Philosophy I

The more human beings know reality and the world, the more they know themselves in their uniqueness, and with that there presses upon them the urgent desire to find out the meaning of reality and of our existence.’ Our experience of the world awakens in us ‘the fundamental questions which pervade human life: Who am I? Where have I come from and where am I going? Why is there evil? What is there after this life?… In fact, the answer given to these questions decides the direction which people seek to give to their lives.’ (St. John Paul II, Fides et Ratio). The first year of Philosophy invites students to join the millennia long tradition in the search for truth. Students are invited to enter into this search, to learn not simply about philosophy but how to do it. They learn by asking these fundamental questions for themselves.

Philosophy III

‘There is one thing stronger than all the armies in the world, and that is an idea whose time has come’ (Victor Hugo). The impact of ideas on society is critical to understanding the world that we live in. At the intersection of philosophy and the human experience, particularly in the context of human experience in communal society, is a fascinating and enlightening confluence of Faith, reason and logic. This year’s programme in philosophy explores this confluence which can often be at variance with the Christian ideal but which clearly enables the student to grasp the importance, the influence and the impact of ideas and philosophies on our modern society, for good or for evil.

Gaeilge I

Tír gan teanga, tír gan anam,’ a dúirt an Phiarsach agus tá an ráiteas chomh fíor inniu is a bhí sé inné. Tá fréamhacha doimhne na Gaeilge fite fuaite le hoidhreacht agus cultúr Críostaí na hÉireann. Cuireann fiú na beannachtaí is simplí ar nós ‘Dia duit’ agus ‘Dia linn’ béim ar thionchar urghnách na Críostaíochta ar an nGaeilge agus ar thionchar dochreidte na Gaeilge ar fhoirmiú chreideamh mhuintir na hÉireann ar feadh na gcéadta bliain. Murab ionann agus a macasamhla Béarla, tá áilleacht, ceol agus ord uile a fhréamhacha Laidine sa Ghaeilge. Is í an Ghaeilge croí dosheachanta ár gcultúir, ár n-oidhreachta, ár staire agus ár náisiúin. Is mór an fhreagracht í a labhairt chomh cruinn agus is féidir. Ba mhór an cúnamh é chun líofacht a chothú an Ghaeilge a bheith mar theanga chaidrimh san Acadamh go coitianta. Mar a deirtear, ‘Is fearr Gaeilge bhriste ná Béarla cliste’

Gaeilge II

‘Indiaidh a chéile a thógtar na caisleáin.’ Le linn na bliana seo, leanaimid den obair mhall, shaotharach i dtreo mháistreacht na Gaeilge. Tógtar am, fuinneamh is foighne chun na naisc láidre idir rialacha Laidine agus rialacha na Gaeilge a thuiscint. Ach le tuiscint chumasach ar struchtúr agus ar chomhréir na teanga, eiríonn leis an mac léinn, diaidh ar ndiaidh, le misneach is muinín, teanga a sinsir a labhairt agus a scríobh. I ndeireadh na dála, bíonn an mac léinn in ann Gaeilge labhartha a thuiscint le toil agus bíonn sé réidh le bogadh ar aghaidh go dtí an chéad chéim eile; máistreacht na scríbhneoireachta.

Gaeilge III

De réir mar a éiríonn an mac léinn níos líofa agus níos muiníní sa teanga, feabhsaíonn a chumas scríbhneoireachta. Tá an mháistreacht seo ar an bhfocal scríofa ríthábhachtach do ghrá fadtéarmach na teanga. Ligeann sé freisin don mhac léinn teagmháil a dhéanamh leis an domhan thart timpeall trína theanga dhúchais. Mar fhocal scoir, is buntáiste é a bheith ábalta cuid den mhórfhilíocht sa Ghaeilge a mheabhrú agus a aithris, a fhanfaidh leis an mac léinn go deo.

