Weekly Grinds 6th Year

Applied Maths (H)

The Applied Maths syllabus covers a variety of topics, designed to solve problems arising in physics, computer science, business and finance. This course explores each topic in turn by first explaining the ideas behind, and motivation for the topic at hand, as well as applications to further study and professions. More concrete problems are then tackled, and once a level of proficiency and understanding is achieved focus is shifted to exam papers.

The topics are listed below in the order they will be covered.

1. Linear Motion
2. Projectiles
3. Connected Particles
4. Collisions
5. Circular Motion
6. Networks and Graphs
7. Algorithms on Graphs
8. Project Scheduling
9. Dynamic Programming
10. Difference Equations
11. Differential Equations

Comprehensive notes will be given to students in advance of classes. They are designed not only to be followed during the first contact with a topic, but also to be an adequate revision tool after the fact. Multiple worked examples are provided, as well as questions to be worked through during class time, and optional homework to be completed after each class.

Biology (H)

The practical aspects of the course are examined in great detail and the reasons for various procedures are explained. Students are encouraged to participate actively in class by asking questions and taking notes. If a student cannot attend a particular class they have the option of taking that class at an alternative time of their choosing. All notes are made available to students with genuine reasons for absences.

Topics from:

• The Cell.
• Osmosis.
• Cell Division.
• Scientific Method.
• Flowering Plants.
• Germination.
• Food & Nutrition.
• Blood.
• Photosynthesis.
• Water Transport.
• Respiration.
• Excretion.
• Nervous System.
• Eye & Ear.
• Hormones.
• Reproduction.
• Meiosis & DNA.
• Genetics.
• Evolution.
• Ecology.
• Microbiology.
• Skeleton.

Business (H)

These classes prepare students for success in the Leaving Certificate Higher Level Business exam.

• Strand 1:
  • Key Stakeholders within the Business
  • Business Organisations
  • Regulation and Governance
  • Economic Variables
  • National Policy and Business Policy
  • European Union
  • International Business and Globalisation
• Strand 2:
  • Enterprise
  • Idea Generation
  • Business Planning
  • Marketing Mix
  • Operations and Finance
  • Growth and Expansion
  • Risk Management
• Strand 3:
  • Leading an organisation
  • Leading People
  • Human Capital Management
  • Communication
  • Strategic Planning and Force Field Analysis
• Strand 4:
  • Consumer Law
  • Consumer Decision Making
  • Financial Decision Making
  • Employee Law
  • Employee Governance

Chemistry (H)

This course focuses on all aspects of the Leaving Certificate Chemistry syllabus, with particular emphases on exam technique and past papers. Chemistry practicals are also discussed in detail.

Topics from:

• Atomic Theory: History, electronic configuration, orbitals ionisation energies, trends in the periodic table, shapes of molecules, and radioactivity.
• Stoichiometry: Calculations involving moles, molecules, grams, and volume of chemicals, limiting calculations, and Gas Laws.
• Bonding: intramolecular bonds and intermolecular bonds.
• Acids and Bases: Definitions, strengths, amphoteric, conjugate pairs, and salt and anion tests.
• Volumetric Analysis/ Titrations: Acid and base titrations.
• Volumetric Analysis/ Titrations: Redox titrations.
• Rates of Reaction: Conditions, definitions, catalysts, and graphs.
• Equilibrium: Factors that affect equilibrium, and calculations.
• pH: Calculations, indicators, and graphs.
• Organic Chemistry: Experiments, reactions, and fuels.

Please bring periodic table and calculator

Classical Studies (H)

The Four Strands of Study:

• Strand 1. The World of Heroes: Homer’s Odyssey and Virgil’s Aeneid.
• Strand 2. Drama & Spectacle: Greek theatre, the Roman Games, the Circus Maximus and the Colosseum.
• Strand 3. Power & Identity: Alexander the Great.
• Strand 4. Gods & Humans: Greek and Roman funerary practices, Greek and Roman temples and religious festivals, philosophy in Plato’s Crito and Horace’s Odes and Epodes.

