Junior Cycle English
At St. Dominic’s College the English Junior Cycle aims to develop students’ knowledge of language and literature, to consolidate and deepen their literacy skills and make them more self-aware as learners. We encourage students to be creative through language and to gain enjoyment and continuing personal growth through English in all its forms. We promote critical thinking and encourage the students to engage with a wide range of spoken, written and multimodal texts, while focusing on the key literacy skills of oral language, reading and
writing.
Transition Year English
Presently, our TY students undertake six modules in English based around poetry, short stories, debating, biographies, novels and film. Each module culminates in summative assessment of various formats allowing creative literary autonomy. We also run a poetry workshop, reading week, Literary Festival, debating competition, Instagrammar competition and activities around World Book Day. We take a trip to the IFI (Cinema). All activities develop confidence in both self and in group work. All levels of literacy are catered for while striving to improve literacy skills and appreciation.
Leaving Certificate English
Building on the aims of English in junior cycle, the programme in senior cycle aims to further develop students’ reading, writing and aural English skills. An awareness of the value of literature in its diverse forms for enriching their perceptions, for enhancing their sense of cultural identity, and for creating experiences of aesthetic pleasure, is also provided. The five different language genres: information, persuasion, argument, narrative and aesthetic use of language, are an integral part of the course. Students achieve this through the study of poetry, fiction, film, drama, comprehension and creative writing. A theatre-trip to see a Shakespearean play is also part of the senior programme.
Leaving Certificate Applied : English and Communication
Students in LCA study English and Communication for two years and undertake four modules: Communication and the Working World, Communication and Enterprise, The Communications Media and Critical Literacy and Composition. The goal of each module is to equip students with practical skills that will prepare them for the work-place whilst simultaneously exposing them to traditional literary texts and training their skills of comprehension and analysis. Student confidence is nurtured through the undertaking of practical tasks and traditional written and oral assignments.
Recommended Reading Lists from the Department of Education and Skills:
Junior Cycle: 1st Year Reading List
Junior Cycle: 2nd & 3rd Year Reading List
Senior Cycle: 5th & 6th Year Reading List
Downloads (clicking on the links below will automatically download the document):