Subjects

Our students study the same subjects as Irish pupils in their school: English, mathematics, science, geography, history, art, business etc. In Ireland classes are usually 40 minutes in duration and there are typically eight classes per day. The only subject they are exempt from doing is Irish (Gaeilge). During Irish classes, they will either stay in class and work quietly on other material or go to the study hall.

In high school they will be presented with some subject choices depending on whether they are doing the junior (2nd and 3rd year) or senior cycle (5th and 6th year). Subjects like English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography and CSPE are obligatory for the junior cycle. Students must also choose three additional subjects (non-academic) from the following: French, Spanish, German, Italian, music, art, home economics and business studies.

For the senior cycle seven subjects must be chosen with English, Irish and Maths as the core subjects. Not all schools offer the same choice of subjects beyond the core ones. It varies from school to school.

Books And Uniform

Students will require textbooks during the school year. Copybooks / notebooks / art-pads are also required. These will all be provided as part of the COMPLETE programme. Students must bring their own writing materials (pens, rulers, pencils etc.), a good dictionary and a calculator.

Secondary schools in Ireland have formal uniforms consisting of a jumper with school crest, shirt, tie, trousers and shoes. Students must wear the uniform of the school they are attending. We provide students on the COMPLETE programme with the basics of the school uniform (jumper, tie, skirt for girls, jacket).

In addition to what we provide, students should bring the following:

Boys' Schools: Plain white or plain light blue shirt with long sleeves. Grey trousers. Black shoes. Sports gear, a warm coat and rain jacket. All these items are not provided by Rockbrook International.

Girls' Schools: White blouse, navy-blue stockings and black shoes. Sports gear. A warm coat and rain jacket. All these items are not provided by Rockbrook International.

(Uniforms are not Included in the Classic Programme)

Transport

Students generally take public transport (bus, tram, urban train) to go to school. On occasions they might walk or get a lift. The method of transport will vary depending on the proximity of the family home to the school.

Students taking public transport will need a transport card (Leap Card) for reduced student fares. The families will show the students how to go to school during the first week. The transport system in Dublin is easy to use and safe. The bus drivers are usually very helpful and answer questions.

All Public transport costs are covered by the client.

Discipline and School Rules

Students should remember they are going to be living in a different culture, and that adapting to different ways of doing things is part of the learning experience.

Schools in Ireland have high standards of discipline and the students must always abide by the school's rules. Detention and suspension are commonly given as punishments depending on the degree of indiscipline.

Serious misbehaviour (such as stealing, bullying, vandalism, or using drugs) may result in expulsion from the school. In such cases the student will be sent home immediately.

Mid-Term Break

During the Halloween mid-term break (the last weekend in October) and February mid-term break (mid-February), we organise several full day excursions. These excursions are generally cultural in nature and may involve trips to other parts of Ireland or even overseas.

Only students on the Complete Programme have these excursions included in their ptogramme.

Exams

The exam schedule will vary from school to school but generally there are two major periods of exams in each academic year. Full year students are expected to do these exams (except Irish/Gaeilge) and results/grades will be issued for each subject. During the school year there will also be various minor tests and assessments in all subjects and these are obligatory for our students.

In Ireland 3rd year and 6th year in secondary school are important years as the students do official, state examinations at the end of the year (in June). In 3rd year the state exams are called the "Junior Certificate" and in 6th year they are called the "Leaving Certificate". Full year international students can do these exams if they wish.