Our specialised two-year programme for fifth year, or pre-Leaving Cert, students is an entirely separate course to the others available at Yeats College. The small number of students in each fifth year class ensures that each individual student’s needs and concerns are catered for.

In fifth year at Yeats College, students are offered:

• Unlimited subject choices
• No subject restrictions
• The option to change subjects mid cycle if required
• Smaller, more exclusive classes
• Separate examinations
• Extra curricular activities programme

In the first of the two years, students gain a comprehensive, thorough knowledge in the core areas of each subject, thus building a solid foundation for the tough year ahead. In the final year of the fifth year programme, students enter into a more advanced level of study with much of the year focusing on specific exam technique and a programme of intensive revision.

At Yeats College, we cherish the responsibility we are given to educate these students at a crucial time in their young lives. We try to ensure that the students’ sense of self-esteem, self-reliance, confidence and academic prowess is enhanced and challenged. Hence we offer a curriculum that incorporates academic, cultural, artistic and athletic aspects of education. Our learning experience leaves students with an engrained confidence, ability to succeed and most of all, happy memories!

Arriving at Yeats College to embark on the Senior Cycle Programme of study is a daunting prospect for any teenager. For this reason, we offer students the opportunity to participate in a “Welcome Programme” designed by the Fifth Year co-ordinators with the aim of easing students into the Yeats College system. Students are offered guidance in subject choices and personal development as well as the chance to get to know each other in a casual, relaxed environment.

Personal and Social Growth:

Another benefit for students embarking on the two year programme at Yeats College is that they have more time to devote to personal development and extra-curricular activities than in
the more strictly academic Leaving Cert year.

Therefore, a fundamental feature of our fifth year programme is the personal and social growth of each individual student. This is achieved through:

• Structured Recreation
• Sports & Leisure Pursuits
• Sporting and inter-school competitions
• Motivational Talks by Guest Speakers
• Careers Seminars
• Organised Charity Fundraisers

Sport is a major part of school life with the College putting forward teams to participate in various sporting competitions including Rugby, soccer and Gaelic football. Students at our Galway College will also use our new, fully equipped, state-of-the-art gymnasium and exercise room where aerobics, yoga and tai chi classes will take place. For those who are musically-inclined, the College ceili band will be welcoming fresh faces.

In all the recreational pursuits on offer, we promote personal progress, confidence, self-reliance, knowledge of oneself and a capacity for leadership.

The Yeats College Fifth Years are a tightly-knit group of students from all over Ireland. Many friendships are formed over the course of this year and the students are always confident in progressing to their Leaving Certificate year together. Some of our fifth year students even sit one or two of their Leaving Cert exams in
their first year at the College in order to minimise subject pressure in the stressful final year*.

*Applicable to students repeating 5th Year only