Mother praises ‘inclusiveness’ of Navan secondary school

Among those who graduated from St Patrick's Classical School last week was 18-year-old Adam Morgan from Kilmainham, Kells.

Adam, who has Downs Syndrome has just completed six years mainstream education in the Navan school.

A son of Cara and John Morgan, Adam successfully completed five Junior Certificate subjects and enjoyed transition year, earning a Gaisce Award. “Having such a wonderful inclusive school in Navan has been a blessing,” says his proud mother, Cara.

“He was the first boy with Downs Syndrome to attend the school, but now there is another young man who is a student there. A lot of people wouldn't recommend somebody like Adam attending main stream school, but our gut feeling was that he was well able for it – and it was a great success for him.”

Adam had no problems integrating. His classmates voted him student of the year and at their graduation mass last week, he played the bodhrán.

“His three special needs assistants worked above and beyond the call of duty, which contributed towards his success," Cara says.

“The resource team and class teachers worked tirelessly to adapt the curriculum for Adam.

“The whole year of his class mates were always very friendly and welcoming.

“The office staff were very helpful, the caretakers, John and Anthony were always on standby, John Moyles in JM foods was very good and Colm O'Rourke and the vice principals always treated Adam with the upmost respect,” said Cara.

“We are so happy he received such an inclusive education.”

Adam's brother Dylan is a former St Patrick's student and his sister, Emily is a student in Eureka in Kells.

Adam has now applied to the National Learning Network to participate in a three-year course in Navan where he will work on life and employment skills.