3rd Year Weekly Grinds

Your Path to Junior Cycle Success

Our 3rd Year Weekly Grinds are designed to support you in achieving your very best in the 2026 Junior Cycle exams.

Over 29 weeks, you’ll work with some of the country’s best teachers who will help you deepen your subject knowledge, sharpen your exam skills, and build the confidence to perform at your best when it matters most.

Students can choose to study through fully interactive online and/or onsite classes, at our four Dublin locations; Leeson Street, Killester, Westmanstown, or Swords.

All students attending online classes will receive their exam-focused course notes in the post. Those attending onsite classes will receive their notes in the classroom.

  • Exam-Focused Notes

    Delivered FREE nationwide for online classes

  • Expert Teachers

    Answers to all your questions

  • Examiner Insights

    Get the strategies to SUCCEED

  • FREE Class Recordings

    Rewatch until the end of the State Exams 2026

To learn more about what will be covered in each course, please select from the subject list below:

 

Business Studies (C)

This course covers all elements of the Junior Certificate Business Studies syllabus, focusing on exam skills and requirements.

Topics from:

  • Strand 1 – Personal Finance
    Finance / Taxes / Wages / Insurance.
    Budgeting.
    The Consumer.
  • Strand 2 – Enterprise
    Marketing.
    Business Document / Plan.
    Cash Book.
    Final Accounts.
  • Strand 3 – Our Economy
    Demand & Supply.
    Government Economic Policies / Economic Indicators.
    Economic Growth.
    International Trade / European Union.

 

English (H)

These classes are designed to thoroughly prepare students for the Junior Cycle Higher Level English exam.

Throughout the year students are encouraged to participate, think, practise, and feel comfortable voicing concerns or confusion in a structured and positive atmosphere. The fundamentals of English – spelling, grammar, syntax and punctuation – are emphasised at all times. At no point will any student be encouraged to rote learn. The Junior Cycle English curriculum has a strong and correct focus on skills, and these are the skills around which these classes are built.

All classes aim to develop the skills needed to produce a young writer who understands how to produce structured, purposeful, articulate answers. Students receive model answers that deliberately vary in quality and are encouraged to develop the reflective mindset that is so important to Junior Cycle English.

The curriculum requires students to study particular texts from a list of prescribed material. Comprehensive notes, guidelines and model answers are provided across a range of these texts, specifically including: Studied Drama; Studied Fiction; Studied Film; and Studied Poetry

 

French (C)

This course is structured to ensure students achieve the best results possible in their Junior Cycle French exam.

All the four competencies necessary for success in the Junior Cycle are covered – Aural, Oral, Reading and Writing. The first half of the year aims to develop the student’s confidence using grammatical structures. The second half of the year seeks to apply the gains made in the first three months to the Junior Cycle syllabus.

Topics from:

  • Letter writing.
  • The Note.
  • The Postcard.
  • Reading Comprehensions (method and content).
  • Listening comprehensions.

 

Irish (H)

This course aims to fully prepare students for all aspects of the Junior Cycle Higher Level Irish exam.  Students will cover all major areas of grammar, reading comprehension, the aural exam, composition skills, and texts from all sections of the course to give them the confidence needed to tackle the Junior Cycle Irish exam.

Grammar and Language Skills

  • All major grammar topics will be included including sentence structure, verbs, nouns, the copula, prepositions, and adjectives.
  • Students will use these skills through weekly exercises and by tackling past-paper grammar questions.

Literature 

  • Texts from all areas of the literature course will be covered including the novel, drama, short story, poems, and songs.
  • Past paper questions and sample answers will be examined to enable students to maximise their result.

Composition

  • Students will cover all composition skills needed for the paper including articles, diaries, and letter writing.
  • Key vocabulary and useful expressions for common topics will also be covered and sample answers to past paper questions will be provided.

Listening and Reading Comprehension

  • Key vocabulary and question phrases will be covered, along with the methodology and exam technique for comprehension questions.
  • These skills will be put into use through practice of past papers and sample answers.

 

Maths (H)

This class provides an opportunity for students to consolidate prior learning and maximise their potential for exam success in Junior Cycle Higher Level Maths.

All of the five strands of the Project Maths syllabus are covered in detail. Particular emphasis is placed on the linkage between the strands, how this linkage has presented in past exam papers, and how it may present in the exam in June. Classes are interactive in nature and students are encouraged to participate in their own learning. Clear and detailed notes allow students to use their revision time efficiently and graded exercises mean that students can challenge themselves appropriately.

