EDEX uses schools throughout the whole country. All of the schools used offer a wide curriculum, and are inspected by the Irish Department of Education.
Students can choose to attend a boarding school or live with a family and attend a day school. However, the number of places in boarding schools is strictly limited. When a student submits an application form to us EDEX will suggest a suitable school and send full details
Types of Schools in Ireland
Schools in Ireland fall into three distinct categories :
1. Standard Day Schools
The most common type of secondary school is called a voluntary secondary school. The teachers are paid by the state and the schools get a grant for each student. Usually parents are also asked for a “voluntary” contribution. Most of these schools were originally run by religious orders and had nuns, brothers or priests teaching there. Today most have lay teachers but the ethos is still that of the religious order.
Community and comprehensive schools are wholly state run. They tend to offer a wider variety of practical subject choices. They are usually also coeducational.
There are also Vocational schools. They are very similar to the community schools. All of the above schools are classed as standard day schools. Students attending them live with a local host family.
Only EU students may go to standard day schools, all non-EU students must attend private schools.
2. Private secondary schools
These are fee-paying. They are under inspection by the Irish department of education and the teachers receive a state salary.
3. Boarding schools
These types of schools are all privately run. Students may attend full-time, fortnightly or 5 day boarding schools. They do receive grants from the Irish government and are subject to inspections from the Department of Education. They are located throughout various parts of the country. Accommodation in boarding schools may vary from large dorms where there may be 8 or more students to smaller rooms that have just 2 students. In some schools senior students may have an individual room. Life in boarding school has to be by its very nature one of routine. This is to enable students to get a good balance between their academic and social/sports life.
Irish Education System
Students attend secondary school in Ireland from 12-18 years old.
Most schools offer a wide variety of subjects. Maths and English are obligatory. Subjects are offered at 2 levels, higher and ordinary.
The junior cycle is from 1st-3rd year. At the end of 3rd year students sit a state exam called the Junior Certificate. Students normally study 8-10 subjects during the first 3 years.
4th (or transition) year is optional in some schools and compulsory in others. In many schools students study a large number of subjects. The aim of this year is to give students a chance to explore other areas of interest apart from the traditional academic lessons, e.g. first aid, cooking, kayaking. They also get the chance to do 2-4 weeks work experience during this year. Thus at the end of this year they may be able to make a more mature approach to their subject choice for 5th and 6th year.
5th and 6th year are in preparation for the final state exam called the Leaving Certificate. Students must study 6 or more subjects in these years. The subjects chosen and the marks obtained will determine what university course they can get in to.
DETAILS TO FOLLOW
Unit 1, Paramount Court,
Sandyford Business Estate,
Dublin 18, Ireland
tel. +353 1 5344538 / +353 85 1086454
fax. +353 1 5982813