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Student Clubs and Societies
Although a small school, students at the Academy benefit from a range of extracurricular clubs, societies and other activities which compliment their academic studies.
◊ Debating Club
◊ Running Club
◊ Traditional Music Club
◊ Choral Society
◊ Chess Club
◊ Book Club
◊ Sports Club
◊ The Philosophical Society Debating Competition
Music and Culture
The Academy has a strong emphasis on Irish identity and culture. This includes the opportunity to play and sing Irish music in our weekly Trad Club, participate in the Academy's Choral Society, or enjoy the regular activities and cultural trips related to their studies. Some examples include;
◊ Attend live concerts and theatrical performances
◊ Enjoy day visits to cultural and historical sites like Clonmacnoise, Gougane Barra, Cobh, and elsewhere
◊ Participate in class visits to Dáil Éireann, the National Gallery and the National Museum Dublin.
Students
Mater Dei Academy is an independent Catholic secondary school providing a rigorous six-year academic formation culminating in the Leaving Certificate examination in year 6. The junior cycle (years 1-4) is grounded in the Catholic classical tradition with an emphasis on holistic formation of body, mind and soul. The senior cycle (years 5-6) provides a wide variety of subjects for students as they continue to be guided by the pillars of Truth, Goodness and Beauty across all teaching and learning activities.
At the heart of a classical curriculum is a search for truth, whether scientific, moral or spiritual. At Mater Dei Academy, our students are taught to seek the truth through critical thinking and deep questioning. The dialogue between faith and reason, through the study of science, philosophy and theology, is deeply enriching.
A Classical Education
What our students say...
"I enjoy music and mathematics. I want to study engineering after I graduate. The teachers are motivated and I have great friends. The friends that I have made here are ones that I will have after I leave because this is a special place."
Pawel, senior student at Mater Dei Academy
"The subjects are really interesting....I love art. It's my favourite subject and we get to work with so many different media and colours. Also, I think that singing in the morning is the perfect way to begin the day....it helps me wake up and realise how great it is to be alive."
Julie-Rose, junior student at Mater Dei Academy
A Connected Curriculum
The interconnections between subjects is a unique characteristic of the classical curriculum. At Mater Dei Academy, our students study in a chronological progression from the Ancient to the Modern Worlds throughout the junior cycle. History is the backbone of this progression while English language, Theology, Philosophy, Art and Music reflect the works of these periods. This logical pathway of learning is critical to the student forming a coherent understanding of the cosmos, of God’s creative hand at work, and of their unique call to greatest within His divine plan.
Beyond the Classroom
Irish Language Immersion
Each year, students as Mater Dei Academy have the opportunity for an immersive Irish language experience in the west Kerry Gaeltacht; Corca Dhuibhne. Students experience the Irish language in its natural setting, while discovering ancient traditions of storytelling, poetry, song and dance passed down through this beautiful classical language. Through a mix of learning and activities; cycling, swimming, hiking, heritage visits, and music and dancing; students return to the classroom with a deeper respect and love for the Irish language.
Soccer
Soccer is the school sport. We aim to compete at local and national level in junior and senior grades for both boys and girls. All incoming students, boys and girls are introduced to the game by our dedicated coaching team. The Academy Football teams train after school and play both indoor and outdoor matches throughout the academic year.
Soccer