Topics from:

  • Number Systems.
  • Number Systems / Probability.
  • Probability / Statistics.
  • Statistics.
  • Statistics / Algebra.
  • Algebra.
  • Algebra / Graphing Functions.
  • Graphing Functions / The Line.
  • The Line.
  • The Line / Geometry.
  • Geometry.
  • Geometry / Algebra.
  • Algebra / The Line/Graphing Functions.
  • Quadratic Functions.
  • Perimeter, Area, Volume.
  • Trigonometry.
  • Arithmetic.
  • Arithmetic / Mock Papers.
  • Mock Papers.
  • NB: Constructions handout given to students, 3-4 possible/relevant constructions maybe covered if required.

Please bring log tables and calculator.

 

Science (C)

This course is structured to ensure students achieve the best results possible in their Junior Cycle Science exam. The focus is on exam technique, with constant exam question practice an integral part of every class. Students receive clear and concise notes with sample solutions to exam questions and notes which will include other revision material.

Topics from:

  • Nature of Science:
    Lab Safety & apparatus.
    Reliability, accuracy, precision, fairness & ethics.
    Experimental design.
    Analysis of data to identify patterns and relationships.
    The role of science in society.
    Science & the media.
  • Earth & Space:
    Water & Carbon cycles.
    How earth processes and human factors influence the Earth’s climate.
    Celestial bodies.
    Modelling the Earth, Moon & Sun.
    The Earth and other planets and moons in the solar system.
    Space & the big bang theory.
    Space exploration.
  • Physical World:
    Measurements & units.
    Area, Volume & Density.
    Distance, Speed & Time.
    Energy conservation.
    Electricity & static electricity.
    Electricity & ethical and sustainability issues.
  • Chemical World:
    Periodic table.
    Elements, Compounds & Mixtures.
    States of Matter.
    Separating solutions.
    Metals & non-metals.
    Atomic structure.
    Prediction of the ratio of atoms in compounds of two elements.
    Solubilities, conductivity, melting points & boiling points.
    Chemical reactions.
    Chemical reactions in terms of energy.
    Humans contribution to sustainability.
  • Biological World:
    The cell & microscope.
    Breathing system.
    Circulatory system & blood.
    Digestive system.
    Ecology & habitat study.
    Pollution and conservation.
    Food & human health.
    Photosynthesis & Respiration.
    Sexual reproduction & Genetics.
    Plants & asexual reproduction.
    Human contribution to ecological biodiversity and global food production.

 

Spanish(C)

In our weekly online Spanish grinds, we will cover all of the core grammar and vocabulary areas to ensure success in the Junior Certificate exams and a solid foundation for Leaving Certificate Spanish.

Topics from:

Grammar:

  • Present, Future and Past tense in detail. We will also study the uses of the Infinitive and the Conditional, Imperfect and Gerund tenses, which often appear in reading and enhance your writing. 

Writing:

  • Almost every lesson will contain opportunities for students to produce Spanish, normally in the form of guided, structured translations featuring relevant vocabulary areas. Students may also submit open writing for correction and feedback if they wish. Sample writings used in class can also provide ideas for the CBA oral assessment.

Reading / Listening:

  • These skills are integrated into every lesson, practiced with the thematic vocabulary using a combination of tailor-made texts and exam papers.

Below are the timetables for each of our weekly grinds locations for the Academic Year 2025/26. 

NOTE: All classes are 60 minutes in duration.

*Students may join at any stage throughout the year, subject to availability.

Weekly schedule

WeekWeek CommencingNote
11st Sept 2025First Week
28th Sept 2025
315th Sept 2025
422nd Sept 2025
529th Sept 2025
66th Oct 2025
713th Oct 2025
820th Oct 2025
No Classes27th Oct 2025Mid-Term
93rd Nov 2025
1010th Nov 2025
1117th Nov 2025
1224th Nov 2025
131st Dec 2025
148th Dec 2025
1515th Dec 2025
No Classes22nd Dec 2025Christmas
No Classes29th Dec 2025Christmas
165th Jan 2026
1712th Jan 2026
1819th Jan 2026
1926th Jan 2026
202nd Feb 2026*St. Brigid's Bank Holiday, Classes as normal this week, including Bank Holiday Monday 2nd February 2026.
219th Feb 2026
No Classes16th Feb 2026February Mid Term
2223rd Feb 2026
232nd March 2026
249th March 2026
No Classes16th March 2026St Patrick's Week
2523rd March 2026
No Classes30th March 2026Easter Break
No Classes6th April 2026Easter Break
2613th April 2026
2720th April 2026
2827th April 2026
294th May 2026**May Bank Holiday. No classes Mon 4th May - these will be taught on Monday 11th May instead. Classes as normal Tuesday 6th to Saturday 9th May.

