Since its inception Scoil Mhuire has earned and maintained its record for academic excellence.
The school aims to help all pupils achieve their fullest potential in academic and extra-curricular fields at each stage of their development. In our teaching we aim to help, stimulate, and challenge each student, and this aim is supported by careful monitoring and regular reporting.
A dedicated and accomplished teaching staff, together with an optimum learning environment, ensures that our pupils consistently set the standard in their chosen discipline.
The curriculum provided is balanced, broad and diverse.
A high priority is placed on communication with parents. There is a parent-teacher meeting for every year group each year.
The Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate curricula of the Irish Department of Education and Skills are followed. All students sit the Junior Certificate at the end of 3rd Year. Transition Year is compulsory in 4th Year. All students sit the Leaving Certificate at the end of 6th Year.
Scoil Mhuire is widely acknowledged as one of the key feeder schools to national universities. Our examination results are excellent across a wide ability range. The overwhelming majority of our students go on to study at university.
Junior Cycle
What is the Junior Cycle?
Students in 1st to 3rd Year follow the national Junior Cycle curriculum which offers a broad range of subjects, as well as encouraging key skills in communications, wellbeing, creativity, literacy, and more. Students complete classroom-based assessments during 2nd and 3rd year. They will sit State Junior Cycle Exams at the end of 3rd year. Together, CBA descriptors, Junior Cert grades and student personal statements will form a Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement Certificate.
What is a Classroom Based Assessment (CBA)?
As part of the reformed Junior Cycle program, students are required to do Classroom Based Assessments in 2nd Year and 3rd Year of their Junior Cycle within the national school timetable (the deadlines for which are published yearly by the NCCA). Classroom Based Assessments take place (as the name suggests) in the classroom under the supervision of the subject teacher and promote a positive and collaborative learning environment for students while also informing them about their learning progress in each of their subjects.
What are statements of Other Areas of Learning (OAL) and Other Areas of Wellbeing (OAWB)?
OAL stands for ‘Other Areas of Learning’ and OAWB stand for ‘Other Areas of Well-Being’. Together they record students’ non-academic achievements within the school community during their first three years in secondary school. These will be published on the students’ Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement (JCPA) along with their State examination grades and CBA descriptors.
Junior Cycle Subjects
Junior students must study 9 subjects and two short courses for Junior Certificate.
The Study of a Modern Foreign Language is compulsory in Scoil Mhuire.
These subjects comprise:
Irish
English
Mathematics
History
Geography
Science
Business
A choice of either French or German or Italian
A choice of Music or Art or Home Economics
Non Examinable Well Being Subjects which all students must study include:
CSPE (Short Course)
Digital Literacy
SPHE (Short Course)
Religion
PE (Short Course)
Transition Year
Transition Year in Scoil Mhuire affords our students a unique opportunity to grow, to challenge themselves and to enhance their understandings of the world around them.
We offer a diverse programme which seeks to build upon our students existing learning and which further seeks to position each student on the strongest of footings as they head into Senior Cycle.
Students have the opportunity to undertake a wide variety of classes. This begins with core areas across Maths, English and Irish. Students undertake one of French, Germans or Italian and then have at their disposal a large range of options including; Business, Accounting, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, History, Art, Music and Home Economics.
Where demand exists the option to pursue the following subjects may also arise; Applied Maths, Agricultural Science, Politics and Society or Classical Studies.
In Scoil Mhuire we seek to nurture the development of each student in a holistic manner. In addition to the above subjects we have a range of modules which our students undertake.
Modules include but are not limited to the following;
Law, Psychology, Jewellery Design, Environmental Studies, Singing, Dance, P.E., Film Making, Cookery, Personal Finance, R.S.E., Road Safety, CPR, Drama, Podcasting, Fashion Design, European Studies, Music Appreciation to name a few.
All of this is further complemented by workshops such as a Forensics Workshop and Barista Course where our students learn practical skills and trips such as Ballyhass which act to cement the year group.
