Junior Cycle comprises the first three years of post primary education.

 

Our students study the following core examination subjects;

Irish, English, Mathematics, Classics, History, Geography, Music, Science and Chinese. They also choose one option from each of the following lines:

  • Art, Business or Home Economics
  • French or Spanish

Chinese has an external accreditation and this is provided in conjunction with the Confucius Institute in UCD.

Non examination subjects are Religious Education, Physical Education, CSPE and SPHE (Social Personal and Health Education).

ENGLISH

English is a core subject. ย  The study of English emphasises the development of a range of literacy and oral skills in a variety of domains, personal, social and cultural. ย Students learn to interpret, compose, discriminate and evaluate a wide range of materials. ย Students engage with the voice of literature, learn to dialogue critically with it and come to understand its significance and value.

Time allocation

160 minutes weekly.
In the New Junior Cycle, English is timetabled for four periods per week.
In Transition Year, English is timetabled for three periods a week.
In the Senior Cycle, English is timetabled for five periods a week.

English is taught in a mixed ability setting in First and Second year. All students are encouraged to take the Higher Level paper. ย From Third Year on, classes are designated Higher and Ordinary according to the course being followed for the State Examinations.[

Ongoing assessment is an integral part of the learning process. ย  ย Students also have formal in-house examinations in November, February, and May. ย In Third Year and Sixth Year, students complete Mock Examinations in February. ย The Junior Certificate Examination and Leaving Certificate Examination take place in June.

A wide variety of extra- curricular activities take place in all years including debating, theatre visits, cinema visits and film screenings, public speaking, writing competitions, poetry competitions and spelling competitions. The use of I.C.T (Information and Communication Technology) as a teaching tool is used frequently in the classroom.

NCCA subject fact sheet

GAEILGE

Irish is a core subject. The study of Irish emphasises the development of oral, aural, reading and writing skills and also gives students an insight into Irish literature.

Time allocation

160 minutes weekly.
In First and Second Year, Irish is timetabled for four periods per week.
In Third Year, Irish is timetabled for five periods per week.
In Transition Year, Irish is timetabled for four periods a week.
In the Senior Cycle, Irish is timetabled for five periods a week.

Class organisation

Irish is taught in a mixed ability setting in First Year. From Second Year on, classes are designated Higher and Ordinary according to the course being followed for the State Examinations. All students are encouraged to take the Higher Level paper.ย [/su_spoiler]

Assessment

Ongoing assessment is an integral part of the learning process.ย  Students also have formal in-house examinations in November, February and May.ย  In Third Year and Sixth Year, students complete Mock Examinations in February. Leaving Certificate students complete the Oral component of the Leaving Certificate Examination around Easter each year.ย  The State Examination Commission confirms the date of the oral examination each year.ย  The Junior Certificate Examination and Leaving Certificate Examination take place in June.

A wide variety of extra- curricular activities take place in all years including Club Na Gaeilge, debating, theatre visits and film screenings. During Seachtain na Gaeilge, students take part in cรฉili dancing, table quizzes and other activities “as Gaeilge”.

The use of I.C.T (Information and Communication Technology) as a teaching tool is used frequently in the classroom.ย NCCA subject fact sheet

MATHEMATICS

Mathematics is a core subject at Junior Cycle, Transition Year and Senior Cycle levels.

Time Allocation

First Year students are timetabled for four 40 minute class periods per week.
Second and Third Year students are timetabled for five 40 minute class periods per week.
Transition Year students are timetabled for four 40 minute class periods per week.
Fifth and Sixth year students are timetabled for five 40 minute class periods per week.[/su_spoiler]

Class Allocation

All First Year classes are mixed ability. After First Year students are divided into Higher and Ordinary Level classes. All students are encouraged to take the Higher Level paper.

Assessment

All classes have formal in-house examinations in February and in May. Third and Sixth Year students have Mock Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate examinations in February. Continuous informal assessment is carried out throughout the year by means of class tests and homework.
The use of I.C.T (Information and Communication Technology) as a teaching tool is used frequently in the classroom.

NCCA subject fact sheet

FRENCH

The study of French aims to foster communicative skills in the target language. It is developed in an integrated manner through listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students learn to extract information and derive enjoyment from a wide range of materials including the mass media and the more accessible French literature. Students are equipped with a broad acquaintance of the cultural, social and political complexion of France. The target language is used in class as far as possible.
The use of I.C.T (Information and Communication Technology) as a teaching tool is used frequently in the classroom.