*Classes will be taught on Bank Holiday Monday 2nd February 2026.
**Classes will not be taught on Bank Holiday Monday 4th May 2026. These classes will be taught on Monday 11th May 2026.

 

Online Timetable

DayTimeSubject
Monday17:30Maths (Higher)
18:45English (Higher)
Tuesday17:30English (Higher)
18:45Maths (Higher)
Wednesday17:30Spanish (Common)
17:30Irish (Higher)
17:30Maths (Higher)
18:45English (Higher)
Thursday17:30Maths (Higher)
18:45Irish (Higher)
18:45Science (Common)
Saturday9:00Maths (Higher)
9:00Irish (Higher)

 

Leeson Street Timetable

DayTimeSubject
Saturday9:00Business Studies (Common)
9:00English (Higher)
9:00French (Common)
9:00Irish (Higher)
Saturday10:15Irish (Higher)
10:15Maths (Higher)
10:15Science (Common)
Saturday11:30English (Higher)
11:30Maths (Higher)
11:30Science (Common)
11:30Spanish (Common)

 

Killester Timetable

DayTimeSubject
Tuesday18:45English (Higher)
18:45Maths (Higher)

 

Swords Timetable

DayTimeSubject
Tuesday17:30Maths (Higher)
18:45English (Higher)

 

Westmanstown Timetable

DayTimeSubject
Monday17:30Irish (Higher)
17:30English (Higher)

Number of SubjectsPay in Full
1 Subject€1,020
2 Subjects€1,520
3 Subjects€2,020
4 Subjects€2,520
5 Subjects€3,020
6 Subjects€3,520
7 Subjects€4,020
Each Subsequent Subject€500

Onsite and online fees are the same.

All students joining our weekly classes will receive access to recordings of all the classes for which they have enrolled.  In addition, they will have access to recordings of the classes that have already taken place since the start of the course. This is an invaluable aid when it comes to revision. Class recordings are available to the end of State Exams 2026.

Please note:

  • Card payments accepted.
  • 10% reduction for the second and subsequent members of the same family, attending the same courses. Please contact our office to avail of this discount.
  • Fees are non-transferable.

Onsite Classes 

 

Q: What subjects are available in Leeson Street/Killester/Swords/Westmanstown?

A: Please click here to view the timetable of subjects on offer at Leeson Street/Killester/Swords/Westmanstown.

 

Q: If I enrol in a class in Leeson Street, can I also avail of classes online or in Killester/Swords/Westmanstown?

A: Yes, you can enrol in a combination of online and onsite classes. However, a student can only attend the classes they are enrolled in.

 

Q: Are my onsite classes recorded?

A:  Yes, All classes, whether online or onsite, are recorded and available to students to watch back online for revision. All students will be sent login details for our student platform; Moodle, where they can watch back any of their classes.

 

Q: Are the class notes available online?

A: Yes. A soft copy is available on the Moodle Course page for each class booked. In addition, if you are attending a class onsite, class notes will be provided to you in the classroom. If you are attending an online class, class notes will be posted directly to you. Please ensure you include your Eircode when registering to ensure notes are posted to the correct location.

 

Q: If I am doing weekly grinds, can I change my choice of subject or class-time during the year?

A: Yes.  We will allow class changes up to Easter, subject to available places. Please contact our office to arrange changes on 01 661 3511.

 

Q: How long is each weekly grinds class?

A: Each class lasts 75 minutes.

 

Q: How much is the fee per subject?

A: This depends on the number of subjects taken. Please refer to the fees table to see a list of fees.

 

Q: Can I cancel my classes and get a refund?

A: Yes.  A refund (or partial refund) can be given. An Admin fee of €125 applies. A request for a refund can be made by contacting our office on 01 6613511 or help@instituteofeducation.ie

 

Q: How many weeks of tuition are there in the weekly grinds course?

A: There are 29 weeks (29 classes) of tuition between September and May. Students will have one class per subject booked per week.

 

Q: If I start weekly grinds later in the year, will this be reflected in the fees I pay?

A: Yes, fees are reduced throughout the year. The website will always show the most up-to-date pricing.

 

Q: Is attendance at weekly grinds and part-time courses monitored?

A: Yes, students are required to sign a roll sheet at each class they attend. The Institute however accepts no responsibility for students who fail to attend class.

