Content on this page requires a newer version of Adobe Flash Player.

Get Adobe Flash player

Junior Cycle

A normal timetable of 44 class periods per week begins in Junior Cycle. The following lists the main subjects taken in Junior Cycle. These are taken by all students as a full year programme. Although a strong academic emphasis is placed on these as well as the option subjects, teachers aim to utilise a wide variety of approaches to teaching and learning, including activity-based learning, group work, project work and educational trips.

English

Joseph Byrne
Ciarán Hartigan
Jillian Ryan
Laura Connaughton

The English courses in St. Joseph of Cluny are focused on meeting the requirements of the Junior and Leaving Certificate programmes. Students in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and Transition Year are placed in mixed ability classes. It is a policy of our subject Department to avoid streaming. Students with reading or learning difficulties are catered for within the class context and supported by the Learning Support team. All the Senior Cycle students are offered and taught the Higher Level Leaving Certificate Course. A very small minority - after guidance from parents and teachers - opt for the Ordinary Level.

The English Department is conscious that our programmes should not be limited to merely preparing our students for the Junior and Leaving Certificates. Our aims are to consolidate and develop the students' literary skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students are introduced to a wide range of literature on themes appropriate and relevant to their stages of development, with an emphasis on exposure to a range of texts rather than an intensive examination of a few. As a result we encourage intellectual curiosity and foster the students’ oral and literary creativity. A sound basis for literary judgement is laid down.

In addition to the required programmes, the English Department supplements and enhances our students experience of the subject by organising a wide range of relevant activities such as visits to the theatre, guest writers, encouraging students to enter literary competitions (Young Journalist of the Year, One Act Play Competition, Poetry Aloud, etc.)

Under the aegis of the English Department a very strong debating culture is fostered. All years are catered for through a Junior Debating Society and a Senior Debating Society. Our School sends representatives to the Model European Parliament and European Youth Parliament, they also participate in the European Youth Forum - this gives our students an opportunity to have their voice and views heard at home and abroad. In order to raise social consciousness we enter students in the Concern Debates and the Know your World Quiz; students also participate in the Mental Health Ireland Public Speaking Competition as well as the Soroptomists Ireland Competitions. To cater for the Junior Cycle we enter three teams in the Inter-Schools U-15 debating competitions and teams in the Women’s Graduate Association Public Speaking for Girls. Members of the English Department are enthusiastically involved in the aforementioned activities.

The NCCA syllabus states that "We live in the midst of language". In English classes in Cluny, teachers foster and encourage an awareness of the power, potential and rewards of the spoken and written word. "Language most shows a man: speak that I may see thee".

Gaeilge

 

Iníon Gráinne Ní Mhuirí
Ms. Rosemary Molloy
Mrs. Catherine Hacket

Ms Ailish Breheny

Iníon Iris Ní Aoghagáin

 

 

In Roinn na Gaeilge we follow the Department of Education and Science Syllabus which aims to:

  • Help our students to learn Irish to the best of their ability and to promote a positive attitude towards the language.
  • Develop their language skills i.e. listening, speaking, reading and writing.
  • Give students an insight into Gaelic culture through use of the language, music, history, literature etc.
  • Promote self-respect and self-confidence by giving students an understanding of their own cultural identity and heritage and as a result promote in them a positive attitude towards learning other languages and respect for other cultures. (ó An Roinn Oideachais agus Eolaíochta - An Ardteistiméireacht - Gaeilge – na siollabais agus an córas measúnachta – Oifig an tSoláthair)

Classes are conducted through the medium of Irish and we encourage the students to use the language as much as possible inside and outside the classroom. In 1st year we have 3 mixed ability classes. In 2nd year students are divided into higher level and ordinary level based on progress during 1st year and results of summer exams. We usually have 2 or 3 higher level groups and 1 or 2 ordinary level groups sitting the Junior Certificate Examination at the end of 3rd year. The Junior Certificate Ordinary level exam consists of an aural test and one written paper. The Higher Level exam consists of an aural test and two written papers. From 2010 there will be a greater emphasis on oral skills.

