Since its establishment in September 2009, with the addition of a second class in the 2012/13, a third class in the 2021/22, and a fourth class in 2022/23 the ASGARD Classes at Mercy Kilbeggan have become an intrinsic part of our school community.
Students are provided with a holistic learning experience within a caring environment which allows them to reach their full educational potential while simultaneously accessing mainstream classes and activities as appropriate for each individual. Our classes currently cater for twenty-four students from First to Sixth year, all of whom are full members of Mercy Secondary School, Kilbeggan and integrate with their peers at various levels.
To achieve goals, while recognising that no two students are the same, we work in conjunction with students, their families and the wider school community to devise individual Student Support Plans in accordance with the guidelines set out under the Education for Persons with Special Needs Act (EPSEN, 2004).
All students attached to Asgard have full access to their choice of Junior and Senior Cycle subjects. We also offer an extensive range of subjects and lessons that are geared towards the holistic development of all students. These practical, non-exam subjects are intended to develop both essential and specific work-related skills to prepare students for life after school.
Asgard Subjects and Programmes:
Asgard Class Teachers:
Mr. Duffy, Mr. Hagan, Mr. Hawkins, Mr. Horan, Ms. Relihan, Mr. Doyle, Mr. Hayes, Mr. Dempsey, Mr. Hardiman, Ms. Moughty, Ms. Nolan.
Asgard Class SNA’s:
Ms. Mary Nolan, Ms. Fiona Dunne, Ms. Mary McDonnell, Ms. Denise Murray, Mr. Damien Minnock, Mr. Maurice Colton, Mr. Luke McNamee, Ms. Megan Delaney, Ms. Martha Scally, Ms. Dympna Daly, Mr. Andrew O’Sullivan, Ms. Amy Spollen, Ms. Emma Buckley, Ms. Aoife O’Brien
AsIAm Autism Friendly Schools
We at Mercy Secondary School Kilbeggan are delighted to be a part of the AsIAm’s Autism Friendly Schools Programme. The initiative aims to make MSSK a more welcoming and accessible place for autistic students, where they are supported to participate fully in the academic and social life of our school. The project supports schools in the provision of inclusive educational placements for autistic children and young people alongside specialist provision.
It is designed to reaffirm good practice and support those wishing to foster a school culture that is inclusive of autistic students. The project covers the following areas:
- Teaching and Learning
- Inclusive School Culture
- Leadership and Management
- Staff professional development
Cairdeas agus Cinéaltas
Friendship and Kindness are two of the fundamental principles that guide the daily workings of our school and indeed the interactions between all those in our wider community. Acknowledging the importance of these ideals, the T.Y students at Mercy Kilbeggan run a programme wherein they work with Asgard students to help guide their development while building lasting friendships along the way.
The ‘Cairdeas agus Cinéaltas’ programme recognises that students learn a great deal simply by observing and interacting with their peers and that the impact of a great mentor can be lifelong. To this end, students and mentors meet across the week, throughout the academic year to enjoy mutual hobbies/ interests, help one another in their studies and learn many new skills along the way. The initiative is having a hugely positive impact on all those involved and it continues to prosper.
‘Friendship is not a big thing…..it’s a million little things’