Gaeilge IV

Is cuid nádúrtha den fhoghlaim teanga é botúin a dhéanamh agus is cinnte go dtagann deacrachtaí chun cinn le linn d’fhoghlaimeoirí a bheith ag iarraidh an teanga a úsáid. Cabhraíonn straitéisí cumarsáide leis na mic léinn a bheith níos éifeachtaí agus iad ag caint, mar go mbíonn siad ag pleanáil na rudaí atá le rá acu. Coinneáiltear súil ar conas atá ag éirí leo agus glactar céimeanna le rudaí a cheartú nuair a thagann fadhbanna chun cinn. Cabhraíonn straitéisí cúitimh leo teacht slán nuair a bhíonn bearnaí ina gcuid eolais a chuirfeadh bac ar an gcumarsáid. Faoi dheireadh na bliana, beidh an mac léinn muiníneach leis an nGaeilge thar aon ábhar eile.

History I: The Ancient World

Modern society is shaped and formed by many of the events and systems which emerged in the Ancient World. Even today, the Ancient World influences our customs, laws, and forms of government in innumerable ways. It shapes the form and function of the buildings we live in, the writing we use to communicate on a day-to-day basis and the governments and institutions of western society. These civilisations and the questions they confronted remain as relevant today and teach us a great deal about our own culture. In the Irish context, an understanding of our Celtic and pagan forefathers provides a unique insight into the world and civilisation into which St. Patrick brought the Christian faith. Ancient history not only provides insight into human nature, but also provides a proper context for the most important event in history, the incarnation of Jesus Christ.

History II: The Christian World

The early Christian era and Middle Ages are an organic continuation from the history of the Ancient World. This year’s programme will allow students to deepen their understanding not merely of the period studied but the fascinating periods which follow. This era was pivotal in the history of Ireland when its monks rekindled the flames of learning throughout Europe. By studying the peoples and cultures that shaped Ireland’s past, this year’s programme provides the tools to properly interpret and understand the subsequent centuries of our nation’s history. Students will discover that the historical events and people of the Middle Ages have much to teach us about how to live and flourish in our own contemporary society.

History III: The Renaissance World

The sixteenth to eighteenth century presents a pivotal period in Irish and world history which provides a fundamental understanding of our nation’s past. In this age, students meet and understand the pivotal figures of Anglo-Irish history such as the Hugh O’Neill, Queen Elizabeth I, Sarsfield, and Cromwell; figures who shaped and formed the history of subsequent centuries. The Renaissance and early Modern period continue the transformation and development of Western culture in Europe and help us to understand our own world and culture today. We also encounter the foundations of the modern nation-state and the political structures that we may take for granted as well as the religious ideas that still profoundly impact us today.

History IV: The Modern World

An understanding of modern history is a minimum requirement to make sense of the world around us. In the Irish and European context, the exit of Britain from the EU placed a new focus on the enduring consequences of Ireland’s troubled twentieth century. The Modern History programme places the last two centuries in the context of what has gone before. It is a period where often stark distinctions emerge between good and evil. Yet, it is only by in-depth study of these events and personalities from the past that we can we hope to assimilate the good and reject the evil in our Modern World.

English I: The Ancient World

The nineteenth century Anglican Archbishop of Dublin and poet, Richard Trench, remarked that ‘grammar is the logic of speech, even as logic is the grammar of reason.’ It is inconceivable to embark on a programme of reading the great books and stories of Western Civilisation without the tools for the journey. This year’s programme, not only provides the student with a solid basis for the subsequent years, but also provides the cornerstone on this all other narrative subjects, writings and discussions are founded. In literature, students encounter the great heroes and characters of the past as real-life personalities whose challenges and travails mirror those of our present time in more ways than we can possibly imagine. Ancient literature forms the foundation for Western literary and intellectual tradition that continues to our own day; it provides much of the essential framework for making sense of people, events, and movements throughout the following centuries.

English II: The Christian World

The great play has a pivotal role in the history and literature of the Western World. Understanding the context, construction and characters of the great plays furthers the students’ in-depth dexterity with the English language in its varied forms of verbal. While building upon the previous foundational work, this year’s programme places an emphasis on appreciation and understanding of different genres, periods and styles of writing across the centuries. The comparative analysis of different works is introduced and develops the individual’s ability to form considered opinions of the works in their historical context and meaning. Finally, the influence of Christian thinking and writing is clearly evident across the works studied, emphasising the enduring influence of the Christian tradition on subsequent Western philosophy and thought.

