General Information
Loreto Bray offers students a six year programme of studies:
- A three year Junior Cycle programme of studies.
- A non-compulsory Transition Year programme of studies
- A two year Senior Cycle programme of studies.
Our students participate in the Irish state examinations system. Students sit the Junior Certificate Examination on completion of Junior Cycle while the terminal examination for Senior Cycle students is the Leaving Certificate Examination.
The School Day
| Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday | Wednesday | |
| First Lesson | 8.45am – 9.25am | 8.45am – 9.25am |
| Second Lesson | 9.25am – 10.05am | 9.25am – 10.05am |
| Third Lesson | 10.05am – 10.45am | 10.05am – 10.45am |
| Fourth Lesson | 10.45am – 11.25am | 10.45am – 11.25am |
| Break | 11.25am – 11.40am | 11.25am – 11.40am |
| Fifth Lesson | 11.40am – 12.20am | 11.40am – 12.20am |
| Sixth Lesson | 12.20pm – 1.00 pm | 12.20pm – 1.00 pm |
| Lunch | 1.00pm – 1.45pm | Classes End |
| Seventh Lesson | 1.45pm – 2.25pm | |
| Eighth Lesson | 2.25pm – 3.05pm | |
| Ninth Lesson | 3.05pm – 3.45pm | |
Junior Cycle
Students in Loreto Bray study 10 Junior Cycle subjects to Junior Certificate level.
The following are the eight compulsory subjects at Junior Cycle: Irish, English, Mathematics, History, Geography, Religion, Science, a Foreign Language (French, German or Spanish) C.S.P.E, SPHE, P.E and Music for Well Being
In addition students select two subjects from the following optional subjects: 2nd Foreign Language (French, German, Spanish), Art, Music, Home Economics, and Business Studies.
Dedicated Loreto French site is available for registered students – click here
Senior Cycle
Fifth year and sixth year present students with the challenges of the Leaving Certificate programme of studies. In general, students sit seven subjects in the Leaving Certificate Examination though some choose to take an eighth subject.
The following are the core subjects studied by all students at Senior Cycle:
Irish, English, Mathematics, Religious Education, P.E. and Careers.
In addition, students select four subjects for the following list of optional subjects:
History, Geography, French, German, Spanish, Art, Music, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Home Economics (Social & Scientific), Accounting, Economics and Business.
Dedicated Loreto French site is available for registered students – click here
Transition Year
Transition Year is an optional but very popular programme of studies in Loreto Bray. There are currently 125 places available in Transition Year.
During Transition Year students continue to study core subjects such as Irish, English, Mathematics, Religious Education and European Languages.
In addition, pupils undertake six or nine week ‘taster modules’ in all Leaving Certificate subjects available within the school. These ‘taster modules’ assist students with subject selection for their Leaving Certificate course of studies.
Transition Year also offers students the opportunity to experience new subjects and to engage in new activities. Horticulture, Interior Design, European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) Studies, Legal Studies and Personal Development Studies are just some of the courses on offer. Students also undertake periods of work experience and community service. A Transition Year school tour to an activities centre is another popular part of the programme. The annual Transition Year school musical is performed in the Mermaid Theatre, Bray and is a very popular local event.
Transition Year offers students the opportunity to engage in self-directed learning. Many aspects of the programme challenge students to work successfully in teams. Students are presented with opportunities to display initiative and develop leadership skills.
Transition Year presents students with a wonderful opportunity for personal growth.
Useful Links
Department of Education & Skills: www.education.ie
State Examinations Commission: www.examinations.ie
Central Applications Office (CAO) www.cao.ie
Loreto Ireland Website: www.loreto.ie
Scoilnet Resources for Irish schools: www.scoilnet.ie