Time allocation

All class periods are 40 minutes.
From First to Fourth Year, French is timetabled for three periods per week
In the Senior Cycle, French is timetabled for five periods a week.

Class organisation

French is taught in a mixed ability setting in First and Second year. All students are encouraged to take the Higher Level paper. The majority take Higher Level in the Junior Certificate Examination. From Third Year on, classes are designated Higher and Ordinary, according to the course being followed for the State Examination.

Assessment

There is on-going assessment, which is an integral part of the learning process. Students also have formal in-house examinations in February and in May. In Third and Sixth year, students complete Mock Examinations in February. The Oral component of the Leaving Certificate Examination takes place in the last term. ย The dates for the examination are decided by the State Examination Commission. ย The Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate Examination take place in June.

Other Information

There is active involvement in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities, to support the teaching and learning of French. These include French Debating competitions, French Theatre and visits to the I.F.I for screenings of French films. Students are also encouraged to participate in relevant cultural events at the Alliance Francaise.

NCCA subject fact sheet

Spanish

The study of Spanish aims to foster communicative skills in the target language. It is developed in an integrated manner through listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students learn to extract information and derive enjoyment from a wide range of materials. Students are equipped with a broad acquaintance of the cultural, social and political complexion of Spain. The target language is used in class as far as possible.
The use of I.C.T (Information and Communication Technology) as a teaching tool is used frequently in the classroom.

Time allocation

All class periods are 40 minutes.
From First to Fourth Year, Spanish is timetabled for three periods per week
In the Senior Cycle, Spanish is timetabled for five periods a week.

Class organisation

Spanish is taught in a mixed ability setting in First and Second year. All students are encouraged to take the Higher Level paper. The majority take Higher Level in the Junior Certificate Examination. From Third Year on, classes are designated Higher and Ordinary, according to the course being followed for the State Examination.

Assessment

There is on-going assessment, which is an integral part of the learning process. Students also have formal in-house examinations in February and in May. In Third and Sixth year, students complete Mock Examinations in February. The Oral component of the Leaving Certificate Examination takes place in the last term. ย The dates for the examination are decided by the State Examination Commission. ย The Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate Examination take place in June.

Other Information

There is active involvement in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities, to support the teaching and learning of Spanish.

CHINESE

Chinese is taught for 80 minutes weekly for all students at Junior Cycle. We believe that China will increasingly become a more important political and economic player on the world stage and as such we wish to provide our students with a rudimentary exposure to the building b locks of the language.

We regularly sit YCT and HSK exams in order to attaining external accreditation. Chinese is assessed in school in the same way as all other subjects.

GEOGRAPHY

Geography is concerned with the study of people and their environment. The study of Geography helps students to develop an understanding of their physical and human surroundings and the changing interrelationships between the physical and human worlds. The broad nature of both the Junior and Leaving Certificate courses enables students to develop a wide range of skills that can be applied to the world of work and many other aspects of life. Students learn how to analyse, evaluate and present information through the study of maps, photographs, statistical figures.
Geography is a compulsory / core subject on the Junior Cycle curriculum.
At Senior Cycle level, Geography is offered as an option.

In the Junior Cycle, students have three single class periods per week in First Year, Second Year and Third Year.ย  All single classes are of forty minutes duration.
In Transition Year, students have one double class (duration 80 minutes) per week. In the Senior Cycle, students have five Geography classes each week in both Fifth Year and Sixth Year. This is allocated as one double class of 80 minutes and three 40 minute classes.

Class organisation

At Junior Certificate level students are allocated according to their class groups on the school roll. This means all Geography classes are mixed ability. All students are prepared for and encouraged to take the Higher Level paper. In Transition Year, students are allocated to a class according to their class grouping on the school roll. The groups are mixed ability and all students follow a common programme. At Leaving Certificate level, students are allocated to a class according to their choice on a subject option line. ย This normally results in mixed ability groups. The use of I.C.T (Information and Communication Technology) as a teaching tool is used frequently in the classroom.

Assessment

Students are assessed each day in class and given regular written homework and class tests. In-house examinations are held in November, February and May. All students in a particular year sit the same in-house test paper. Third Year and Sixth Year students sit Mock Examinations in February. Third and Sixth years sit the State Examinations in June.
The Transition Year programme includes a continuous assessment component. Particular exercises are graded and contribute to the mark received on reports.

