Senior Cycle

The course is broken into Financial Accounting (80%) and Management Accounting (20%). There are three sections on the paper, and students must answer four questions.

How are students assessed?

Students complete a written exam in this subject, worth 100%.

Key Skills

To achieve their potential in Accounting, students must develop strong key skills, in particular being personally effective, applying critical and creative thinking, and processing information.

Career paths

Students of Accounting may pursue further learning or careers in the areas of accountancy, commerce and finance.

The course consists of four strands – Mathematical modelling, Mathematical modelling the physical world (kinematics and dynamics), Mathematical modelling with networks and graphs, and Mathematical modelling a changing world (calculus and difference equations).

How are students assessed?

Students complete a modelling project worth 20% and a written exam worth 80%. Students complete the project in the Autumn of 6th year.

Key skills

To achieve their potential in Applied Maths, students are taught how to develop their problem-solving skills and how to apply critical-thinking through mathematical modelling.

Career paths

There are many opportunities for further study of Applied Maths through careers such as engineering, actuarial studies, economics, finance, computer science and technology.

Co-curricular

Students take part in the national Applied Maths team competitions annually. Students are also heavily involved in Maths Week.

The Leaving Certificate course consists of three strands – research, create, and respond. Over the two-year course, students will explore a range of disciplines and materials from sketching and painting to etching and lino printing or 3D model making, etc. Students will also cover three units within the Visual Studies, 1. History of Art in Today’s World, 2. Art in Ireland and it’s place in the Wider World, and 3. Art in Europe and the Wider World.

How are students assessed?

The course is assessed across three components, a twelve week coursework project worth 50% (completed in class time), an invigilated five hour practical exam worth 20%, and a visual studies/history of Art exam in June worth 30%.

Key Skills

Throughout the Leaving Certificate Art course, students will cultivate a variety of essential skills. They will exercise critical and creative thinking abilities by participating in decision-making processes. Additionally, they will enhance their information processing skills by engaging with information presented visually, auditorily, kinaesthetically, and through reading and writing tasks. Communication skills will be developed as they collaborate with peers on group projects and engage in peer learning. Moreover, students will have opportunities to demonstrate personal effectiveness at various stages of the course, as they are tasked with exploring their own original ideas and meeting deadlines for project submissions.

Careers paths

Students with a passion for art and design can explore a variety of career paths that allow them to channel their creativity and talent, some of which include but not limited to are Graphic Designer, Illustrator, Fashion Designer, Fine Artist, Photographer, Curator, Art teacher, Interior Designer, Architect, Product Designer, Art Therapist, Art Conservator and Set Designer (for theatre, film, television), etc. Students are made aware of these career possibilities through various trips organised during the course, to galleries and museums but also through interviews, artists talks and presentations.

Co-curricular

Students are presented with many opportunities to engage with co-curricular activities in Art. Junk Kouture is offered to all students, who are interested in creating a wearable design from waste materials. There are weekly portfolio classes for students in fifth and sixth years who wish to study art at third level and must complete a portfolio for their university applications. Annually, there is the preparation of the set for the School drama production which is designed and painted by student volunteers from all year groups. Students are also given the chance to enter into local and national competitions such as the Texaco Art competition and the Zurich Portrait Prize.

The Leaving Certificate course consists of three units: Life (food and ecology), The Cell (metabolism and genetics), and Organisms (microorganisms, plants, and humans).

How are students assessed?

Students complete a written exam in this subject, worth 100%.

Key skills

Biology appeals to students who thrive in hands-on learning environments and possess a genuine curiosity about themselves and the living world. Key skills needed include a strong work ethic, as the syllabus is extensive and requires considerable time and effort to cover thoroughly. Practical skills are essential, with 22 mandatory experiments to be completed and documented in an experiment book. Additionally, success in biology hinges on the ability to absorb and retain a vast amount of information through memory work, making diligence in learning indispensable.

Careers paths

Biology is recommended to any student who is interested in a career in Medicine, Veterinary, Dentistry, Physiotherapy, Psychology, Nursing, Genetics, Immunology, Microbiology, Marine Science and Aquaculture, Zoology, Agriculture, Applied Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Botany, Ecology, Earth Science and Environmental Science. This subject is a requirement for entry into some third level courses. e.g.: Genetics in UCC and Human Health and Disease in TCD.

