Holy Rosary College offers a comprehensive range of subjects from which each student, depending on his or her needs and talents, can select.
Emphasis is placed on preparing students for life. Our education programme encourages the moral, social, intellectual, cultural and physical development of all students and aims to supply them with the knowledge and skills necessary for their chosen careers and for life.
| Subject | Junior Cycle | Senior Cycle |
| Languages | Irish English French/German | Irish English French / German (Italian for LCA) |
| Science | Mathematics Science | Mathematics Physics Biology Chemistry Agricultural Science Applied Maths |
| Technology | Wood Technology Graphics Applied Technology | Construction Studies Design and Communication Graphics Technology |
| Social Studies | Geography History Home Economics Civic, Social and Political Education (CSPE) Wellbeing | Geography History Home Economics |
| Business | Business Studies | Accounting Business Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP) Link Modules |
| The Arts | Visual Art Music | Art Music |
| Information and Communication Technology | Computer Studies – Integrated into Wellbeing and all subject areas | Computer Studies (Certified) Computer Science |
| Religious & Social Education | Religion Social Personal and Health Education (SPHE) Career Guidance and Counselling Physical Education | Religious Formation Relationships and Sexuality Education Physical Education Career Guidance and Counselling Physical Education (Optional Leaving Certificate Exam Subject) |
Classroom Based Assessments
Classroom-Based Assessments are the occasions when the teacher assess their students in specific assessments set out in each subject descriptor. A Classroom-Based Assessment provides students with an opportunity learn independently and develop skills for school, work, life and further study. The number of CBAs and the timing of the CBAs will be determined by the subjects studied. Classroom based Assessment 1 takes place in 2nd year while Classroom Based Assessment 2 takes place in 3rd Year. A timetable for the completion of CBAs is agreed on in the school annually.
Leaving Cert Applied
The Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) is a 2-year Leaving Certificate programme which prepares students for adult and working life. The programme helps students apply what they learn to the real world. The 2-year programme consists of 4 half-year blocks called sessions. Achievements are credited in each session.
Courses are offered in 3 main areas:
- Vocational preparation, involving work experience, enterprise and communication
- General education, offering life skills, the arts, social education, leisure and language
- Vocational education
Course Structure
Each course consists of a number of modules. Each module takes place over half a year. There is also a wide range of practical courses, called vocational specialisms, from which the student can choose.
Assessment & Examinations
Students are assessed continuously throughout the course and there is a final examination. Students are assessed on the completion of modules and practical activities that allow you to integrate learning from different courses.
The final examination must be taken in:
- English and communication
- Two vocational specialisms
- Mathematical applications
- Language
- Social education
There are written and oral examinations in all languages. There are practical examinations in the vocational specialisms. The written examinations usually take place in June, at the same time as the examinations for the established Leaving Certificate. Since September 2022, students taking the LCA programme can choose to take the established Leaving Certificate Mathematics and an established Leaving Certificate Modern Language.
The Certificate Awarded
Students who successfully complete the programme are awarded a Leaving Certificate from the Department of Education. The certificate is awarded at three levels:
| Level | Marks and Credits Required |
| Pass | 60-69% (120-139 credits) |
| Merit | 70-84% (140-169 credits) |
| Distinction | 85-100% (170-200 credits) |
Junior Cycle Reform
The introduction of the new Junior Cycle Student Award (JCSA) in schools was fully completed in 2022. The new Junior Cycle is based on a 6 key skills:
