Our School
Progressive, Dynamic, Inclusive & Caring
We take a holistic approach to education and endeavour to create an environment in which students can grow and mature spiritually, physically, socially, intellectually and emotionally to become valuable members of their community. Students are encouraged to develop their individual talents and are prepared for entry into the various third level colleges or to the world of work. Pastoral care is a central component of school life and each student is accepted for who they are, regardless of ability or social background, while embracing all religious denominations.
Academic Achievement in a Caring Environment
Scoil Mhuire gan Smál is a Catholic voluntary secondary school founded in 1952 and now under the trusteeship of the Diocese of Cloyne. It combines a strong emphasis on academic achievement with a caring attitude to all its students. Our school recognises each child as an individual with different needs, abilities and learning patterns.
Our Mission:
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Fulfil Potential
Help each child fulfil his/her potential regardless of background, ability or gender.
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Provide a Secure, Stimulating & Caring Environment
Provide a secure, stimulating and caring environment with the teaching of Christian ideas and important aspects of school life.
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Develop great Qualities
Develop desirable qualities such as self-esteem, enthusiasm for learning, leadership, caring and consideration for others.
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Provide a Structure for growth
Provide a structure for the growth and development of every child through all facets of school life.
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Our school concentrates on the development of the whole person by providing for the religious, moral, social, physical, and intellectual growth of our students. We strive for academic excellence while fostering and encouraging all types of talent.
Our Catholic students are formed in the principles and practices of the Catholic Faith, but the school welcomes students of other persuasions. Our school is open to all except to those whose presence would put the welfare of other students seriously at risk.
The Religious Education of students is, and is seen to be, of fundamental importance. This is reflected in the curriculum of the school, in timetabling, assignment of teachers, and provision of resources. Communal prayer and liturgical celebration are an integral part of school life.
Compassion and co-operation are given a higher value in our school than competition. The value of work, as participation in God’s creative power, is stressed. We aim to develop sound work habits and appropriate leisure interests in such a way that students are prepared for later employment and the challenges of an ever-changing society.
We press ahead to make positive discrimination in favour of disadvantaged children a reality.
Teachers, students, administrative, cleaning, and ancillary staff are all members of the school community. A sense of mutual respect among all members of the school community is encouraged. We encourage good relationships between home and school, recognising this as essential to the educational process.
We endorse a comprehensive view of education that takes account of the role of the family, the community, the mass media, the school, and the professions.
State of the Art
Inspiring Spaces
Scoil Mhuire gan Smál in Blarney provides a bright, welcoming environment where creativity, curiosity, and learning thrive. With thoughtfully designed classrooms, outdoor spaces, and dedicated areas for the arts and well-being, the school inspires and supports every student’s growth.
Our history is rich
And we are immensely proud of it!
Celebrating Student Achievements
“Come One, Come All”
An Exciting Curriculum
At SMGS, we pride ourselves on recognising the ever changing demands of our student body and offer support as well as adapting our programmes in order to best prepare students for exams and to develop them into mature and responsible adults before they embark on their futures in University, their professional career or entrepreneurship.
Curriculum Highlights
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Variety of Choice
Students are offered at wide range of subjects to ensure the complete spectrum of students' interests and abilities are catered for. We also adopt a mixed ability approach and recognise the student's individual needs.
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We even do Rocket Science
Science and IT development are a proud linchpin of our curriculum. Among other achievements, we participated in the CanSat competition where we qualified for the European final in Portugal.
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Transition Year
Transition Year is offered on an optional basis to students who have completed the Junior Certificate. TY has proved itself to be invaluable to students in identifying and developing their personal strengths and skills. It lays a very solid foundation for Leaving Certificate while encouraging personal growth and maturity.
An Exceptional Team
Delivering on our mission - every day.
We have always been impressed by the commitment to the school by our dedicated staff. The result of their hard work creates a teaching and learning environment inclusive of all of our students’ needs.
Scoil Mhuire gan Smál is an innovative school drawing on the talents and skills of the entire school community to provide a host of educational programmes and projects. Wholesome participation is encouraged in the extensive range of extra-curricular activities on offer and care is also taken by our team to ensure the well-being and happiness of each and every student in the school.
Varied Extra-Curricular Activities
Thanks to the commitment and dedication of an exceptional staff, the formal curriculum is complemented by many extracurricular activities in a wide range of areas including Information Technology, Sports Coaching, Music and Drama Productions, Community Action Projects, National Quiz Competitions, numerous Science Competitions, Business Entrepreneurship as well as Work Experience.
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Sports
SMGS is a school with a very strong sporting tradition. There are a huge variety of sports and sporting activities available to students, including: Hurling, Gaelic Football, Rugby, Basketball, Ladies Football, Camogie, Equestrian, Soccer, Athletics, Golf.
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Cultural activities
Art, Music and languages are available as option subjects to students in SMGS from First Year to Sixth Year. Outside of the classroom curriculum, our school promotes an appreciation of many cultural aspects of a variety of subjects.
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Educational Travel
Education is as valid outside the classroom as within and at Scoil Mhuire gan Smál we offer our students opportunities to travel both at home and abroad to enhance their whole education. As a compliment to their linguistic and cultural studies our students have travelled to London, Paris, Munich, Rome and Prague in recent years.
A Strong Sporting Tradition
"More students, More active, More often"
A Warm & Caring Place To Be
We consider the emotional aspect of each student's life as important as their academic success. There is a strong pastoral team in the school with two guidance counsellors on hand to help and support students with both future career choices and personal issues.
Support Structures
SMGS has many formal structures put in place to aid and support each new student's arrival to the new school environment. We also offer resource teaching and special needs assistance for students that require it.
Positive Mental Health
We are proud to display our Amber Flag, presented to the school for our ongoing commitment to promoting positive mental health in the school community.
Respectful to our Environment
On the 17th September 2014 the Green Flag Committee raised their first Green Flag which was awarded for litter and waste management. Over the last two years tremendous work has been carried out by the Green School committee in combating litter and waste. Specially designed recycling and waste units have been assembled throughout the school, awareness campaigns have been held which included a bottle buster competition for first years, a Day of Action and various talks given by Cork County Council and An Taisce. A second flag was received in 2016 for energy conservation folowed by a third flag in 2018 for water conservation. The Committee are now focused on achieving a fourth flag for reducing the carbon footprint invovled in the students travelling to school each day.
Engaged with our community
We believe as a school community that it is important to give something back to our local and wider community. There are many active groups within the school who contribute to charities and worthy causes in a variety of areas including Saint Vincent de Paul, Hope Foundation, Cycle against Suicide, Irish Heart Foundation and the Cope Foundation.