Gníomhaíochtaí lasmuigh den Seomra Ranga / Extra-Curricular Activities:

  • We bring students to films, plays and other events as Gaeilge, as they occur during the school year.
  • We encourage students to watch programmes on TG4 e.g. Aifric, Ros na Rún, Nuacht TG4.
  • Activities as Gaeilge (tráth na gceist, díospóireachtaí, céilí) are organised during Seachtain na Gaeilge in March.
  • We also encourage students to improve their language skills by attending summer courses in the many Coláistí Gaeilge (Irish Colleges) inside and outside An Ghaeltacht.
  • Over the years we have participated in the Gael-Linn Debating Competition reaching the Regional Final in 1995 and achieving the runners-up position in the All-Ireland Final in 2007.

Maths

It is intended that mathematics education within St. Joseph of Cluny should:

  • Contribute to the personal development of the student. This aim is chiefly concerned with the students’ feeling of worth as a result of finding meaning and interest, as well as achieving success in mathematics.
  • Help to provide the students with the mathematical knowledge, skills and understanding needed for continuing their education, and eventually for life and work. This aim focuses on what the students will be able to do with their mathematics in the future: hence, on their ability to recognise the power of mathematics and to apply it appropriately.

General objectives:

  • Students should be able to recall basic facts as it can support and enhance the understanding and aid the application of the subject.
  • Students should be able to perform basic skills and carry out routine algorithms, and be able to use appropriate equipment.
  • Students should be able to apply their mathematical knowledge and recognise its uses, seeing it as a powerful tool with many areas of applicability.
  • Students should have an overall understanding of mathematical concepts
  • Students should be able to analyse information

Junior mathematics caters for a full range of student’s abilities, aptitudes and achievements. In-coming students to 1st Year in St. Joseph of Cluny usually attend mixed ability classes. Theses are considered the most appropriate for our students and the most educationally advantageous.

Higher and Ordinary Level classes will be set at the beginning of 2nd Year. Students will be put in classes based on the 1st Year results. The Christmas and summer results are usually a clear indication of the student’s mathematical ability and capacity to amalgamate all the pre learned topics. Students are facilitated and are actively encouraged to enter mathematics competitions. To date students of St. Joseph of Cluny have participated in the Junior Olympiad Competition The use of I.T. features in the teaching of mathematics. Slideshow presentations and interactive computer simulations are all used to enhance the learning experience of the student.

French

Elizabeth Cassidy
Celine Carney
Ciarán Twomey
Jacinta Joy
Jillian Ryan
Rosemary Molloy

French culture and French language have traditionally played an important role in St. Joseph of Cluny. The Cluny Order was, in fact, founded in Cluny, in the Bourgogne region of France. In Cluny, we want students to develop a love for the language and all things French, that will last long after their days here are over.

French is taught in every year. We aim for a warm classroom atmosphere, using a variety of methodologies. Classes are conducted as much as is practical, through French with plenty of student participation in the language. We work with each student so that she can reach her full potential. This is reflected in our excellent results and our recent department inspection (2007).

Students are helped to develop the four key skill areas i.e. reading, writing, speaking and listening. At the same time students explore French culture and civilisation. 1st to 3rd year classes are taught according to the Junior Certificate syllabus. Students in these year groups develop the 4 key skill areas from an early age - reading, writing, speaking and listening. At the same time students explore French culture and civilisation.

There also plans afoot to set up links with a French school, travel to Paris as part of a school tour and this year we will be playing the French sport of ‘ Pétanque’ as part of Transition Year!

German

Joyce Byrne
Jacinta Joy

Und los geht’s! German (Deutsch) is offered on alternate years as a language to First Years. Most students opting to study German do so as one of their core subjects up to Leaving Cert level but students may opt to study German as a second language with an option to continue the study of the subject until Sixth Year.

Over 100 million people speak German as their native language. Germany is Ireland’s third largest trading partner – 70% of Irish exporters to Germany use the German language in their business dealings. With over 250 German companies operating in Ireland (employing approximately 15,000 people) an ability to speak German is an invaluable tool in the marketplace.