English III: The Renaissance World

The bridge from grammatical precision to articulate writing and speaking is a gradual transition. This year’s programme is a catalyst to that transition where the foundational preparation of the preceding years is moulded into written and spoken form. Students grow in confidence and maturity of language as they address eternal themes of love and fortitude in the context of the great literary masterpieces. The poetry programme, in particular, offers the students a unique insight into the fascinating metaphysical understanding, bridging the students‘ understanding between the physical reality of God’s creation and the metaphysical reality of His hand in action beyond the visible world.

English IV: The Modern World

As the culminating year of junior cycle English studies, this year’s programme brings the student face-to-face with the Modern World. The student encounters new styles of written expression and explores enduring themes of conflict and loss. It is a study which challenges the student to examine closely the content presented and to look beyond the obvious to the hidden and the implied. The murky reality of man’s fallen nature is explored in critical light. Through thoughtful examination and reasoned learning, the student is empowered to better understand man’s potentiality to act with evil, despite his eternal call to goodness, in the context of rich literary characters; both modern and ancient.

Latin I

Latin is the language of Western civilization and of Our Holy Mother, the Church, and so many pivotal
writings — philosophical, theological, literary, and scientific — were originally composed in Latin.
Translations of these works exist of course, but even the most exquisite translations are unable to
encapsulate the original in its entirety. Our goal then is not to produce translators, but readers of Latin
who love the language. We want our students to understand the text on its own and to appreciate the truth,
beauty, and goodness of Latin in its native form.

Latin II

In the second year of Latin study, the language becomes more alive as students develop the ability to read
longer and more complex sentences using a greater variety of tenses and verbal forms.

Latin III

While it is possible to achieve a basic working knowledge of Latin in only two years, it takes more study to reach
the point of being able to read even the simplest classical Latin texts in their original form.

Latin IV

Continued and consistent use of Latin, or any language for that matter, is important if one hopes to retain and improve
upon what has been learned during the previous years of study. This fourth-year course allows students to dive much
deeper into primary texts that may have been studied earlier in English translation. By studying works in their original
languages these texts take on new meaning as students are able to immerse themselves more fully into the culture and
thought of the author.

Mathematics I: Algebra

The Italian scientist, Galileo Galilei claimed that “mathematics is the language in which God has written the universe.” The fundamental beauty, order and reasonableness of mathematical deduction is not simply critical for advanced mathematical and scientific understanding, but plays a foundational part in logical thought and deduction outside of the field of mathematics. As well as framing and forming the mind in logical deduction and reasoning, mathematics is the language which allows the student to deepen their understanding of the physical and chemical sciences in subsequent years. Ultimately, it is the goal of the mathematics programme to lead the student to a love of mathematics as a reflection of the order and perfection found in the Creator.

Mathematics II: Geometry

Geometry is a cornerstone in the understanding of beauty, symmetry and form in a wide range of disciplines. A clear understanding and perception of geometric principles introduces the student to the appreciation of form and order in the natural world of God the Creator, as well as the human fields of art, architecture, engineering, science, biology, chemistry and physics.

Mathematics III: Trigonometry

Through the tools of proof we are able to demonstrate the interior logic of a mathematical system and its correspondence to reality. This is particularly evident in trigonometry, where this logic find ample application in the fields of science, business, engineering, and medicine.

Mathematics IV: Pre-calculus

The final year of the mathematics programme brings the student’s understanding of Euclidian algebra and geometry to a mature understanding of mathematical reasoning in modern physics and mathematics. The basic understanding of sequences, series, limits, and mathematical induction transition seamlessly into both calculus and statistics requirements of the Leaving Certificate programme.

Science I: Earth and Space

The study of physical earth science, geography, geology and astronomy and its resulting discoveries have not only played a pivotal role in the realms of human thought and culture, but have also single-handedly paved the way for the modern physical sciences. Understanding the created world and the cosmos around them provide us with the unique context for the study of all the sciences, as well as an appreciation for our place within the infinite goodness of God’s plan for creation. With a foundational understanding of the physical earth and space around us, students are not only prepared for further study in biology, chemistry and physics, but are better equipped to perceive and internalise this order in their own experience of the God’s creation.

Science II: Biology

Santiago Rámon y Cajal, who won the Nobel Prize for his pioneering neuroscience, described his work as exploring “the poetry of Truth, the incomparable beauty of the work of God and the eternal laws established by Him.” Biology is a unique window into God’s creation. It enables the student to fully appreciate the perfection and order which is found in biological systems, fostering a reverence and true vision of the dignity of human life, from natural birth to natural death. Through experiencing the beauty of the Artist’s handiwork, students are brought into a deeper knowledge of both His nature as well as their place in the reality He has created.

