Subjects
Curriculum
Curriculum is the centre of our teaching and learning ethos at Bunclody Vocational College. We know that students achieve higher results in subjects that they most enjoy. With this in mind:
We do not offer first years and fifth years bands of subjects to choose from, instead, they give us their top three preferences and then we work the subject bands from that information. Therefore, the majority of our students are studying the subjects they have the most interest in.
We offer a comprehensive ‘taster programme’ to sixth class students. They can spend three days in the school during their mid-term break in October, sampling the new second level subjects and meeting the teachers who will be teaching them.
In certain subjects we offer a ‘taster’ programme for first years in their first month, so that they can finally make a fully informed choice.
We offer an additional band of subjects in Junior Certificate, thus allowing us to give students the subject choices they really want.
There is a comprehensive subject-choice programme devised for Third years, including meetings with their parents – this is to ensure that they have given sufficient thought to their Leaving Certificate subject choices, that they are aware of the content of these subjects and the consequences of these choices on their future careers.
We offer a full and varied curriculum at Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate, providing our students with a comprehensive choice of subjects.
All students at Bunclody Vocational College follow the curriculum set down by the Department of Education and Skills which may be amended from time to time in accordance with the Education Acts 1998 & 2000. . It is the policy of the school to encourage all students to take Higher Level in their exams.
Junior Cycle – 3 Years
The following Junior Certificate subjects are offered to higher level.
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Art English Maths Economic and Social Studies Gaeilge Geography Materials Technology (Wood) History Science CSPE |
Business Studies Materials Technology (Metal) French Home Economics Religion SPHE Technical Graphics Technology PE
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Students also participate in the Junior Certificate School Programme. In this course of study the students’ efforts are rewarded at each stage of their progress by providing them with a profile of their skills and achievements. At the end of their three years’ work they also complete their Junior Certificate exam.
Senior Cycle – 2 Years
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English Gaelige Maths Accounting Biology Construction Studies Engineering French
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History Engineering Art Careers DCG LCVP Geography Religion PE
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Special Education Needs
The school's Learning Support Department, guided by our qualified Resource Teacher, aims to foster an inclusive learning environment in which all students are enabled to experience success and achieve their full potential. While our mainstream teachers hold responsibility for teaching and learning within the classroom, those who are part of the learning support team offer more specialised help when needed. Such support can be deliver on an individual, small group or whole class basis in the form of team teaching. Special Needs Assistants offer additional support to individual students and are an integral part of the learning support team. Parents who have concerns regarding their own child's situation can arrange for an appointment with our Resource Co-ordinator, who will discuss their child's needs with them.
LCVP
This programme is offered alongside the traditional Leaving Certificate. Students can engage in this course of study provided they meet the criteria with regard to subject choice as set down by the Department of Education and Skills. Students following the LCVP programme study two modules over two years; Enterprise Education and Preparation for the World of Work. Grades achieved in the LCVP are now recognised for CAO points’ purposes by the different Universities and Institutes of Technology.