Our Subjects

Explore the full range of 28 subjects available during full-time education at The Institute of Education.

Choosing the right subjects is one of the most important decisions a student makes during their time here, and it’s a decision we take seriously.

With 25 Leaving Certificate subjects on offer, students have the freedom to build a path that genuinely suits them, whether that means specialising early or keeping their options open. Every teacher in this building is a specialist in their subject, so whatever a student chooses, they are learning from someone who knows it inside out.

I’d encourage every student and parent to take the time to explore what’s on offer here properly. The right combination of subjects now can make all the difference to where a student ends up.

Teacher helping student in the classroom

Our Subjects

Irish

Why study Irish for the Leaving Certificate?
With Irish being taught at top universities in America, Canada, Sweden, Germany, the UK and China, Irish speakers are in demand more than ever. Students with fluency in Irish can also enjoy working as translators with the EU in either Luxembourg or Belgium. Not to mention the numerous areas of employment here in Ireland, which include our media, education, journalism, animation and the creative arts.

What sort of student does Irish suit?
With 40% of the exam mark now going for the oral interview, a student who enjoys languages and speaking Irish and likes to listen to Irish on the radio and television will do well in this subject.

What is the approach to teaching Irish at Bruce College?
At Bruce College, we focus on strengthening and developing the Irish language skills of all students. Vocabulary is expanded, so that students can discuss current social and political issues, and contemporary and traditional Irish literature is explored in great detail. Students build their aural skills in order to understand all three dialects spoken on the island. Finally, our students are given the tools to be able to speak Irish in a natural and fluid manner.

English

The English Department at Bruce College is staffed with teachers who are deeply passionate about English language and literature, and who have extensive experience preparing students for the Leaving Certificate English exam.

Many frequently consult with the State Examination Commission and correct exam papers.

Their aim is to inspire a deep love of the subject in their students, while developing skills of good communication, clear presentation of arguments and ideas, and the ability to understand and evaluate complex information.

French

Why study French for the Leaving Certificate?
A foreign language is one of the requirements needed to progress to third-level college in Ireland, and as France is one of our closest neighbours, being able to speak and understand the language becomes a huge asset in the workplace.

What sort of student does French suit?
Studying French for the Leaving Certificate requires a willingness to work regularly at learning new vocabulary, reading different types of texts and experimenting with what has been learnt in order to express your own opinion. It is ideally suited to those interested in discovering another culture.

What is the approach to teaching French at Bruce College?
At Bruce College all tuition is provided by French native speakers. The four exam areas (oral, aural, written and reading) are each covered in specific classes, with attention paid to exam technique and past papers. The higher level course is also taught at two different paces to suit student abilities, and mock oral interviews, with feedback, are held at regular intervals throughout the year. Regular testing and homework is a constant feature of the classes, and students are provided with precise, exam-focused notes for every topic covered.

German

Why study German for the Leaving Certificate?
A foreign language is one of the requirements needed to progress to third level in Ireland, and German is the most widely spoken native language in the European Union, giving students a real advantage in trade, industry and business across Europe.

What sort of student does German suit?
Studying German for the Leaving Certificate suits students willing to build vocabulary steadily, read a variety of texts, and practise forming their own opinions in the language. It particularly suits those with an interest in German-speaking culture, history or engineering and industry.

What is the approach to teaching German at Bruce College?
At Bruce College all tuition is provided by expert German teachers. The four exam areas (oral, aural, written and reading) are each covered in specific classes, with attention paid to exam technique and past papers. Regular testing and homework is a constant feature of the classes, and students are provided with precise, exam-focused notes for every topic covered.

Italian (dependent on uptake)

Why study Italian for the Leaving Certificate?
A foreign language is one of the requirements needed to progress to third level in Ireland, and Italian gives students a genuine advantage given Italy’s role as one of the EU’s largest economies and a major destination for study, tourism and trade.

