Rockboro School Senior Curriculum

The Primary School Curriculum, as laid down by the DES, is fully covered in 5th and 6th class.

Our extended programme for 5th and 6th class also includes:

• Increased allocation of time to science and mathematics, 28% versus a national average of 14%
  
  
• Advanced science and mathematics programmes, including mechanics, electronics, practical chemistry, periodic table, zoology and biology including organ dissection.
  
  
• Advanced Computer Science Curriculum, including web design, cloud computing, image manipulation, story board graphics, touch typing, podcasting and internet safety in our state of the art Computer Suite.
  
  
• Wide range of subjects with separate and specialised teachers for particular subjects.
  
  
• Advanced swimming and PE programme.
  
  
• Cookery classes.
  
  
• Tailored French Curriculum.

• Development and encouragement of independence and responsibility for an easy transition to secondary school.
  
  
• Full individually tailored preparation for secondary school assessments.

• Huge choice of After School Activities available on site, including the Sparks Programme with tutors from UCC and CTYI (Centre for Talented Youth Ireland)
  
  
• Teacher supervised Homework Club. Monday to Thursday.
  
  

Choice of Secondary Schools 2006 - 2011

Transition from Primary School to Secondary School

The transition from primary to secondary school can be a difficult time for children and their families. At Rockboro we are acutely aware of this. Preparation begins in earnest in J4 (4th class) when children are encouraged with greater independence of learning. Project topics and expectations increase, continuing through J5 and J6 (5th & 6th Classes) when in addition to Geography and History projects, the children will complete a construction project and by the end of J6 (6th Class) a major science project.

Standards of learning achieved (in the core subjects) by the end of J6 (6th Class) mean the children have no difficulties with the increased expectations placed upon them in secondary school.

In addition, here at Rockboro, we are very aware of the emotional strain that can accompany the move to secondary school. It is part of our commitment that our children leave the school equipped in every way to move to the stressful world that changes in environment  and academic expectations can bring in addition to the loss of familiar faces around them.

It is worth noting that children attending Rockboro are not limited in their choices of secondary schools. In the past six years (see graph) all children have gained entry to the secondary school of their choice, which include: Presentation Brothers College (PBC), Christians Brothers College (CBC), Midleton College, Ashton Comprehensive School, Scoil Mhuire Bandon Grammar and many others.