Students are encouraged to participate in exchanges and trips to Germany, Austria and Switzerland - not only do these opportunities improve the students’ language skills, they also serve as culturally enriching experiences, bringing the classroom to life and needless to say are great fun. Students are brought on trips to films, concerts and exhibitions at the IFI and elsewhere to keep them up to date with the latest in culture in the German-speaking countries.

In keeping with the syllabi of the DES the German Department at Cluny uses an integrated approach to teaching involving as many aspects of the communicative approach to language teaching as possible. Classroom activities are conducted in German to give students confidence to participate in normal everyday transactions and activities in the classroom and in those countries where German is spoken.

Spanish

Astrid Coleman
Cleo McFarland

Spanish, along with French and German, is one of the Modern Languages offered in Cluny. As the first language of more than 400 million people in over 21 countries, it is a major global language. It is also the second language of the United States and a very strong Hispanic influence is found in many major American cities. For students who choose to study Spanish, both short-term and long-term employment opportunities are enhanced for those who intend travelling to North and South America. Clearly, knowledge of the language also increases the enjoyment for those students who travel to Spain and its islands either for a short break or when staying at a holiday home.

At Cluny, Spanish is offered from First Year through to Sixth Year. At Junior Cert level (in line with the Syllabus as set down by the Department of Education and Science) the course aims to develop aural, oral, written and comprehension skills. Knowledge of Spanish/Hispanic culture is considered to be very important and this is developed progressively through the years at Cluny. Videos, DVDs, magazines etc. are all used to aid this progress and food tasting à la Espanola is very popular as a term event.

For Transition Year Spanish, the emphasis is very much on developing knowledge of the cultural aspects of Spanish/Hispanic life as well as consolidating and building on the language skills already acquired. For students who have not studied Spanish at Junior Cycle, a beginners’ module is frequently offered at Transition Year in order to develop basic language competency along with an overview of Spanish culture.

Leaving Certificate Spanish (again in line with the DES Syllabus) aims to consolidate and develop oral, aural, comprehension and written skills in preparation for the Leaving Cert itself. It is anticipated that a student at this state would be proficient in all of these areas. Students at all levels, but particularly from 4th to 6th Year, are encouraged to avail of one of the many exchange programmes. In Ireland, there are now a number of residential summer courses available also for students of Spanish. Senior Cluny students regularly participate in the Annual Inter-Schools Spanish Quiz and all students are encouraged to participate in suitable competitions/events.

At Cluny, while the majority of students go on to take Higher Level papers at State exam level, it is viewed by the Spanish Department that enjoyment of the subject is most important and that each student (in consultation with their teacher) eventually finds the level most suitable to them. For students who have studied Spanish at Cluny, many go on to incorporate continued study of the language at 3rd Level through Humanities or Business Degrees such as International Commerce. The demand for 3rd level graduates with Spanish very often exceeds the supply.

Knowledge of Spanish like all languages is an invaluable life skill. Apart from the ever-increasing importance of the language globally, Cluny aims to facilitate each student to achieve their potential within the language.

Religion

Pat Larkin
Laura Connaughton
Brenda McNulty
Patricia Higgins
Dympna Smith
Jillian Ryan

"I have promised God to give myself wholly to the service of the sick and the instruction of little children" - Blessed Anne Marie Javouhey

Religion in Cluny is a major element of school life. The primary aim of Religious Education is to awaken the students to faith and help them throughout their lives to deepen and strengthen that faith. Religion is taken as a subject for Junior Certificate by all students. All classes have three periods a week where we follow the Department of Education Religious Education Programme. Students regularly participate in liturgical celebrations according to the season of the year. Celebrations include Beginning of Year school Mass and Mass at beginning of Lent celebrated by the School Chaplain,and the annual Carol service . Once a year each class prepares a Mass around a theme chosen by them. The students actively participate in these liturgies by preparing prayers, readings, and music. Each class is also given the opportunity to receive the sacrament of reconciliation twice a year, at Christmas and at Easter and each class has a yearly retreat which is eagerly anticipated. The retreat day offers the students a time for reflection on their faith and spirituality.

