Voice, Choice and Flexibility are central to our curriculum planning. Moving into 2nd Year, students will choose to specialise in certain optional subjects and will be provided with more curricular time to focus on the depth of the learning in these subjects.
It is important to note that each of the optional subjects depends on having a minimum number to run the class. Some subjects may not be available going into 2nd Year if there is not sufficient demand for them
Core Subjects
All students study English, Gaeilge, Maths, History and Ethical Education as part of the core curriculum.
Wellbeing
Short courses are provided in CSPE, SPHE and PE. The team in Firhouse ETSS has designed the Let's C! course that is unique to our own school. It will be based on a modular approach and more information is to be found in the Learning in Our School section.
Optional Subjects
Students will get choice here at the end of 1st Year in relation to the subjects they wish to continue with for 2nd and 3rd Year. Students will choose 4 subjects from Business Studies, French (MFL), Geography, Graphics, Home Economics, Music, Science, Visual Art, Wood Technology. To get a greater understanding about how these optional subjects are chosen, check out our video below which explains the process.
CBA Calendar
Assessment in our school is the all day, every day. However, there are specific moments in the school year during 2nd Year and 3rd Year when we capture this assessment and where students receive both feedback and grade descriptors. These are called Classroom Based Assessments and are similar to the assessments students are used to from first year. You can find this year's CBA Calendars in our news section here.
Checkpoint Examinations
In February of 3rd Year, students sit in-class examinations called Checkpoint Exams that reflect the learning of that time. The timetable for the 2023 checkpoint examinations can be seen below. These are reported on in early March each year via VSware.
