Curriculum 2021/2022

Junior Cycle (1st, 2nd and 3rd Years)
​CORE SUBJECTS (examinable) 

• Irish
• English
• Maths
• History
• Geography
• Science
• Religious Education 

CORE SUBJECTS (non-examinable to Junior Certificate) 

• Physical Education
• Social, Personal and Health Education (S.P.H.E.)
• Civic, Social & Political Education (C.S.P.E.)

Optional Subjects (choose 3)

• Art
• Business 
• French
• Home Economics
• Materials Technology Wood
• Engineering
• Music
• Spanish
• Graphics

Transition Year CORE SUBJECTS

• English
• Irish
• Maths
• Religious Education 
• Physical Education
• Business
• Enterprise
• Instructional Leadership
• Computer Science
• E-Portfolio
• The World of Work
• Celtic Studies
• History 
• Geography
• French or Spanish

Modular Subjects

• Coding
• Philosophy
• Creative Writing
• Public Speaking
• Media Studies
• Film Studies
• Sports Science
• Work Experience
• Applied Maths
• Home Economics
• Art
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics

A key component of Transition Year is the student focus and the student led learning promoted throughout the year with our various trips, activities and workshops. These include, Create School, Song School, Mental Health Awareness Week, Mindfulness, Language Appreciation Week, Charitable Work, School Magazine, GAISCE Awards as well as various trips within Ireland and abroad.  

​To see the delights of the Transition Year here in St. David's please follow us on Twitter @StDavids_Greyst

Senior Cycle (5th & 6th Years)

• English
• Irish
• Maths
• Religious Education (Non Examination Subject)
• Physical Education (Non Examination Subject)

 English

• Almost all universities, colleges and employers require a pass in Ordinary level English though some will accept Irish instead (e.g. the Institutes of Technology and DCU).
• HC in English is essential for a small number of courses like Journalism, Communications and Speech Therapy.

Irish

• Irish is required for entry to the National University of Ireland (UCC, UCD, NUI Maynooth & Galway) – unless exempt
• It is important to check if you need Irish for any course in which you have an interest and – equally important – the required level.
• Primary Teaching requires a HC in Irish

Mathematics

• Employers in all areas, including apprenticeships, tend to look for numeric skills and expect at least an OD in Maths
• Most Institutes of Technology require an OD, and a HC is essential for a number of courses e.g. Engineering Honours Degree Courses 

Optional Subjects (choose 4)

• Languages - French, Spanish
• Science Subjects - Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Applied Maths
• Business Subjects - Business, Economics, Accounting
• Humanities - History, Geography, Politics & Society
• Practical Subjects - Art, Home Economics, Engineering, Design & Communication Graphics, Construction Studies

Factors to consider when choosing Subjects 

• College Requirements
• Course Requirements
• Career Requirements