Focus of Study :
At the Donahies Community School, we aim to carry the torch of learning to every member of the school community in an environment that is supportive and safe. Our approach to education is holistic. Each student is supported to achieve his/her full academic potential. The Personal, Social and Spiritual development of all students is fostered and developed. Our educational programmes reflect the inclusive nature of the school community. Our philosophy is based on respect, tolerance and understanding while appreciating the diversity of our changing world. The school motto to ‘Undertake and Accomplish’ has remained the guiding principle since the foundation of the school.
Benefit, Goal of this course :
We also run a very successful Homework Club Monday to Thursday and a very successful Breakfast and Dinner programme, funded by Dept. of Social Welfare and a subsided Lunch programme available to all students.
Links and Programmes
In the community we have direct links with established businesses and educational programmes.
- Partnership programme with Dublin City University.
- CTYI, Centre for Talented Youth.
- Northside Partnership and Challenger Programme, with access to extra tuition for Maths and Irish.
- Links with Business in the Community Amazon / Boots Intl.
- In House – ASPIRE programme, which targets High Achievers, tracking, monitoring and supporting.
- Host school for international students through Dalmac, Future Learn and MLI language schools.
Curriculum :
When you start in post primary you will find that the school day is very different to primary school. It will take time to get used to and there will be help available to find your way around. You will have six one-hour classes, Monday/Tuesday/Thursday and Friday, with four classes on Wednesday. So, you will be meeting lots of different teachers. There is a mid-morning break every day and lunch is 30minutes each day where all students stay on site. So you can bring your own lunch or purchase from our Canteen.
In 1st year you study the core subjects of Irish, English and Maths, alongside History, Geography, Science, Business, Religion, CSPE (Civic, Social and Political Education), and SPHE (Social, Personal and Health Education), P.E. and a language French. These subjects make up your timetable, with option to study Art, Home Economics, Music, Metalwork, Woodwork, Technical Graphics, and Wood Technology.
1st year students have the opportunity to sample all optional subjects before they are asked to select their subjects of choice for their Junior Certificate. Not every student will be able to do all of their first choices, due to limits on class size, but we endeavour to accommodate everyone where possible and in general, there is a good choice.
As you progress from 1st year to 3rd year you will be doing the new Junior Cycle, which is very exciting for both student and teacher, as the concept is classroom based assessments in conjunction with state exam. (Junior Certificate and Junior Certificate Schools Programme).
After Junior Certificate we encourage all students to do Transition Year before embarking on the two year Leaving Certificate programme. As this is further down the road in your education – we will supply information on our TY programme closer to the time when you will be looking forward to Senior Cycle.
When you move forward into Senior cycle, and are preparing for your Leaving Certificate, the following subjects are available at all levels. Students also have the option of Leaving Certificate Applied programme (LCA).
School Subjects in Senior Cycle
- Irish – English – Maths
- History – Geography – Politics & Society
- French
- Home Economics - Biology – Chemistry – Physics
- Art – Music - Religion
- Business – Enterprise Education - Link Modules/LCVP
- Design & Communication Graphics – Construction Studies - Engineering – Technology
- PE (exam/non exam) – Computer Studies (non exam)
Classroom Hour : You will have six one-hour classes, Monday/Tuesday/Thursday and Friday, with four classes on Wednesday.