Leaving Certificate Practical

Twenty percent of a Leaving Certificate studentโ€™s final result is allocated to a practical component called the โ€˜Geographical Investigation.โ€™
Each year the State Examination Commission provides a list of six topics from which the teacher / student selects one. In Jesus and Mary College, as in most schools, the teacher makes the selection and all geography students work on the same topic. Group work is permitted but each student must write up her own report. The report is submitted in the April of the year in which the student is sitting the final exam. Our Lady’s Grove students usually complete a river or coastal study. This involves a day spent gathering data at the coastal or the river location selected for study.

NCCA subject fact sheet

HISTORY

History is a core subject at Junior Certificate level and an optional subject at Leaving Certificate level. The study of History focuses on developing studentsโ€™ research skills by developing a critical analysis of primary and secondary sources. The importance of understanding the causes and outcomes of Irish and international events is central to the teaching and learning of History in Our Lady’s Grove

Time allocation

All periods are 40 minutes
In First Year, History is timetabled for four periods per week
In Second and Third Year, History is timetabled for three periods per week
In Transition Year, History is timetabled for two periods per week
In Fifth and Sixth Year, History is timetabled for five periods per week

Class organisation

History is taught in a mixed ability setting in all classes from Junior Cycle through Senior Cycle. All students are encouraged to take the Higher Level paper in the Junior and Leaving Certificate Examinations.

Assessment

Assessment is essential in achieving the desired learning outcomes as outlined in the Junior and Leaving Certificate syllabuses. All students have formal examinations in November, February, and in May. All Third and Sixth Year students have Mock Examinations in February. In Sixth Year students submit their research topic booklet in April. Junior and Leaving Certificate students sit their State Examinations in June.

Other Information

Students are encouraged to compile a vast array of their own historical resources. A wide range of extra-curricular events are incorporated into the teaching and learning of History. Field trips to historical sites, an in-school Classical and Historical society, cinema visits, the national research topic competition, the History Teachers table quiz are all provided to enhance the students experience and understanding of the importance of History. ย The use of I.C.T (Information and Communication Technology) as a teaching tool is used frequently in the classroom.

NCCA subject fact sheet

Classics

Classics is a core subject at Junior Certificate level and an optional subject at Leaving Certificate level. The study of Classics focuses on the extensive contribution of the ancient civilisations of Greece and Rome on our heritage and culture.ย Students engage with mythology, literature, history, art & architecture, philosophy and drama.

Time allocation

All periods are 40 minutes
In First Year, Classics is timetabled for three periods per week
In Second and Third Year, Classics is timetabled for three periods per week
In Transition Year, Classics is timetabled for three periods per week
In Fifth and Sixth Year, History is timetabled for five periods per week

Class organisation

Classics is taught in a mixed ability setting in all classes from Junior Cycle through Senior Cycle. All students are encouraged to take the Higher Level paper in the Junior and Leaving Certificate Examinations.

Assessment

Assessment is essential in achieving the desired learning outcomes as outlined in the Junior and Leaving Certificate syllabuses. All students have formal examinations in February, and in May. All Third and Sixth Year students have Mock Examinations in February. In Sixth Year students submit their research topic booklet in April. Junior and Leaving Certificate students sit their State Examinations in June.

Other Information

Students are encouraged to compile a vast array of their own historical resources. A wide range of extra-curricular events are incorporated into the teaching and learning of Classics. Field trips to historical sites, an in-school Classical and Historical society, cinema visits,ย  are all provided to enhance the students experience and understanding of the importance of Classics. ย The use of I.C.T (Information and Communication Technology) as a teaching tool is used frequently in the classroom.

BUSINESS

(Business Studies, Accounting and Economics)
The Business subjects are optional. The study of Business contributes to a balanced and appropriate education. It develops habits and methods of investigation, analysis and problem solving skills. It encourages initiative and self-reliance in the student. It provides the student with an appropriate level of economic/business literacy.

Time allocation

All class periods are 40 minutes.
In the Junior Cycle Business Studies is timetabled for three periods per week.
In Transition Year Business Studies for two class periods on a modular basis.
In the Senior Cycle Accounting is timetabled for five class periods.
In the Senior Cycle Economics is timetabled for five class periods.

Class organisation

All the Business subjects are taught in a mixed ability setting. All students are encouraged to take the Higher Level paper for the Junior and Leaving Certificate.