Co-curricular

There are many links between Biology and other subjects such as Chemistry, Geography, and Physics. Students have the opportunity to participate in BTYSTE and to enter the Irish Olympiad of Experimental Science (IrEOES) and ISTA Senior Science Quiz.

The Leaving Certificate course consists of seven units: People in Business; Enterprise; Managing 1 and 2; Business in Action; Domestic Environment and International Environment.

How are students assessed

Students complete a written exam in this subject, worth 100%.

Key skills

To achieve their potential in Business, students must develop strong key skills, in particular being personally effective, applying critical and creative thinking, and processing information.

Career paths

Students of Business may pursue further learning or careers in the areas of marketing, entrepreneurship, law, commerce, human relations management and finance.

Co-curricular

Students take part in the annual Money Smarts competition, which focuses on financial literacy.

The Leaving Certificate course consists of nine units: Atom and Periodic Table, Chemical Bonding, Gases and Moles, Acids, Bases, and Titrations, Fuels and Heat of Reaction, Rates of Reaction, Organic Chemistry, Chemical Equilibrium, Water and Environmental Chemistry.

How students are assessed

Students complete a written exam in this subject, worth 100%.

Key skills

The Chemistry course offers a hands-on approach, catering to learners who excel in experiential learning and problem-solving. While advanced-level math isn’t necessary, a strong mathematical foundation is essential for accurate calculations, which play a crucial role in grades. Diligence is paramount, as regular review and study outside of class are necessary due to the complexity of concepts. Additionally, completing and documenting 30 mandatory experiments is a key practical requirement. Success in the course also relies on memorising numerous definitions, providing opportunities for easy marks to those who commit them to memory diligently.

Career paths

Chemistry is highly desirable for the study of many scientific courses including Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences, Engineering, Material science, Nanoscience, Environmental Science, Agricultural Science, Biotechnology and General sciences. It is a requirement for entry into a number of third level courses, such as Dentistry, Medicine and Pharmacy in UCC, Pharmacy TCD, Veterinary UCD, Human Nutrition and Dietetics TUD and Medicine in the UK. Chemistry is part of all our lives already, but any industry or business involving food or materials also involves chemistry. The chemical industry is one of the fastest growing industries in Ireland at present.

Co-curricular

There are many links between Chemistry and the other subjects such as Biology, Physics, and Geography. Students have the opportunity to participate in BTYSTE and to enter the Chemistry Olympiad and ISTA Senior Science Quiz.

Leaving Certificate Classical Studies aims to provide students with a holistic learning experience that encompasses both the exploration of classical texts and an examination of the cultural, societal and political contexts of Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome. This integrated approach aims to foster a deep appreciation for the classical world while equipping students with the analytical tools necessary to engage with its enduring influence on literature, art, entertainment, architecture, politics, and philosophy. We study four main strands: ‘The World of Heroes’, ‘Drama and Spectacle’, ‘Power and Identity’, and ‘Gods and Humans’.

How are students assessed

Assessment will take the form of a terminal written examination and a research report on an area of Classical Studies presented in a brief issued in Form 5. There will be a separate written examination for higher level and for ordinary level students. The terminal written examination will have an assessment weighting of 80%. The research report will have an assessment weighting of 20%.

Key Skills

To achieve their potential in Classical Studies, students must develop strong key skills, in particular being personally effective, applying critical and creative thinking, research and processing information and working with others.

Career paths

As the skills gained through the study of Classical Studies are comprehensive and varied. Students may pursue further learning or careers in the many diverse areas, including in the field of history, Classics, archaeology, culture and heritage, politics, advertising, human resources, teaching, tourism, publishing, media, or law.

Co-curricular

Extracurricular activities at Sandford Park allow students to explore Classical Studies in fun ways outside of class. They can participate in debating, book club, or Model United Nations. These activities help students learn more about topics they like, improve their research skills, and think critically. They can also help to demonstrate how Classic Studies connects to the world today, making it more interesting and meaningful. Annual field trips are also organised to museums or places of curricular relevance, for example, a trip to the Classical Museum.

