraising, learn a new skill, enter competitions like BT Young Scientist and complete Leadership training.
Students are encouraged to seek out opportunities to further develop their education by enrolling in College Early entry programmes, MiniMed, Law courses to name a few.
Our year finishes with the TY European trip and is another highlight of the programme.
Highlights of the programme in Sancta Maria College are:
• School Musical
• Junk Kouture
• Bonding Trips
• European Tour
• BT Young Scientist
• Work Experience
• Charity Events
• Guest speakers
• Workshops
• Erasmus+
USE OF TECHNOLOGY TO SUPPORT LEARNING
Sancta Maria College is a one-to-one iPad school. Technology is used to enhance teaching and learning. The iPad affords students the opportunity to learn in ways that suit them best. We no longer advantage the child who learns well verbally but also the students who learn by doing and creating. Different work can be easily and discreetly assigned to students using technology and students can submit work in a variety of ways. Ebooks are uploaded on devices, eliminating the need to keep books in lockers or to carry heavy bags. The iPad is a tool for school, it never replaces quality teaching but it does give an extra tool in the toolkit and ensures that students are not relying on limited resources when learning but have access to the most current and up to date resources.
The ipad is not simply a replacement for textbooksaccessing textbook content is just one of the multiple features employed for teaching and learning. The use of devices allows for more effective formative assessment tools to be used. These tools deliver instant and personalized feedback to students and the teacher. Assessment for learning is quicker, more frequent and more effective with the use of a device.
SCHOOL FACILITIES
Sancta Maria College is fortunate to be located in a small town where everyone looks out for everyone. It is a safe place of great natural beauty. We are committed to our local community and use the natural environment on our doorstep to enhance our teaching and learning.
Our school is newly built and opened in 2019. We have state of the art facilities including practical rooms for Woodwork, Graphics, Technology, Home Economics and Music as well as Science Laboratories, Fitness Suite and a Gym. Our Library is well stocked and a lovely space for group work and collaboration.
EVENING STUDY
Evening Study is open to all students through priority is given to 3rd and 6th year students.
ADDITIONAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
We take immense pride in our commitment to providing a nurturing and inclusive environment for all the students at Sancta Maria College.
Incoming first year students take CAT4 tests which enables the AEN department and all teachers to provide targeted support and to differentiate the curriculum as appropriate for individual students.
Support is delivered in a variety of ways:
1. In-Class Support
We recognise the importance of in class differentiated content, teaching styles and assessments for students with different learning styles and abilities. All classes are mixed ability and all staff are skilled in using Universal Design for Learning to ensure all students are successful in class.
3. Inclusion
At our school, inclusion is not just a concept; it is a way of life. We are proud to be champions of inclusive education, fostering a culture where every student feels valued, respected, and included. Our commitment to inclusion means that students with additional needs are fully integrated into the academic and social life of our school. We celebrate diversity, encouraging students to learn from each other and develop a deeper understanding of different abilities and learning styles.
SPECIAL CLASSES
Sancta Maria College has two designated special classes. Special classes enable students with more complex special educational needs to be educated, in smaller class groups.
Students enrolled in special classes are included in mainstream classes to the greatest extent possible, in line with their abilities. We opened our ASD class in 2017 and we are fortunate to have introduced a Moderate General Learning Disability Classroom in Sancta Maria College in 2023.
Our approach in these classrooms is completely student-cantered. The focus is on the student and his/ her needs at all times. We work closely with parents, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and other support services to ensure that we cater for the educational, physical, emotional and sensory needs of the student. We provide an environment where all students are valued and respected. Students in the MGD and ASD classrooms can engage with all activities in the school and are very much at the heart of our school community.
2. Co-Teaching
Co-Teaching is a strategy used in Sancta Maria College to further ensure students with AEN are fully supported This means a AEN teacher and a subject specialist teacher will work together within the one classroom to meet the diverse learning requirements within the classroom.
4. Learning Support and Interventions
In addition to in-class support and co-teaching, we offer a range of tailored interventions, resources, and assistive technology to ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed. For example, students with an Irish exemption can avail of ongoing learning support, if the need arises. Alternatively, students can be withdrawn from some classes for short-term interventions and return to class once progress has been made.
BEYOND THE CURRICULUM
Every Wednesday all students enjoy a ‘beyond the curriculum’ class known as WOW (Wellbeing on Wednesday). During this class students are free to choose which workshop style class they participate in. These classes are composed of students from across all year groups.
WOW classes include:
Murals/Public Art
Fitness Class
Mindfulness, Meditation and Yoga
Local Walks
Technology (working with plastics)
Board Games
Dressmaking
Book Club
Salsa Dancing
Public Speaking and Debating
Music and Singing
Marquetry
Pencil Drawing
Running Club
Booknook
Journalling
Sudoku
Ladies GAA
Volleyball
Couch to 5K
Table Quiz
Boys GAA
Chess
Junk Kouture
Creative Writing
Sancta Maria College is an inclusive community and our extra-curricular activities reflect this:
Extra-Curricular activities are offered at different times – some before school, some after and some at lunch time. Students can choose to participate in some of the following activities
GAA Soccer Basketball Art Club
Badminton Schools of Sanctuary Athletics Quizzes
Public Speaking Traditional Music Group Lego Club Choir
Rugby School Newspaper
Junk Kouture Erasmus+
BT Young Scientist An Taisce Green School Committee Chess School Musical
Linguistics Olympiad Knitting and Stitching Club Cairde Group Olympic Handball
WELLBEING AT SANCTA MARIA COLLEGE
At Sancta Maria College we are very aware that students have more success at school when they are happy. We have robust structures in place to support the wellbeing of all our students.
STRUCTURES FOR SUPPORT
• Student Mentor Programme
• Tutor and Year Head Programmes
• House Parents
• School Chaplains
• Guidance Counsellors
• Psychotherapist
• Student Support Team
• 1st year Induction Programme
• The Well
All students have access to The Well. The Well is our wellness hub where the physical and emotional needs of students are supported. The Well is a space where students can self-regulate, speak to one of our support staff, use the Cubbie and simply relax. Basic first aid is also provided here.
EMOTIONAL AND SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
Our Mercy school ethos is firmly rooted in compassion and kindness
• Catherine’s Locker – basic equipment is available free of charge for any student who does not have a piece of equipment they need for class.
• Dedicated prayer and meditation space
• House system – building up points for creating a loving community.
• School services and liturgies throughout the year.
• Pilgrimage Day
• Fundraising, including the Annual Famine Walk
• Cairde Club – supporting students with additional needs.
PARENTS’ VOICE/ ASSOCIATIONS
Sancta Maria College Parents’ Association is a valued part of our school community. A committee is elected annually to represent the general body of parents and membership of the Association is open to the parents/guardians of all students attending the school. The Parents’ Association is involved in a number of activities including:
• Hospitality
• Providing a forum to discuss parents’s views and exchange ideas with school leadership
• Improving and developing facilities in the school through fundraising endeavours.
STUDENT VOICE AND LEADERSHIP
Fostering student leadership is very important in Sancta Maria College. It offers benefits to all our students, building their self-confidence and independence, giving them a voice and an opportunity to shape their school and their community. We encourage students to demonstrate leadership in their day to day interactions in the school. Students also develop their leadership capacity in the following ways
• Prefects
• Student Council
• Mentors
• Team Captains
• School Newspaper
• School Musical
• Leading Fundraising Activities
• Leading WOW classes