Assessment: A research essay on an aspect of the ancient world must be completed by January of 6th year. This essay is worth 20% of the final assessment. The remaining 80% comes down to a single two and a half hour exam paper.

These are the books required for both 5th & 6th years:

• G. Lloyd, Alexander the Great: Selections from Arrian, Cambridge University Press.
• Homer, The Odyssey, Penguin Classics (Must be translated by E.V. Rieu)
• Virgil: Selections from the Aeneid, Cambridge University Press, translated by Graham Tingay.

Economics (H)

Our 6th Year Economics grinds help students to develop the knowledge and critically, the flexibility, needed be successful at Higher Level by assisting them in developing a deep understanding of all aspects of the Economics course. Having a broad knowledge across the entire course is an absolute pre-requisite for success and our exam focussed classes assist students to develop that breadth of knowledge. Students will learn how to apply that knowledge to exam style questions and will become familiar with the attention to detail consistent with H1 standards. Furthermore, students are encouraged to understand and evaluate real world economic events as this is another essential component for success in both the written examination and the research project.

In addition to expert guidance on the completion of the research project, the following topics are covered:

• Strand 1: What Is Economics About?
  • 1.1 Economics as a way of thinking
  • 1.2 The economic concepts of scarcity and choice
  • 1.3 Economic, social and environmental sustainability
• Strand 2: How Are Economic Decisions Made?
  • 2.1 The market economy
  • 2.2 The consumer
  • 2.3 The firm
  • 2.4 Government intervention in the market
• Strand 3: What Can Marketers Do?
  • 3.1 Market structures
  • 3.2 The labour market
  • 3.3 Market failure
• Strand 4: What Is The Relationship Between Policy and Economic Performance?
  • 4.1 National income
  • 4.2 Fiscal policy and the budget framework
  • 4.3 Employment and unemployment
  • 4.4 Monetary policy and the price level
  • 4.5 Financial sector
• Strand 5: How Is The Economy Influenced By International Economics?
  • 5.1 Economic growth and development
  • 5.2 Globalisation
  • 5.3 International trade and competitiveness

English (H)

This class is designed to give 6th Year students a comprehensive understanding of the coursework that is set for examination in Leaving Cert Higher Level English and to give students effective exam question answering techniques in the subject.

Topics covered:

Paper 1

• Explanation of the 5 prescribed language genres:
  • The Language of Argument
  • The Language of Persuasion
  • The Language of Information
  • The Language of Narration
  • The Aesthetic use of Language
• Comprehensive analysis of past examination tasks, with focus on how to approach the Reading Comprehension Part A and Part B tasks.
• Guidelines on the types of questions / tasks set and sample answers provided with a breakdown of the marking scheme.
• The Composition task is worth 25% of the final grade. Guidelines and examples will be provided on how to write an effective:
  • Discursive Essay
  • Short-Story Writing
  • Personal Essay
  • Speeches and Debates

Paper 2

Single Text – The single text being taught in these classes is William Shakespeare’s Othello.

NB Significant class time will be given to the exploration of the single text.

Classes will cover:

• Introduction to Tragedy and “The Tragic Hero”
• Dramatic Conventions/Language & Imagery
• The significance of Soliloquys in Shakespeare (and your exam responses!)
• Addressing Characters and Relationships questions
• Critical Literacy – Shakespeare’s effective use Dramatic Techniques to tell the story
• An exploration of key themes in the play

Analysis of past questions, suggested approaches to the construction of effective Leaving Certificate Single Text answers plus sample paragraph structures and sample answers.

Comparative Studies

Classes will offer guidelines on an approach to:

• Studying effectively the Comparative element of the course
• Writing an effective Comparative Essay
• Past Examination Questions
• The three prescribed modes of comparison for Leaving Certificate 2027 are:
  • Cultural Context
  • Theme or Issue
  • General Vision and Viewpoint

Poetry (usually 2-3 sessions per poet)

Analysis of:

• Unseen Poetry tasks, including guidelines and sample responses to past questions
• 5 of the 8 prescribed poets will be taught in class
• Approaching the Prescribed Poetry Question-how to structure your answer plus sample answers to past questions
• Emily Dickinson
• Patrick Kavanagh
• Derek Mahon
• Adrienne Rich
• One more poet TBA

French (H)

This course covers all the four competencies necessary for success in the Leaving Certificate Higher level French exam – Aural, Oral, Reading and writing. While the content is similar to the 5th year course, the complexity of material covered is designed to reflect the demands of the Leaving Certificate.

