O’ Carolan College Courses/Programmes

Junior Cycle

Core Subjects – students’ study all of these subjects: 

Irish*  

  

Science (STEM)  

History  

English  

French/Spanish (MFL)  

  

ICT – Computer Studies (STEM)  

Maths (STEM)  

Geography  

  

Social Development 

(1st Year only) 

 
Wellbeing subjects – students’ study all of these subjects: 

CSPE – Civic, Social and Political Education  

  

SPHE – Social Personal & Health Education  

  

PE – Physical Education  

  

 
Students select two options from the following:

Visual Art  

Visual Art is a creative and practical subject involving drawing, painting etc. If your child is artistic and creative, this is a good option 

  

Business Studies  

Business is a subject involving the study of accounts and how the world of business works.   

  

Home Economics  

Home Economics involves practical work such as cookery and sewing as well as the study of food and nutrition.  

  

Engineering  

(STEM)  

Engineering (Metalwork) is a practical subject that involves working with metal and other materials. Theory work is also an important part of this subject.  

  

Graphics  

(STEM)  

Graphics (Technical Graphics) involves working with design, images and graphics. It is a practical subject that requires spatial awareness, good co-ordinationand drawing ability.  

  

Wood Technology  

(STEM)  

Wood Technology (Woodwork) is a practical subject that involves working with wood and other materials. Theory work is also an important part of this subject.  

  

Music  

Music is a creative and practical subject that involves music performance. If your child plays a musical instrument this is a very good option for them to choose.   

  

The Junior Certificate Schools Programme (JCSP) is also available in O’Carolan College.

J.C.S.P. (Junior Certificate Schools Programme)

This is not an alternative Junior Certificate but a support framework for it. It is aimed at students who find school difficult for various reasons. This programme ensures that each individual student experiences success and grows in self confidence.

Transition Year

The year long programme between Junior and Senior Cycle affords students time to reflect, develop self – confidence and become mature. Students have had the opportunity to study a number of different subjects and modules this year. These include; Maths, English, French/Spanish, Irish, Classical Studies, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Sustainability, Musical Theatre, Community & Charity work, Advanced Manufacturing, Computer Science, Drama Theatre Studies, DCG, PE, Junk Couture, CPR/Road Safety, Business/Accounting, Music, Vex Robotics, E-Portfolios, GAA Future Leaders, Tidy Towns. 

Senior Cycle

There are three Leaving Certificate courses on offer:

A) Established Leaving Certificate: 

Students study the core subjects Irish, English, Mathematics, French/Spanish (MFL), Social Personal Health Education, Physical Education. They also select three optional subjects from the following: 

Accounting 

Agricultural Science 

Applied Maths 

Art 

Biology 

Business 

Chemistry 

Classics 

Computer Science  

Construction Studies 

Design and Communication Graphics 

Drama, Film and Theatre Studies (DFTS) 

Economics 

Engineering 

Geography 

History 

Home Economics 

Music 

Physical Education LC 

Physics 

Politics and Society 

B) Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme – LCVP (now Leaving Certificate Life, Community and Work)

In addition to the established Leaving Certificate course students also engage in Life, Community and Work (LCW). Students of Life, Community and Work develop an appreciation of the importance of personal development and effectiveness as they engage with the world around them. Students have multiple opportunities to develop a broad range of transferable skills, within a set of key competencies, that help support students to avail of opportunities where they can apply these skills to a range of real-life experiences. 

 

C) Leaving Certificate Applied:

The Leaving Certificate Applied Programme is on offer, subject to resources available. It is a distinct, self-contained two-year programme aimed at preparing students for adult and working life. The programme was introduced to recognise the talents of all students and provide opportunities for development in terms of responsibility, self-esteem, and self-directed learning. The programme for our students this year consisted of a variety of modules such as English and Communications, Vocational Preparation and Guidance, Mathematical Applications, Engineering/ Construction studies, Information Technology, Agriculture/Horticulture, Social Education, Leisure and recreation and German/ Irish are all requirements.