The new Junior Cycle features newly developed subjects and short courses, a focus on key skills, student wellbeing and new approaches to assessment and reporting.

In First Year, we place a strong emphasis on transitioning from primary to secondary and we begin to help students develop their own individual and independent learning skills. Students will study six core subjects, have access to wellbeing and other learning experiences, ranging from SPHE to IT Skills, and will spend the first term doing two-week tasters of optional subjects, after which they will choose for themselves the final two subjects they will study for the remainder of their Junior Cycle journey.

In Second and Third Year, students will continue with the same subjects in First Year. We offer access to both Higher and Ordinary Level in any subjects where it is appropriate and we place a strong emphasis on preparing students for their state examinations. We encourage our students to develop key skills and discover what methods of learning work best for them. As part of the new Junior Cycle, the focus on student wellbeing remains constant throughout the three year programme.

Transition Year (TY) is a one-year optional programme which links the Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate. It provides students with an opportunity to learn and engage with their education without the academic pressure of a state exam. The TY programme places on emphasis on discovering or rediscovering an enjoyment of subjects. Students are offered a range of academic, social, cultural, and vocational experiences and we aim to base their learning on activities, projects and experiences.  In addition to school experiences, students will spend three weeks of the academic year participating in external work experience. The TY programme also helps students to make appropriate and relevant choices for Leaving Certificate. 

Leaving Certificate Traditional

The Leaving Certificate is a two-year course of study which completes a young person’s education in Ireland at second-level. It is likely that a senior cycle review will result in some changes to the structure and content of this programme. The Leaving Certificate remains a high-stakes examination which students in our school will sit for the first time in June 2022.

We are committed to preparing our Leaving Certificate students for their state examinations by providing them with key learning and study skills to help them reach their full potential. Students will study three core subjects (English, Maths and Gaeilge) as well as four choice subjects. In addition to preparing students for their exams, we also focus on building their independence, resilience and problem-solving skills to prepare them for life after school. Our main aim in Senior Cycle is to enable students to develop into capable and independent young people who have the confidence and skills to tackle challenges and opportunities they face.

We are always available for consultation to ensure that our students are fully informed to make decisions about their futures.

Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA)

Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) is a two-year self-contained Leaving Certificate Programme aimed at preparing students for adult and working life. The programme sets out to recognise the talents of all students and to provide opportunities for developing personal responsibility, self-esteem and self-knowledge. The programme focuses on the talents of each student and helps students apply what they learn to the real world.  Students spend one day a week outside the classroom participating in work experience. 

The National Framework of Qualifications places the LCA at level 4. LCA students earn up to 200 credits across 4 sessions during the two-year programme. Credits are awarded for key assignments in each course (subject), 7 student tasks and 7 exams. Upon completion of the programme students are awarded a distinction, merit or pass based on credits earned. A student who has been awarded the Leaving Certificate Applied can go onto a wide range of Post-Leaving Certificate courses (PLCs).