Merlin College?

penguee

I would be grateful if you could advice me about merlin college in galway. I am new to galway and hope to start my daughter in 1st year in the city. As I live on the east side of galway I have been advised by friends to send her here but I know nothing about it as it's relatively new. Any advice much appreciated

Mrs OBumble

Well designed buildings, lots of really facilities.

Run by the VEC.

I've heard good things about the principal.

It's a multi-cultural neighbourhood - but don't let that put you off. Many of the immigrants there are qualified themselves, and have very high expectations for their kids.

biko

Coláiste Mhuirlinne is also mentioned in an older thread here

fergiesfolly

My daughter is a second year student here and she's very happy with the school, as are we.
Youngish, enthusiastic teaching staff, forward thinking principal, great facilities(took the tour, the day the school opened and was actually jealous of the pupils going there) and support structures.
John Cleary is the principal there and he's very easy to talk to, if you have any questions about the school.
Good luck

Lapin

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

Well designed buildings, lots of really facilities.

Run by the VEC.

I've heard good things about the principal.

It's a multi-cultural neighbourhood - but don't let that put you off. Many of the immigrants there are qualified themselves, and have very high expectations for their kids.

Wow.

Mrs OBumble

Lapin wrote: »

Wow.

I'm not sure why that gets a "wow".

It's pretty well known that some people in this country actively avoid multi-ethnic school and neighbourhoods. If you're looking for evidence, take a look at the demand for Gaelscoil places in the last 15 years or so.

gordongekko

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

I'm not sure why that gets a "wow".

It's pretty well known that some people in this country actively avoid multi-ethnic school and neighbourhoods. If you're looking for evidence, take a look at the demand for Gaelscoil places in the last 15 years or so.

I thought the demand for gaelscoils had to do with a wish to learn Irish, not due to racism . I suppose I learn something new everyday.

galwaycyclist

gordongekko wrote: »

I thought the demand for gaelscoils had to do with a wish to learn Irish, not due to racism . I suppose I learn something new everyday.

It nevertheless remains a curious fact that the gaelscoils are percieved to have a much lower proportion of "new Irish" in attendance.

It is inevitable that some would speculate that this "exclusivity" would be attractive to some parents.

It is also inevitable that in some cases this speculation would be bang on the money.

_Whimsical_

gordongekko wrote: »

I thought the demand for gaelscoils had to do with a wish to learn Irish, not due to racism . I suppose I learn something new everyday.

It's not racism as such, sometimes it's practical to recognise different communities might have different needs.
There are some city schools in ireland where they teach English as a foreign language to children instead of covering the english curriculum set out by the department of education. Having a large proportion of children in a class from other countries with limited english language skills require that very basic english literacy must be prioritised. There are families who prefer to speak their native tongue at home together than english even after years living here for example.You cant really expect those kids to come to school with the same fluency to tackle subjects that an Irish child has. Catering for very diverse needs in a class often means bright kids don't get challenged or an opportunity to reach their potential. You can't discount that influence if you're deciding what's best for your child. It's definitely one if the reasons parents prefer gaelscoils. I think I'd probably consider it if I had kids.

penguee

Thanks for responses. I don't mind that it's multi- cultural. Is discipline good and high standards of education? I know there are bullying issues in all schools but is it taken seriously here? What's the curriculum like?? Thanks.

biko

Tbh, you should contact the school and arrange a meet, if you haven't already.

Bubosw

Colaiste na Coiribe have moved some years of their students up to this school until their new building is ready. In my opinion, it sounds like a good vec school and by all accounts very progressive:)

JohnCleary

The principal (not me!) is good for responding to e-mails. Address can be gotten by searching for 'Secondary School Galway list'

penguee

Thanks for responses about Merlin College. It sounds very promising. I just learned that they're having an Open Night on the 23rd October for next years intake of 1st Years. Just thought some of you may wish to know this. I will certainly be checking it out for my daughter as I've heard lots of good things since also by Galway people in the area.

civis_liberalis

penguee wrote: »

I will certainly be checking it out for my daughter as I've heard lots of good things since also by Galway people in the area.

I haven't any connection with the area myself, but I know that the facilities up at Merlin College are being put to great use by some sports groups outside of the school.

Seems to be really knitting the community together.

penguee

Thanks for advice about Merlin College. I took it up and got sorted. Unfortunately, a friend of mine was late applying and has had to be put on a waiting list as they're FULL for 1st Year 2015/16. I'm really glad as it's obviously in demand and has a great rep already but should there be another school in Galway or should they take more students do you think?

shenanagans

penguee wrote: »

Thanks for advice about Merlin College. I took it up and got sorted. Unfortunately, a friend of mine was late applying and has had to be put on a waiting list as they're FULL for 1st Year 2015/16. I'm really glad as it's obviously in demand and has a great rep already but should there be another school in Galway or should they take more students do you think?

Can't see Galway city getting any more new school since the new Colaiste Na Coiribe school is under construction and Merlin & Claregalway schools were opened recently. There are merging schools in the city due to poor numbers (Pres & Mercy) and the numbers going to St Mary's has also fallen in recent years.