Topics from:

• Letter writing.
• Diary entries.
• Abstract topics.
• Response pieces.
• Comprehensions (method and content).
• Listening comprehensions.
• Oral French.

Geography (H)

This course is designed to help students maximise their performance in Leaving Certificate Higher Level Geography. Classes are focused on completing the entire Geography course while developing the knowledge, skills and examination techniques needed for success in the final examination.

The course is structured to cover all key areas of the Leaving Certificate syllabus in a clear and manageable way. Students will build a strong understanding of Physical, Regional, Human and Economic geography while learning how to answer exam questions effectively to maximise marks.

Topics Covered Include:

• Physical Geography:
  • Plate Tectonics
  • Earthquakes & Volcanoes
  • Folding and Faulting
  • The Rock Cycle
  • Weathering processes
  • Karst landscapes
  • River, coastal and glacial processes
  • Mass movement processes
  • Isostasy
  • Weather and climate
  • Human interaction with natural processes
  • Map reading and aerial photograph interpretation
• Regional Geography:
  • Types of region
  • Greater Dublin Area
  • The West of Ireland
  • The Paris Basin
  • The Mezzogiorno
  • Brazil
  • Regional development and change
• Human and Economic Geography:
  • Population growth and migration
  • Urban growth and urban problems
  • Settlement patterns
  • Economic development
  • Globalisation
  • Multinational Companies
  • Sustainable development
  • Economic and environmental change
• Geoecology:
  • Ecosystems and biomes
  • Human impact on biomes
• Geographical Investigation: Students will receive guidance on planning, researching, structuring and writing the Geographical Investigation. Particular emphasis is placed on structure to maximise marks in this important component of the Leaving Certificate examination.
• Examination Preparation: Throughout the year, students will develop the skills required to succeed in the Leaving Certificate examination, including:
  • Essay writing techniques
  • Short-answer and SRP development
  • Map and aerial photograph skills
  • Graph and statistical interpretation
  • Time management
  • Past examination question practice
  • Marking scheme analysis

Each topic is supported by detailed notes, worked examples and examination-focused revision. Particular emphasis is placed on understanding how questions are asked, identifying common examination themes and developing the techniques required to achieve top grades.

This course is ideal for students who want a structured approach to completing the Leaving Certificate Geography course, improving examination performance and building confidence ahead of the final examination.

German (H)

This course helps students achieve their maximum potential in their Leaving Certificate Higher Level German exam. The classes are exam focused and homework is given throughout the year.

Topics from:

• Oral Exam
  • Exam format.
  • General questions.
  • Role play.
  • Picture sequence / project work.
  • Option to discuss a film or novel in the oral will be covered.
• Aural Comprehension
  • Practice using CDs and authentic listening material.
  • Focus on listening skills required for the test.
  • Reading comprehension.
  • Introduction to journalistic and literary styles of texts.
• Writing
  • Answering skills & techniques for the written exam.
  • Letter writing.
  • Short essay.
  • Opinion of issue practice.
• Grammar
  • Techniques needed for the examination.
  • Formal grammar.

History (H)

This course is designed to help students prioritise the work that needs to be done in preparation for the Leaving Certificate Higher Level History exam in June 2027. During the weekly classroom sessions, students will be provided with useful exam advice and study tips to facilitate learning and aid exam preparation.

Our online Moodle page will feature Revision Packs and a myriad of online articles and videos to help students stay up to date with their learning and become familiar with the course content and various personalities. Many of the class sessions will also feature short video clips to add to the learning experience, encourage student engagement and invite questions and discussion.

