Democracy In School

school aim, vision and ethos

Our vision is for a new model of second-level school, one that places the student - your child – at its centre. We aim to create a vibrant, welcoming school community to which every student feels a real sense of belonging. We use the best teaching and learning methods to enable each individual student to reach their full academic and social potential.

Our Ethos

Our school ethos is grounded in democratic education. Educate Together schools are committed to the values laid down in Educate Together’s Charter. Our schools are learner-centred, multi-denominational, coeducational and run democratically. This means that all members of the school community, whatever their social, cultural, belief or background, work together in an atmosphere of dignity and respect. Students follow an ethical curriculum, which includes learning about different religions and belief systems. Our ethos provides a strong moral, ethical and spiritual framework for the whole school community, and informs all policies and practices in the daily life of the school.

The Ethical Curriculum

Educate Together schools have been at the forefront in developing intercultural education in Ireland. The four core principles, as laid down in the Educate Together Charter, are the foundation upon which our school community will build an inclusive and intercultural learning environment. The values inherent in the principles – respect, equality, rights and responsibilities, justice, dignity – underpin and permeate all school policies and practices.

The core Educate Together principles inform the culture and ethos of our school guide the delivery and content of an ethical education curriculum. This curriculum focuses on the ethical, moral and social development of children and young people in inclusive schools. It encourages learners to explore their own spiritual identities in a safe and supportive environment, while also being aware of and respecting the notion that other people may think differently to them. It enables learners to appreciate, be informed and be comfortable with those of differing faiths to themselves and empowers them to critically interact across viewpoints within a common language of human rights and respect. We shall celebrate difference and provide our students with the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes that young people need to enable them to make informed moral decisions and live in a pluralist society which embraces diversity.

Parents’ Association

The Parents’ Council will be formed early in the new academic year and shall play a key role in enriching the cultural life of the school and in the formation of policies.

Students’ council

The Student Council will be formed early in the school year and shall play a genuine role in the development of the school’s ethos and structures.