Leaving Certificate English invites students into rich experiences with language so that they become fluent and thoughtful users of it and more aware of its significance in their lives. It develops a range of literacy and oral skills in a variety of areas, personal, social, and cultural. wide range of skills and concepts. These skills will allow the students to interpret and enjoy a range of material so that they become independent learners who can operate independently in the world beyond the school. The course is organised around two general domains:
(i) comprehending
(ii) composing Students in their comprehending tasks will come to understand how language shapes experience through style, genre,
and context. In their composing tasks, students will be afforded the opportunity of using language to shape and order experience for themselves.

How are students assessed

Students undertake a two-part summative assessment in the form of an exam. Paper 1 requires students to read and respond to a variety of reading comprehensions and to compose a unique piece of their own work whether it be a personal essay, short story, or speech. Paper 2 requires students to think critical and analyse novels, films, plays, and poetry.

Key skills

Students will develop key skills in the English by studying the language in the areas of information, argument, persuasion, narration and its aesthetic use. These studies will be put into practice through practical application in the form of comprhension and composition. Students will also develop literary analysis and critical thinking skills through meaningful engagement with texts ranging from dramas and novels to poetry and films.

Career paths

The skills and knowledge of LC English equip students to think critically, form cogent arguments, and to foster their creativity. Humanity is examined by looking at our past, our present and into our future. Engagement with a variety of media and text help people to express themselves clearly and develop their reasoning ability. English opens up many career and further education oppertunities including, teaching and learning; media, film, tv and animation; history, culture and languages and public administration and politics.

Co-curricular

Sandpark prides itself on its comprehensive creative arts background. We have a range of co-curricular activities which creates a symbiosis between English, arts, and music. Sandford park in its wholeschool approach to its yearly high-quality drama productions. Senior Cycle students are encouraged to participate as enhancement for the study of English. Our newly-formed Film Club has been featured at the Fresh Film Festival regional finals.

The French Department’s mission is to equip our students with the skills needed to communicate in French effectively. Students are introduced to the five main skills – Reading, Writing, Oral production, Oral interaction and Listening, so that they are thoroughly prepared to understand and produce (both written and spoken) French according to syllabus guidelines, examination requirements and the Council of Europe’s European Language Portfolio.

How students are assessed

Students complete an oral examination, a listening examination and a written examination in French.

Key skills

Students are encouraged to develop the five key skills needed for language learning: writing, listening, reading, oral interaction, and oral production.

Career paths

Studying French can assist students in pursuing careers in the following areas: language teaching, translating, tourism and hospitality, business and international law.

Co-curricular

Co-curricular: Students make connections with other subjects in French class for example History, Geography, Music and Maths.

Geography is concerned with the study of people and their environment. A study of Geography will help students develop an understanding of their physical and human surroundings. It examines the changing interrelationships between the physical and human worlds. Through their study of Geography, students will develop geographical skills that will help them make informed judgements about issues at local, national, and international levels.

How students are assessed

Assessment will take the form of a terminal written examination and a report on the geographical investigation. There will be a separate written examination for higher level and for ordinary level students. The terminal written examination will have an assessment weighting of 80%. The report on the geographical investigation will have an assessment weighting of 20%

Key skills

Students should have the opportunity to develop the following skills, where appropriate, as they study all aspects of the syllabus: information gathering (maps, graphs, statistics and aerial photographs and GIS), presentation and investigative skills (Leaving Certificate Investigations) and evaluation skills.

Career paths

A study of Geography allows you to study a career path in various areas. These include geology, town planning, meteorology, emergency management and teaching, to name a few.

Co-curricular

The Geography department encourages all students to get involved in many activities after school, for example: Green Schools Committee, the charity committee, STEM club, Model United Nations, and debating.

In Leaving Certificate History, the focus lies in offering students comprehensive learning opportunities that blend the exploration of historical events with the analysis of underlying themes and perspectives. This balanced approach aims to cultivate a nuanced understanding of past events and critical thinking skills essential for interpreting historical contexts. In Sandford Park School we study the Later Modern History syllabus topics, including ‘Politics and Society in Northern Ireland’, ‘the United States and the World’, ‘The Pursuit of Sovereignty and the Impact of Partition’, and ‘Dictatorship and Democracy’.

How are students assessed

Assessment will take the form of a terminal written examination and a report on an area of historical interest (the ‘Research Study Report’ (RSR)). There will be a separate written examination for higher level and for ordinary level students. The terminal written examination will have an assessment weighting of 80%. The RSR will have an assessment weighting of 20%.