During the second term, Sixth Year students will receive substantial Sample Answer Essay Packs from each of their course modules. These essays will serve as very a helpful study aid as well as demonstrate to students how to manage and structure course content to create effective and high scoring essays.

In the 2027 Leaving Certificate Exam, students will be required to answer the Documents Based Question section. They will also have to write one essay from another Irish module and two more essays from two different Europe modules. The modules that will be taught to Sixth Year History students in the Institute of Education are as follows:

• Movements for Reform, 1870-1914. (Compulsory Documents Based Question module)
• Sovereignty and Partition, 1912-1949
• The United States and the World, 1945-1989
• Dictatorship and Democracy, 1920-1945

Please note the following additional information:

• If a student is studying Politics and Society in Northern Ireland, 1949-1993, in their day school, the Institute of Education will also provide a Sample Answer Essay Pack from this course module to students in Term 2.
• During the academic year, the History teacher will be giving presentations on how to structure Leaving Certificate essays, demonstrate how the state exam marking scheme works and, provide a detailed breakdown on how students should answer more effectively the Documents Based Question on the Exam Paper.
• The History teacher will, on occasion, read student essays and advise on writing technique and course detail.
• If a student is electing to take History as an additional subject for their Leaving Certificate outside of their day school, the History teacher will work with them in helping them complete the Additional Course Component (History RSR project) of the exam paper.

Topics from Irish and European History

Irish History

Module 1: Movements for Reform, 1870-1914 (Compulsory module that will feature as the Documents Based Question in the 2027 State Exam).

Emphasis will be given to the three document case studies. Other elements of the course will also feature to enable the student to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of events that influenced each of the case study topics.

Topics that feature from this compulsory module include:

• The origins and growth of the Home Rule movement.
• Case Study: The 1885 and 1886 Elections.
• The emergence of cultural nationalist movements.
• Case Study: The GAA to 1891.
• Economy and Society in Belfast and Dublin.
• Case Study: Dublin 1913 – Strike and Lockout.

Module 2: Sovereignty and Partition, 1912-1949

During Term 1 and most of Term 2 core course material will be taught from the Sovereignty & Partition module; the topics that will get most emphasis from this module will be taught as intended targets for the 2027 state exam paper as well as being designed to allow students gain insight into the key events, themes and personalities from this era.

• Unionist resistance to Home Rule, 1912-1914.
• The 1916 Rising.
• The rise of new Sinn Féin, 1916-1918.
• The War of Independence.
• Case Study: The Treaty Negotiations.
• The contribution of Michael Collins to Irish affairs.
• Socio-economic developments in the Irish Free State.
• Case Study: The 1932 Eucharistic Congress.
• Gaelic and Catholic identity in the Irish Free State.
• Law and Order in the Irish Free State.
• Anglo-Irish relations, 1922-1949.
• The steps to partition, 1912-1949.
• The contribution of Cosgrave and de Valera to Irish affairs.
• Case Study: The Belfast bombings, 1941 and a comparative analysis with the war experience in Dublin.

European History

Module 1: The United States and the World, 1945-1989.

Topics that will feature from the USA module include:

• The growth of the US economy after World War II.
• How economic growth changed the way people lived.
• The Age of Consensus.
• The changing role of women in the USA.
• Urban crime and poverty.
• Developments in race relations in the United States.
• Case Study: The Montgomery Bus Boycott, 1955-1956.
• The contribution of Martin Luther King to US affairs and key Civil Rights legislation.
• Black militancy, urban riots and blaxploitation.
• The origins and development of US foreign policy, 1945-1961.
• Case Study: Lyndon B. Johnson and the Vietnam War.
• US military tactics in the Vietnam War and the impact on society.
• The collapse of the Age of Consensus.
• The contribution of Presidents Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, and Johnson to US affairs.
• Case Study: The Moon Landing, 1969.
• The era of détente, 1969-1979.
• Advances in military and information technology.
• The Reagan era and the end of the Cold War, 1980-1989.

Module 2: Dictatorship and Democracy, 1920-1945.

