All students take the following subjects to examination level:
Irish- unless student has exemption from Department of Education & Skills, English and Maths LCVP (if students have the subject combinations required by Department of Education & Skills.
Options
They also choose four of the following, (one must be French, German, Spanish or Geography): French, German, Spanish, Geography, History, Art, Business, Accounting, Economics, Home Economics, Music, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Design Communication, Graphics, Agricultural Science or Construction Studies.
Students make further subject choices before the start of 5th Year. The greatest possible level of choice is given to students, subject to resources and availability. Preference will be given on a first come first served basis, where there are limits on class size. Preference regarding subject choice is given to students currently enrolled before students applying for enrolment. Changes in subject choice are permitted when there is available space in the subject- this is subject to the approval of the Principal/Deputy Principal. Irish, English and Maths are organised into higher and ordinary level groups. The decision regarding assignment of students to classes is made by the Principal/Deputy Principal.
English
Leaving Certificate English invites students into rich experiences with language so that they become fluent and thoughtful users of it and more aware of its significance in their lives. It develops a range of literacy and oral skills in a variety of areas, personal, social, and cultural. Students develop a wide range of skills and concepts.
These will allow them to interpret and enjoy a range of material so that they become independent learners who can operate independently in the world beyond the school.
Leaving Certificate English is assessed at two levels, Ordinary and Higher level.
Gaeilge
Leaving Certificate Irish builds upon the language developed during Junior Cycle. All four language skills are further developed in order to enable the learner take an active part in the bilingual society in which we live in today in Ireland. The learner is encouraged to develop and share her/his views on a range of topics. The learner is also prepared during Senior Cycle for further study in or through Irish.
Irish is assessed at three levels i.e. Foundation Level, Ordinary Level or Higher Level. The learner’s oral competency is assessed around Easter of the final year, in an oral examination worth 40%, at each level, of the overall mark, and the other three skills are assessed in June. Aspects of literary works must be studied at Ordinary Level while at Higher Level these same works and additional material must be studied in greater detail.
Mathematics
Mathematics at Senior Cycle builds on the learning at Junior Cycle and develops mathematical knowledge, skills and understanding needed for continuing education, life and work. Through their study of mathematics, students develop a flexible, disciplined way of thinking which enables them to solve problems in mathematical and real world contexts.
The syllabus is provided at three levels – Higher, Ordinary and Foundation level and is also assessed at these levels. There are two examination papers at each level.