Senior Cycle overview
Senior Cycle- Drogheda Grammar School
All students are prepared for the Irish Leaving Certificate examinations which take place in June. Many subjects will have projects and other forms of assessment which happen during 6th year.
We expect our senior students to work hard, be independent in their study and give of their best at all times. Their expectations should be high and they should challenge themselves to continue to improve. Our teachers will support them in that and help them every step of the way.
Leaving Cert subjects are chosen towards the end of Transition Year. This happens after each student completes careers and 3rd level research projects, their DATS analysis, and tasters in all subjects available for the Leaving cert as part of the TY modular system. They will also have appointments with the Career guidance teacher who can advise on possible 3rd level courses and future career paths.
Blocks and subject choices are then organised based on the year group’s preferences.
Each year, over 90% of Drogheda Grammar School students go on to third-level studies and we are proud of every student, no matter what path they choose. While exam results often get the headlines the person underneath is what we focus on first.
All pupils take English, Irish, and Mathematics; four further subjects should then be chosen. New subjects (e.g. PE) can be added if there is demand and interest. In recent years we have added Politics and Society ,Computer Science and Physical Education.
Conversely a subject may be removed if there is not enough interest or cannot be timetabled.
The following subjects are offered (pupils select seven unless they have an Irish exemption):
Core subjects:
Irish
English
Mathematics
Choice subjects
- French
- German
- Spanish
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Computer Science
- Politics & Society
- History
- Geography
- Business
- Economics
- Home Economics
- Art
- Music
- Design and Communication Graphics
- Construction Studies
- Physical Education
The students also complete programmes in PE, RSE, Wellbeing and Careers over the course of 5th and 6th year.