Dear Parents & Guardians
The secondary school has a student population of over 525 students and 40 teaching staff. In May 2017 the Dept Education and Skills sanctioned an Aonad (i.e Irish Speaking Unit – students girls and boys study their subjects as Gaeilge) for the college the first of its kind in Sligo, Leitrim and South Donegal. From 2005 – 08 the entire school has undergone extensive upgrading with the addition of new school facilities including a well stocked modern Library.
The secondary school was founded in 1947 by the Sisters of Mercy. The Order has established a strong academic and holistic tradition in its schools that is based on the principle of caring for the individual.
The school ethos is Catholic but we welcome students of all denominations. The practices of the Catholic religion are given a high profile in the school including the practice of the sacraments and the Mass. There is emphasis on the formation of a strong value system in the students and personal spirituality is also very important to us.
Our school ethos aims to strike a balance between achieving academic excellence, caring for the real needs of the individual student and developing our students’ personalities and strengths. We strive above all to give the students a sense of their own value. Our talented and professional teaching staff is dedicated to the promotion of high standards in our students, the majority of whom will go to University or Third Level colleges.
Mercy College responds to the broad range of intelligence types which have been identified by research studies in Educational Psychology. We believe that beyond literacy and mathematical talents there are visual, spiritual, physical, inter-personal and aesthetic capabilities which are often undernourished and undeveloped. Because of this belief, we, in Mercy College respond to the broad spectrum of abilities and aptitudes of our students, ranging from the most highly motivated and talented to the students whose gifts are different.
Mercy College fosters an ethos of ‘Partnership in Education’ where the aim is agreement, co-operation and commitment between all the partners i.e. parents, pupils, teachers. This tradition of Partnership in Education promotes regular monitoring, appropriate curriculum, praise, encouragement, reward, communication, consultation and evaluation. This tradition is of course attributed to the dedication, skills and commitment of our staff in their curricular and extra curricular work on behalf of our students.
Mercy College is fortunate also in its excellent Parent Association which continues to play a central role in the overall development of the school. By working closely with parents it is our firmly held belief that we are creating a learning environment in which your daughter can be happy, safe and secure. This is the context in which she can grow in confidence to achieve her full potential.
As you peruse this website, you will find that we offer a full programme of subjects both academic and practical as well as an extensive array of curricular and extra-curricular activities. You may also notice the very strong emphasis we place on Pastoral Care and the Personal Development of our students. We hope you enjoy your visit to our website and should you require further information please do not hesitate to contact the school at the contact details provided.
Ms Anne Gorby
Principal