Assessment

Ongoing assessment is an integral part of the learning process. Students also have formal in-house examinations in November, February and in May. In Third Year and Sixth Year, students complete the Mock Examinations in February. The Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate Examination takes place in June.
Other Information
Visiting speakers are a part of the Business Programme i.e. Economists to speak to Leaving Certificate Economics students. The use of I.C.T (Information and Communication Technology) as a teaching tool is used frequently in the classroom.

NCCA subject fact sheet

HOME ECONOMICS

Home Economics is an option subject. It is an inter-disciplinary subject, which concerns itself with the empowerment of individuals and families for the betterment of family and community life. It combines theory with practice to enable students manage their resources to meet physical, emotional, intellectual, social and economic needs.
It is unique in being the only school subject which concerns itself with teaching and learning about human relationships and development, resource management, diet, nutrition and health, culinary skills, clothing and shelter, food choices and the influences and trends in consumer behaviour.
As important health and lifestyle choices are made during childhood and adolescence it is essential that young people be guided towards the healthier option. Home economics positively influences students to make the right choices.

Time allocation

This subject is offered to Junior Certificate students for four classes (one double โ€“ 80 minutes and two singles โ€“ 40 minutes each).
An eight week Food Studies module is offered to Transition Year students for one double class a week.
The time allocated for the Leaving Certificate course is one double class (80 minutes) and three single classes (40 minutes each).

Class organisation

Classes are mixed ability at Junior and Senior cycle. All students are encouraged to take the Higher Level paper in this subject

Assessment

In-house examinations take place in February and in May.
Mock Examinations for Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate students take place in February. The Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate is examined in June.
There is an assessment of practical work at both Junior and Senior level.

Junior Certificate

The practical work accounts for 50% of the Junior Certificate grade at this level. 15% of the mark is allocated for completion of a craft item. 35% is allocated for a practical cookery exam. The practical work is completed and assessed before the written examination in June. The cookery examination takes place in the school and is assessed by an Inspector appointed by the State Examinations Commission.

Leaving Certificate

The practical work at this level accounts for 20% of the total Leaving Certificate mark. The students complete 6 food studies assignments. A detailed written account of each assignment is submitted to the State Examinations Commission in the first term of Sixth year for assessment.

Facilities

The school has a modern, fully equipped kitchen, which complies fully with all health and safety guidelines.[/su_spoiler]

NCCA subject fact sheet

MUSIC

Music is a core subject at Junior Cycle level and an optional subject at Senior Cycle Level. The study of Music provides a general education in music for all students, and gives all students a basis for a lifelong leisure interest whether or not they proceed to further study or a career in music.
The study of Music encourages the development of musical creativity, sensitivity and potential through active involvement in performing, composing and listening to music.

Time allocation

All class periods are 40 minutes.
Junior Cycle (Year 1) Music is timetabled for two periods per week
Junior Cycle (Year 2) Music is timetabled for three periods per week
Junior Cycle (Year 3) Music is timetabled for three periods per week

In the Senior Cycle, Music is timetabled for five periods a week.

Class organisation

Music is taught in a mixed ability setting in the Junior Cycle. ย All students are encouraged to take the Higher Level paper. The use of I.C.T (Information and Communication Technology) as a teaching tool is used frequently in the classroom.[/su_spoiler]

Assessment

Ongoing assessment is an integral part of the learning process. ย  ย Students also have formal in house examinations in November, February and in May. ย In Third Year and Sixth Year, students complete Mock Examinations in February. Students in Third and Sixth Year also have Mock Practical exams. The Junior Certificate Examination and Leaving Certificate Examination take place in June.

Other Information

Senior and Junior Choirs are encouraged every year. Students have many opportunities to perform in school events during every academic year. These include Opening of school year Mass, Open Evening, November Remembrance Evening, Christmas Carols, Emmanuel Project and Choral competitions.

NCCA subject fact sheet

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

All students study Religious Education (R.E.).ย  The school year also follows the liturgical calendar with liturgical celebrations in September, November, December and May. ย R.E. classes take place in a dual purpose music and religion classroom.

Time allocation

All class periods are forty minutes. Throughout the school all classes are timetabled for two class periods a week.

Class organisation

R.E. non examination classes are mixed ability. ย All students who take R.E. as an examination are encouraged to take the Higher Level paper.

Other Information

Students do considerable amount of charitable work and fund raising for causes such as the D.S.P.C.A., Aliceโ€™s Wonderland, Breast Cancer Awareness, Suicide Prevention and many more.

