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My Alpha

Welcome to the Convent of Mercy Academy "Alpha"

The Convent of Mercy Academy is A Sisters of Mercy sponsored Institution in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kingston. We are one of seven Mercy Schools in Jamaica, five of which comprise The 'Alpha' Group of Schools housed at 26 South Camp Road in Kingston and are also members of the Mercy Education System of the Americas ( MESA)
CMA "Alpha" Overview

How to Get Ready for a New Semester

A back to school guide for Jamaican high school students

A new semester is a fresh start. The students who do best are not always the ones who study the longest. They are the ones who start prepared, stay consistent, and use time wisely. Here is a simple, practical way to get yourself ready from day one.

1) Reset your mindset and set a direction

Before you buy supplies or make a timetable, decide what success looks like this term.

  • Pick one main goal for each subject (example: raise Math by 10 percent, improve English essays, pass Chemistry).

  • Write two habits you will commit to (example: revise 30 minutes daily, complete homework the same day).

  • Decide what you will stop doing (example: last minute cramming, missing deadlines, studying with too many distractions).

A clear direction makes every decision easier.

2) Audit last term and identify your weak spots

Do not carry the same problems into a new term.

  • Look at your report and note which topics gave you trouble.

  • Write a short list of what went wrong (time management, missing notes, not enough practice, poor attendance, distractions).

  • Choose one improvement per problem (example: past paper practice twice weekly, ask teacher for help early, attend extra lessons).

This turns last term into a lesson, not a burden.

3) Organize your school materials like a system

Being organized saves time every single day.

  • Label books and folders by subject.

  • Store SBAs and handouts in one safe place.

  • Set up a simple digital folder on your phone or laptop for notes and PDFs.

  • Keep a small “school kit” ready (pens, pencils, ruler, calculator, flash drive if needed).

You should be able to find anything in under one minute.

4) Build a weekly study plan before school gets busy

A timetable is your control tool, not a punishment.

  • Put in fixed items first (school, chores, church, sports, extra lessons).

  • Add study blocks in the remaining time.

  • Rotate subjects and include practice subjects often (Math, Physics, Accounts).

  • Include at least one catch up block each week.

Consistency beats intensity.

5) Prepare your study space

Your environment affects your focus.

  • Clear your desk or a quiet corner at home.

  • Keep only what you need nearby.

  • Reduce distractions by putting your phone out of reach during study blocks.

  • If home is noisy, use earphones for low distraction sounds or study at a calmer time.

Small changes can produce big improvements.

6) Get ahead by reviewing key topics early

Starting with a quick review makes classes feel easier.

  • Re read last term notes for each subject.

  • Make a one page summary for important topics.

  • Practise a few questions from each area so your brain warms up.

When the teacher starts the new unit, you will understand faster.

7) Get your sleep and routines under control

Many students struggle because their body is tired, not because the work is too hard.

  • Begin sleeping earlier at least one week before school starts.

  • Eat properly and drink water, especially on long days.

  • Plan mornings so you are not rushing and stressed before first period.

Your energy level is part of your academic strategy.

8) Communicate early with teachers and parents

Support works best when it starts early.

  • Tell your parents or guardian what your goals are.

  • If a subject is difficult, speak with the teacher in the first two weeks.

  • If you need extra help, ask about extra lessons, practice resources, or study groups.

Strong students ask questions before they fall behind.

9) Track deadlines from day one

CSEC and CAPE success often comes down to managing SBAs and deadlines.

  • Write down all SBA dates and major tests as soon as you get them.

  • Break SBAs into weekly steps so you never panic near the deadline.

  • Check your planner every night.

If you manage deadlines, you reduce stress and improve performance.

Closing note

A new semester is a chance to start smarter. Organize your materials, plan your time, protect your focus, and build strong routines. If you do the simple things consistently, your grades and confidence will rise.

