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4th Year

4th Year is a transformative year at The Institute of Education designed to try out new things, build academic foundations, develop critical life skills, and make the kind of memories and friendships that stay with you long after the year is done.

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57

Years of Excellence

35,000

students supported this year

140

full time Institute students received 600+ points in 2025

1

The Institute was ranked 1st amongst grinds providers

Dee Kelly

4th Year Head

4th Year is one of the most important and enjoyable years of secondary school, and we have built a programme here that makes the most of every bit of it. It is a year to try new things, discover what you are good at, build real friendships and arrive into 5th Year knowing exactly who you are and what you want from the Leaving Cert cycle.

My role is to make sure every 4th Year student feels supported, challenged and part of something. From subject sampling to work experience, activities to career guidance, we pack a lot into the year and I am there every step of the way.

If you are considering 4th Year at The Institute of Education, come in and see us. I think you will like what you find.

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Fees

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26/27 Prospectus

Read the current school prospectus.

2026 Yearbook

Access last year's yearbook.

Policies and Safeguarding

Understand our school policies.

Meet The 4th Year team

Deirdre Kelly

Head of 4th Year

Lauren Tyrrell

4th Year Coordinator

Luke Rock

Head of Wellbeing

David Connolly

Head of Extracurricular Activities

Meet All The Teachers

Learn More About the Application Process

Apply to Attend The Institute

Applications for 2026/27 are now open. Click the button below to learn more about the application process

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28 Subjects to Try

Explore the range of subjects available in 4th year, allowing students to test their interests before senior cycle.

Chemistry
Accounting
French
Biology
Spanish
History
Explore All Our Subjects

Discover What You Love

4th Year at The Institute of Education is one of those rare moments in life where nobody is asking you to have it all figured out yet. It's the year to try things you've never tried, meet people you wouldn't have met, and slowly work out what you’re passionate about.

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Discover What You Love

Barista training, sailing, drama, philosophy, journalism, yoga, Gaisce, you may be surprised by what you fall in love with!

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Try Out Subjects First

Get a chance to sample some of our 28 Leaving Certificate subjects during the year.

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Build Employable Skills

Start adding life skills that future employers will take notice of.

Work Experience

Get out of the classroom and into the real world. 4th year at The Institute of Education gives you the time and support to explore jobs, build connections and find out what career path might be the one for you.

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Unforgettable Adventures

From opportunities to travel abroad, to Gaisce adventures, sailing and driving lessons at Mondello Park, 4th year at The Institute of Education is full of the kind of days you’ll still be talking about years later.

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Friends for Life

Most people arrive on the first day of 4th year at The Institute of Education not knowing anyone. By the end of the year, most students have made friends they’ll keep long after school is over.

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Modules

Below are just some of the 24+ modules on offer at The Institute of Education. Designed to sit alongside your academic programme, they give you the chance to explore new interests, develop skills you will actually use, and make the most of your time at school.

Drama

Build confidence, learn to perform and discover what you are capable of in front of an audience.

Fitness

Structured training sessions designed to keep you active, energised and in good shape throughout the school year.

Bridge

Strategy, patience and sharp thinking. Bridge is one of the most rewarding card games in the world and a surprisingly competitive one too.

Journalism

Learn to research, write and tell stories that matter. A brilliant foundation for anyone interested in media, law or communications.

Environmental Studies

Explore the big questions around climate, sustainability and our relationship with the natural world.

Global Conflicts

A serious look at the causes and consequences of conflict throughout history and in the world today. Essential context for anyone interested in politics, history or international relations.

Linguistics

How does language actually work? This module explores the structure, history and diversity of human language in ways that will change how you think about words.

Mythology

From ancient Greece to Irish folklore, mythology is where culture, history and storytelling collide. More relevant than you might think.

Stocks & Trading

Learn how financial markets work, how to read them and how to make decisions under pressure. Practical, eye-opening and genuinely useful.

Yoga

A weekly reset. Improve flexibility, manage stress and build the kind of focus that carries into the classroom.

Photography Studies

Learn to see the world differently. From composition and lighting to editing and storytelling, this module covers the full craft of photography.

Irish Sign Language

Learn one of Ireland’s official languages and open up a whole new way of communicating.

Negotiation Studies

The art of getting to yes. Learn the skills used by lawyers, diplomats and business leaders, and practise them in real scenarios.

Sustainability Studies

Understand the challenges facing the planet and explore the solutions being developed right now. Essential knowledge for the generation that will have to act on them.

First Aid

A life skill everyone should have. Certified first aid training delivered by qualified instructors.

Student Testimonials

4th Year at The Institute of Education gave me the space to figure out how I actually study best, without the pressure of exams hanging over me. By the time 5th Year started, I already had habits that worked.

Aoife
Former 4th Year Student

I came in not knowing what subjects I wanted to keep for the Leaving Cert. The subject taster classes and the guidance support helped me make a decision I was confident in.

Daniel
Current 4th Year Student

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s The Programme Format?

Overview:

Students entering 4th year at The Institute of Education complete our Three-Year Leaving Certificate Programme. The course format is as follows:

4th Year:

  • International examination opportunities.
  • Get a head start on Leaving Certificate subjects.
  • Sample up to 4 subjects each term.
  • Flexible timetable allows for extra-curricular activities & work placements.
  • Class recordings mean that no classes are ever missed and that students can keep up with their studies even during their work placements.
  • Wide range of personal development opportunities.

5th Year

  • Teachers will have completed 70% of the Leaving Certificate syllabus in most subjects by the end of 5th year.
  • Preparatory work undertaken for assignments and project course work for the Leaving Certificate.

6th Year

Exam preparation and revision commences in March.

Entire Leaving Certificate syllabus completed by February.

Are There International Examination Opportunities?

4th year students at the Institute can pursue a selection of international examination opportunities throughout the year. These exams are ideal for students in 4th year, giving them an academic goal to work towards during the year.

Language Qualifications
In addition, 4th year students at the Institute also have the option to study for the following language qualifications:

  • French DELF
  • Spanish DELE
  • German Goethe
  • Irish TEG

These exams are held in collaboration with the Alliance Française, Instituto Cervantes and Goethe Institut.

What Subjects Can I Try?

With 28 Leaving Certificate subjects taught in the Institute, many 4th year students take the opportunity to sample different subjects and levels before fully committing to them in 5th year. Students can experiment with different subjects, selecting a total of four each term. Towards the end of the academic year an experienced career guidance team then assist students and parents in selecting the appropriate subjects for 5th year.

Have Questions? We’re here to help

If you’d like to learn more about this programme or need help, we’d love to hear from you. Our team is here to answer your questions and guide you through the process.

Contact us here