Physical Education

Maura Seymour
Ed Randolph

Physical Education is a core subject at both Junior Cycle and Senior Cycle in St. Joseph of Cluny and is a compulsory part of the programme here. All students have 80 minutes of Physical Education a week where efforts are made to ensure that the student is exposed to a comprehensive and balanced range of activities. Our Physical Education facilities include a modern sports hall which contains markings for a full size basketball court, four badminton courts, a volleyball court as well as an indoor tennis court. It also contains three changing rooms with shower facilities and an upstairs viewing area. Other facilities include an all-weather hockey pitch and vast green areas which are used for athletics, Gaelic football and soccer. During fine weather the outdoor facilities are used as much as possible.

As part of our Physical Education programme, students take part in activities including Athletics, Dance, Games, Gymnastics, Health Related Activities and Outdoor Education. Transition Year students spend three nights at an Outdoor Education Centre in the West of Ireland where they take part in activities like Hill walking, Rock-climbing, Abseiling, Canoeing and Surfing.

Other features of the programme include the following modules which take place in Transition Year: Yoga, Self-Defence, Cardio Kick-Boxing and Dance with experts in those areas coming to the school to teach the students. Transition Year students also avail of the gym in Westwood for a fitness module.

While it is obligatory that all students take part in Physical Education there is also a comprehensive extra curricular sports programme for those students interested in competitive sport. Teams are entered in Leinster League competitions in Badminton, Basketball, Hockey, Tennis and Gaelic Football. Our athletes enter the East Leinster and Leinster Competitions and Soccer is also catered for in local leagues. Some of our notable successes to date include two All-Ireland victories in Basketball, Leinster Senior Cup Winners in Hockey, Leinster Champions in Badminton, while some of our students have represented Ireland in Athletics, Badminton, Basketball and Hockey.

Computers


Patricia Higgins
Siobhan O’Dwyer

During transition and 5th years all students are given the opportunity to sit 4 ECDL modules with a view to gaining the European Computer Driver’s Licence. The ECDL establishes a standard for everyone who uses a computer in either a professional or personal capacity. It is a certificate that verifies competence in computer use, making the holder readily mobile within Ireland and internationally. Employers and job seekers all agree on the importance of this standard definition of practical competence in Information Technology.

At Junior cycle we aim to give students the basic skills necessary to use the computer as an aid to learning. The skills we teach at this stage include:

  • Keyboard skills
  • Researching projects on the internet and internet safety.
  • Basic Word Processing and a basic introduction to Spreadsheets, PowerPoint and Publisher.

These skills are valuable in learning and presentation across the curriculum and also aid in students’ engagement in extra-curricular events and charities. Students present typed projects, make posters for events such as cake sales and use spreadsheets to present information on charts.

Business Studies

Dympna Smith
Carolyn Marren
Joanne Whelan

The Business Department provides:

  • Junior Cycle Business Studies
  • Transition year modules in Enterprise Education, Business and Economics
  • Senior Cycle Business
  • Senior Cycle Economics

The junior cycle business studies programme is offered as an option subject from first year consisting of 4 classes per week for the 3 years to junior cert. The subject introduces students to the following topics:

  • Household budgeting
  • Consumer rights
  • Insurance
  • Taxation
  • Industrial relations
  • Finance for business
  • Foreign trade
  • Marketing
  • The national budget
  • How to record and present financial information
  • How to understand and interpret financial information
  • How information technology can help deal with business and personal finances

Junior Achievement programmes
The Business Department offers Junior Achievement programmes each year to students of First and Second year business studies and Transition year students. Junior Achievement brings business volunteers into the classroom (1 hour per week for 8 weeks) to teach enterprise skills. These programmes help to educate and inspire young people to gain a deeper understanding of teamwork, decision making, creativity, communication skills and a new level of confidence – all things that are critical throughout their school lives and later at work. On completion of these programmes the students are awarded certificates and are usually brought on a visit to the business volunteer’s place of employment.

