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Subject Departments
Crana College provides a wide range of subject options for students, at both junior and senior cycle, catering for students of all abilities and talents. Information on the various subjects is grouped into the different departments below.
Applied Technology
Our students have access to the very best of modern technology such as iPads,Chromebooks, high spec computers, interactive boards, visualisers and the latest software. Applied Technology aims to develop the students' curiosity of the technological world while integrating the necessary subject knowledge with the disciplinary skills to investigate and solve real-life problems. We place great emphasis on ensuring that students gain the necessary skills to prepare them for the modern world. Students get the opportunity to try Applied Technology as part of the taster programme and can then choose to study it for junior cycle at the end of the eight-week programme. The subject of Technology is offered as an option at Leaving Certificate.
Biology
Biology is offered as a Leaving Certificate option. Through the study of biology, students employ the processes of science to explore the diversity of life and the inter-relationships between organisms and their environment. They become aware of the use of living organisms and their products to enhance human health and the environment. They are provided with the knowledge, skills and understanding to pursue further education, training and employment in biology-related fields, and to make judgements on contemporary issues in biology and science that impact on their daily lives and on society.
Business
Business studies is offered as option for all incoming first year students. It is examined at common level for junior cycle. At Leaving Certificate students may choose to study Business, Economics or Accounting.
Construction Studies
Junior Cycle Wood Technology develops into Construction Studies at Leaving Certificate, where there is an emphasis on the principles behind building and construction with drawing skills being further developed. There is a large amount of practical work involved in the course and students learn to work with tools and machinery on wood, metals and plastic.
Engineering
Engineering forms part of the taster programme for all first year students and can be chosen at the end of the eight-week programme. Between 60% and 70% of the final grade for these courses are practical elements. Engineering is offered as a subject option for students at Leaving Certificate. It is intended for students who wish to pursue careers in the areas of Engineering and Technology.
English
Years 1-3: Preparation for junior cycle. The seven sections studied are: Reading, Personal Writing, Functional Writing, Media Studies, Poetry, Drama and Fiction.
Years 4-5: Preparation for Leaving Certificate. The exam consists of two papers at all levels. Paper One examines comprehension and composition skills. Paper Two examines students knowledge of the prescribed syllabus that year, which varies from year to year.
Graphics/Design and Communication Graphics
Graphics forms part of the taster programme for all incoming first year students and can be chosen at the end of the eight-week programme. This subject involves developing creativity and an appreciation of the work of others. In Graphics students learn how to represent 3-D objects on paper and on computer. They develop problem solving and creative thinking skills through the solution of graphical problems. Graphics helps you to think in a more logical and creative way. Students will be able to communicate information using diagrams and sketches and will learn how to present information in a neat and organised fashion. This subject will be of use to those interested in career areas such as architecture or engineering.
At Leaving Certificate, students are offered Design and Communication Graphics as a subject option. In this subject, there is a greater emphasis on computer generated 3D modelling and freehand sketching while the geometry skills that students have learned in Junior Certificate are further developed.
Guidance
In Crana College, we offer a careers programme which allows our pupils access to the fullest information possible and enables them to make informed judgements on future subject choices and career opportunities. Our senior pupils receive valuable assistance with careers interviews, interview skills day, a study skills programme, role model day, attendance at careers fairs and open days in colleges and universities. To visit our Guidance section, please click here.
History
From September 2020, history will be studied by all incoming first year students, up until third year. It is offered as a subject option for Leaving Certificate.
Students engage in fun lessons in the following areas:
Senior Cycle
Senior Cycle Home Economics provides students with knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes necessary for managing their own lives, for further and higher education and work. The learning experiences in Home Economics develops flexibility and adaptability in students, prepares them for a consumer-oriented society and provides a learning foundation for a wide range of careers in food, textiles, science, design, social studies and tourism. Home Economics is an applied subject combining theory with practice. It is concerned with the management of resources (material and human) to meet the physical, emotional, intellectual, social and economic needs of individuals and families. The study of Home Economics emphasises the interdependent relationships that exist between individuals, families and their immediate and distant environment. There is also a link with some other subjects, namely Biology, Business Studies and even Building Construction – again, this cross-curricular advantage is helpful when choosing subjects.
Irish
All students study Irish, with the exception of those who have an official exemption from the subject. We aim to develop an awareness and appreciation of the Irish language and culture through a variety of teaching methods and events such as Seachtain na Gaeilge. Irish is offered at higher and ordinary level at both junior and senior cycle, with a 40% oral component at Leaving Certificate.
Information Technology
We offer coding and digital media literacy as junior cycle short course options. Through studying digital media literacy, students will learn to use digital technology to engage in self-directed enquiry, to discriminate between multiple sources of information and to participate safely and effectively in an online environment. Through the study of coding, students will gain an understanding of how software systems work and they will build up a bank of knowledge for use in the creation of their own programs. From September 2020, students will be offered the option of studying the subject of Computer Science at Leaving Certificate.
Mathematics
We aim to provide students with the mathematical knowledge, skills and understanding needed for continuing their education and eventually for life and work.
Music
Music forms part of the taster programme for all incoming first year students and can be chosen at the end of the eight-week programme, regardless of previous musical background and/or ability. Students are given the opportunity to learn an instrument and develop their musical interests through various composition and listening activities. At the end of the three year course, students will complete an exam in Composition, Listening and Practical music skills. Music is also offered as a subject option for Leaving Certificate.
Physical Education
PE at Crana College prepares students with the knowledge, skills and attitude essential for leading a physically active and physically fit lifestyle. With physical inactivity being identified as a major disease risk factor in our sedentary society, physical education makes an increasingly important and integral contribution to the education of the ‘whole child’. It is the subject area whose primary focus centres on the physical dimension of human development.
Curricula are based upon a developmentally appropriate progression of physical activities that nurtures the physical, social, emotional and intellectual development of all students. Regardless of the activity, socialisation skills, co-operative skills, work ethic, respect for others and integrity of each student can be readily observed, taught, monitored and modeled. This is further reinforced through the extra curricular programme within the school.
Students benefit from having access to two laboratories and a demonstration room.
Spanish
Spanish is offered as an option to all first year students for Junior Certificate and is also a subject option at Leaving Certificate. Given the huge numbers of Spanish students coming to Buncrana to learn English, Spanish has become a very useful, and popular, language to learn. It is currently the second most widely spoken language in the world. Learning a language opens many doors and is still essential for entry into certain Irish universities for a number of courses.
In the Spanish Department we aim to:
For incoming first year students who will be studying Spanish in Crana College, you will find a list of recommended dictionaries here.
Visual Art/Art
Visual Art forms part of the taster programme for all incoming first year students and can be chosen at the end of the eight week programme.There are a wide variety of opportunities for students to develop skills in drawing, graphics and the crafts. Students are introduced to traditional and modern art methodologies including the history of World Art. They experience competition at both local and national level. Each year students are encouraged to participate in extra curricular art activities that broaden their creative skills and thinking process.The department endeavour to provide a creative and safe learning environment, where each student can explore and develop their full potential.
Wood Technology
Wood Technology forms part of the taster programme for all incoming first year students and can be chosen at the end of the eight-week programme. In this subject, students learn to design small projects, as well as the skills required to use the necessary tools and equipment to create these designs. Students work primarily with wood but also with other materials and they learn about wood as a material, and its production. By the end of the three year course students will:
At Leaving Certificate, WT develops into Construction Studies.
Donegal ETB Charity Number - 20083441
