Need help with ages of Irish school kids?

Question

I'm completing an application to the Teaching Council, and I need help answering one of the questions.

I teach 7th and 8th grade in America. This means my students are 12 when they start 7th grade, and 13 when they leave; 13 when they start 8th grade and 14 when they leave.

I think, unless I'm mistaken, that these are both in secondary school in Ireland. But I need specific "years," "classes," and to know which "level" this is (is it second level?).

A full explanation would be great. I've already read the wikipedia entry, but it's vague, and that site isn't always correct anyway.

Please do not post from the UK, unless you are EXTREMELY familiar with how the Irish education system works (in the Republic) -- your system is slightly different!

Answer 1

7th grade is the equivalent of 1st year (Secondary School)

8th grade is the equivalent of 2nd year

I'm not sure how the 7th/8th grade works in America but in Secondary School there is a different teacher for every subject.

If you teach 1st years you will be teaching those who have just started secondary school (high school) and who will be beginning the 3 year Junior cert course. The final year of the junior cert course is third year. In June of third year students must sit an exam usually one week long in an average 10 subjects.

The 10th grade/ 4th year is optional in some schools others its compulsory but it is not a normal academic year, the emphasis in 4th year is on self-learning, with new skills and work experience got throughout the year. Fourth year is the first year of the Leaving cert course (or if fourth year is skipped then 5th year is the first year of the course)

6th year is the final year of secondary school, though students may leave school at 16. After secondary school students either go to college or into the workforce.

In June of 6th year students sit the leaving cert, with an average of 7 subjects.

I'm going into six year now wish me luck in the leaving cert lol

Answer 2

well 12yr olds going on 13 are in there first year of secondary school,so there year is called 1st year

13yrs old going on 14 are in what is know as 2nd year

secondary school is second level schooling

Answer 3

Children start primary school is ireland aged 4/5 depending on a school's individual rules. They finish up in June after 8 years (Jnr infants, senior infants 1st-6th class) and move to Secondary School in Sept at the age of 11/12. They begin in 1st yr, then second, then third where students must complete the Junior Cert

exam. then they legally can leave school if they choose. if not they start fifth year (4th yr is optional) then The final year is Leaving Cert yr were students sit a major exam that determines college acceptance. hope that helps

Answer 4

In Ireland 12 year olds are in first year and 13 year olds in second year. They're in secondary level which they would normally be in from the ages of 12 to 18. There are six or five years at secondary from First to sixth year with fourth year being an optional year that students can choose to skip if they want.

If you have any more questions feel free to e-mail me - hope I've helped