What sort of student does Italian suit?
Studying Italian for the Leaving Certificate suits students willing to build vocabulary steadily, read a variety of texts, and practise forming their own opinions in the language. It particularly suits those with an interest in Italian culture, history or the arts.

What is the approach to teaching Italian at Bruce College?
At Bruce College all tuition is provided by Italian native speakers. The four exam areas (oral, aural, written and reading) are each covered in specific classes, with attention paid to exam technique and past papers. Mock oral interviews, with feedback, are held at regular intervals throughout the year. Regular testing and homework is a constant feature of the classes, and students are provided with precise, exam-focused notes for every topic covered.

Run subject to sufficient uptake.

Spanish

Why study Spanish for the Leaving Certificate?
A foreign language is one of the requirements needed to progress to third level in Ireland, and Spanish is spoken by more than 500 million people worldwide, making it one of the most useful languages a student can leave school with.

What sort of student does Spanish suit?
Studying Spanish for the Leaving Certificate suits students who are willing to build vocabulary steadily, read a range of texts, and practise expressing their own opinions in the language. It particularly suits those with an interest in Spanish-speaking cultures, whether that’s Spain or Latin America.

What is the approach to teaching Spanish at Bruce College?
At Bruce College all tuition is provided by Spanish native speakers. The four exam areas (oral, aural, written and reading) are each covered in specific classes, with attention paid to exam technique and past papers. The higher level course is also taught at two different paces to suit student abilities, and mock oral interviews, with feedback, are held at regular intervals throughout the year. Regular testing and homework is a constant feature of the classes, and students are provided with precise, exam-focused notes for every topic covered.

Maths

Why study Maths for the Leaving Certificate?
Maths is a compulsory subject in the Leaving Certificate. A pass in ordinary level is an essential requirement for almost all third-level courses, and many university courses require higher levels of achievement for specific courses. For students opting to study higher level for the Leaving Certificate, 25 bonus points are awarded for H6 grades and above.

What sort of student does Maths suit?
Maths is a subject that suits students who are organised, pay attention to detail and approach problems in a logical way.

What is the approach to teaching Maths at Bruce College?
At Bruce College we concentrate on explaining the key mathematical ideas in a clear and concise way. Students are shown how to tackle a range of questions in each topic, with specific attention paid to past papers and the marking scheme. Students are also shown how to recognise what is involved in new questions, and how to proceed to a solution. Regular testing and homework is a constant feature of the classes, and students are provided with precise, exam-focused notes for every topic covered.

Applied Maths

Why study Applied Maths for the Leaving Certificate?
Studying this subject is of enormous benefit to students who intend to progress to third-level courses in engineering, maths, physics, science, architecture and computer science, and other related courses.

What sort of student does Applied Maths suit?
This is a subject most suited to students who have an above-average ability with maths, but who also love tackling complicated practical problems, breaking them down into manageable parts and finally getting a solution.

What is the approach to teaching Applied Maths at Bruce College?
At Bruce College we start by clearly explaining all the key concepts in each topic on the course. We then demonstrate how these concepts can be used to tackle exam-type questions. Regular testing and homework is a constant feature of the classes, and students are provided with precise, exam-focused notes for every topic covered. Great emphasis is placed on helping students individually with any difficulties they may experience over the duration of the two-year course.

Agricultural Science

Agricultural Science involves the study of the science and technology underlying the principles and practices of agriculture. This is an excellent option for students already studying Biology and/or Geography, as there is overlap in course content. It is also recognised as a laboratory science subject for almost all third-level courses, including nursing. At Bruce College, students are provided with everything they need to maximise their marks in the practical and written aspects of this course, from detailed and comprehensive study notes to dedicated farm trips and laboratory practicals in our well-equipped labs.

Biology

Why study Biology for the Leaving Certificate?
Many third-level courses in Ireland require at least one science subject, and some even require two. It is therefore a good idea to have at least one science subject at Leaving Certificate level to keep your CAO options open.