Participation in competitions, and charitable work is strongly promoted which further nurtures each student’s capacity to face and tackle challenges head on, often with success. Such competitions include the Student Enterprise programme, Law Society Essay competition, PsychSlam, Cork History Project coupled with Charity work to include the Annual Christmas Appeal and hamper packing with Saint Vincent de Paul.
Our TY programme seeks to empower each student and is further complemented by our ‘MyTY’ programme where each student has one to one meetings with a tutor. These are designed to permit each student to reflect on their progress and involvement across Transition Year so that they can set goals and seek to achieve them in an effective manner. All of which is aimed at benefitting them in the longer term.
Module Benefits
Our Transition year modules seek to build upon our students existing learning whilst challenging them to think, analyse and critique new knowledge and information that is presented to them.
As a brief example our Legal Studies Module looks at the evolution of laws, how societies are shaped, the interaction of rights and also seeks to analyse well known cases. Students get a glimpse of what it may be like to study this subject at Third level whilst also obtaining critical life skills that are required in an ever challenging information landscape.
ICDL certification can be pursued which provides our students with an internationally recognised computing certificate as well as life skills such as CPR where students can gain practical skills.
This wide array of modules have been designed which seek to enhance our students understanding of the world around them and which equally act to enhance their lifelong learning.
Transition Year Programme Statement
All of the foregoing is achieved through the lens of the new Transition Year Programme Statement and here in Scoil Mhuire we believe that we steadfastly adhere to the goal of allowing our students to gain knowledge, skills, strong values and dispositions. All of which helps create enriched, engaged and competent learners.
Our own mission is to Nurture each student for their lifelong learning and the primary aim of the statement is to ‘nurture the development of the student as a whole person’.
Through the design of a meaningful Transition Year Programme we believe that we create the opportunities required for our students to flourish.
Purpose: The TY Programme Statement provides guidance for schools in developing a TY programme that supports students moving from junior cycle to senior cycle, preparing them to be well-rounded local, national, and global citizens. It aims to nurture the student’s development as a whole person, create meaningful learning experiences, expand their awareness of future pathways, and support lifelong learning.
Key Competencies: TY helps students develop key competencies such as thinking and problem-solving, managing learning and self, being creative, cultivating wellbeing, communicating, working with others, and participating in society.
Student Dimensions: The TY programme is designed around four key Student Dimensions:
-
- Personal Growth: Students mature socially and emotionally, developing health, wellbeing, autonomy, identity, empathy, and leadership.
- Being a Learner: Students develop as senior cycle students, embracing effective learning strategies.
- Civic and Community Engagement: Students make a positive difference in their communities and learn to act as responsible citizens.
- Career Exploration: Students explore diverse career pathways and develop career-related competencies.
Transition Year means OpportuniTY
Senior Cycle
The Leaving Certificate is a familiar, high trusted & high stakes examination in Ireland. Since 2017 the DE (Department of Education) conducted a broad consultation process with a view to redevelop the Leaving Certificate Programme which is regarded generally as a demanding and stressful examination for students.
As a consequence of the consultation process the Leaving Cert Redevelopment Programme was launched by the Minister for Education in March 2024.
It is a student centred, skills development programme building on the principles of the Junior Cycle.
It also builds on Transition Year (TY) foundations which will be an integral part of the Leaving Certificate Programme. Transition Year will, therefore, be more accountable & will have Taster Programmes. In this regard, a Transition Year Statement is to developed which requires each school to review their TY Programme for implementation in September 2025.
This TY Review is currently underway in Scoil Mhuire Cork and will be presented to current Third Year parents in Term Three 2025.
The Chief Inspector of the DE says that the Redeveloped Leaving Certificate will give:
- Opportunities for improvement.
- Promotion of student agency and voice.
- It is within a Culture of Formative Assessment.
There will be “Additional Assessment Components”. (AAC’s).
- These are project based.
- They will have oversight by Subject Teacher and signed off by Principal.
- They will be awarded between 40% or 50% of the Leaving Certificate mark in a subject.
- They will be set & marked by SEC.
