Future Learning works with Top Irish Secondary Schools all over Ireland to offer year round and term academic placements.
Why attend an Irish Secondary School?
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High School Brochure
High School Placements
We offer both public and private schools with host family accommodation options. Future Learning selects only the best schools which aim to develop the cultural, creative and intellectual development of each student in every aspect of school life. These schools work alongside us to provide a learning environment in which our students can achieve the standards of excellence appropriate to their potential and ability.
Why attend an Irish Secondary school?
Ireland is an English speaking country with a long, honourable tradition of providing education for international students dating back centuries. Education has been a key factor in making Ireland one of the fastest growing economies in the world over the past decade. With and excellent education system which caters for all types of students coupled with high quality accommodation options, not to mention the the renowned friendly Irish welcome, there is no better place to spend a year studying abroad in a high school.
Helping you choose a school
Studying abroad is a life changing experience for any teenager. It can also be a daunting prospect if it is your first time away from your family, for this reason we are on hand to guide and help you through every stage of the process.
Each student and family has different requirements when choosing a school. Some will prefer private and some will prefer public, some will prefer boarding some will prefer host family, some will want a school in the Dublin area while some will prefer rural Ireland. With all of this in mind we can help you match the secondary school which best suits your needs, we have a wide variety of options for everyone.
Our high school programme is in demand and we recommend registering your interest before the Christmas break. Please contact us for FAQ’s, high school pricing and enrolment forms info@flireland.com.
Stages of the Irish Secondary school system
The standard Irish Education System is divided into six years.
The first stage is a three year programme culminating with the newly revamped Junior Certificate Examination.
This is followed by Transition Year, equivalent to 4th Year secondary, or grade 10 in US system. The Transition Year Programme (TYP) is a very popular choice with our international students who wish to spend just one academic year in Ireland. About 75% of the Transition Year course content is devoted to traditional academic subjects as preparation for the Leaving Certificate course and 25% is devoted to the provision of enrichment opportunities for students in many useful life skills. The TYP is designed to help students make the transition from the Junior Certificate course to the more academic Leaving Certificate programme.
The TYP is then followed by a two year cycle culminating with the Leaving Certificate Examination. This two year programme has greater emphasis on individual research abilities, study skills and a more demanding, analytical approach to subject matter. The final examinations provide students with the pathway.
Years 1 to 3 (Junior Certificate Cycle)
Average ages of 11 years to 14 years. The Junior Certificate would equate somewhat with Junior High in the USA or just under the GCSE Levels in the UK. The State Examinations Commission (SEC) marks the end of this cycle in 3rd year and is known as the Junior Certificate of the Department of Education & Skills. The curriculum introduces the students to languages, including French, Spanish and German; the Sciences, including Physics, Chemistry, Biology; Business Studies, Domestic Science, Art, Music, Technology, Woodwork, ICT etc. Junior Certificate students must take Irish, English, Maths, History and Geography along with a European language. The requirement for Irish is waived for international children entering the country at more than eleven years of age.
Year 4 (Transition Year Cycle)
Average age of 15 to 16 years. This year is the most popular year for visiting international students. In most Irish schools this is an optional year, which many students decide to take up. Transition Year provides a strong basis for 5th & 6th years and also allows for the exploration of many other subject areas along with participating in outside projects and cultural experiences. This serves to help students mature and to select subjects carefully and with confidence for the forthcoming Leaving Certificate programme. Most schools in Ireland allow students to participate in work experience for 1-4 weeks during Transition Year.
Year 5 to 6 (Leaving Certificate Cycle)
Average age of 16, 17 and 18 years. The Senior Cycle is two years duration with 5th year providing a foundation for the final 6th year known as the Leaving Certificate (Ireland’s State examination). The curriculum of the Leaving Certificate follows directly from the Junior Certificate, with a small number of subjects being discarded as student begins to specialise. The Leaving Certificate standard is equivalent to the UK A-level examination, the International Baccalaureate or Advanced Placement in the USA.
Depending on the standard attained in the chosen Leaving Certificate subjects, a points total will be earned. This total is compared with the entry threshold of the University, Technical Colleges and other third level institutions, and places allocated accordingly. It is also widely accepted as an entrance qualification for universities throughout the European Union and around the world.
Each Irish secondary school has a career guidance department assisting students with applications to their chosen universities. These career guidance departments work closely with all students to identify potential course options and career choices. Ireland has some of the finest Universities and Colleges in the world including Trinity College Dublin (TCD), University College Dublin (UCD), Dublin City University (DCU), National University of Ireland Maynooth (NUIM), University College Cork (UCC), University of Limerick (UL), National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG), Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and National College of Art and Design. Future Learning assists students in this process and works in close association with the guidance departments to assist our students every step of the way. We also prepare all the convalidation documents for each student on his or her return to his or her home country.
Dates & Enrolment
Depending on the school you choose the requirements will be slightly different. For example, all of our schools require previous school reports along with a letter from your existing school but some schools may want you to visit their school officer prior to entrance and in some cases sit an exam prior to June. Once you register your interest and get in contact with us we will help you in every area and make the process very easy.
Course dates:
Half year: Last week of August to Christmas. (17 weeks)
Full year: Last week of August to end of May. ( 34 weeks)
The Irish secondary school year runs from the last week of August to the last week of May. We recommend registering your interest before the Christmas break.
Please contact us for FAQ’s, high school pricing and enrolment forms info@flireland.com
