Japanese
Japanese language is offered as a core module for Transition Year, with all students accessing a full year programme. This programme offers an insight into Japanese culture, exploring areas such as cinema, tourism, history as well as a basic introduction to the language.
For Senior Cycle, Japanese is an elective extra option offered. Classes are small with lots of opportunities for student – teacher interaction. The Leaving Certificate is a two year course with a big emphasis on literacy skills, grammatical accuracy and oral proficiency. Students work through the two-year cycle in preparation for the Leaving Cert, third level and the working world.
At the end of fifth year, a small number of students are selected to participate in a Japanese exchange programme, with Mukogawa High School in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. This is a two week home stay programme. Students attend school in Japan and they host the returning Japanese students in September of sixth year.
There is a high level of academic achievement in this class, with almost all students taking the Higher Level course, as well as achieving honours in the Leaving Cert Examinations. We have a significant number of graduates who continue their Japanese studies into university, and spend time in Japan.