Academy News

Overview

At Alpha, students are exposed to a variety of subject disciplines at each grade level.  The academic programme is enhanced by the multi-faceted resources of the School Library with its reference materials, cyber café and audio-visual facility.
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History

The Convent of Mercy Academy "Alpha," commonly known as Alpha Academy, is a prominent Roman Catholic high school for girls in Kingston, Jamaica. Its history is deeply intertwined with the religious and social mission of the Sisters of Mercy. 
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Who we are

Excellence, justice, and service, guided by their motto Ad Verum et Bonum (To the True and the Good), empowered the Academy to contribute positively to Jamaica and the world.
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Student Life

Student life at Convent of Mercy Academy 'Alpha' (Alpha Academy) is a blend of strong academic focus, holistic development, and rich spiritual values, characterized by vibrant arts/sports, dedicated teachers, and a supportive community focused on character building, alongside activities like debating, music, dance, and community service, fostering well-rounded "women of worth"
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Campus Information

Address: 26 S Camp Rd, Kingston Phone: (876) 928-1342 Hours: 8:00 am - 2:30 PM (Mons-Fri)
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Academy Events

CMA Programmes

At CMA "Alpha" we prepare ladies to prepare for the tertiary life by providing a supportive, creative, and professional environment from which to learn practical skills, build a network of industry contacts, and gain real-world experience. We’re now 131 years into our experiment and incredibly proud of the outcome. We’ve educated over 140,000 students between 1894-present through in-person programs.

Business Studies

The Business Studies Department seeks to equip students with the business knowledge, technological skills and the cultural awareness needed to become successful businesspersons and entrepreneurs. The team of six (6) competent and dedicated teachers provides them with information on how to establish and manage a business’s operational and financial activities in a positive atmosphere generated by a team of dedicated and qualified staff. The department continues to excel at the CAPE and CSEC level where most subjects obtain 100% passes in external examinations.

The Visual Art Department

The Visual Art Department encompasses of three areas: art, craft and design. Under the stewardship of our three qualified and experienced teachers, we ensure students are given theoretical and practical activities. These activities are within the conceptual frame work that expresses the relationship between the students and the cultural, social and physical environment.

Geography

Geography is the study of diverse features of the earth and not only prepares an individual for a career in related fields, but also helps to develop skills which contribute to more meaningful and enjoyable travel and related leisure activities.
Sciences

Home Economics

The Home Economics department is located to the east of the Alpha campus. It comprises five talented and highly motivated teachers. The department offers Food and Nutrition to the CAPE level, Home Economics Management to CSEC level, Food and Nutrition and Home Economics Management to third forms and Home and Family Management to first and second forms.

Information Technology

The Information Technology Department is one of the core departments at the Convent of Mercy Academy. It consists of competent teachers who together represent over 35 years of teaching experience in the content matter. The department has gained recognition at least five times since 2004, from both the Scientific Research Council in Jamaica and Caribbean Examination Body for the outstanding performance of its students in external examination.

Mathematics

The Mathematics Department at the Convent of Mercy Academy is dedicated to providing high quality teaching through commitment and integrity by providing our students with more interesting ways of learning this engaging subject. We accomplish this by utilizing the Problem Solving and Technological Approach.

Modern Languages

The Modern Languages Department is focused on developing students’ ability to communicate in two of the languages used in the Caribbean region. As they develop their competence in the four basic language skills – listening, speaking, writing and culture they will be equipped to meet the needs of living, studying and working in a multilingual region and a culturally diverse world.

Science

The Science Department at the Convent of Mercy Academy consists of eight teachers and one lab technician. The aim of the department is to stimulate an interest in Science while strengthening analytical skills as well as developing an appreciation for the environment. The department has attained relative success where most subjects gaining 80-90% pass rates in external examinations.

Physical Education

The Physical Education Department serves as a vital and integral part of students’ life on campus. The mission of the department is to provide an enjoyable, quality, competitive and team oriented sporting program where students and teachers/coaches interact to assist the girls’ physical, intellectual and emotional development within the school and the wider sporting community. The primary direction is to provide services and programmes that stimulate growth, development and retention of students in a contemporary and safe environment that develops fitness and wellness, social interaction, leadership and career opportunities.

History

As a Department, we are committed to making our students aware of our origins, the forces which led to the forced movement of our descendants from their ancestral homes to the Caribbean and our struggle for Independence from Colonialism.

English

Language is the key to every Culture known to man and literature captures the essence of human experience in every Culture. This Department’s Mission is to cultivate in our students literacy and analytical skills in creative ways so that they can express themselves with clarity, precision and style both in writing and in verbal communication. More importantly, we encourage our girls to recognize the beauty of language and its use to capture the human experience in imagery, simile, metaphor and other figures of speech and to express their experiences in stylish and creative ways.

Scholarship Programs

At CMA "Alpha", we prepare you to launch your career by providing a supportive, creative, and professional environment from which to learn practical skills and build a network of industry contacts.
Financial Aid