Not many schools receive visits from two cabinet ministers in one day - then again, St Mary's second-level School in Nenagh, Co Tipperary, is not just any school. One of only 17 second-level schools around the State to take part in a Whole School Evaluation this year, St Mary's received such a glowing report from educational inspectors that the Minister for Education, Mr Martin, along with the local TD for the area, Minister for the Defence, Mr Smith, decided to take the trip to Tipperary to proclaim St Mary's a "model school". The principal of St Mary's, Gerry Cronin, is immensely proud of what the school has achieved and the praise received from the Department of Education. "I think it justifies all the hard work staff and students have put into school life here," says Cronin.
During the evaluation, nine inspectors spent over two weeks assessing the school in terms of planning, management, teaching and procedure. It was a very positive experience for everyone and a good opportunity to get feedback, according to Cronin. "I really believe schools should be accountable and transparent. We have an open door policy here," he says. And what is behind St Mary's success?
"The relationship between pupil and teacher is essential and is at the core of our philosophy. When a student spends six years in a school unless there is a close bond of friendship with the school, there must be something wrong with that school."
Cronin remains fiercely ambitious for his students but tends to emphasise group achievements rather than singling out individuals. Indeed individual prizes at St Mary's are rarely dished out, the last was to a pupil who had never missed a day at either the primary or the secondary school.
"I think it's important for everyone to share in success, not just to single out one person," says Cronin.
The Catholic ethos of St Mary's, a former convent school, remains a key to the friendly and caring environment. "I want our pupils to develop intellectually, morally, physically and aesthetically when they are at St Mary's. Education isn't just in terms of a points race. Although academic qualifications are important our philosophy is for each pupil to become a well developed and well integrated person."
Pupils are encouraged to participate in the running of the school through a student council which liases with management. This initiative is being supported locally by the credit union which donated over £250 to the body to spend on school activities.
In funding terms, a major building expansion has recently been sanctioned by the Department of Education. This will include a purpose-built gym capable of hosting an international basketball match, a business suite for the study of computer applications, a science room, a student centre and a new entrance.
However St Mary's recent success is no flash in the pan, it has a history of innovation and was one of the first schools in Ireland to introduce a Transition Year. This is its 25th anniversary, and it is still going strong. Deputy principal Mary Morgan is co-ordinator of the current Transition Year programme and enthuses about the alternatives offered to pupils this year.
"Transition year is extremely diverse, there are lot of new things this year in terms of career options," says Morgan.
Besides work experience, the transition programme includes personal development; a programme geared towards social inclusion to make students aware of the less fortunate in society and a combination of arts, communications and music. Individual modules on academic subjects are also worked into the year.
"It's the notion of widening their experience while also keeping one eye on the Leaving Certificate," says Morgan.
To mark the millennium, pupils are compiling a history of St Mary's. They are calling on past pupils to donate photographs, articles and school memories to ensure that the educational tradition is well documented for future generations.
"But it will also help to re-establish old bonds of friendship and strengthen further the connectedness of our extended community," says Cronin.