- They will be added to the marks attained in the written Leaving Certificate Examination in June each year.
The concepts underpinning these AAC’s are:
- Students learn through and Learn by doing.
- They focus on process not product.
- They are aligned to learning outcomes.
The implementation process of the Redeveloped Leaving Certificate Programme will be phased in over 5 Tranches in a timeframe of 5 years, scheduled to begin in September 2025.
In Scoil Mhuire Cork the 5 Tranches are as follows:
2025 – Tranche 1 – Biology/ Chemistry/ Physics/ Business/ Climate Action & Sustainable Development/ Drama, Film & Theatre Studies.
2026 – Tranche 2 – Accounting/English/Geography.
2027 – Tranche 3 – History/ Home Economics/ mathematics/ Music.
2028 – Tranche 4 – Art/ Economics/ French/ Gaeilge/ German/ Italian.
2029 Tranche 5 – Applied Mathematics.
Training Provision and Support
Throughout the entire phased implementation process staff training and support will be provided by OIDE as follows:
- Whole staff days focusing on Senior Cycle redevelopment
- 4 years of provision of support for each subject area. (Full Day events/ Collaborative events/ Webinars & Workshops.
On completion the aim is to have a robust, fit for purpose, student centred, skills based Leaving Certificate Programme which meets the needs of a modern progressive society and values agreed core educational and ethical principles.
Senior Cycle Subjects
Students must continue their study of
English
Irish*
Maths
Their Modern Foreign Language from Junior Cycle **
Option Subjects Include:
History
Geography
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Business
Accounting
Economics
Social and Scientific
Music
Art
*Irish:
*Please see our Irish Exemptions Policy under Policies
**Modern Foreign Languages:
- In exceptional circumstances, where a persistent Special Education Need is identified despite intervention and differentiation, consideration will be given to allowing the student to withdraw from the study of a Modern Foreign Language.
- NUI exemptions from the study of a modern foreign language cannot be considered or accepted by Scoil Mhuire.
- NUI exemptions are private arrangements between the parent and the NUI and are not accommodated by Scoil Mhuire.
As students approach Senior cycle, it is critical that the choices are available to them that will allow progression along their chosen path.
Fourth Year Options 2024/2025
Core Subjects: English (4) Irish (4) Maths (4) Language (4) Religion (2)
Subject Option Blocks:
| Block 1: | Block 2: | Block 3: |
| Business
Chemistry Economics Geography |
Accounting
Biology Business Music |
Art
Biology History Home Economics (Social & Scientific) Physics |
Fifth Year Options 2024/2025
Core Subjects: Irish, English, Maths, Religion, RSE/PE/Dance
Languages: French/German/Italian/French
| Block 1: | Block 2: | Block 3: |
| Chemistry
Geography Biology Home Economics Business |
Accounting
Geography History Geography Economics Physics Biology |
Art
Music Business Biology
|
Sixth Year Options 2024/2025
Core Subjects: Irish, English, Maths, Religion, RSE/PE/Dance
Languages: French/German/Italian/French
| Block 1: | Block 2: | Block 3: |
| History
Physics Business Biology Home Economics
|
Biology
Music Art Geography
|
Economics
Business Chemistry Accounting
|
Subject Profiles
Subjects from which students may select, with an overview from subject teachers as to what their subject entails:
French
JUNIOR CYCLE French is one of the three modern languages taught for Junior Cycle. Pupils are given the opportunity to sample each of the languages
Science
SCIENCE SUBJECT PROFILE At Scoil Mhuire, the study of science enables students to build on their learning in primary school and to further develop
English
English has long held a place of special importance and regard in Scoil Mhuire, integral to the vision and essence envisaged by Miss Cahill and
German
Scoil Mhuire has a long tradition of teaching German as a Modern Foreign Language . The Senior Cycle and M.F.L programmes at Junior Cycle level embrace every
Italian
Italian has been part of the curriculum of S.M.C. since its foundation in 1951 and together with German and French, is one of three MFLs
Business
This subject deals with the practicalities of how businesses operate along with how the various stakeholders involved interact with each other. Leaving Certificate business creates
Accounting
Accounting is the art of preparing financial and management information, for an array of different organisations, ranging from Sole Traders, Farms, Clubs, Non-Profits, to PLC’s
