At High Cross College, our main activity, quite obviously, is that of education. Our curriculum is designed to offer all of our pupils, from the highest attaining to those who require special consideration, every opportunity to fully develop their knowledge, skills and understanding of a broad and varied curriculum. We provide balanced and equitable exposure, ensuring they are developed into well-rounded, articulate and educated young citizens of the world. They will be ready to take on the next stage of their education at university, suitable further education programs, or to go directly into the world of work at eighteen years of age.

We aim to build within the student body a deep appreciation of Ireland, its culture, heritage and traditions while at the same time ensuring they build an awareness of their global and European citizenship.

We foster an understanding of the rights and responsibilities that come with being part of a community that extends beyond the school gate and build within the students the confidence to take an active part on all national and international stages and platforms.

On this page

Junior Cycle

The Junior Certificate exams are state examinations held at the end of the 3 year Junior Cycle. The newly introduced Junior Cycle framework features newly developed courses, focuses on key skills and introduces new approaches to assessment.
At High Cross College, all Junior Certificate pupils study and are examined in:

English
Science
Foreign Language – French or German
Maths
History
Religious education
Irish
Geography

Pupils will pick 2 subjects from the following, also examined in the Junior Certificate:

Home Economics
Music
Art
Applied Technology
Business Studies
Wood Work
Technical Graphics

Pupils will also avail of weekly lessons in our wellbeing subjects, which are not examined as part of the Junior Certificate program:

Physical Education
Social, Personal and Health Education
Artistic Performance
Civic, Social and Political Education

Junior pupils who come to High Cross College, who require special consideration, can study Level 2 Learning Programmes as an alternative to the Junior Certificate. These programmes focus on development and learning in areas such as elementary literacy and numeracy, language and communication, mobility and leisure skills, motor-coordination and social and personal development.

For more information, please click here.

Senior Cycle

Transition Year (TY)

Transition Year is a one-year programme that forms the first year of a three-year senior cycle. It is designed to act as a bridge between the Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate programmes. It is optional for students in High Cross College, with large numbers of students opting in.

At High Cross College, pupils who take part in Transition Year will enjoy a weekly timetable that includes the core subjects of Maths, English, Irish and their chosen foreign language, French or German. They will also get to sample optional Leaving Certificate subjects like Technical Graphics and Computer Science as well as experiencing Transition Year specific subjects like Chinese, Junk Kouture, and Drama.

For more information, click here.

Leaving Certificate Established

The Leaving Certificate Established, or Leaving Certificate as it is commonly known, is a two-year programme that aims to provide learners with a broad, balanced education while also offering some specialisation towards a particular career option.

Subjects are assessed by an examination paper and by additional assessment methods, including oral and aural examinations, practical examinations and assessment of practical coursework at the end of the two-year programme of study.

Performance in the examination can be used for purposes of selection into employment and further and higher education.

At High Cross College, all Leaving Certificate pupils study and are examined in:

English
Maths
Irish
French or German

Pupils will pick 3 subjects from the following, also examined in the Leaving Certificate:

Home Economics
Music
Art
Technology
Business Studies
LCVP
Technical Graphics
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Agricultural Science
History
Geography
Accountancy
Computer
Science
Design Communication Graphics

Pupils will also avail of weekly lessons in our wellbeing subjects, which are not examined as part of the Leaving Certificate program:

Physical Education
Social, Personal and Health Education
Religion
Career Guidance

Leaving Cert. Applied

The Leaving Certificate Applied, LCA, is a two-year Leaving Certificate available to students who wish to follow a practical or vocationally orientated programme.

The Leaving Certificate Applied is made up of a range of courses that are structured around three elements: Vocational Preparation, Vocational Education and General Education.

At High Cross College, the LCA program aims to develop active citizens who have a sense of belonging to the local, national,
European and global community, who have a capacity to gain access to information and
structures, and an ability to fully participate in democratic society.

Click here for more information.