NCCA subject fact sheet

SCIENCE

Science is a core subject at Junior Cert level and optional at Leaving Certificate. Science is divided into three different areas; Chemistry, Physics and Biology.
For the Junior Certificate students study all three. The basis of Science is experimental work. Students are encouraged to test their own ideas and record their observations. This experimentation supports their learning throughout their Junior Certificate.

In Transition Year all students study Science. For the first term, students develop projects for the BT Young Scientist, Scifest and Our Lady’s Grove Science Exhibition. Students work on their presentation, communication and research skills. In the second and third terms students rotate between the three different areas of science.
In Senior Cycle, students choose their options. Chemistry, Physics and Biology are offered every year. Classes are facilitated depending on the number of students that choose the subject. The use of I.C.T (Information and Communication Technology) as a teaching tool is used frequently in the classroom.

Time allocation

Students have two forty minute classes and one double class every week in First, Second and Third Year. Fourth Year science consists of one double class a week. In Senior Cycle students are timetabled for three single classes of forty minutes and one double class of eighty minutes.

Class organisation

All classes in Science are mixed ability and all students are encouraged to take the Higher Level paper.[/su_spoiler]

Assessment

There is on-going assessment, which is an integral part of the learning process. Students also have formal in-house examinations in November, February and in May. In Third and Sixth year, students complete Mock Examinations in February. The Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate Examination take place in June. Students are also assessed on their practical work.

Facilities

The Science Department consists of two fully equipped science laboratories; a ย Biological Laboratory and a Physics/Chemistry Laboratory. Both laboratories have the latest IT equipment including an interactive whiteboard.

NCCA subject fact sheet

ART

Art is an optional subject in Our Lady’s Grove.
The subject Art enables the student to enquire, be informed, and be able to discriminate in the visual, tactile and spatial world. Each student develops their personal identity and self-esteem by expressing and communicating in visual ways using art, craft and design skills. Students also have the opportunity to evaluate their own artwork and the artwork of others.
The development of the skills of visual language, recording, problem solving, timekeeping, and personal expression are at the core of this subject.
The study of artworks, artists and their approaches enhances the studentsโ€™ experience of human life on all levels, conscious and subconscious, physical, spiritual, intellectually, emotionally, and socially. Students learn to understand the historical, cultural, economic, social and personal responses in art, craft, and design and the role of visual images in everyday life. An awareness of the natural, built, and social environment in which the student lives is also explored.

Time allocation

First, Second and Third Years have four 40 minute classes per week – two single periods and one double period. All classes are practical.

Transition Years have one scheduled class.

Fifth and Sixth Years have five 40 minutes classes per week – three of these classes are single and are dedicated to Art History and Appreciation and Observational Drawing. The double class is always practical.
A Gallery/Museum field trip takes place during the year.

Class organisation

Students self-select this subject from an option subject list before they begin 1st Year and 5th year. All 4th Years take this subject.
Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate students self-select an option for their Projects/Craftwork from the following list: Batik, Block Printmaking, Bookcrafts, Calligraphy, Embroidery, Fabric Print, Graphic Design, Model Making, Modelling, Packaging, Pottery/Ceramics, Puppetry, Set Design, Screen Print / Stencil Printing, Soft Sculpture, Toy Making.
All students are encouraged to opt for this subject. All students are accepted in the Art Class regardless of ability or needs. All Art classes are mixed ability. All students are encouraged to take the higher level paper based upon past house exam results and in consultation with the Teacher.

Assessment

Practical and written class work, class tests, and homework are corrected, returned and recorded in the teacherโ€™s journal on a weekly and monthly basis.
In-house formal examinations take place in November, February, and in May. Several elements of the course are examined similar to the State Examinations at all levels. Practical and written work is corrected, returned and recorded in the teacherโ€™s journal on a weekly and end of topic basis.
All class groups are marked on projects / craft assignments which have already been completed in class before the timetabled exams.
Life Drawing and Imaginative Composition/ Still Life as part of in-house examinations are generally completed in class before the timetabled exams.

NCCA subject fact sheet

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Our Lady’s Grove offers an extensive Physical Education Programme with students timetabled for two forty minute periods. 1st to 3rd year students follow the Junior Cycle P.E. Programme. Physical Education is aimed at encouraging participation and enjoyment of a wide range of sports. The facilities available for use include the School Hall, 6500sq metre astro Hockey pitch and three hard court Tennis Courts.
In our extra-curricular sports programme ,students have an opportunity to take part in Hockey, Tennis, Netball and Athletics (Cross Country Running and Track & Field Events).
Less formal lunch time activities also take place. Badminton, gymnastics and Basketball are some of the activities the girls can participate in during their lunch break.

