At John Scottus National School we follow and teach the full Department of Education and Skills curriculum: English, Irish, Maths, Art, Music, Drama, PE (Physical Education), SPHE (Social, Personal and Health Education) and SESE (Social, Environmental and Scientific Education). The details of the (DES) curriculum can be found on the NCCA website.
To learn more about our additional offering, please visit the ‘Beyond Curriculum’ and ‘School Life’ pages.
The timetable for each class varies. Usually the morning is devoted to language, literacy and numeracy, and the afternoon is for history, geography, science, music, art, PE, SPHE (social, personal and health education) and drama.
In John Scottus National School, PE is more than just exercise and training, it also involves being aware of and taking care of the body. The two classes per week take place in various venues including our PE Hall, the School Yard other locations as needed. We employ a full time PE teacher to cover all strands of the national curriculum: athletics, aquatics, dance, games, gymnastics, outdoor & adventure activities, with a strong focus on karate, swimming and hockey. Students up to 4th Class participate in swimming classes for half of the school year.
Our PE activities are guided by the Whole School PE Plan, encompassing our ethos and outlining our objectives for each student through PE.
The school was originally awarded the Active School status in June 2016, and it has been renewed every year.
Music is an integral part of the curriculum and every class studies music with their Class Teacher. Music is also a big part of our daily assembly.
There are several theme weeks over the course of the year. During these weeks the whole school works together on the particular theme.
Every year there is a Philosophy week, a Gratitude and Wellbeing week, a Language week and an Active School week. Maths and Science each have a week every second year, as do Music and Art.
During the year there are a variety of outings. At the end of the school year traditionally students from 2nd class upwards, children and teachers go away for a few days together for an annual overnight trip. This experience fosters independence in a safe and familiar environment and strengthens the bond between classmates and their teachers. These trips take place just before the summer break.
Junior Infants, Senior Infants and 1st class usually have two or three day-trips throughout the year.