Key skills

To achieve their potential in History, students must develop strong key skills, in particular being personally effective, applying critical and creative thinking, research and processing information and working with others.

Career paths

As the skills gained through the study of Leaving Certificate History are comprehensive and varied students may pursue further learning or careers in the many diverse areas, including in the field of history, archaeology, culture and heritage, politics, advertising, human resources, teaching, tourism, publishing, media, or law.

Co-curricular

Extracurricular activities at Sandford Park allow students to explore History in fun ways outside of class. They can participate in debating, book club, or Model United Nations. These activities help students learn more about topics they like, improve their research skills, and think critically about history and politics. They can also help to demonstrate how history connects to the world today, making it more interesting and meaningful. Annual History field trips are also organised to museums or places of curricular relevance, for example, a trip to Belfast and Derry to suport the study of the Northern Ireland module.

Leaving Certificate Irish builds upon the language developed during Junior Cycle. All five language skills are further developed in order to enable the learner take an active part in the bilingual society in which we live in today in Ireland. The learner is encouraged to develop and share her/his views in a range of disciplines such as composition, prose, and poetry. The learner is also prepared during senior cycle for further study in or through Irish.

How are students assessed

In Irish at both higher and ordinary level, students complete an oral examination worth 40% of their final grade, a listening examination worth 10% and a written examination which accounts for the remaining 50%.

key skills

During the Leaving Certificate programme, students enhance the five language skills: reading, speaking, writing, listening, and communicating.

career paths

Students may pursue courses in Irish at third level leading to possible careers in politics, media, education, and the arts.

Co-curricular

The Irish Department provides ample opportunity for the development of language skills through participation in a wide range of different co-curricular pursuits, for example, inter-schools debating, Irish language quiz competitions, participation in traditional music events and an annual celebration of ‘Seachtain na Gaeilge’.

Leaving Certificate Mathematics is offered at three levels – higher level, ordinary level and foundation level. We aim to give all our students a confidence in Mathematics, by making the subject enjoyable and teaching our students at a pace and an ability level that is suitable to them and their needs. There are five strands; 1. Algebra 2. Number 3. Functions 4. Statistics and Probability and 5. Geometry and Trigonometry.

How are students assessed

In Mathematics, both higher and ordinary level students are examined at the end of sixth year on two written papers of equal marks. Paper 1 focuses on the Algebra, Number and Functions strands. Paper 2 focuses on the Geometry and Trigonometry, and the Probability and Statistics strands.

Key skills

To achieve their potential in Mathematics, students are taught how to develop their problem-solving skills and how to apply critical-thinking to a given problem. The base skills within each topic are taught and then applied to solve real-life problems. Focus and resilience are vital in the development of these skills to improve mathematical confidence in students.

Career paths

At third level, Mathematics can be studied as part of an Arts degree, or as a Single Honour degree. There are lots of opportunities for students to pursue an interest in Mathematics through various difference avenues. Such examples include: engineering, actuarial studies, finance, investment banking, computer science, teaching etc.

Co-curricular

We aim to cultivate a love of Mathematics through engagement in a wide range of activities outside of the classroom to include quizzes, Maths Week, and team competitions.

Music at Leaving Certificate level involves the consolidation and development of listening, composing and performing skills. Junior Cycle Music and/or Transition Year Music is a good basis for taking this subject in Form V. The course allows for students to choose the area which best demonstrates their musical talents to represent, at higher level, up to 50% of the total for the examination. Performing skills are class based so that, although students are encouraged to learn an instrument, they do not have to have any formal instrumental training, however, membership of a school choir is recommended. A course of feature based listening work is undertaken along with general aural skills and Irish Music. Composing involves melody writing and harmony.

How are students assessed

There are two written papers at both higher and ordinary levels. The listening paper comprises of studied works, Irish Music and an aural skills question. The composition paper involves answering one melody and one harmony question. As stated above, Leaving Certificate Music allows the candidate to choose an area to specialise in which, at higher level, accounts for 50% of the student’s final grade. Whilst the vast majority of Leaving Certificate students choose the performance elective, there are other options available which include listening and composition.

Key skills

To achieve their potential in Leaving Certificate Music, students are taught to develop their listening, performing and composing skills through a wide range of classroom activities.