Social, Personal and Health Education (S.P.H.E.)
S.P.H.E. is a subject designed to promote the health and wellbeing of young people.

S.P.H.E. is a core subject for Junior Cycle and Transition Year students. It is offered in conjunction with Career Guidance to Fifth Year students. In Sixth Year students may opt to take one class period a week of S.P.H.E.

Time allocation

All class periods are forty minutes. ย Junior cycle students have one timetabled class period per week. ย Six of these weeks are specifically allocated to the teaching of R.S.E. Transition Year students complete a fifteen week module of one class period per week. Fifth Year students have one timetabled class per week in conjunction with Career Guidance and Sixth Year students may opt to take one class period per week of S.P,H.E.

Class organisation

S.P.H.E. is taught to tutor class groupings using a wide range of group appropriate methodologies.

Assessment

As with all subjects, teachers assess the studentsโ€™ progress on an ongoing basis. ย Self-assessment and peer assessment are an integral part of the S.P.H.E. programme.

NCCA subject fact sheet

C.S.P.E

Civic, Social and Political Education Classes are taken by all Junior Certificate students.
Students are in their pastoral group for CSPE, therefore, classes are mixed ability.
The time allocation is one 40 minute class per week.
Classroom organisation can be formal and informal depending on the activities being carried out.

CPSE is all about understanding our community, our society, country and the wider world. How each works and how we can become more actively involved to make them better.
In this class students get a chance to think about and take action on topics such as:
โ€ข what it means to be an active citizen
โ€ข how you can become involved in your community
โ€ข how you can make a difference
โ€ข what human rights are
โ€ข how you can play your part in protecting the environment.

These are active classes. Students can:
โ€ข discuss and debate topics in class
โ€ข learn through games, role play, photos and other activities
โ€ข use newspapers, magazines, books and the Internet to find out information
โ€ข invite a guest speaker into the class or go on a trip outside of school
โ€ข take part in an environmental project such as recycling
โ€ข support a campaign for childrenโ€™s rights
โ€ข watch whatโ€™s happening in the news/ current affairs
โ€ข discuss topics that come up in class with your family and friends
โ€ข find out how voting works by organising a mock election
โ€ข learn to work as part of a team in an action project
โ€ข write a report on your participation and evaluate your action project

CSPE is examined at common level for the Junior Certificate.
Students are assessed in two ways:
โ€ข the report on participation in an action project or the presentation of a coursework assessment booklet. 60%
โ€ข a written examination. 40%

The building skills for citizenship in CSPE are similar to the personal development in SPHE. You will find links between Religious Education and CSPE in learning about the Community.
Concepts of democracy, law, rights and responsibilities, and knowledge of Ireland and the wider world help students with History and Geography in the Junior Cycle.
Social Studies on the Transition Year Programme in Jesus and Mary College will allow you to research, develop, carry out and evaluate an action project with specific interest in community/social affairs
At present, there is no subject called CSPE after the Junior Cert. However, the Leaving Certificate subject Politics and Society is likely to be introduced in the future. Topics learned in CSPE will be useful if you study Geography, Home Economics, History or Economics in the Leaving Certificate.
You will find CSPE useful if you want to study politics or sociology. In every day life it helps you to research and understand our community, society, and the wider world.

Action Projects completed in Our Lady’s Grove have been concerned with democracy, stewardship, rights and responsibilities, law interdependence and human dignity. The action has taken the form of visits to the Dail, the Four Courts, and the DSPCA. Students invited Guest Speakers from the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, the Irish Cancer Society, and one of the Research Units at UCD. Awareness campaigns about Animal Rights, Homelessness, Breast Cancer, and an African Day Care Centre for Children affected by HIV and AIDS have taken place around the school. Fundraising is also popular with Rainbow Days, Non-Uniform Days, Cake and Pizza Sales, and Bag Packing in supermarkets.
Special Educational Needs

We aim to maximize the potential of all our students. In accordance with the SEN Act 2004 we strive to provide equal educational opportunities for students with special educational needs. In our S.E.N. department, students are closely monitored to ensure they are reaching their full potential.

Resource hours (i.e. additional teaching support) are assigned to students who are deemed to have qualified for them by the Department of Education and Skills.

In addition learning support may be provided for students who require specific support for a limited period depending on the availability of staffing resources within the S.E.N. department.

NCCA subject fact sheet