THE IRISH EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM

The Role Of The Structure Of The Irish Educational System

The Role Of The Structure Of The Irish Educational System

Introduction:

Ireland has a long and honourable tradition in education. As a result of a sustained investment in this area Ireland now has one of the highest educational participation rates in the world - 81% of Irish students complete second-level and approx 60% go on to higher education. This dynamic, educated population has made its mark at home and abroad with international companies looking to Ireland again and again when hiring graduates for top class positions.

Responsibility for education lies within the Department of Education and Science.It administers all aspects of education policy including curricula, syllabi and national examinations. Attendance at full time education is compulsory in Ireland from six to fifteen years of age and is free in the majority of schools, and at undergraduate third-level. Education is considered a fundamental right under our constitution.

 

The Irish Education System was traditionally divided into three basis levels: Primary (8 years), Secondary (5 or 6 years) and Higher Education which offers a wide range of opportunities from post-secondary courses, to vocational and technical training, to full degree and the highest post-graduate levels. In recent years the focus has expanded to include pre-school education and adult and further education as the concept of lifelong learning becomes reflected in the education opportunities available within the Irish education system.

Education is compulsory for children in Ireland from the ages of six to 16 or until students have completed three years of second level education.

The Irish education system is made up of primary, second, third-level and further education. State funded education is available at all levels, unless you choose to send your child to a private institution.

Pre-school education is usually provided by privately funded child-care facilities or providers. Some pre-school initiatives focused on children at risk are funded by the Department of Education and Science.

Primary (first level) education

Children do not have to attend school until the age of six but it is usual for children to begin school the September following their fourth birthday. Four-year-olds and five-year-olds are enrolled in the junior or senior infant classes.

The curriculum for primary education covers the following key areas:Language, mathematics, social, environment and scientific education, arts education including visual arts music and drama, physical integration, social personal and health education.

Primary schools are generally privately-owned by religious communities (or boards of governors) but are State-funded.

Second level education

Second level education is provided by different types of post-primary schools.  That is, secondary, vocational, community and comprehensive schools. Secondary schools are privately owned and managed. In most cases the trustees are religious communities or boards of governors. Vocational schools are established by the State and administered by vocational education committees. Community and comprehensive schools are managed by boards of management of differing compositions.

Second level education consists of a three-year junior cycle followed by a two-year or three-year senior cycle depending on whether an optional Transition Year is taken following the Junior Certificate examination.

Students generally commence the junior cycle at the age ...