Online Grinds & Tutoring for the Irish Curriculum
Professional 1-on-1 online grinds and tutoring for the full Irish curriculum, from Primary level right through to Junior Cert and Leaving Cert. Our subject specialist tutors cover Maths, Science, English, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, with personalised lesson plans tailored to each student’s school, year group, and exam goals.
Understanding the Irish Curriculum
The Irish education system is overseen by the Department of Education and guided by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA). It is structured across three main stages:
Primary Cycle (1st Class – 6th Class)
Ages 6–12, The Primary School Curriculum covers core subjects including English, Irish, Mathematics, SESE (Science, Environmental & Social Education), and the Arts. The focus is on building foundational literacy, numeracy, and scientific curiosity through hands-on, child-centred learning.
Junior Cycle (1st Year – 3rd Year)
Ages 12–15, Governed by the Junior Cycle Framework, students study a broad range of subjects leading to the Junior Certificate (Junior Cert). The framework emphasises key skills such as critical thinking, communication, and being numerate. Science, English, and Maths are core subjects assessed at the end of 3rd Year.
Senior Cycle (4th Year – 6th Year)
Ages 15–18, The Senior Cycle leads to the Leaving Certificate (Leaving Cert), Ireland’s most important state examination. Students typically choose 6–7 subjects, with most core subjects offered at Ordinary Level and Higher Level. The Leaving Cert result (points) determines entry to third-level colleges and universities through the CAO points system.
Science
The Irish science curriculum follows an inquiry-based, strand-driven approach developed by the NCCA:
Junior Cycle Science (1st – 3rd Year)
Junior Cycle Science is divided into four strands:
- Biological World: Living things, genetics, ecosystems, and the human body
- Chemical World: Properties of matter, chemical reactions, and acids & bases
- Physical World: Forces, energy, electricity, and waves
- Earth and Space: Earth’s systems, the universe, and environmental science
Students sit the Junior Cert Science examination at the end of 3rd Year, assessed at Common Level.
Senior Cycle Science (5th & 6th Year)
At Leaving Cert level, Science splits into three separate specialist subjects:
- Biology: Cells, genetics, ecology, human anatomy, biochemistry, and plant biology
- Chemistry: Atomic theory, organic chemistry, the periodic table, acids & bases, and industrial chemistry
- Physics: Mechanics, electricity, light, waves, thermodynamics, and modern physics
All three are available at Ordinary Level and Higher Level, with Higher Level carrying more CAO points.
Math
The Irish Maths curriculum, commonly known as Project Maths, was introduced to develop deeper conceptual understanding and real-world problem-solving skills alongside traditional algebraic and numerical competency.
Junior Cycle Maths (1st – 3rd Year) The Junior Cycle Maths curriculum is structured around five strands:
- Number: Integers, fractions, decimals, percentages, and number systems
- Algebra: Expressions, equations, inequalities, and functions
- Shape & Space (Geometry): Coordinates, transformations, theorems, and construction
- Statistics & Probability: Data collection, analysis, probability, and inference
- Measures: Length, area, volume, and applied measurement
Assessed at the Junior Cert, available at Ordinary Level and Higher Level.
Leaving Cert Maths (5th & 6th Year, Project Maths) Leaving Cert Maths builds on the Junior Cycle strands with significantly greater depth and complexity:
- Algebra & Functions: Polynomials, complex numbers, logarithms, and calculus
- Co-ordinate Geometry: Lines, circles, and the unit circle
- Calculus: Differentiation and integration (Higher Level)
- Statistics & Probability: Statistical inference, hypothesis testing, and the normal distribution
- Financial Maths: Loans, depreciation, and annuities
Available at Foundation Level, Ordinary Level, and Higher Level. Higher Level Maths (commonly called “Honours Maths”) carries a 25-point bonus in the CAO points system, making it one of the highest-stakes subjects in the Leaving Cert.
English
English is a compulsory subject throughout the Irish curriculum, assessed at both the Junior Cert and Leaving Cert.
