Social & Classical Department

Teachers in our Social & Classical Department have extensive experience preparing students for the Leaving Certificate exams.

Many work with the State Examination System as advisors and exam correctors, other have written text books that are widely used at Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate level.

Their skill and experience ensures that students can develop transferable skills in both analysis and interpretation, and acquire a more thorough and wide-ranging understanding of alternative ways of thinking about issues and society.

Why choose classical studies for the Leaving Certificate?
Classical Studies is an engaging and enjoyable subject that challenges students to critically assess and analyse ancient sources. It allows students to explore multiple perspectives and expand their ability to present arguments.

What sort of student does classical studies suit?
This subject suits students who have an interest in literature and history. The exam is essay based which may appeal to students who excel in this type of assessment. Students who enjoy debating and evidence-based analysis would suit the subject.

What is the approach to teaching classical studies at the Institute?
Classical studies is taught through various learning methods at the Institute. Primary texts are studied, and opinions explored with regard to the students’ interpretation of the events that occur. Development of essay writing is a large part of the preparation for the exam.

Why study history for the Leaving Certificate?
As a subject, history has a very high % of H1 grades for the Leaving Certificate. It is also excellent preparation for any university course because of the opportunity to independently carry out a research study report, which is presented in advance of the exam and is worth 20% of the final grade.

What sort of student does history suit?
History suits students who are prepared to work hard, write detailed essays and who are interested in examining primary source documents. It especially suits students who are interested in a legal career.

What is the approach to teaching history at the Institute?
Classes in this subject are exam focused and students receive precise notes for every topic covered. Repeated drafting of the research report, and constant fortnightly testing in 5th year, and weekly in 6th year, allows students to gain a sound knowledge of the marking scheme. For students completing our two year Leaving Certificate programme, three quarters of the course and the first draft of the research topic is covered in 5th year. This provides a secure platform, and ample time for revision, when they enter 6th year.

Why study politics & society for the Leaving Certificate?
This is one of the newest subjects on the Leaving Certificate syllabus, and as a result it is tailored to the interests of modern students.

What sort of student does politics & society suit?
Students who are interested in culture, society and the world around them and who have an inquisitive, analytic mind will enjoy this subject a great deal.

What is the approach to teaching politics & society at the Institute?
Classes in the Institute include a mixture of teacher led learning, class debate and digital research and interaction. Students are asked to challenge ideas and fully investigate all aspects of particular topics during class. Exam-focused notes are provided on all aspects of the course and assessment is continuous, with weekly or bi-weekly class tests.

Why study religious education for the Leaving Certificate?
To fully understand the world in which we live, one must understand faith and religion, and why people search for meaning and purpose in their lives. Studying religious education for the Leaving Certificate enables you to do this. It is rewarding, intellectually stimulating and ultimately one of the most interesting courses at Senior Cycle level.

What sort of student does religious education suit?
Students with open inquisitive minds, who like to challenge the way that the world sees itself, will enjoy studying this subject.

What is the approach to teaching religious education at the Institute?
Religious education classes in the Institute are interactive, with students asked to explore concepts and discuss and challenge ideas. Detailed, exam-focused notes are provided for all topics covered on the course. Assessment is continuous, with weekly or bi-weekly class tests, which cover material from the previous week.

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