 

Q: Are there any breaks or holidays during the year for students attending weekly grinds or part-time courses?

A: Yes, the classes schedule generally follows the normal school calendar with breaks at mid-terms, Christmas & Easter. Please refer to the timetable for more details

 

Q: Can part-time students take up an extra subject or a subject that is not available to them in their own school?

A: Yes, with consideration being given to the suitability of the subject. It is advisable that a student only takes on a new subject at the start of the academic year and notify their teacher. Our 6th year program covers each subject in full. Please note that our classes cover the theory of the curriculum and do not carry out any practicals.

 

Q: What subjects would you recommend to take on as an extra subject?

A: The most popular subjects would be: Accounting, Agricultural Science, Applied Maths, Business, Classical Studies, Economics,  and Politics and Society.

 

Q: Are the classes conducted ‘lecture style’ or are students free to ask questions?

A: Our classes are run in more lecture style than most students might be used to in school. However they are also interactive and our teachers use a variety of methods to ensure that students can ask questions and contribute to the class.

 

Q: For weekly grinds, does the beginning of a new term mean the start of a new course?

A: No, in the weekly classes each subject commences in September and runs through to the end of the academic year in May. Students can catch up on what they have missed by reviewing the previous class recordings and notes.

 

Q: If I want to join weekly grinds during the year, can you tell me what remains to be covered on the course and what the student has missed?

A: Teachers have their own individual teaching plan for the year, and should be able to advise on this.

 

Q: My son/daughter cannot attended the course. Can we buy the notes?

A: No. Teaching is a central part of all our courses. The notes are to facilitate recall and revision of the day’s work covered by the teacher.

Online Weekly Grinds

 

Q: What subjects are available Online?

A: Please click here to view the timetable of subjects on offer online.

 

Q: If I enrol in an online class, can I also avail of onsite classes?

A: Yes, you can enrol in other classes at Leeson Street/Killester/Swords/Westmanstown/Malahide. Click here for details.

 

Q: How do I access my online grinds classes?

A: Students enrolled on the course will receive an email from us containing their unique login details and links to access their chosen subjects. Login credentials will be sent in advance of course start date. Only those details sent to you will enable you to successfully access classes online.

 

Q: How are the online grinds hosted?

A: All online classes are hosted live on Microsoft Teams. The links to the weekly classes are accessed via Moodle. Students must sign into both Moodle and MS Teams with the @instituteofeducation.ie login credentials sent to the student.

 

Q: Are the online grinds pre-recorded?

A: No, each online grinds class is streamed live as per the timetable. Recordings of classes will be available after each live class is completed. These can then be replayed as a revision aid.

 

Q: Will I have access to recordings of the live grinds classes?

A: Yes, recordings of classes will be available after each live class is completed. These can then be replayed as a revision aid. These will be available up until the end of the State exams 2026.

 

Q: Are there any specific requirements to attending online grinds?

A: We would advise that all students enrolling in our online grinds have the following:
• Access to a reliable wifi service.
• Access to a PC, Laptop, Tablet, or similar device.
• We would not recommend using a mobile phone.
• Headphones/earphones.

 

Q: Are the class notes available online?

A: Yes. A soft copy is available on the Moodle Course page for each class booked. In addition, if you are attending a class onsite, class notes will be provided to you in the classroom. If you are attending an online class, class notes will be posted directly to you. Please ensure you include your Eircode when registering to ensure notes are posted to the correct location.

 

Q: What style are the classes conducted in? Can students ask questions?

A: Our classes run in a more lecture style than most students might be used to in school, but they are also interactive, and teachers will use a variety of methods to ensure that students can learn and understand and feel comfortable asking questions and contributing to the class.

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Weekly Grinds Locations

Our Weekly Grinds courses are available in multiple locations across Dublin and also as Online Classes. For more information please select a location below.

The Institute of Education
79 – 85 Lower Leeson Street
Dublin 2
D02 PX56

Leeson Street Location

St. Mary’s Holy Faith School
Brookwood Meadow,
Killester,
Dublin 5,
D05 K588

Killester Location

RIASC Centre,
Feltrim Rd,
Drinan,
Swords,
Co. Dublin,
K67 PX85

Swords Location

Westmanstown Sports & Conference Centre
Westmanstown,
Dublin 15,
D15 Y2DH

Westmanstown Location

Can’t make it to our onsite locations?

Join our Online Weekly Grinds classes. Get the additional support you need with our fully interactive LIVE classes.

Please note:

Login details for online classes will be issued to students by email before the start of the course.