Programmes and Subjects

JUNIOR CYCLE PROGRAMME

In Harold’s Cross Educate Together Secondary School our students study a broad range of subjects with a focus on developing key skills. Students study nine subjects for certification and two short courses. Students will also encounter a range of learning experiences in other areas of learning.

TRANSITION YEAR PROGRAMME

The Transition Year (TY) is a one-year programme taken after the Junior Cycle and before the Leaving Certificate Programme. It forms the first year of a three-year senior cycle. It is designed to act as a bridge between the Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate programmes.

Transition Year is compulsory in HCETSS.

Transition Year offers learners an opportunity to mature and develop without the pressure of an examination. It also provides an opportunity for learners to reflect on, and develop an appreciation of, the value of learning in preparing them for the ever-changing demands of the adult world of work, further and higher education and relationships. Students participate in active and experiential learning, which helps to develop a range of transferable critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills.

Presentation Slides from our Parent Information Evening can be viewed here.

SENIOR CYCLE PROGRAMME

In HCETSS, we offer the established Leaving Certificate programme. Please note that we not offer the Leaving Certificate Applied programme. 

During Transition Year, students follow a guidance programme which helps them to make informed subject choices for Fifth Year. Additionally, students get to experience a range of subject modules, for example, in all three Sciences.

The subject choices offered are determined by the preferences identified in the year group. This means that subject bands vary from year to year.

Information on the Leaving Certificate Subjects offered for 2027 at Harold's Cross ETSS is available below

Information on the Leaving Certificate Subject Curriculum can be found on the NCCA website: