ACADEMIC

Junior Cycle

Transition Year

Senior Cycle

JUNIOR CYCLE

Welcome to our Junior Cycle homepage. Please click on any of the subjects that appear in red for further information.

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 the following as core subjects :


In addition to the core subjects all students choose a modern foreign languages:
  • French,
  • German.







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.
  • More info on Modern Languages.



Finally, students will select two additional subjects from the following list of optional subjects:​

VISUAL ART
  • 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.
  • ​More info on Business Studies

GRAPHICS
  • Technical Graphics gives students an opportunity to design using graphics, to communicate ideas and develop creativity and problem solving.
  • More info on Graphics and also a Factsheet.
  • Click on the link below for a very interesting presentation on the benefits of studying graphics.
  • youtu.be/4263Mj1DWzw

WOOD TECHNOLOGY
  • 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. 
  • More info on Wood Technology and also a Factsheet.

JUNIOR CYCLE ENGINEERING
  • 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.

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