Junior Cycle

Core Subjects:

Additional Subjects:

Option Subjects:

Religious Studies

We are a multi-denominational school. This means that the religions, beliefs and worldviews of all students are actively included in school life. Throughout the school year symbols reflective of the entire school community may be displayed. School celebrations are for all students equally and are inclusive of the religious/belief aspect of the student’s identity.

Students will have to choose option subjects for their Junior Cycle. The following subjects are on offer:

Art:

Emphasises ideas, feelings and visual qualities.
Craft: emphasises the correct use of tools and materials.
Design: emphasises planning, problem solving and competition, using drawing as a means
of thinking.
The main aims of this subject are as follows:
To promote self-expression through creative skill and crafts. To develop an awareness and
appreciation of the artistic view and knowledge. To willingly work on projects and techniques to increase ability and perfect style. To willingly work solo or as part of a group. To
show dedication to their craftwork.
Pupils will gain experience in the following:
Visual research skills
Observation and recording through sketching etc.
Personal expression
Skills, craftsmanship and presentation
Critical studies and appraisal

Possible Career Opportunities: Advertising, Architecture, Fashion, Design, Marketing,
Printing.

Coding / Digital Media Literacy

Computer science is present in every aspect of modern society. Correctly-functioning software systems
allow airplanes to fly from one city to another; give out money at the ATM and diagnose the level of
glucose in your blood. Fundamental understanding of how computer hardware and software operate
and relate to everyday life is an increasingly important area of learning for students. Problem-solving
and computational thinking skills are developed in this course as students build and create software
projects using their own ideas and imagination. The course looks to build on any coding skills that
primary students might have acquired while offering insight into possible future studies in computer
science and software engineering.
The short course aims to develop the student’s ability to formulate problems logically; to design, write
and test code through the development of programs, apps, games, animations or websites; and, through
their chosen learning activities, to learn about computer science.
In studying digital media, students learn to use digital technology, communication tools and the internet
to engage in self-directed enquiry. As students develop their digital literacy skills, they improve their
capacity to know what they are looking for, what information to ignore or discard, and how to identify
what can be useful or significant. They learn to discriminate between the multiple sources of information
available online and to challenge the views they find there. They learn how to create, collaborate and
communicate effectively and to understand how and when digital technologies can best be used to
support these processes.
This short course aims to extend and refine students’ ability to use digital technology, communication
tools, and the internet creatively, critically and safely, in support of their development, learning and
capacity to participate effectively in social and community life.

Possible Career Opportunities: IT worker, Data Analyst, Artists and Designers, Engineers, Scientists,
Finance, Manufacturing, Healthcare.

Business Studies

This subject is divided into 3 separate but related areas:
Personal Finance: focuses on students developing a set of skills, knowledge and values that allows them
to make informed decisions to effectively and responsibly manage their financial resources.
Enterprise: encourages students to identify opportunities and turn them into practical and targeted
activities within business and wider society through the development and application of their
understanding, skills and values. It develops students’ basic understanding of the financial, marketing
and operational functions of an organisation.
Our Economy: While the learning outcomes associated with each strand are set out separately in
this specification, this should not be taken to imply that the strands are to be studied in isolation.
The students’ engagement and learning are optimised by a fully integrated experience of Personal
Finance, Enterprise and Our Economy. To give further emphasis to the integrated nature of learning, the
outcomes for each strand are grouped by reference to three elements: Managing My Resources, Exploring
Business, and Using Skills for Business.

Possible Career Opportunities: Accounting, Business Management, Banking, Marketing, Insurance, Sales.

Materials Technology (Wood)

This subject combines theory and practice to design and produce products, mainly manufactured from
wood. It aims to develop a creative approach to problem solving through designing and making projects. Manipulative skills will be developed through the processing of materials in the context of making
or executing a project.
The subject will involve:
Practical: drawing and sketching, design and making projects, use of machines and hand-tools.
Theory: understanding the basics of good design and manufacture, acquiring knowledge on the proper
use of tools and materials.

Possible Career Opportunities: Carpentry, Quantity Surveying, Furniture Design, Architecture, Building

Management, Joinery.

Metalwork

Metalwork is an activity-based course focusing on metal/plastic, how to work with both materials
in question and how to assemble different parts. The pupils will be working with basic electronic
components / mechanisms in order to make something mechanical instead of conceptual. Metalwork
entails both theory and practical elements.
Practical: Practical element requires following a working drawing creating a particular artefact. In order
to manufacture this particular artefact you will require the use of materials i.e. metals and plastics. In
order to manufacture the object pupils will require the use of machines and hand tools.
Theory: Theory element entails understanding the basics of metal/plastic production, comprehension
of machine and hand tools, basic understanding of mechanisms and electronics.

Possible Career Opportunities: Engineering teacher, Mechanical Engineer, Chemical Engineer, Industrial
Engineer, Electrical Engineer, ICT, Materials Engineer, Biomedical Engineer, Fabrication and Welder.

Technology

Technology requires using a design process to solve technological problems. In Technology, you will use
the design process to work through a task or problem in order to arrive at a solution, which is usually
in the form of an artefact or finished product. You will learn how to safely use the tools, materials and
equipment necessary to make this product.
Practical: Practical element entails designing and creating a solution to a particular problem through the
use of materials i.e. metals, plastics, wood and fabrics. In order to solve the problems pupils will require
the use of machines and hand tools.
Theory: Theory element entails understanding the basics of everyday materials, machine and hand tools,
an in-depth knowledge of mechanisms, electronics, PIC boards, structures and the affects Technology
has in society.

