Our vision for teaching and learning builds on the thinking underpinning the Framework for Junior Cycle and the Senior Cycle Key Skills Framework.
Junior Cycle promotes a focus on active and collaborative learning. Our curriculum is broad and boasts a total of 27 subjects for students to choose from. Our staff ensure that students are provided with learning experiences that will enable them to:
All classes in first year are taught as mixed ability. Streaming may occur in Irish and Maths and is subject to discussion and agreement between teachers and the Principal and Leadership Team. Streaming will only be considered where there is an educational advantage for all students. Add subjects as follows:
CORE SUBJECTS
Irish
English
Maths
French
Science
Spanish
German
History
WELLBEING SUBJECTS
CSPE
SPHE
PE
Ethical Education
Guidance
Tutor Time
SHORT COURSES
Coding
Artistic Performance
Film Studies
Philosophy
OPTION SUBJECTS
Business
Home Economics
Materials Technology Wood (MTW)
Materials Technology Metal (MTM)
Technology
Graphics
Geography
Art
Music
All first year students will follow an initial taster programme for all option subjects so that they can sample all subject options before making their final choice. Prior to the October midterm break, students will choose one option subject from the two bands as detailed below (these are subject to change and review annually).
All first year students undergo Standardised Testing (Cognitive Ability Tests (CAT4s) and Post-Primary Assessment and Diagnosis – English) from which the data gathered can help inform students’ subject option choices.
Senior Cycle is centred on students’ pursuit of excellence in learning and the development of a love of learning. In keeping with Junior Cycle, they will engage with the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values that will enable them to learn how to learn. At Senior Cycle in Limerick ETSS, our students encounter key skills frequently and in an integrated and project-based way across a very broad curriculum which includes 25 subjects to choose from. Add subjects as follows:
CORE SUBJECTS
Irish
English
Maths
MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES (MFL)
French
Spanish
WELLBEING SUBJECTS
RSE
PE
Guidance
Tutor Time
OPTION SUBJECTS
Biology
Physics
Chemistry
Agricultural Science
Engineering
Construction Studies
Computer Science
Business
Politics and Society
History
Home Economics
Art
Design and Communication Graphics (DCG)
Music
LCPE (Leaving Certificate PE)
LCVP (Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme)
All classes in first year are taught as mixed ability. Streaming may occur in Gaeilge, English and Maths and is subject to discussion and agreement between teachers and the Principal. Streaming will only be considered where there is an educational advantage for all students.
The Leaving Certificate Applied is a two-year Leaving Certificate, available to students who wish to follow a practical or vocationally oriented programme. The Leaving Certificate Applied is made up of a range of courses that are structured round three elements: Vocational Preparation, Vocational Education and General Education.
THE PROGRAMME
English and Communication
Mathematical Applications
Social Education
Vocational Preparation and Guidance
Hotel, Catering and Tourism
Irish/French/Spanish
Introduction to ICT
Visual Art
Horticulture
Leisure and Recreation with PE
Guidance
Work Experience
The Transition Year (TY) is a one-year programme that follows the three-year junior cycle. It is designed to act as a bridge between the Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate programmes. In Limerick ETSS, there is an expectation that all students do Transition Year.
Transition Year encourages personal and social developments and recognises the need for students to become independent, self-directed and motivated young people. In Limerick ETSS, our Transition Year programme offers students a broad variety of learning experiences inside and outside the classroom – Curricular, co curricular and extra-curricular. Transition Year is an exciting and innovative way of learning for students with a focus on Project-Based Learning.
GAA Future Leaders
First Aid and Fire Safety
Manual Handling Course
Car Maintenance
Road Safety/Driving Education
Intro to Barista Course
VIP UL Experience
Self-defence
HACCP and Food Safety Course
Waiting Course
Forensic Science Workshops
Music Generation Workshops
Navy and Army Recruitment Talks
Garda Recruitment Talks
Drug Education or Substance Use Education Sessions
Solicitors of the Future
Finance Management Programme
UL Junior Health Science Academy
Career and College Talks/Trips
Outdoor Activites & Sporting Trips
Guest Speakers
Gaisce
Student Council
Green Schools
Amber Flag
Charity Work/Fundraising
BT Young Scientist
Young Social Innovators
Student Enterprise
Retreats
There are four layers to our Transition Year programme as follows:
Irish Language and Culture Studies
English Literature, Drama and Film Studies
Project-Based Maths
Modern Foreign Languages (French/Spanish)
Career Guidance -Preparing for the World of Work
Personal Development (Wellbeing)
Physical Education
Sports, Anatomy and Nutrition
Creative Arts
Music
Construction Studies
Business
Accounting
Computer Science
Photography
Coding
Design and Communication Graphics (DCG)
Applies Sciences (Biology/Chemistry/Physics)
Performance Arts – Annual Musical
General Studies
Development Education and Sustainability
Media Studies
Project-Based Learning Portfolio
TY Work Experience
TY Work Experience
Charity and Volunteering Placement
Whole School Annual Musical
Foreign Trip
Ski Trip
A Winter’s Tale Concert
Day Trips
Language, culture and other school events
Guest speakers
Killarney Adventure Centre