History

Astrid Coleman
Joyce Byrne
Pauline Rooney

We study History to learn how we became who we are today – studying the lives of people in the past helps us to understand how other cultures and countries have developed and what our place is within the world. History is a compulsory subject for Junior Cycle. All Transition Year students do a seven week module in History and the subject is offered as an option subject in the senior cycle. Students are brought on at outings at both Junior and Senior Levels and visiting guest speakers help to bring the subject to life for students.

The study of History enables students to develop invaluable skills such as a capacity for independent thought, organisation of ideas and an ability to reach balanced conclusions, all of which are highly sought after in many careers. The Junior Cert Syllabus covers a wide and interesting array of topics beginning with the work of the historian and archaeologist and the study of ancient civilisations in First Year. The Junior Cert syllabus is developmental in nature and as the student progresses the complexity of the themes and concepts gradually increases. The Junior Cert syllabus is currently under review and future changes will enhance students’ enjoyment of the subject.

Geography

Ciaran Twomey
Pauline Rooney

The Junior Certificate geography course offers a great variety of subject matter, with the opportunity to learn a broad range of knowledge and skills. In physical geography, you learn about the earth’s surface and the workings of our life support system, atmosphere and climate. In social geography, you examine issues of population, settlement patterns, and urbanisation. In economic geography, you see how different sectors develop and inequalities emerge. Ordnance Survey map reading and interpretation of aerial photographs is an integral part of the course.

The education of young people today takes place against the background of a world with such characteristics of geographical concern as increasingly multi-cultural societies, sharp social and economic inequalities on a variety of scales, an increasing pace of socio-economic change and the growing concern over declining environmental quality in many regions.

Science

Hilary Gale
Lynda Forde
Deirdre Smith
Naomi Torpey
Ann Delahunty

Junior science has been drawn up to cater for a full range of student ability, aptitude and achievement. The syllabus has three major components, biology, chemistry and physics, and is concerned with the development of scientific knowledge, skills, concepts and attitudes essential for the responsibilities of citizenship in today’s world. All students are required to study these three components. The course is activity-based in its design and emphasises the practical experience of science for each individual student. The importance of the processes of science as well as knowledge and understanding is reflected in the course structure.

The teaching approach to junior science in St. Joseph of Cluny Secondary School is very much investigative. Through a variety of prescribed and non-prescribed investigations and experiments, students attain the specified learning outcomes, developing appropriate science process skills and a knowledge of underlying science concepts. In St. Joseph of Cluny Secondary School, science education at junior cycle encourages the development of manipulative, procedural, cognitive, affective and communication skills through practical activities that foster investigation, imagination, and creativity. Opportunities are provided for observing and evaluating phenomena and processes and for drawing valid deductions and conclusions. Students are enabled to acquire a body of scientific knowledge appropriate to their age, and an understanding of the relevance and applications of science in their personal and social lives. A balanced understanding of the physical, biological and chemical dimensions of science is provided, thus facilitating the further study of science in the senior cycle.

All students in St. Joseph of Cluny study science for the junior certificate. There are typically four science classes in each junior cycle year, each with approximately 20 students. The use of I.T. features strongly in the teaching of junior science. Slideshow presentations, animations and interactive computer simulations are all used to enhance the learning experience of the students. Educational science outings are also organised for students throughout the year. Students are facilitated and actively encouraged to participate in science exhibitions and competitions e.g. The Annual Young Scientist Exhibition. The school’s well-equipped laboratories allow students to develop, through practical experience, a scientific curiosity and a sense of inquisitiveness in the world around them. Arising out of their experience in the junior cycle, it is hoped that many students will be encouraged to study one or more of the science subjects in the senior cycle, thus preparing themselves for further study or work in this area.