Topics that will feature form this European History course module will include:

• Mussolini’s Italy.
• The Weimar Republic.
• The Rise of Hitler, his totalitarian regime, and life in Nazi Germany.
• Hitler’s foreign policy.
• Nazi Propaganda.
• Case Study: The Nuremberg Rallies.
• The characteristics of fascism.
• Fascism and the Church.
• Britain between the Wars.
• Case Study: The Jarrow March
• Stalin’s Russia – ‘Fear and Transformation’.
• Case Study: Stalin’s Show Trials.
• Propaganda in Stalin’s Russia.
• France between the Wars.
• Víchy France.
• Anglo American Culture and developments in radio and cinema, 1920-1945.
• The contribution of Leni Riefenstahl, Charlie Chaplin and Bing Crosby to cinema.

Key personalities, core course content and material outside the syllabus will be analysed to give the student extra insight and understanding of these modules to aim for the higher grades in the state exams.

Throughout the year, students will gain access to data, content and personalities from the Institute of Education History notes that often do not feature in mainstream textbooks. The students will have a stronger grasp of each course topic and a greater range of content with which to answer any exam question.

Students will also be introduced to the several core-course themes that run through each of the modules. These themes influence the frame-working of exam questions. Knowledge of these themes and how they feature throughout the various course topics will help students achieve a deeper understanding of the subject and ensure they are better prepared for the state examination.

Information and tips regarding managing content, effective writing and essay structure will be referred to throughout the year.

Students will also be instructed on how to address and effectively answer the compulsory Documents Based Question (DBQ) section of the exam paper.

Home Economics (H)

This course covers the theory section using very precise notes. Past exam questions linked to the area being studied are analysed, providing a valuable insight into how the marking scheme is applied.

Topics covered include :

• FOOD STUDIES
  • Nutrients
  • Analysis of tables/charts for Question 1.B
  • Food groups
  • Food Additives
  • Food Spoilage
  • Preservation
  • Microbiology
  • Food Processing/Packaging /Labelling
  • Special Diets
• HOME MANAGEMENT
  • Textiles
  • Consumer Studies
  • Finance topics
  • Household Technology
  • Resource Management
• SOCIAL STUDIES (CORE)
  • Marriage
  • Family Law
  • Sociology Terms
  • Other topics if time allows

There will be an emphasis on exam technique and marking schemes throughout the programme.

Irish (H)

These classes cover all areas of the Leaving Certificate Higher level Irish exam.

Students receive sample answers in all areas of Poetry and Prose, with significant emphasis on exam technique. Weekly emphasis on the Oral and Aural sections, which cover 50% of the entire exam, is also included.

Topics from:

• Aiste/Díosóireacht/Oráid
• Gramadach
• Léamhthuiscint
• Filíocht
• Prós
• Litríocht bhreise
• Cluastuiscint
• Scúdú Cainte & Na Sraitheanna Pictiúr

Maths (H)

The course covers all the essential methods, formulae and procedures required for success in the Leaving Certificate Higher Level Maths papers. Comprehensive notes are provided on a weekly basis, with fully worked solutions.

Topics from:

• Numbers & Algebra.
• Algebra.
• Algebra & Functions.
• Algebra & Graphs.
• Algebra: Powers and Logs.
• Geometry.
• Geometry: Constructions.
• Trigonometry.
• Co-ordinate Geometry.
• Probability.
• Differentiation.
• Sequences & Series.
• Financial Maths.
• Complex Numbers.
• Integration.
• Statistics.
• Inferential Statistics.

Please bring log tables and calculator

Maths (O)

This course covers the essential methods, formulae and procedures required for success in the Leaving Certificate Ordinary Level Maths exam.

• Paper 1 – Topics from:
  • Algebra.
  • Complex numbers.
  • Calculus (Differentiation).
  • Number Patterns.
  • Financial Maths.
• Paper 2 – Topics from:
  • Coordinate Geometry of the Line.
  • Coordinate Geometry of the Circle.
  • Trigonometry.
  • Probability.
  • Statistics.