What sort of student does Biology suit?
Biology requires a lot of memory work, so it is a good choice for students with a good work ethic, who have a strong attention to detail. Those who enjoyed higher level science at Junior Cycle level might wish to consider taking Biology for the Leaving Certificate.

What is the approach to teaching Biology at Bruce College?
Students at Bruce College cover the practical and theory elements of the course, and are encouraged to participate actively in class by asking questions and taking notes. Regular testing and homework is a constant feature of the classes, and students are provided with precise, exam-focused notes for every topic covered. Students are continuously made aware of the marking scheme and how this applies to questions they are answering. Certain topics, which continuously appear year after year, are highlighted by teachers as a core component of revision.

Chemistry

Why study Chemistry for the Leaving Certificate?
Many third-level courses in Ireland require at least one science subject, and some even require two. It is therefore a good idea to have at least one science subject at Leaving Certificate level to keep your CAO options open.

What sort of student does Chemistry suit?
Chemistry requires a lot of memory work, so it is a good choice for students with a good work ethic who have a strong attention to detail. Those who enjoyed higher level science at Junior Cycle level might wish to consider taking Chemistry for the Leaving Certificate.

What is the approach to teaching Chemistry at Bruce College?
Students at Bruce College cover the practical and theory elements of the course, and are encouraged to participate actively in class by asking questions and taking notes. Regular testing and homework is a constant feature of the classes, and students are provided with precise, exam-focused notes for every topic covered. Students are continuously made aware of the marking scheme and how this applies to questions they are answering. Certain topics, which continuously appear year after year, are highlighted by teachers as a core component of revision.

Computer Science

Computer Science is the study of computing and algorithmic processes. The Leaving Certificate syllabus explores how programming and computational thinking can be applied to the solution of problems, and how computing technology impacts the world around us.

Physics

Why study Physics for the Leaving Certificate?
Students interested in engineering, computer science and medical courses often choose Physics as a subject for the Leaving Certificate. Generally it is wise to study at least one science subject at Leaving Certificate level.

What sort of student does Physics suit?
The ability to understand concepts is the key to Physics at Leaving Certificate level. As a subject, it requires a small amount of memory work. A student who enjoys, and is above average at, maths would be well able for Physics at Leaving Certificate level.

What is the approach to teaching Physics at Bruce College?
Explaining concepts in simple and precise language is the cornerstone of our success in the teaching of Physics. Students are encouraged to ask questions in class and to listen to and be respectful of the questions of others. Every part of the syllabus is covered with a high level of concentration on the solutions to previous exam questions.

Physical Education

Why study Physical Education for the Leaving Certificate?
The specification is presented in two strands. In strand 1, students learn about different theoretical perspectives that impact on optimum performance and how to apply this understanding to a range of different activities. In strand 2, students learn about contemporary issues in physical activity and how different people experience physical activity and sport. Students’ physically active participation is central to teaching and learning in LCPE. To enable this, students learn about the different theoretical perspectives through their participation in three different physical activities.

What sort of student does Physical Education suit?
As LCPE is a mix of sport and science, it suits a student who is interested in sport but also has an interest in Biology and Physics. It is a demanding subject that requires applying the theory learned in class into practical, sport-specific situations.

What is the approach to teaching Physical Education at Bruce College?
Students at Bruce College cover the practical and theory elements of the course, and are encouraged to participate actively in class by asking questions and taking notes. Regular testing and homework is a constant feature of the classes, and students are provided with precise, exam-focused notes for every topic covered. Students are continuously made aware of the marking scheme and how this applies to questions they are answering. As the final assessment of LCPE requires the completion of two projects, class time will be spent preparing the project work, reviewing, and finalising the projects in detail before submission.

Social & Scientific (Home Economics)

What is Home Economics?
Through studying Home Economics (Scientific and Social), students develop the knowledge, understanding and skills required to live and adapt to the rapidly changing world around them.