History
History is the study of change over time. It covers all aspects of human society -political, social, economic, cultural, religious, and military developments. TOPICS COVERED:
Geography
“Geography is the subject which holds the key to our future”. ~Michael Palin Geography combines the study of physical and human worlds and provides a
Music
“Where words fail, music speaks” ~Hans Christian Anderson Music, from earliest times, has been an important expression of human creativity. Today it is a valued
Home Economics Social & Scientific
When we hear the term, ‘Home Economics’ most of us think about cooking and food. However, Home Economics is about much more than food. Home
Gaeilge
“Labhair í agus mairfidh sí” An aidhm atá againn mar mhúinteoirí Gaeilge ná an Ghaeilge, go háirthe an Ghaeilge labhartha agus an cultúr a
Economics
Economics is the study of the processes and decisions that influence the production and consumption of goods and services by individuals, firms, governments and other
French
JUNIOR CYCLE French is one of the three modern languages taught for Junior Cycle. Pupils are given the opportunity to sample each of the languages
Science
SCIENCE SUBJECT PROFILE At Scoil Mhuire, the study of science enables students to build on their learning in primary school and to further develop
English
English has long held a place of special importance and regard in Scoil Mhuire, integral to the vision and essence envisaged by Miss Cahill and
German
Scoil Mhuire has a long tradition of teaching German as a Modern Foreign Language . The Senior Cycle and M.F.L programmes at Junior Cycle level embrace every
Italian
Italian has been part of the curriculum of S.M.C. since its foundation in 1951 and together with German and French, is one of three MFLs
Business
This subject deals with the practicalities of how businesses operate along with how the various stakeholders involved interact with each other. Leaving Certificate business creates
Accounting
Accounting is the art of preparing financial and management information, for an array of different organisations, ranging from Sole Traders, Farms, Clubs, Non-Profits, to PLC’s
History
History is the study of change over time. It covers all aspects of human society -political, social, economic, cultural, religious, and military developments. TOPICS COVERED:
Geography
“Geography is the subject which holds the key to our future”. ~Michael Palin Geography combines the study of physical and human worlds and provides a
Music
“Where words fail, music speaks” ~Hans Christian Anderson Music, from earliest times, has been an important expression of human creativity. Today it is a valued
Home Economics Social & Scientific
When we hear the term, ‘Home Economics’ most of us think about cooking and food. However, Home Economics is about much more than food. Home
Gaeilge
“Labhair í agus mairfidh sí” An aidhm atá againn mar mhúinteoirí Gaeilge ná an Ghaeilge, go háirthe an Ghaeilge labhartha agus an cultúr a
Economics
Economics is the study of the processes and decisions that influence the production and consumption of goods and services by individuals, firms, governments and other
Additional info
Business http://scoilmhuirecork.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Business-Accounting-and-Economics.pptx
German
Biology http://scoilmhuirecork.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Leaving-Certificate-Biology.pdf
History http://scoilmhuirecork.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/History-–-Leaving-Certificate-and-Beyond.pptx
Geography http://scoilmhuirecork.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Geog-Subject-Template.pdf
Accounting http://scoilmhuirecork.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Business-Accounting-and-Economics.pptx
Economics http://scoilmhuirecork.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Business-Accounting-and-Economics.pptx
French
Social & Scientific https://scoilmhuirecork.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Introduction-to-LC-Home-Economics.pptx
Physics http://scoilmhuirecork.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/PHYSICS.pdf
Art http://scoilmhuirecork.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Leaving-Certificate-Art-Scoil-Mhuire.pdf
Italian
Chemistry http://scoilmhuirecork.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Subject-Description-Chemistry-1.pdf
Music http://scoilmhuirecork.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/LEAVING-CERT-MUSIC-SMC.pdf