ACADEMIC

Junior Cycle

Transition Year

Senior Cycle

Results Analysis

JUNIOR CYCLE

This is a three-year programme to prepare the students for their first state examination.

SUBJECT CHOICE

All students who enter Salesian College in 1st Year take Irish, English, Mathematics, Geography, History, Science, Religious Education, Physical Education, CSPE and SPHE as core subjects. 


In addition, all students choose one continental language - French or German. Students then have a second optional subject. The second option line is Metalwork or Woodwork or Art, Craft & Design or Technical Graphics or Business Studies or Music. Each student is asked to indicate his preferred choice of optional subjects which is part of the Application Form. 


OPTIONAL SUBJECTS


ARTS, CRAFT AND DESIGN
  • Art is a project subject. 
  • Students are assessed on their year’s work. 
  • This also applies to art in the junior cert. 
  • The school has all the necessary facilities for this subject. 
  • Art covers drawing, painting, graphic design and craft (pottery and printing). 
  • Art helps students develop creative skills in a relaxed environment. 
  • Art is a subject that is suitable for all abilities and encourages individuality. 


BUSINESS STUDIES
  • Business studies involves book-keeping, the preparation of accounts e.g. club accounts and business theory, the study of various topics in the business world e.g. marketing. 
  • It involves regular homework both numerical and practical suited to a methodical student.
  • It develops into three separate subjects in fifth year i.e. accounts (book-keeping), business (business theory) and economics (new).  Business Studies is an important foundation for any student taking a business course at third level.

TECHNICAL GRAPHICS
  • Technical Graphics gives students an opportunity to design using graphics, to communicate ideas and develop creativity and problem solving.

WOODWORK
  • Woodwork is one of the most popular subjects in the school. Students mix practical skills with the theory of woodwork.
  • Students get the opportunity to do some woodturning, woodcarving, marquetry and laminating along the traditional wood working skills. 

METAL WORK
  • Metalwork is always popular among students. 
  • Practical skills and relevant theory are covered.
  • With the students producing a range of artefacts in metal plastic and sometimes wood.
  • Computer aided design and manufacture are introduced early.  Electronics, pneumatics, and mechanisms all form an important part of the course which gives a good introduction to various engineering disciplines. 
  • Possible careers include various apprenticeships, mechanical, electrical, computer engineer, design and draughting, materials science.

MODERN LANGUAGES
  • All first year students must choose to study either French or German for their Junior Certificate learning a modern language can be both exciting and rewarding.
  • Students choose a particular language for various reasons. These include: Previous knowledge of either language at primary school, connection with a particular country (relatives living there or holidays spent there),  a personal interest in and liking for the sound of the language or a  possible help in the home from a parent or sibling who has studied the language.

MUSIC
  • Music is new optional subject for Junior Cycle in Salesian College, and popular among students. 
  • Practical skills and relevant theory are covered. 
  • Topics covered include Irish Music, a large variety of music genres and composers, instruments, the music industry, vocal skills, music theory, listening skills, composing skills, performance skills and many more. 
  • The specification for Junior Cycle Music focuses on giving students the opportunity to develop their musical knowledge, skills and cultural awareness through the practical and cognitive engagement with music. This can be achieved through the three interconnected strands: Procedural knowledge, Innovate and ideate and Culture and context. Students will experience learning in each of these three strands as they progress through junior cycle.
  • Junior Cert exam in 3rd year is 70% Written and  30% Practical (group or solo performance of 3 songs/pieces)
  • It is important to note that it is not a requirement to be able to play a musical instrument/sing in order to pick music for Junior Cycle