Why study Home Economics for the Leaving Certificate?
Home Economics provides a basis for all students for post-school life, but particularly for students who have a keen interest in science-based subjects (Medicine, Biochemistry, Nursing, Dietetics). It overlaps with a number of Senior Cycle subjects including Biology, Chemistry, Agricultural Science and Business.

What sort of student would Home Economics suit?
Home Economics suits students who like learning facts and who are able to retain a lot of detailed information, and those who have a keen interest in the changing shape of our daily lives and our response to these changes.

Approach to teaching Home Economics at Bruce College.
Home Economics is taught in a very organised manner. Students learn how to structure their own personal study plan, to use time efficiently when studying. Students will learn how to develop higher order thinking skills, which apply not only to answering questions in the Leaving Cert but to future college exams and beyond.

Construction Studies

Why study Construction Studies for the Leaving Certificate?
Construction Studies is a recognised STEM subject and gives students a strong grounding for careers and further study in engineering, architecture, quantity surveying and the construction trades. It combines practical craft skills with technical drawing and materials science, giving students a genuine head start for both third-level courses and apprenticeships.

What sort of student does Construction Studies suit?
This subject suits students who enjoy working with their hands and thinking practically, alongside those with a good aptitude for technical drawing and problem-solving. It particularly suits students considering a career in the construction, engineering or design trades.

What is the approach to teaching Construction Studies at Bruce College?
At Bruce College, students cover both the practical project work and the technical studies/materials theory required for the exam. Regular testing and homework is a constant feature of the classes, and students are provided with precise, exam-focused notes for every topic covered, alongside dedicated time to develop and refine their practical project piece ahead of submission.

Accounting

Why study Accounting for the Leaving Certificate?
Accounting is a foundation for many careers including law, taxation, government, finance, business and entrepreneurship, to name but a few. It is also an important skill to possess in everyday life, as it helps people to budget and plan.

What sort of student does Accounting suit?
Leaving Certificate Accounting suits students who enjoy numeracy and the analysis and interpretation of figures. It is also a good choice for students who studied Business at Junior Cycle level, particularly those who enjoyed the accounting section.

What is the approach to teaching Accounting at Bruce College?
All accounting classes are taught by highly experienced teachers who encourage students to actively participate in class. There is regular testing and homework, and students receive precise, exam-focused notes from a highly experienced corrector of the Leaving Certificate Accounting exam.

Business

Why study Business for the Leaving Certificate?
Business opens the door to a wide range of careers in areas such as management, finance, marketing and entrepreneurship. It also has real value in everyday life, helping students understand how money, contracts and organisations actually work.

What sort of student does Business suit?
Business suits students who are practical, organised and interested in how companies and the economy function day to day. Students who enjoyed Junior Cycle Business Studies, particularly the enterprise and management sections, tend to enjoy this subject at Leaving Certificate level.

What is the approach to teaching Business at Bruce College?
At Bruce College we use real world examples of business in practice and refer to up-to-date case studies, company reports and news coverage. Classes are exam focused, with emphasis placed on past papers and the marking scheme. Students receive regular homework and testing, and precise, exam-focused notes for every topic covered.

Economics

Why study Economics for the Leaving Certificate?
Economics opens the door to a range of excellent careers in areas such as accounting, government, taxation and entrepreneurship. It is also important to a person’s day-to-day life, helping them make informed decisions in areas of taxation, prices and costs.

What sort of student does Economics suit?
Economics is particularly popular among students who are interested in politics and current affairs. Students who were good at Junior Cycle Business Studies and who enjoyed the economics section will enjoy this subject at Leaving Certificate level.

What is the approach to teaching Economics at Bruce College?
At Bruce College we use real world examples of economics in practice and refer to up-to-date statistics and information from newspapers, websites and news programmes. Classes are exam focused, with emphasis placed on past papers and the marking scheme. Students receive regular homework and testing, and precise, exam-focused notes for every topic covered.

