Typical day at an Irish high school
8:30 a.m. Walk, bicycle or ride the bus to school
9:00 a.m. Head to your “seomra ranga,” your permanent classroom where you will have most of your lessons, for your first class of the day.
9:40 a.m. Your first class is over. Now you might have a second class, such as Irish history.
11:45 a.m. After a busy morning with lots of classes, it is time for your lunch break. You can buy lunch at the school canteen or bring lunch with you.
12:30 p.m. Head back to your classroom. Maybe you will study something new, like Irish, the Gaelic language spoken in Ireland.
1:15 p.m. Time for sports. Instructors will supervise you as you learn hurling, rowing or some of Ireland’s other traditional sports.
2:30 p.m. You are back in the classroom. Maybe you will study mathematics or English.
4:00 p.m. The day is over. Now is a time to hang out with friends or do some homework.
High School in Ireland
A student exchange in Ireland will open doors to a brighter academic career. Irish high schools are tight communities, and this makes them the ideal place to perfect your English and make new friends.
Studying, learning English and making friends
Irish students usually study between 6 and 8 academic subjects – more than students of the same age in other countries – which means they can choose to pursue a wide array of interests. Some of the subjects you might study are:
- English
- Mathematics
- Irish language
- History
- Physics
- Geography
- Business organization
- Music
In addition to classes, Irish students participate in sports, and many perform school plays, write for school newspapers and participate in other activities.
School uniforms and respect for teachers
Uniforms are the norm in Irish high schools. Usually, uniforms consist of gray or blue trousers or skirts, with matching ties for boys. Teachers are friendly, but you should still make sure to treat them with respect and use their surnames.
Sports
Sports are an important part of the Irish high school experience. Some popular sports are:
- Gaelic football (a mix between rugby and football)
- Hurling (for boys)
- Camogie (for girls)
- Rugby
- Football
- Rowing
- Volleyball
The Irish school system
The Irish school system is divided into two levels: junior certificate and leaving certificate. Between these two levels many students take a transition year.
Junior certificate
The lower level consists of three years, when students are about 13, 14 and 15 years old. Students take 9 to 11 academic subjects, and at the end of the third year they take important examinations. If they pass, they receive a “junior certificate.”
Leaving certificate
The higher level consists of two years, when students are about 17 and 18 years old. At this level they take about 6 to 8 courses. At the end of their second year, they take another set of important exams, which earns them a “leaving certificate.”
Transition year
Between these two levels, when they are about 16 years old, many students take a “transition year.” The purpose of the transition year is to give students new and real-life experiences and teach them how to become productive citizens. Students often conduct major projects. They might:
- Produce a magazine
- Write a play
- Start a micro-business
- Work for a charity
Students might also take classes in subjects such as government, politics, social work and photography.
What will you study?
What you study during your High School exchange in Ireland depends on which school you go to, your interests and also on your age and academic background.