Junior Cycle

Junior Cycle Subjects

The core subjects are as follows:

• Irish 
• English
• Mathematics
• History
• Geography
• Science
• Wellbeing (CSPE / SPHE / Physical Education)
• Religion

Optional subjects are: 

• Home Economics or Woodwork 
• Art Craft and Design or Metalwork 
• Business Studies or Technical Graphics
• Spanish, Technology or Music 

Non-examination subjects at Junior Cycle include

• Physical Education,
• Social, Personal and Health Education 
• Religious Education

Taster Subjects

All students at Ballinode get to practice each subject for 4 weeks at the start of first year. Therefore they get to sample what each subject entails and make a more informed decision as to which subject they should take for Junior Cert.

What is the Junior Cycle?

Junior cycle students take courses leading to the Junior Certificate, the State examination taken at the end of the third year of junior cycle, when students are 15 years of age. While a majority of subjects are assessed as part of the Junior Certificate Examination, the Junior Cycle provision also includes a number of subjects that are integral to the curriculum, but are not formally assessed in this way. The inclusion of these subjects in the curriculum ensures that students receive a broad, balanced education that introduces them to all the areas of experience relevant to the needs of learners at this age and stage of their development. 

Videos

You will see a range of videos here to help you give a taste of what each subject involves. You can also see of the magnificent facilities we have in the college.