Junior Cycle English (1st – 3rd Year) The Junior Cycle English curriculum focuses on four key areas:
- Oral Communication: Spoken word, debate, and oral assessment
- Reading: Fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and media literacy
- Writing: Personal, functional, and imaginative writing
- Drama: Exploring and responding to dramatic texts
Assessed through a combination of classroom-based assessments (CBAs) and the final Junior Cert English exam.
Leaving Cert English (5th & 6th Year) Leaving Cert English is one of the most demanding and widely studied subjects in the Irish system, covering:
- Studied Texts: Novels and plays from the prescribed reading list (e.g. Shakespeare, contemporary Irish literature)
- Unseen Poetry: Analysis and appreciation of unseen poems
- Studied Poetry: In-depth analysis of prescribed poets and their work
- Comparative Study: Comparing texts across themes such as cultural context, literary genre, and the general vision and viewpoint
- Paper 1: Comprehension & Composition: Reading comprehension, language use, and extended writing tasks (personal essay, short story, speech, etc.)
Available at Ordinary Level and Higher Level.
How Math Make Smart Supports the Irish Curriculum
At Math Make Smart, we specialise in personalised 1-on-1 online grinds and tutoring fully aligned with the Irish curriculum. Our expert tutors provide targeted support in Maths, English, and Science (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics) to help students from Primary through to Leaving Cert achieve stronger grades, deeper understanding, and greater confidence in their exams.
Whether your child needs help with Junior Cert preparation, Leaving Cert Higher Level grinds, or day-to-day homework support, our tutors are curriculum-experts who know exactly what the NCCA and the State Examinations Commission (SEC) expect.
Benefits of Our Irish Curriculum Tutoring
- Fully aligned with the NCCA Junior Cycle Framework and Leaving Cert syllabus
- Live interactive 1-on-1 sessions with virtual whiteboard and screen sharing
- Lesson recordings available for revision and exam preparation
- Personalised learning plans tailored to your child’s year group, school, and exam level
- Expert support for homework, concept clarity, and state exam preparation (Junior Cert, Leaving Cert Ordinary & Higher Level)
- Specialised Higher Level Maths grinds, including the 25-point CAO bonus subject
Test / Exam Preparation We Support
- Junior Certificate (Junior Cert)
Maths, Science, English (Ordinary & Higher Level) - Leaving Certificate (Leaving Cert)
Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English (Ordinary & Higher Level) - Leaving Cert Higher Level Maths
Including the 25 CAO bonus points subject - Oral Irish & English
Spoken language preparation for Leaving Cert oral components - Classroom-Based Assessments (CBAs)
Junior Cycle assessment support - CAO Application Support
Understanding points requirements and subject selection
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FAQs About Irish Curriculum Tutoring
Do you follow the Irish NCCA curriculum?
Yes. All our tutors are fully familiar with the NCCA Junior Cycle Framework and the Leaving Cert syllabi for Maths, Science, and English. We align every lesson with your child’s specific school curriculum and exam level.
Which year groups do you support?
We provide grinds and tutoring for students from 1st Class (Primary) through to 6th Year (Leaving Cert), including Transition Year students who want to get ahead.
Can you help with Leaving Cert Higher Level Maths?
Absolutely. Higher Level Maths is one of our most popular subjects. Our specialist tutors are highly experienced with the Project Maths syllabus at Higher Level, including calculus, complex numbers, and statistical inference.
Do you offer Leaving Cert grinds?
Yes. We provide expert 1-on-1 online grinds for all major Leaving Cert subjects, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and English, at both Ordinary and Higher Level.
How are lessons conducted?
All sessions are live 1-on-1 via video call using an interactive whiteboard. Lessons are recorded so your child can review them at any time before exams.
Is there a free trial lesson?
Yes! Every new student gets a completely free trial lesson with no credit card required. It’s a great way to meet your tutor and see how we work before committing.
Can you match lessons to my child's specific school and teacher?
Yes. Our tutors tailor lessons to your child’s exact school curriculum, textbooks, and upcoming assessments so everything is immediately relevant and useful.
What if my child doesn't connect with the tutor?
No problem. We offer free tutor replacement until you find the perfect match.