Career paths

At third level, Music can be studied as part of an Arts Degree or as a Single Honour Degree. Increasingly, courses are available to provide for the training of music teachers, performers, sound recording engineers and music therapists.

Co-curricular

Music is an important part of Sandford Park School’s curricular and co-curricular life. We aim to make it accessible to all, regardless of level of ability. We encourage students to explore their creative side and participate in our wide variety of choir, ensembles, school concerts, and various competitions. We provide an opportunity for students to learn an instrument and take voice lessons within our vibrant Instrumental Department.

Leaving Certificate Physics is a subject which aims to uncover the fundamental laws that govern the workings of the world around us (and indeed the universe as a whole). It does this by using experimental results to inspire/develop a theory, which is then used to guide further experimentation. Mathematics is the language in which these laws are written down. This subject is suited to students who find fascination in how the world behaves and enjoy laboratory investigation as well as some maths. A good grasp of Leaving Certificate ordinary level Mathematics is sufficient for students who wish to take this subject.

How are students assessed

Students are be assessed through ‘end of topic’ class tests as well as house exams. Tests include a mixture of theory, calculations and experiments with a focus on past examination paper questions. Students are also be required to keep a mandatory experiment copy. The State examination is a three-hour written examination, of which 30% is based on the mandatory experiments.

Key skills

Analytical thinking
Mathematical proficiency
Critical thinking
Problem-solving
Experimental skills
Effective communication
Attention to detail
Time management
Logical reasoning

Career paths

Physics underpins many technologies, including telecommunications, medicine, digital media, IT, commerce, energy, meteorology and engineering, to name but a few.

Physics graduates are some of the most sought-after employees in areas throughout science and well beyond. As skilled problem-solvers with experience in a logical and systematic approach, they excel in creative technological industries, areas of research and analysis and the world of finance.

Co-curricular

There are many links between Physics and the other subjects such as Chemistry, Biology, and Geography. Students have the opportunity to participate in BTYSTE and to enter the ISTA Senior Science Quiz.

Leaving Certificate Spanish aims to build upon the language skills acquired at Junior Cycle. Classroom activities are designed so that students gain a broad reading vocabulary and are able to exercise a large degree of autonomy when writing or speaking about a range of topics relevant to their lives and society.

How are students assessed

Students at both higher and ordinary level complete an oral examination in March/April of Sixth Year, worth 25% of their Leaving Certificate result. They also complete a final listening and written paper in June.

Key skills

To achieve their potential in Leaving Certificate Spanish, students develop their listening, reading, spoken interaction, spoken production, and writing skills through a wide range of classroom activities. Students are encouraged to develop memory and creative problem-solving skills, an attention to detail and the ability to provide precise responses.

Career paths

At university level, students can continue studying Spanish as part of an Arts or Business Degree, or as an extra module with many university courses. Studying Spanish opens up job opportunities in many Spanish-speaking countries. Students who study languages often go on to have careers in teaching, translation, the tourism industry, at many international or EU organisations, or in the Irish civil service.

Co-curricular

We aim to ensure students enjoy and see the value of the Spanish language outside of the classroom. Senior students participate in Spanish debating competition run by the Association of Teachers of Spanish each year. They also get an opportunity to visit the IFI cinema and watch Spanish language movies.

In LCPE, the emphasis is on providing learners with integrated learning experiences where there is a balance between developing personal performance in selected physical activities and deepening their understanding of the theoretical perspectives that impact on performance and participation in physical activity.

How are students assessed

Students are assessed through two practical assessments (50%) and a final written exam (50%). In the Physical Activity Project each student students analyse their performance in a sport of their choice, design and implement training plans and then critically analyse the progress towards their performance goals. For the Performance Assessment students must submit video evidence of their single best performance in a physical activity.

Key Skills

To achieve their potential in LCPE, students must develop strong key skills, in particular being personally effective, applying crtitical and creative thinking, processing information and working with others.

Career paths

Students of LCPE may pursue further learning or careers in the areas of sport science, coaching, diet and nutrition, physiotherapy or entrepreneurship.

Co-curricular

Sandford Parks comprehensive sports programme is built around our four core pillars: Participation, enjoyment, communication and respect. Extra-curricular sport and exercise forms a key part of school life where students can make new friendships and develop skills away from the classroom, regardless of experience or ability. Our range of sports and teams allows all students to find their place in our programme.