Home Economics

Breda Wolohan
Deirdre Fahey

There are two newly refurbished, modern Home Economics kitchens in the school. Each one is designed so that there are ten, well equipped units. There is also a Textiles room for sewing and crafts. The Junior Certificate syllabus includes modules on Food and Nutrition, Resource Management, Consumer Studies, Social and Health Education and Textiles Studies. The course for each year is structured in such a way as to allow a variety of topics to be covered in each of the three years. For example, in 1st year, some of the things that students learn about are nutrition and health, wise consumer decision making, money management etc. From a practical point of view, they learn to make many simple dishes using skills which will be built on in 2nd and 3rd year. 1st year students also make a craft item using skills such as embroidery, appliqué etc., for example draught excluders, cushions, wall bags, I-pod holders etc.

2nd year Home Economics students learn how to make an item of clothing for themselves using a pattern. They also learn how to make many sweet and savoury dishes. Theory in 2nd year is a development on already acquired knowledge in 1st year. 3rd year places a big emphasis on preparation for the Junior Certificate practical exams which take place around Easter time. The practical component accounts for 50% of the junior cert mark. Students are given an assignment for which they have to research and plan a dish. They then prepare, cook and serve the dish during the exam. Students also have to present a project. This can be a craftwork or a study on some aspect of child development or an item of clothing made using a commercial pattern. In Cluny we encourage diversity and creativity so that the students can choose which project best suits their own individual interests and ability.

Music

John O’Farrell
Patricia Higgins

Music at St. Joseph of Cluny Secondary School enjoys a strong social, religious and academic tradition. The department is a lively one, with ongoing events throughout the school year. Through various classroom based and extra curricular activities at Junior and Senior cycle, each student has the opportunity to gain valuable music experiences, be it through choir classes offered at Junior Cycle or involvement in the fifth year musical. All students in first and second year, whether choosing to study music or not, are prepared for the Department of Education and Science choir exams, which offers a performance experience to all.

Students studying music as a choice option for Junior Certificate take 4 lessons a week, in accordance with the Department of Education and Science guidelines. School based choral and orchestral experiences feed directly into the classroom for all music students, while performance skills in part singing are encouraged from first year. Composition, listening and general musical studies all complement the students developing performance skills, leading to the Junior Certificate Examination in third year.

The St Joseph of Cluny School Choir is open to students from all years, and is an extra curricular activity. Membership of the choir is voluntary and open to students whether they study music or not. The range of music varies from Sacred to Baroque to West End Musical and the girls sing at all major school events including the annual carol service and prize giving. The choir regularly enters national choir competitions and has enjoyed much success over the years

The School Orchestra comprises students from all years, and all levels of instruments are welcome to join. The orchestra prepare each year for Department of Education and Science Examinations, and perform regularly at events throughout the school year, including the annual Carol Service.

Art, Craft & Design

Brenda McNulty

Art is taught at both Junior and Senior Cycle as an Option Subject. All Transition and 5th year students also have an eight week Art and Craft module. The Art Department consists of two well equipped art rooms catering for a diverse range of crafts, also IT facilities, and an excellent art library.

While following a structured program and adhering to syllabus requirements, the teachers endeavour to provide stimulating projects that encourage students to develop their creativity and build competency in variety of art skills. We see art as opening the minds, hearts and spirits of the students to their natural environment, fostering an appreciation for the cultural diversity of people living inside and outside Ireland. Art is seen not only as a subject to be studied but also as a giving the students a visual language for self expression and an aesthetic appreciation that transcends examinations and becomes a life time source of pleasure and fulfilment.

Art Trips:
Every class goes on an Art trip annually. These trips may be fact finding and provide a source for subsequent project work. The trips also allow students to view first hand, artworks from past and present. They become familiar with the various art galleries and develop an appreciation of the visual arts.

