You will be surprised to know that education is free in Ireland. The quality of education offered in the schools is the point of national pride. In Ireland, children start education at the age of 6. After the fourth birthday, children are enrolled in the school. The primary education is broken down into eight grades. Their curriculum includes English, Irish, Math, P.E., and Arts. Children are taught regarding social, environmental and health topics.
High School Education System & Curriculum
There are plenty of high schools throughout Ireland are registered with the Government's Department of Education and Science. These schools may be private or public state schools. The high school education system 5 - 6 years of study. In addition, it is divided into 3 parts i.e. Junior Cycle, Transition Year and Senior Cycle.
The subjects taught in the high school are:
English
Home Economics
Mathematics
Business Studies & Accountancy
French, German, Spanish & Italian
Physics, Chemistry & Biology
History
Geography
Music
Art
The Junior Cycle
The High School Education System Junior Cycle comprises of three years i.e. first, second and third. In the third year, a Junior Certificate Examination, an external state examination is held. Students are aged between 12 or 13 years in the first year of secondary school.
Fourth Year / Transition Year
There is no state exam in the transition years. At this time, valuable opportunities for personal development are provided to the students. They gaining confidence in the English language. Students at this stage do not have the pressure of preparing for a state exam. It is seen that more emphasis is laid on the development of skills such as sports, photography, and more.
The Senior Cycle
The Fifth and Sixth Year form the Senior Cycle of the High School Education System. In the end, the students are offered the Leaving Certificate Examination. This examination is for high school graduation and university entrance in Ireland.