Senior School Curriculum

📘 The Senior School Journey: 3rd – 6th Class

The transition into 3rd Class marks an exciting milestone. In the Senior School, we shift from "learning to read" to "reading to learn." We balance a rigorous academic curriculum with unique initiatives that foster independence, leadership, and a vibrant school spirit.

🌟 Signature Senior Initiatives

Our Senior School experience is defined by several key programs that make our school community special:

• Cairde sa Clós: Meaning "Friends in the Yard," this initiative sees our 6th Class students taking an active role during break times. They monitor the junior yard, helping our younger pupils play safely, resolve minor disagreements, and ensure no one feels left out.

• Student-Led Lunchtime Leagues: A firm favorite! These leagues are organized and run by the students themselves. It’s a fantastic way to build leadership skills, encourage fair play, and ensure our yards are full of energy and friendly competition.

• The Buddy System: Beyond the yard, our 6th Class students act as formal mentors to our Junior Infants, helping them settle into school life and building a bridge between our youngest and oldest pupils.

• Advanced Literacy (Set Novels): To foster a deep love of reading and analytical thinking, our classes dive into shared literary worlds:

  • 3rd & 4th Class: Study two set novels per year.

  • 5th & 6th Class: Progress to three set novels per year.

• Tennis Tuesdays: Every Tuesday, senior classes take to the courts to focus on agility, hand-eye coordination, and sportsmanship.

• Premier PE Facilities: We are fortunate to have access to the Skerries Community Centre every Thursday and Friday for a wide variety of indoor sports in a professional setting.

🏆 Extracurriculars & Teams

We believe in catering to every student's interests, whether they are athletic, musical, or strategic. Our Senior School offers a wide range of teams and clubs, including:

• Field Sports: Gaelic Football, Hurling, Camogie, and Hockey.

• Strategy & Skill: Our popular Chess Club.

• The Arts: Our school Choir and Music Club, where students can explore their creative talents and perform for the school community.

📖 Core Curriculum Breakdown

💡 The Senior School Shift: What to Expect

As your child moves through 3rd to 6th class, the learning environment evolves to prepare them for the transition to secondary school:

• Independence: Moving from teacher-led activities to student-led research and projects.

• Leadership: Transitioning from following school rules to setting the example through Cairde sa Clós and the Student Council.

• Responsibility: Managing a busier schedule of clubs, leagues, and more advanced homework assignments.

📅 Our School Year: Key Events & Milestones

We maintain a busy and exciting calendar to celebrate our students' achievements and engage with our families.

Term 1: Autumn & Winter

• September: Parents’ Information Night – An opportunity to meet the teachers and hear about the year ahead.

• November: Parent-Teacher Meetings – Formal updates on your child’s progress and development.

• December: The Christmas Show – A highlight of the year where our students showcase their performing arts talents.

Term 2: Spring

• January: Grandparents’ Day – A very special celebration held in Skerries Community Centre to honor the generations that support our students.

• February & March: A busy season of themed weeks including IT Safety Week, Seachtain na Gaeilge, and our festive Easter Raffle.

Term 3: Summer

• April – June: Our final term is packed with milestones:

  • Faith & Celebration: The Sacrament of Confirmation.

  • Activity: Active Week and our highly anticipated School Tours.

  • Community: Garden Parties and social gatherings.

  • Academics: Standardized Testing to track yearly growth.

  • Farewells: The 6th Class Graduation, celebrating our students' journey before they head to secondary school.

A Note for Parents:

We believe the senior years are about finding one’s voice and taking ownership of the school community. Whether it’s refereeing a league match, mentoring a Junior Infant, or representing the school on a sports team, we provide the platform for every child to lead and succeed.