Mater Dei Academy

Mater Dei Academy, is an Independent Catholic Secondary School in Cork, Ireland.

Mater Dei Academy
Location
Farranferris Education and Training Campus,
Redemption Road, Cork

Ireland
Coordinates51.911768°N 8.477779°W / 51.911768; -8.477779
Information
TypeIndependent
Religious affiliation(s)Roman Catholic
Established2020
PrincipalGeraldine Heffernan
GenderBoys & Girls
Websitehttps://www.materdeiacademy.ie/

Background

Founded on 6 January 2020 by lay volunteers, the school accepted students in September 2020 for its first scolastic year. From 2020 it was based and supported by the Dominicans at St. Mary's Dominican Church and Priory on Popes Quay, Cork.[1] In 2022 the school moved onto the Farranferris Education and Training Campus (at the old St Finbarr's College, Farranferris).[2]

The school, being independent, does not receive Irish Government funding, and is funded by donations, it also receives support from the Saints and Scholars Foundation, in Virginia, USA,[3] the Dominicans in Cork, and the Diocese of Cork and Ross.

Curriculum

Mater Dei's students take courses in theology, philosophy, the Irish language, English, Latin, mathematics, science, history and culture, geography, music, and art.[4] The school follows programme and takes the (Cambridge) International General Certificate of Secondary Education (International GCSE) Examinations, as a Junior Cycle. Mater Dei is one of only two recognised Cambridge Schools in Ireland.[5] Examinations for the Irish Language are available through Teastas Eorpach na Gaeilge (European Certificate in Irish)[6] and for the French language through the Alliance française, the Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française(DELF) exam,[7] and plan to complete student preparation for the completion of the schools first, Irish Senior Cycle and Leaving Certificate Examination in 2026.

In April 2023 Geraldine Heffernan was appointed principal of the school.[8]

Alongside the Academy, Mater Dei Education was also established in 2020, to support parents who homeschool their primary-aged children.[9] Mater Dei Education provides advice, lesson plans, learning resources, and also produces textbooks.[10]

References
  1. Our Story Mater Dei Academy, Cork.
  2. Mater Dei Academy celebrates Third Anniversary, Diocese of Cork and Ross, March 7, 2023.
  3. Getting Back to Irish Roots: Catholic Classical School Launches National Catholic Register.
  4. Lay Catholics, Dominicans work for long-term revival of Ireland’s ancient faith by Kimberley Heatherington], Catholic Communications, Diocese of Springfield, March 17, 2023.
  5. Ireland - Recognised Schools, Cambridge Assessment International Education.
  6. Irish Language Testing and Qualifications Teastas Eorpach na Gaeilge (Maynooth University).
  7. Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française (DELF) Alliance Française de Cork.
  8. Geraldine Heffernan Named Principal of Mater Dei Academy News, Saints and Scholars, May 1, 2023.
  9. About Mater Dei Education, www.materdeieducation.ie
  10. Mater Dei History, Classical Home Education in Dublin, www.homeeducation.ie
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