Academics

The co-op pursues the classical ideal of “a sound mind in a sound body” through the pursuit of the True, the Good and the Beautiful. The small-sized classes are the ideal venue to foster virtue and promote Socratic dialogue. Music, Art, Latin, Greek, Drama, Philosophy and Physics are all mandatory subjects for both primary and secondary level. 

Please click below on each subject to find out more. 

English

Primary years focus on reading fluently, mastering vocabulary, memorising poetry, and analysing classic texts. Grammatical and literary features are illustrated through classic children's stories and incorporated into writing assignments. Dramatic recitations are a key component of the classes at every level. Children are encouraged to submit their work in various competitions. At secondary level, teachers introduce the Great Books and prepare students for the SAT and/or the Leaving Cert.

Mathematics

Throughout the primary and secondary years the emphasis is on understanding rather than memorisation. Classes focus on students solving problems with guidance from the teachers.

Primary: students start with the Sir Cumference series as well as an emphasis on the 4 basic operations. Classes are a combination of reviewing basics while introducing advanced concepts in an easy to understand way.

Secondary: the Saxon math series (starting with Math 8/7 and finishing with Calculus) follows for ages 8 to 14. The course finishes with SAT and Leaving Cert preparation.

 

Philosophy

This is the core class for every student attending the co-operative. Students read, debate, and explore philosophy, logic and theology starting with the Greeks and continuing to the present day. Regular weekly sessions are hosted by the spiritual director while visiting priests and religious host occasional seminars in various topics.

Irish

Secondary students follow the Irish curriculum and syllabus set out by the NCCA, and are prepared for the State Examinations Leaving Certificate written, aural and oral exams, with the option of Higher or Ordinary level. 

Latin

Primary students learn songs, prayers, and games in Latin while learning to read through the Little Latin Readers series. Secondary students continue with the Lingua Latina series and have the option to sit the Leaving Certificate exam in Latin and/or Classical Studies

Greek

 Students are introduced to basic Biblical Greek with an emphasis on Greek words borrowed into English. 

French

French – Primary Students
With younger learners, I focus on creating a fun, dynamic, and immersive environment. Lessons include songs, games, storytelling, and interactive activities that introduce vocabulary and basic sentence structures in a natural, enjoyable way. I place a strong emphasis on listening and speaking to build confidence early on, while gently introducing reading and writing skills. My goal is to instill a love for the French language and spark curiosity through creativity and play.

French – Secondary Students
For older students, I tailor lessons to their academic level and individual needs, particularly those preparing for Junior and Leaving Cert exams. Lessons combine structured grammar and vocabulary work with conversational practice, listening comprehension, and writing exercises. I also use real-world materials—such as music, film, and current events—to make learning relevant and engaging, while helping students build confidence and exam readiness.

German

Primary - Basic vocabulary and interactive introduction to the geography, culture and history of the Germanic countries (Germany, Austria and Switzerland)

Secondary - Preparation for the German Leaving Certificate exam (higher and ordinary levels). Lessons will be tailored to the students' academic level and individual needs and will incorporate significant examples from the copious world of Germanic literature, poetry and film.

Spanish

We prepare our secondary level students for the Spanish Leaving Certificate. For those wishing to sit exams prior to the Leaving Cert, we provide preparation for the Diplomas de Español como Lengua Estranjero (DELE). These cover six levels which correspond to the language proficiency levels in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). 

Italian

We prepare our secondary level students for the Italian Leaving Certificate. For those wishing to sit exams prior to the Leaving Cert, we provide preparation for the Certificate of Italian as a Foreign Language (CILS) from the Università per Stranieri di Siena. It covers six levels which correspond to the language proficiency levels in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). 

Physics

Awaiting course description

Music

We offer Music as a Leaving Certificate subject, where students explore diverse genres and build skills in listening, composing, and performing. A strong focus on practical performance allows students to showcase their talents. 

Drama

Drama/Voice – Primary Students
With primary-aged children, I nurture self-expression and creativity through imaginative play, storytelling, movement, and singing. My sessions are playful and confidence-building, helping students find their voice, improve articulation, and explore characters and emotions in a safe, supportive space. I often use short scripts, improvisation games, and musical theatre elements to introduce drama and vocal techniques in an age-appropriate way.

Drama/Voice – Secondary Students
With teenagers, I focus on developing strong performance and communication skills. Drama classes include script work, improvisation, character development, and stage presence. In voice, I teach healthy vocal techniques that support projection, emotional expression, and singing across various styles. I encourage students to connect deeply with their material—whether spoken or sung—and to grow in confidence, authenticity, and artistic expression.

Art

Primary 
With younger learners, I focus on nurturing creativity through foundational drawing skills and hands-on exploration. Lessons encourage students to experiment freely with lines, shapes, and forms, developing coordination and fine motor skills in an expressive, supportive environment. Using simple materials like pencils and clay, students begin translating 2D sketches into 3D forms, building spatial awareness and tactile understanding. Imagination is central to each session; learners are encouraged to take creative risks, think independently, and enjoy the freedom of self-expression. The aim is to develop artistic confidence while strengthening fundamental skills through playful and creative engagement.

Secondary 
At senior level, the focus shifts to technical skill-building and critical engagement with art. Lessons mirror the structure of the Junior and Leaving Cert curriculum, with an emphasis on accurate observational drawing, proportion, composition, and still life studies. Students develop their own visual language while honing discipline-specific techniques.
In parallel, we explore art history as a way of understanding the world; investigating the major movements, artists, and cultural contexts, while encouraging students to form personal responses and draw connections between historical works and contemporary society. I feel this approach fosters analytical thinking, creativity, and a deeper appreciation for art as both a historical record and a living dialogue.

History

Primary - To foster an interest and love of this often neglected subject, the primary curriculum will provide pupils with an engaging introduction to Irish and European history, with a main focus on the life and times of key historical figures. Main topics of interest will include life in Ancient Rome, Celtic Ireland, Medieval Europe, and Ireland in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Secondary - Journeying from ancient to modern times, lessons will mirror the Junior and Leaving Cert curriculum with a stronger emphasis on considering and evaluating historical sources and events from an objective and unprejudiced perspective. Due to the vastness of history as a subject, the topics of Irish, European and Church History may be separated into their own respective subjects to help tailor lessons to the students' academic and individual needs.

Business studies

Awaiting course description

Other subjects

The subjects currently being taught at secondary level are partly based on the choices for Leaving Cert of our current students. If you are interested in enrolling your son or daughter and they want to study subjects not listed above, please let us know and we will do everything possible to accommodate their Leaving Certificate choices.