Education in Ireland
The Department of Education and Skills in Ireland funds public education on a national level. Between the ages of 5 and 15, children must attend school, while there is a one-year grace period in between. Nonetheless, the formal school year lasts until the age of 18, and it is separated into primary school until the age of about 12 and secondary school until the age of approximately 18. Secondary school is divided into the three-year Junior Cycle (after which students can legally quit), the two-year Senior Cycle, and a "transition year" between the two.
Almost all junior cycle students take courses leading to the Junior Certificate, the State examination taken at the end of the third year of junior cycle, when students are 15 years of age. Subjects are normally studied at either Ordinary or Higher Level, although three subjects, Irish, English and Mathematics, can also be studied at Foundation Level. While a majority of subjects are assessed as part of the Junior Certificate Examination, the junior cycle provision also includes a number of subjects that are integral to the curriculum, but are not formally assessed in this way. Non-examination subjects at junior cycle include Physical Education, Social, Personal and Health Education and Computer Studies, while Religious Education is available both as an examination and non-examination subject.
The school year is organised into three terms and runs generally from September to June, with vacations for Christmas and Easter as well as shorter midterm breaks for the first two terms. The majority of institutions are closed on particular Catholic holidays, such as the 8th of December's Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
All stages of education are supported by the government, unless you decide to enrol your child in a private school.
The size of the class is heavily influenced by the size of the school. Classes can have up to 30 students if the school is located in a high-demand area. However, every class, regardless of size, always has two or three teachers present. One main teacher and the other two usually come to help with group activities or to assist the children based on their level. Moreover, there are special needs assistants who work with children that have learning difficulties.
Most classes start between 9 and 9.30 in the morning. A day at school is 5 hours and 40 minutes long. This includes the time for getting together, roll call, and breaks. Usually, there is a break in the morning around 11 am and a break for lunch around 12.30 pm. Schools encourage healthy eating, that is why parents are not allowed to give candies, chocolate, chips, or soda for lunch. There are schools which provide free hot lunch for all the students.