Private Boarding Secondary School in the West of Ireland

St. Patricks Academy, West of Ireland:
St. Patricks Academy is a private Catholic independent second level school situated in a most picturesque setting among trees and woodland in the shadow of Ireland's holy mountain, Croagh Patrick, between Castlebar and Westport in Co. Mayo, in the west of Ireland. The surroundings lend themselves to a most tranquil atmosphere which in turn helps our students to benefit from a stress-free environment. Founded in 1985, St.Patrick's Academy allows students to participate in a virtual classroom program for the subjects that suit their specific educational requirements without the need to physically attend the school.

Academic Curriculum:
The Curriculum is based on the Irish National curriculum with a very high solid religion component and follows the syllabi of the Department of Education.

What we offer:
• Special emphasis on small classes (approximately 12)
• A great deal of individual attention.
• A relaxed family atmosphere in a tranquil rural setting.
• A personalised caring approach by our staff aimed particularly to help students with their specific problems.

We offer a broad range of subjects such as the following:
Irish, English, Maths, Geography, History, Science, Computer Studies and Music.

Transition Year:
Our Transition Year Programme is a very exciting and full programme covering all aspects of the best in education and character training. Students will find our programme very challenging, a great foundation for obtaining an excellent Leaving Certificate while incorporating all the necessary skills to develop sound judgement and good social skills for the future.

Academic Subjects:
Gaeilge/Cultural Studies
English/Communications
Languages
Mathematics
Biology/Chemistry
Geography/Tourism
Business Studies/Mini Company

Third Level taster subjects:
Media Studies
Film Studies

Cultural Studies:
Art
Craft
Design
Drama
Music
Home Economics

Work-Related learning:
Career Guidance
Work Experience
Community Work
Mini Companies
Visits to and by Employers
Third Level Colleges

Educational trips:
Educational trips are arranged each year to places of historical, scientific or scenic interest at home and abroad. Recently these have included trips to Dublin (Kilmainham Jail, Collins Barracks Craft Museum,), Sligo (Lake cruise on Lough Gill).

Communication skills:
Discussions, debates and other group activities are provided as valuable training for young people. We encourage our students to exchange ideas, express their opinions and develop social skills.

Physical Education:
A modest range of sports facilities. Though limited by numbers and amenities, we do provide football, rounders and volley ball as well as running and training as outside activities, aerobics and gymnastics exercise programmes as well as trips to local sports complexes for indoor sports.