The Junior Cycle
The Junior cycle is divided into two groups of subjects
Core Subjects
- Religion
- Irish
- English
- Mathematics
- History
- Geography
- Science
- Civic, Social & Political Education
- Advisory
- Physical Education
- Computers
Choice Subjects
- French
- German
- Business Studies
- Music
- Art
- Material Technology Wood
- Technical Graphics
Incoming first years are required to take all the core subjects. Students who have not studied Irish in primary school should see the Principal. Any other problems regarding core subjects should be brought to the attention of the Principal.
It is strongly recommended that a European language be chosen at Junior Cert level. Practical subjects such as Art, Music, Material Technology Wood and Technical Graphics are good choices if your son is interested in any aspect of these subjects. Some students however make the mistake of thinking that these subjects have no academic side. All practical subjects have an academic content.
Senior Cycle
The Programmes
St Eunan’s offers three different programmes at Senior Cycle. Students may take Transition year or go directly into either of the two Leaving Certificate programmes. The two Leaving Cert programmes are distinct two year courses. The first is the traditional Leaving Certificate and involves taking seven subjects for the purposes of the Leaving Cert examination, along with non-exam subjects already referred to at junior level. The second programme, the Leaving Certificate Applied suits students who do not wish to go on to the academic Leaving Certificate.
Transition Year
Transition Year has a number of advantages for the student. The programme promotes personal, social, educational and vocational development. The programme offers the students a new and varied range of subjects. It gives space for the pupil to learn, mature and develop in the absence of examination pressure. This year provides a bridge to help students make the transition from a highly structured environment to one where they will take greater responsibility for their own learning and decision making. An extra year of maturing is given to the students before choices for the Leaving Cert have to be made. The aims for the year are threefold….
Education for maturity with the emphasis on personal development including social awareness and increased social competence
The promotion of general, technical and academic skills with an emphasis on interdisciplinary and self-directed learning
Education through experience of adult and working life as a basis for personal development and maturity
The Leaving Certificate
Core Subjects
- Religion
- Irish
- English
- Mathematics
- Advisory
- Physical Education
- Career Guidance
Choice Subjects
- French
- German
- Business
- History
- Geography
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Physics & Chemistry
- Biology
- Accounting
- Construction Studies
- Technical Drawing
- Art
- Music
- Computer Science
- Politics and Society
- LC Physical Education
The Leaving Cert Applied Programme
Leaving Cert applied is an alternative to the traditional Leaving certificate programme. It is a two-year programme designed to suit students who do not like academic work or who find it difficult. Students who wish to go to any of the Institutes of Technology may do so by taking a further year in Post-Leaving Cert courses. The course does not suit students who wish to go directly to university
- Each course is designed to last a half-year
- Each course is examined at the end of the half-year and results are carried forward
- Courses are built around projects, tasks and activities
- Preparation for work and work experience is an integral part of the course
- The greater part of the marks are given for work completed during school hours, i.e. Course work, 40% Tasks, 27% & Examinations (written)33%.
Two thirds of the marks are given for work done throughout the two-year programme. Students can achieve grades of Distinction (over 80%), Merit (over 70%) or Pass (over 60%). Leaving Cert applied prepares students for the world of work. There are three main elements of the course…
- Vocational Preparation and Guidance
- Vocational Education
- General Education