Transition Year Subject Preference

25-August-25

Dear parents/guardians,

The school timetable has now been made and we are at subject preference stage. In advance of the TY students returning this week, we need you to rank subjects so that students can get the most subjects they are looking for. We ask that all subject preferences be submitted via VSware by Tuesday 26 August (closes at 23:59 at the end of the day). Below is a useful guide to subject preferences.

What subjects and short courses are available this year?

There are 18 large subjects available and students will do a mix of 6 of these.

Languages Practical Subjects Arts Subjects Social Subjects
French Wood Technology Culture Legal Studies
Spanish (for beginners) Graphics* Film-Making LIFT*
German (for beginners) Home Economics Art Humanities*
Horticulture Theatre Studies Enterprise
Computer Science Young Social Innovators*
Politics

*these subjects have explainers on the bottom of this page

There are also 2 different short courses. Students will do one from each line.

Short Course 1 Options Survival Skills Philosophy Graphic Novels
Short Course 2 Options Dance Climate Action Sign Language

How can I find where to submit the preferences?

  • Go to VSware
  • Click on your child's name
  • Click 'Student Options'

How does the subject preferencing work? What do I have to do with my child?

We ask that you and your child sit down and go through the available subjects and rank them in order of preference. When you have this ranking done, submit it into VSware.

Large Subjects (2 hours per week)
- There are 18 subject options available for this year
- Please rank the top 6 of your choosing in boxes 1-6, then rank the remaining subjects all the way down to 18 in boxes 7-18

Short Course 1
- There are 3 Short Courses available in this band. Please choose the one you want in box 1, followed by a reserve option in box 2

Short Course 2
- There are 3 other Short Courses available in this band. Please choose the one you want in box 1, followed by a reserve option in box 2

Subjects Marked with *

Graphics - A mathematics-focused subject that develops students' practical and cognitive skills in graphical communication, spatial reasoning, and design

Humanities - A mixture of geography and history

LIFT - A student leadership programme where they explore their own leadership development and develop that in a mentor group in the school over the course of the year

Young Social Innovators - A subject that challenges students to identify and address social issues in their communities by creating and implementing innovative, team-based projects.

Mar 17
2026
Bank Holiday
Mar 30
2026
Spring Break
May 01
2026
School Closed
May 04
2026
Bank Holiday
Contact us
Firhouse ETSS
Oldcourt Rd, Ballycullen, Firhouse, Dublin, D24 NY6R
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