Geography

Why study Geography for the Leaving Certificate?
Geography opens the door to a range of careers in areas such as planning, environmental science, geology and international development. It is also relevant to a person’s everyday life, helping them understand the physical and human world around them, from climate to population to how cities grow.

What sort of student does Geography suit?
Geography is particularly popular among students who are curious about the world, current events and the environment. Students who were good at Junior Cycle Geography and enjoyed the mix of physical and human topics will enjoy this subject at Leaving Certificate level.

What is the approach to teaching Geography at Bruce College?
At Bruce College we use real world examples of geography in practice and refer to up-to-date case studies, maps and current events from newspapers, websites and news programmes. Classes are exam focused, with emphasis placed on past papers and the marking scheme. Students receive regular homework and testing, and precise, exam-focused notes for every topic covered.

History

Why study History for the Leaving Certificate?
As a subject, History has a very high percentage of H1 grades for the Leaving Certificate. It is also excellent preparation for any university course because of the opportunity to independently carry out a research study report, which is presented in advance of the exam and is worth 20% of the final grade.

What sort of student does History suit?
History suits students who are prepared to work hard, write detailed essays and who are interested in examining primary source documents. It especially suits students who are interested in a legal career.

What is the approach to teaching History at Bruce College?
Classes in this subject are exam focused and students receive precise notes for every topic covered. Repeated drafting of the research report, and constant fortnightly testing in fifth year, and weekly in sixth year, allows students to gain a sound knowledge of the marking scheme. For students completing our two-year Leaving Certificate programme, three-quarters of the course and the first draft of the research topic is covered in fifth year. This provides a secure platform, and ample time for revision, when they enter sixth year.

Politics and Society

Why study Politics & Society for the Leaving Certificate?
This is one of the newest subjects on the Leaving Certificate syllabus, and as a result it is tailored to the interests of modern students.

What sort of student does Politics & Society suit?
Students who are interested in culture, society and the world around them, and who have an inquisitive, analytic mind, will enjoy this subject a great deal.

What is the approach to teaching Politics & Society at Bruce College?
Classes at Bruce College include a mixture of teacher-led learning, class debate and digital research and interaction. Students are asked to challenge ideas and fully investigate all aspects of particular topics during class. Exam-focused notes are provided on all aspects of the course, and assessment is continuous, with weekly or bi-weekly class tests.

Art

Our Art studio is designed to be the perfect environment where students can experiment, explore and enjoy their Art studies. Our Art teachers have extensive experience of the State Examination system.

As well as preparing students for the Leaving Certificate, students are also assisted in the preparation of their art portfolios for third level.

Design and Communication Graphics (DCG)

Why study DCG for the Leaving Certificate?
DCG is one of the recognised STEM subjects on the curriculum at Leaving Certificate level. It is a very beneficial subject for students hoping to study engineering, maths, computer science, technology or design at third level.

What sort of student does DCG suit?
This subject is particularly suited to students who enjoy and have a good aptitude for maths, applied maths, physics and spatial reasoning.

What is the approach to teaching DCG at Bruce College?
40% of the overall Leaving Certificate grade is attributed to an assignment undertaken in sixth year. Students are driven, focused and all aim for full marks in this section. It usually takes four months to complete. The other 60% of the grade is attributed to an Applied Geometry theory paper that deals with logical and abstract reasoning. Regular testing and homework is a constant feature of classes in this section, and students are provided with precise, exam-focused notes for every topic covered.

Music

Students studying Music at Bruce College can avail of one-to-one singing lessons and performance classes with a professional opera singer. Our highly qualified teachers act as examiners for the Royal Irish Academy of Music. Bruce College has a dedicated music room equipped with a piano, keyboard and note-board, and stocked with state-of-the-art multimedia computers to assist in the music technology element of the current syllabus.

Our Subjects

David Loughrey

Our Subjects

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