The first pillar
A Classical Education
A formation wholly ordered towards the Truth, following the time-tested path of the classical Trivium.
Ordered towards the Truth
What is Classical Education?
Mater Dei Education provides a classical education. In the vision of St. John Henry Newman, it is a formation wholly ordered towards the Truth, one where “real cultivation of mind” enables “the intellect… properly trained and formed to have a connected view or grasp of things.” Classical education follows this path in search of the Truth, the path which God created us to learn and the path which leads us to virtue.
You will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free (Jn 8:32).
“The sole true end of education is simply this: to teach men how to learn for themselves; and whatever instruction fails to do this is effort spent in vain.”
For every learner
Is Classical Education Right for My Child?
Classical education is suitable for children who struggle with learning as well as for gifted children. It is a proven form of pedagogy which has educated more generations in history than any other methodology. Classical refers to the pedagogy and methodology used as well as to the content.
Classical education works because it goes “with the grain”: it follows the natural development of the child. It encourages children towards mastery by teaching them to think well, write well and speak well. It emphasises the joy of learning and teaching for both parents and children.
Three natural stages of learning
What is the Classical Trivium?
The Classical Trivium describes the three natural developmental learning stages: Grammar, Logic and Rhetoric.
Grammar Stage
The Grammar Stage is the first stage of the Trivium. During the early years, children naturally love learning by heart. Classical education capitalises on this natural love, providing the building blocks of mathematics through the basic “maths facts”. In the English and Irish languages, children learn poems, songs, and grammar rules.
Primary School →Logic Stage
Students at the Logic Stage naturally like to discuss and air their views in an argumentative way. The Logic Stage curriculum takes advantage of this natural inclination by teaching students to structure sound arguments, and to distinguish arguments that are true from those that are false.
Secondary School →Rhetoric Stage
The Rhetoric Stage brings to fruition the classical tools of learning. The student's ability to express themselves correctly, persuasively, and eloquently is refined at this stage.
Leaving Certificate →