Physics (H)

These classes cover all material on the Leaving Certificate Higher Level Physics syllabus. Strong emphasis is placed on the exam and past paper questions. Classes are taught in a friendly, relaxed and structured manner that is conducive to understanding the principles of physics. Detailed, accessible notes are provided on all topics, and fully worded solutions are provided for all past paper questions dating back to 2002, the first year that the present syllabus was examined.

Topics from:

• Mechanics 1
  • Linear motion.
  • Newton’s laws.
• Mechanics 2
  • Moments.
  • Circular motion.
  • Planetary motion.
  • S.H.M.
• Sound and Waves
  • Doppler Effect.
  • Standing waves.
  • Sound intensity.
• Light
  • Reflection.
  • Refraction.
  • Diffraction.
• Electricity 1
  • Nature of charge.
  • Coulomb’s law.
  • Capacitance.
• Electricity 2
  • Resistivity.
  • Resistance.
  • Conductivity.
  • Semiconductors.
• Heat and temperature
  • Thermometers.
  • S.H.C.
  • Latent heat.
• Electromagnetism
  • Magnets.
  • Electromagnetic induction.
• Modern Physics
  • Photoelectric effect.
  • X-rays.
  • Radioactivity.
  • Nuclear energy.
• Particle physics
  • Cockcroft and Walton.
  • Mass-energy.
  • Quarks.
• Exam Focus
  • How to study physics.
  • How to prepare for the exam.
  • How to correctly read exam questions.
  • How to “answer what is asked”.

Please bring log tables, past papers and calculator

Politics & Society (H)

This course operates in a manner that places more responsibility on its students to engage with content and concepts than a traditional ‘grinds’ environment. Central to its specifications are the theories of 16 Key Thinkers, who range from political philosophers like Thomas Hobbes, John Locke and Karl Marx, to modern Feminist thinkers such as Sylvia Walby and Martha Nussbaum.

Handling supporting data (Section B, the “Data-Based Question”) and integrating relevant contemporary case studies from home and abroad into Section C (“Discursive Essays) form the backbone of the course content covered in these grinds. This is supplemented by a detailed examination of national, international, and supranational institutions, treaties, and Non-Governmental Organizations.

The course explores four interconnected strands thought the 29 weeks:

• Power & Decision Making
• Human Rights & Responsibilities
• Globalisation and Localisation
• Active Citizenship.*

*In addition to traditionally examined materials, the subject also includes an “Active Citizenship Project” worth 20% of the students’ final grade. Given the very wide range of possible topics that students investigate in this process, this revision course offers guidance on the projects, such as layout, focus and drafting of each section, and clear engagement with the marking scheme, but the projects will not be undertaken within this structure.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Any students undertaking Politics and Society as a subject outside their normal timetables school subjects must ensure that they have a cooperating teacher in their own school who will be in a position to “sign-off” on their Citizenship Project and verify that it has been completed by the student. They must also ensure that they have informed their school principal that they intend to sit the exam and that their school exam centre will be in a position to facilitate this.

Spanish (H)

This course prepares students for success in the Leaving Certificate Higher Level Spanish exam. Initial emphasis is placed on developing grammar skills. Once this important foundation has been established, students then practice with past papers and learn strategies to maximize their marks in the Oral, Aural, Reading and Written sections.

Topics from:

• General overview of the exam paper.
• Key grammar points
  • Verbs: present, future, conditional, 3 past tenses, subjunctive, imperative and gerund
  • Some special verbs: gustar, ser and estar
  • Pronouns
• Reading Comprehension
  • Exam techniques and vocabulary from past papers.
• Writing
  • Opinion piece (Structure, topics, vocabulary, idiomatic expressions…)
  • Writing techniques for Diary entries and Notes.
  • Sentence building. Work on common errors.
• Listening comprehension
  • Vocabulary from past papers
  • Vocabulary for the weather report
  • Strategies to maximise marks
• Oral
  • Understanding the oral exam.
  • Interview. Expanding on common topics.
  • Sample answers.
  • Role-plays