We aspire to do more, to be better. For us, it is constantly striving for excellence.
Paul McCormack, Deputy Headmaster
Approach to Teaching and Learning
When I am asked about Clongowes I often describe it as a school that offers more. This Ignatian value of Magis – the Latin word for “more” or “ greater” – is a key philosophy in Jesuit Education and especially here in Clongowes.
Excellence for our teachers means empowering our students to be the very best that they can be in all that they do.
Clongowes has beautiful grounds and state of the art facilities but it is the people that make up the Clongowes community that set us apart.
Our dedicated and committed teachers are innovative and ambitious. They work closely with our boarding team, our learning support teachers and our pastoral care teams to ensure each student is not only cared for as an individual and has his needs met but that he is also stretched to realise his potential.
The students themselves are competitive but work together in the classroom, on the pitches and during study time. They are constantly learning from each other.
Our parents have high expectations and are hugely supportive not only of their sons but of the entire Clongowes community.
The development and nurturing of cooperative learning are central to what we do in Clongowes. Our students have a huge advantage in that they can learn and develop a team ethic and problem-solving skills not only in the classroom but through the experience of living together as a community.
Our built environment such as the James Joyce Library and the Bellarmine centre is designed to encourage and facilitate even greater cooperation between students.
Working and living together creates a strong bond among our graduates. We are very proud of their achievements in public examinations, on the field of play and that they go on to study at the top universities in Ireland and abroad.
That spirit of Magis stays with them and drives our students and past pupils to do more not only for themselves but for the greater good of society.
Paul McCormack, Deputy Headmaster
