Programs
- Home
- /
- Programs
Junior Cert
The Junior Certificate programme is an essential educational milestone in Irish secondary schools. Lasting for three years, this programme focuses on a wide range of subjects, including core areas like English, Irish, and Maths, as well as various optional subjects that cater to students’ interests and career aspirations. The programme culminates in a series of examinations, which assess students’ knowledge and skills, and serves as a foundation for further education, including the Senior Cycle and Transition Year options. Emphasising both academic achievement and personal development, the Junior Certificate aims to equip students with the necessary competencies for their future educational endeavors and life beyond school. In Ó Fiaich College we offer a wide range of subjects at Junior Certificate including: English, Irish, Maths, History, French, Religion, Wood technology, Science, Business Studies, Home Economics, Music, CSPE, SPHE, Life Skills, Art and PE.
Junior Certificate Schools Programme
The Junior Certificate Schools Programme (JCSP) is a unique and supportive educational initiative in Irish secondary schools. The JCSP focuses on catering the needs of students who may require a more supportive educational environment. The programme aims to encourage students to reach their full potential through an emphasis on learning skills and personal development. It also emphasises the importance of self-esteem, self-worth, and social relationships among students, teachers, and parents. The JCSP is not about lowering academic standards but rather offering students alternative pathways and flexible progression routes to achieve their goals while fostering a sense of community and inclusivity.
Transition Year Programme
The Transition Year Programme (TY) is a unique and valuable component of the Irish secondary school curriculum, designed for students in their fourth year. This programme serves as a bridge between junior and senior cycle education, offering students a chance to develop essential life skills, explore new subjects, and engage in real-world learning experiences. TY emphasises personal growth, independence, and social responsibility through a variety of activities such as community service, work placements, project-based learning, and extracurricular involvement. By fostering creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork, the Transition Year Programme empowers students to take ownership of their education while preparing them for the challenges of the senior cycle and beyond.
In Ó Fiaich College TY students go on work placement twice in the school year. They engage in programmes such as Future Leaders, Cluedin, Mini Company, AMTCE Advanced Manufacturing, Shared Education for Positive Innovation and Money Mentors. There are a range of subjects offered such as English, Irish, Maths, French, Spanish, History, Religion, Sustainability, Home Economics, Art, Music, Engineering, Wood Technology, Laboratory Science and Careers.
Throughout the year students also engage in training in different areas such as Barista Training, Driving lessons and First Aid.
Leaving Cert Established
The Leaving Certificate Programme is a two-year senior cycle, which serves as the final stage of secondary education. The Leaving Certificate examination, typically held at the end of 6th year, assesses students’ knowledge and skills in a wide range of subjects, offering a variety of courses at different levels: Higher, Ordinary, and Foundation levels. The programme emphasises academic achievement, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, in addition to the development of personal qualities, creativity, and communication skills. Successful completion of the Leaving Certificate Programme is required for access to third-level education, apprenticeships, and entry into the workforce. Students can choose from a diverse array of subjects and courses to pursue their interests and career aspirations, preparing them for a wide range of opportunities. Some of the subjects offered in Ó Fiaich College include: Leaving Certificate Physical Education, English, Irish, Maths, Biology, French, Construction, DCG, Accounting, Visual Art, Computers, LCVP, Music, and Home Economics. We are also delighted to announce that we will be offering Film, Drama and Theatre studies from September 2025.
Leaving Cert Applied
The Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) is an alternative two-year senior cycle program in Irish secondary schools, designed for students who prefer a more practical and vocational approach to education. Unlike the traditional Leaving Certificate, the LCA focuses on personal development, social skills, and work-related experiences, making it ideal for those who may not be pursuing academic pathways. The programme includes a range of subjects with an emphasis on real-life applications, including modules on enterprise, social education, and the arts, as well as opportunities for work placements. Students are assessed through a combination of continuous assessment, projects, and final examinations, enabling them to acquire important skills while earning a qualification that prepares them for the workforce or further education pathways in a practical context.