Science III: Chemistry

The study of chemistry shows us that we live in an ordered and meaningful world, constructed by atoms and defined by simple ordered principles. Through an inquiry into the complexity and beauty of God’s creation, the study of chemistry helps foster an appreciation of the organisation that underlies the material world. Although this inquiry seeks the accumulation of scientific knowledge about the principles of chemistry, it also seeks to foster an openness to the mystery of God’s love for creation. Through experiencing the beauty of the Artist’s handiwork, students are brought into a deeper knowledge of both His nature as well as their place in the reality He has created. With this knowledge, they will be able to more fully live out the call to be stewards of the Garden that God has entrusted to humanity.

Science IV: Physics

Classical physics is the culmination of the junior science programme presenting the basics of the most general scientific discipline from the universal to the atomic scale. Within the sphere of science, physics provides us with the unique capacity to analyse the full breadth of the universe, albeit within the limits of scientific understanding. Now, the full depth of mathematical reasoning behind these common physical processes are appreciated, and the relationship between mathematics and measurement; our tool for knowing the world; is explored. A clear understanding of physics is fundamental to further studies in all the technical disciplines, but particularly in the healthcare and technology sectors.

Culture and Art are aspects of our society that have relevance and importance that may often get overlooked. The goal of the art programme at Mater Dei Academy is to introduce the students to not only the history and ideas behind great art but more importantly the practical knowledge and craft of how art is produced and understood. For centuries our faith was taught by using examples of art by producing pictures which illustrated salvation history and eternal truths. As time went on the craft became perfected and was utilized very effectively by the Church for teaching purposes. It also stood as a reminder to us of all the beauty that surrounds us and of the Creator whose work all art echoes . Hence art needs to be cultivated and appreciated. This will be the ultimate purpose of this program, to give the students the tools to confidently create art, and to develop their appreciation, knowledge, enjoyment and sense of taste in the arts.

Art II

This year’s course builds on the solid foundations of observation, drawing and the elements of art studied in year 1. Through this year’s exploration of colour, we are building towards next year’s focus on oil painting and completing their own paintings. Exercises based on study of Celtic and Christian art – illuminated manuscripts, high crosses, knotwork, mosaics and icons – will assist the students in contemplating the changes that took place when the Ancient world gave way to the Christian world, and artists began seeking to evoke spiritual realities.

This course will help the students to gain an understanding of the importance of art and imagination in the Christian tradition. As John Henry Newman tells us, man is more than just a ‘reasoning animal’. The expression of beauty, goodness and truth in art helps to build our faith. Christianity, Newman says, addresses people ‘both through the intellect and through the imagination’ and in this way we come to faith through arguments that are ‘too deep for words’.

Art III

The knowledge and appreciation of colour and form assist us in appreciating the wonder of God’s creation. The study of the Renaissance, that great era of discovery and human development, builds our appreciation of the dignity and capacities of man; God’s greatest creation. Students learn about the potential of art to evoke the wonder of creation and the mysteries of the spiritual world. Learning about great works of this period – Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling, and the work of great masters such as Carravagio, Velazquez, Franz Hals, Rembrant and Vermeer will help us appreciate the critical contribution of the visual arts in the development of human civilisation and culture. This year’s work opens the student to wonder before the beauty and perfection of God’s creation and our part in continuing and echoing His work of Creation. In the words of St John Paul the Great, ‘Through his “artistic creativity” man appears more than ever “in the image of God”.’

Art IV

The Modern era is one of great change in the world of art and culture. Through the birth of Cubism and photography, art was changed forever. Through learning about the game-changing artistic discoveries of Turner and Manet, and the explosion of diverse forms of artistic expression such as performance art, installation, sound based art and conceptual art, students will gain an understanding of the culture they have inherited, and how to engage with it.

As Christians and especially as Catholics, it is critically important to understand this era in which secular culture really began, and in which ideologies such as atheism, fascism and communism impacted world history in such far-reaching and often devastating ways. Students have the opportunity to consider and to understand the art and society of the contemporary world, and this will equip them to engage with and transform the culture, and to become, as John Paul said, the ‘saints of the new millennium.’