SPHE

Brenda McNulty
Jillian Ryan
Pauline Rooney

SPHE plays a vital role in a Cluny Education. The SPHE department aims to promote all round student well being, giving students the tools to develop into a mentally and physically healthy person who is informed, responsible and self confident. At junior level each class group in each year has one 40 minute class of SPHE per week. Throughout the three years of the Junior Cycle similar subjects are addressed and revisited each year in more depth according to the students' level of maturity. Modules covered in the Junior Cycle include:

  • Belonging and Integrating
  • Self Management
  • Communication Skills
  • Physical Health
  • Friendship
  • Relationships and Sexuality (RSE)
  • Emotional Health
  • Influences and Decisions
  • Substance Use
  • Personal Safety

Our SPHE teaching methodologies include:

  • Class Discussion
  • Icebreaking and Role-playing Games
  • Analyzing and reacting to case Studies
  • Artwork, campaign posters etc.
  • Brainstorms
  • Project Work

RSE Programme:
Society today leaves children exposed to increasing influences particularly where sex and sexuality are concerned. Over the past decade we have witnessed the media deliver – particularly through women’s magazines, information on sex and sexuality that indirectly promotes and perhaps encourages behavior that can often compromise young peoples’ self esteem, morals and core values. The RSE programme aims to deliver age-appropriate and practical information that encourages students to rise above the pressure and expectations of their peers and society. It informs students of the practical/physical and emotional/moral elements of the subject, empowering them to make healthy and correct decisions that impact on their lives in a positive and affirming way.

Confidentiality:
The nature of the SPHE class often leads to discussion on various sensitive topics and students are informed that should they need to speak to a teacher about anything that comes up in class they may approach the SPHE teacher if they feel comfortable doing so. However, students are informed that should the teacher feel that the student or students in question are at risk, that they are obliged to report the situation to the DLP - Designated Liaison Person, to ensure the safety and welfare of the student or students in question.

Our Resources
We have a resource press that contains all of the relevant, up to date and age appropriate department material recommended for use in teaching. SPHE resources are updated and managed by the dept. head and are available for use to all SPHE teachers. These resources include text books, leaflets, posters and DVD's. We also have use of the “On My Own Two Feet” resource. It focuses on substance use and is provided by the North Western health board to all schools. We are currently using the “Minding Me” 1, 2 and 3 series of textbooks. All of our SPHE teachers receive the most up to date in-service training available from the SPHE support service. Courses are run annually and are available to teachers as needed to enable them to teach SPHE using the most current and effective methods.

CSPE - Civic, Social & Political Education

CSPE is a junior cycle course designed to promote Active Citizenship in young adults. The central concerns of CSPE are to prepare students for the responsibilities of citizenship, develop their personal and social confidence and to contribute to their moral development. CSPE is important for each individual, it enables students to adapt and reflect in a changing complex society. It helps them to understand the rights and responsibilities of the individual in society and the workings and nature of democracy. CSPE seeks to be effective and to equip pupils with the skills and understanding of processes which enable them to see, decide, judge and act.

The CSPE course features seven core concepts; rights and responsibilities, human dignity, stewardship, development, democracy, law and interdependence. The CSPE exam itself is divided into two sections, a written paper worth 40% and an action project worth 60%. In St. Joseph of Cluny the students do exams in CSPE at Christmas and summer and do an action project in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year. The structure and layout of the course with its varied learning methodologies allows for active class work where the emphasis is on learning by doing. This is born out in the Action Project process, which may include an array of guest speakers from local TD’s, An Garda Síochána and members of the business communities. A wide variety of excursions are also incorporated in CSPE with visits to Dáil Eireann, Mountjoy Jail, local environmental initiatives and many more.

Students enjoy the organising and planning of these events and reap the rewards when they are a success. Developing skills, which have lifelong benefits, is the main aim of Action Projects. Research and discovery activities are an integral part of the Action project. It is the students’ own responsibility to contact the various organisation and gain the required information for their project. Group work and discussions are a constant focus of lessons, allowing for peer interaction which is not always as frequently available in other curriculum areas. Classes can include simulation activities such as a voting exercise based on the last two elections in Ireland. The students also display their action projects to other students within the school. The various exhibits convey the message of raising awareness. Students in the past have organised petitions for worthy causes, such as to ban fur farming, or to get a bus shelter at their bus stop.

Finally CSPE is a subject that students enjoy participating in, encouraging creativity, responsibility and cooperation with their peers.