Core Values

St Mac Dara’s Community College is a State, Coeducational and Multi Denominational school. Our ethos is underpinned by the core values of Excellence in Education, Care, Respect, Equality and Community.

What is ethos?

Put simply, ethos is how we live, work and relate to each other in our school community. While it encompasses the curriculum and how it is taught, ethos is broader than this. It also relates to shared core values, to the hidden curriculum, to decision making processes and to the relationships that underpin the daily life of school.

Our Core Values:

Excellence includes excellence in education, training, and support. It is underpinned by the core values of care, respect, community, and equality. Excellence encompasses outcomes, experiences, and expectations of people involved.

Care is about the welfare, wellbeing, and safety of all who are involved in education and training. It is exemplified in meaningful relationships, connectedness, and empathy, alongside support and solidarity.

Equality is about treating everyone equally and recognising and celebrating the diversity of those involved in education, training, and youth work. It is exemplified in targeting resources on those who have need and prioritising a culture of inclusion.

Community encompasses learners, their families, staff, and the local communities in which our services are based. It is about having shared vision, values and purpose, a sense of belonging, and a voice that is listened to. It is exemplified in productive collaboration, positive contributions, and effective communication amongst all stakeholders.

Respect is about upholding the dignity, rights, and recognition of the identity and background of all those involved in education, training, and youth work. It is exemplified in relationships between all stakeholders, and decision-making that impacts positively on the rights, feelings, and aspirations of the diversity of people.