1st Year Lesson Plans
All subjects available for this grade level.
Aligned to NCCA Curriculum Specifications
15 subjects · 81 units · 421 topics
Ages 12-13
Business Studies
This First Year Junior Cycle Business Studies curriculum introduces students to the interconnected strands of Personal Finance, Enterprise, and Our Economy. It empowers students to make informed financial decisions, develop an entrepreneurial mindset, and understand the economic environment in Ireland.

Coding
This Junior Cycle Short Course in Coding introduces first-year students to the foundational concepts of computer science, computational thinking, and the historical impact of technology on society. Students will explore how computing has evolved and learn to design, write, and test code to solve real-world problems.

Active Citizenship and the Democratic World
An introductory course exploring the foundations of democracy, human rights, and social justice within the Irish context. Students develop the skills to analyze power structures and engage as informed participants in their local and global communities.

Digital Media Literacy
This Junior Cycle Short Course in Digital Media Literacy empowers first-year students to safely and effectively navigate the digital world. It encourages active, responsible engagement with digital technologies, fostering critical thinking about online media, digital footprints, and content creation.

Digital Media Literacy
This Junior Cycle short course in Digital Media Literacy empowers First Year students to safely and effectively navigate the digital world. It encourages active, responsible, and critical engagement with digital technologies and online media in alignment with NCCA guidelines.

Engineering
This First Year Junior Cycle Engineering curriculum introduces students to the fundamental principles, materials, and processes of engineering. It places a strong emphasis on the historical and societal impact of engineering, encouraging students to explore how technological developments shape our world and environment.

English
This course develops foundational literacy skills through the exploration of oral language, phonological awareness, and creative response to texts. Students engage with diverse genres to build comprehension and expressive writing abilities in alignment with the Primary Language Curriculum.

Geography
A foundational exploration of physical and human geography focusing on the processes that shape our planet and the ways humans interact with their environment. Students develop spatial awareness and analytical skills through the study of Irish and global landscapes.

The Historian\
This course introduces students to the fundamental skills of the historian while exploring the social and cultural evolution of Ireland and the wider world. Students engage with evidence from the Roman Empire to the Middle Ages to understand how societies organize and change over time.

Mathematics
A comprehensive introduction to mathematical reasoning where students explore number relationships, spatial awareness, and logical patterns. This course emphasizes hands-on discovery and the development of a robust mathematical vocabulary to describe the world.

Philosophy
This Junior Cycle Philosophy short course introduces first-year students to the foundational skills of philosophical inquiry, critical thinking, and dialogue. Students will explore fundamental questions about knowledge, morality, and human existence while developing their ability to reason and communicate effectively.

Philosophy
This Junior Cycle Philosophy short course introduces First Year students to the fundamentals of philosophical inquiry. Students will develop critical thinking, communication, and reasoning skills by exploring fundamental questions about knowledge, ethics, and identity.

Science
A foundational science course for Year 1 students that emphasizes hands-on inquiry and observation. Students investigate the living world, the properties of materials, and the physical forces that shape their daily experiences.

Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE)
Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) in the Junior Cycle supports students in developing a positive sense of self and a commitment to caring for themselves and others. It empowers First Year students to make informed decisions about their health, wellbeing, and relationships as they transition into post-primary education.

Visual Arts
A comprehensive introduction to the visual arts for Year 1 students, focusing on sensory exploration and the development of fine motor skills. Students engage with diverse media to express personal experiences and respond to the world around them through making and looking.