Senior School Curriculum
Junior Cycle (1st – 3rd Years)
For students in the Junior Cycle, there is a core curriculum which is studied by all, and an options curriculum from which students can choose those subjects which are in line with their particular abilities and career aspirations.
Students study all subjects in First Year and then make subject choices before entering Second Year and the Junior Certificate as per the option lines below.
The majority of classes are organized on a mixed-ability basis except in the following subjects: Irish, Maths, French and English which are grouped by ability, based on school tests and exams.
Core Subjects:
Irish; English; Maths; French; History; Geography; Science; Religious Education; C.S.P.E.; S.P.H.E., I.T., and Physical Education.
Options:
Art Craft and Design; Spanish, Business, Home Economics; Music, Technical Graphics. (Students select two of these subjects)
Transition Year
Each student pursued courses in the following subjects, which provided academic continuity, although the subjects were taught through a variety of teaching methods. These core subjects studied for the whole year were:
- Irish – 3 classes per week.
- English – 3 classes per week.
- Maths – 3 classes per week.
- French – 3 classes per week.
- Art/Accountancy/Biology/History/Spanish – 4 classes per week.
- Biology/Economics/Physics/Home Economics/Geography
- Chemistry/Business/History/Geography
- Religious Education/Careers – 2 classes per week.
- Religious Education /Choir – 2 classes per week.
- P.E./Music/Technical Drawing/Applied Maths – 4 classes per week
2012 – 2013 : 5 Week Modules – Section 1:
- Chinese Culture
- Personal Finance & Management
- Media Studies
- Health & Safety
5 Week Modules – Section 2:
- Forensic Science
- Public Speaking
- Relationship and Sex Education
- Leadership
5 Week Modules – Section 3:
- Art Appreciation
- Social Development
- Pottery
- Architecture & Conservation
This schedule allows for 1 week of Community Service (December), 2 weeks of Work Experience (Feb/March) and 1 week of outdoor pursuits in Donegal (Feb)
Certification Programme.
During the year, students participated in events/courses leading to certification in:
- Gaisce. (see below)
- Mini Companies.
- Work Experience.
- Kairos Communications Course.
- Rotary: Youth development-leadership competition
- Community Service
- Martial Arts
Certificates for the above will be included in student portfolios, which are presented on Transition Year Evening.
Gaisce:
Students were given the opportunity to challenge for the Bronze Medal Gaisce / The President`s Award.
There are four areas of involvement:
1. Community Involvement: 1 hour per week over 13 weeks
2. Personal Skill: 1 hour per week over 13 weeks
3. Physical Recreation: 1 hour per week over 13 weeks
4. One of the above for an extra 13 weeks
5. Adventurous Activity: 2 days/25-35 km
Senior Cycle (4th, 5th, 6th Years)
For students in the Senior Cycles, there is a core curriculum which is studied by all, and an options curriculum from which students can choose those subjects which are in line with their particular abilities and career aspirations.
Students are encouraged to have decided on their final subject choice for the Leaving Certificate by the end of Transition Year. Classes in Irish, Maths and English are grouped by ability, based on school tests and exams. All other classes are formed on a mixed ability basis.
Core Subjects:
Irish, English, Maths, Religious Education, Physical Education, Careers.
Options:
French, Business, Spanish, Economics, Accountancy, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, Geography Art, Home Economics, Music, Design and Communication Graphics, Applied Mathematics.