Possible Career Opportunities: Technology Teacher, Product Designer, Electrical Engineer, Mechanical
Engineer, Automotive Technician, Environmental Engineer, Designer, ICT and Electrician.

Music

The music course is designed to enable students to acquire musical skills suited to their age, varying
abilities and musical experiences. It involves a mixture of both theory and practical work.
Theory: The Theory is listening based where pupils learn about the history of a variety of musical styles
and the instruments associated with each. They listen to a wide variety of musical examples and develop
the skills to compare and contrast the different styles. They also learn how to read music and how to
work with some tunes.
Practical: Pupils are taught how to play instruments and practice various tunes. They are provided with
the opportunity to improve their musical skills through practice. They also learn and sing a variety of
songs.

Possible Career Opportunities: Sound Engineer, Television and Radio Production, Recording, Multimedia Studies, Music Management.

Technical Graphics

In Technical Graphics you will learn how to represent 3D objects on paper and on computer. You will
develop problem solving and creative thinking skills through the solution of graphical problems.
Some of the things you will learn include:
-how to produce drawings using drawing equipment, freehand sketches and computer.
-how to read and interpret drawings and diagrams.
-how graphics relate to the design and manufacture of products.

Possible Career Opportunities: Architect, Product Designer, Engineer

French

The study of modern foreign languages enables students to build on their language learning in English and Irish
in primary school and further develops their skills in and enjoyment of using languages. Language learning
is accessible to all students and contributes to their cognitive, personal and social growth by enhancing their
communicative and thinking skills, as well as their participation in a global society. Being able to communicate
in the mother tongue and in foreign languages are also among the eight key competences for lifelong learning
identified by the European Union and European Council in 2006.
In learning foreign languages, students are actively engaged in activities and tasks which integrate the five
language skills of listening, reading, spoken production, spoken interaction and writing. As a result, they
communicate with increasing independence, confidence and creativity. As learning is a social activity as well
as a personal one and as communication is central to language, learning languages offers students ample
opportunities to work with others to develop their language skills and achieve appropriate goals.
A fundamental feature of languages is that they give students access to new worlds and different ways of
thinking. The resulting development of socio-cultural knowledge and intercultural awareness also enhances
students’ cognitive development. By reflecting on other cultures and making comparisons they develop a
deeper understanding of their own while appreciating diversity.
Language learning also broadens students’ horizons and enables them to develop a lifelong learning
skill for education, leisure and work, and to develop a positive attitude towards other languages and cultures.
Modern technologies play a key role in making language learning and language use increasingly more
accessible and enjoyable for learners, by facilitating access to information and communication with people at
a global level.

Possible Career Opportunities: Publisher, Hospitality, Tourism and Travel, Consul, Ambassador, Diplomat,
Teacher, Translator.

History

The study of history at junior cycle aims to enable students to develop the necessary conceptual understanding,
disciplinary skills and subject knowledge to investigate the actions of people in the past and to come to a deeper
understanding of the human condition. Students also come to see the world, and their place in it, from a historical
perspective; and understand how the people and events of the past have shaped the contemporary world.
By exploring the past from a historical perspective, students also develop an interest and enthusiasm for history
and acquire values and attitudes that shape their view of people in the past, including a regard for heritage and
their cultural inheritance, and a sense of historical empathy, where people are judged in the context and values
of the time in which they lived.
The study of history instils in students a respect for integrity, objectivity and looking at issues from different
perspectives. This capacity for critical thinking helps them to interrogate sources of evidence and make judgements
about the viewpoint expressed, including the capacity to identify propaganda.

Possible Career Opportunities: Teaching, Research, Museum or Gallery Curator, Historic Buildings Inspector or
Conservation Officer, Archaeologist

Geography

Geography is the study of the Earth’s landscapes, peoples, places, and environments. It adheres to the scientific
method and pursues scientific principles and logic. The study of geography empowers the person to explore
and understand the world around them. Engagement with the subject promotes a deep understanding
of people and place. Students develop the skills to read their environment, enabling them to interpret the
physical landscape, observe climatic events with an informed eye and discuss world events in a knowledgeable
manner. Learning in geography supports students in making informed decisions, giving the ability to make
valuable contributions to the economic, social, and cultural life of their communities, localities and countries.
Through the study of geography, people are encouraged to appreciate the processes that shape their world
and view global issues as ethical citizens. Geography provides a platform to analyse world events, empowering
young people as informed, active citizens. Studying geography enhances students’ ability to engage with
issues such as sustainable development, economic systems, hazard management and climate change.
Students are growing up in a globalised, dynamic world. Geography provides a medium to explore current
events in our world. Students viewing events through a geographical lens are well placed to be part of a
generation which can deal effectively with, and mitigate global challenges and rise to related opportunities.
The skills developed through the subject are transferrable and will benefit students in study and life. Geography
encourages structured inquiry: this critical thinking involves students asking questions, gathering data, evaluating
and interpreting, and presenting information.

Possible Career Opportunities: Planning, Conservation, Surveyor, Architect, Cartographer, Town planner.

St Paul’s CC Parent and Student Information Booklet

New Junior Cycle Parent Guidelines

Classroom Based Assessments Guidelines