THE IRISH EDUCATION SYSTEM
Secondary school education in Ireland consists of a three- year Junior Cycle, followed by a two or three-year Senior Cycle, depending on whether the optional Transition Year is taken.
The Junior Cycle (Years 1, 2 and 3 for students aged 12-15)
Students begin secondary school at age 12 in Year 1. Over these three years, the main objective is for students to complete a broad and balanced curriculum, that includes humanities, languages, science and technology, music and arts, numeracy and literacy, along with electives. They sit a state examination in Third Year called the Junior Cycle Student Award before they proceed to the Senior Cycle.
The Senior Cycle (Years 4, 5 and 6 for students aged 15-18)
The first year of the Senior Cycle is optional and it is called Transition Year (TY). TY provides an opportunity for students to experience a wide range of educational inputs, including work experience, over the course of a year that is free from formal examinations. In Year 5 and 6, students prepare for the terminal university entrance examination called the Leaving Certificate. Students study the core subjects of English, Irish and Maths and choose an additional 3-5 elective subjects from a breadth of 30 subjects. Irish is not compulsory for overseas students provided their primary education up to 11 years of age was received outside Ireland.
The standard academic year begins in September, finishes in June and consists of three terms: Sept – Dec; Jan – April and April – June. We can place a student in any of the years 1-6 and termly placements can also be negotiated.
Junior Cycle Subjects
* An exemption from studying Irish Language is awarded to all our visiting students.
- Please note that each school will offer a selection of the subjects outlined above.
- We will help families choose their subjects once an enrolment has been confirmed.
Senior Cycle Subjects
* An exemption from studying Irish Language is awarded to all our visiting students.
- In general, students take six or more subjects for examination.
- There are additional subjects that are not listed here, but may be available on request, depending on the school
- Schools will also offer their own range of short courses, which may include topics like ‘Personal Finance’, ‘Chinese Language and Culture’ or ‘Web Design’.