The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, two regions on the island of Ireland, have distinct educational systems that reflect their unique histories, government  structures, and cultural backgrounds. In this blog, we will explore the key differences between the educational systems in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, giving particular importance to  their approaches to curriculum and exams.

 

Governance and Administration

The Republic of Ireland operates under a single-tier educational system, with the Department of Education and Skills overseeing the national curriculum, policies, and standards. The primary responsibility for education lies with the national government. In contrast, Northern Ireland follows a two-tier system, with the Department of Education responsible for setting policies and the five Education and Library Boards managing school administration.

Curriculum

Both regions have similar core subjects such as English, mathematics, and science. However, there are notable differences in the curriculum frameworks. In the Republic of Ireland, the Curriculum Online initiative promotes a child-centered approach, emphasizing the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Northern Ireland, on the other hand, follows a more prescriptive curriculum, which provides teachers with detailed guidelines for teaching each subject.

 

Examination Systems

In the Republic of Ireland, the Leaving Certificate is the final examination taken by students at the end of their secondary education. It consists of written exams and coursework, with a points system used for university admissions. In Northern Ireland, students take the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) examinations at the end of compulsory education and A-levels during post-compulsory education. A-levels are a more specialized qualification often required for entry into higher education.

Religious Influence

In the Republic of Ireland, education is mainly funded by the government, however this is helped with voluntary contributions. Although there is no direct charge for tuition in state-funded schools, there are costs associated with school supplies ,extracurricular activities etc . In Northern Ireland, schools are funded through the Education Authority and the Department of Education, with some voluntary contributions also . However, there are also integrated schools in Northern Ireland that receive funding from both the Catholic and Protestant communities.

 

School Funding

In the Republic of Ireland, education is mainly funded by the government, however this is helped with voluntary contributions. Although there is no direct charge for tuition in state-funded schools, there are costs associated with school supplies ,extracurricular activities etc . In Northern Ireland, schools are funded through the Education Authority and the Department of Education, with some voluntary contributions also . However, there are also integrated schools in Northern Ireland that receive funding from both the Catholic and Protestant communities.

 

 

While the educational systems in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland share some similarities,  as you can see from the above, there are notable differences that reflect their unique contexts and historical backgrounds.

 

 

Una de las experiencias que se viven al estudiar en el extranjero, es la opción de conocer asignaturas distintas a las que se estudian en España.En Irlanda se puede estudiar Home Economics, una asignatura de la educación secundaria presente tanto en el Junior Clycle como en el Senior Cycle.

El Trasition Year irlandés es el curso equivalente a 4º de la ESO español. Pero su contenido es del todo diferente.Pretende que el estudiante indague sobre su vocación, descubra aspectos inéditos de su personalidad y pruebe habilidades sociales que nunca antes había ejecutado.

Con LAI han efectuado el Trasition Year 106 alumnos de los colegios españoles con los que colaboramos. Todos han regresado muy satisfechos de esta experiencia. Y el temor a sufrir un agobio en 1º de Bachillerato se ha disipado en la primera semana de clase. La madurez, autonomía y confianza en sí mismo alcanzada les permitía seguir el curso con toda solvencia.  A continuación explicamos algunos aspectos que comprende:

Faltan pocos días para San Valentín, pero aún estamos a tiempo de encontrar el detalle perfecto para aquellas personas a las que más queremos.
A lo largo del mundo hay formas muy variadas de demostrar ese amor, con gestos y regalos muy particulares e Irlanda no es la excepción: desde hace años se ha extendido más allá del país gaélico el uso del anillo Claddagh.

Uno de los cursos que atrae más atención de currículum irlandés es el equivalente a nuestro 4º de E.S.O.: Transition Year. Un curso más enfocado a la preparación social y a la vocación profesional.

Si bien no se trata de un curso obligatorio para los alumnos irlandeses, cada vez es menos habitual encontrar colegios que no lo ofrezcan o estudiantes que no lo cursen, ya que las oportunidades que brinda son muy valoradas tanto por los propios estudiantes como por sus padres.

Para mejorar el acento:
Para aprender inglés con una pronunciación clara y cuidada, Irlanda resulta el destino idóneo para hacer un curso de inglés. Como nota curiosa, una de las frases típicas que podrías escuchar de un irlandés es: “most of the BBC broadcasters are Irish” (“la mayoría de los locutores de la BBC son irlandeses”).

Por la similitud de carácter entre irlandeses y españoles:
En contraposición con otros destinos clásicos como pueden ser el Reino Unido o Estados Unidos, el carácter de los irlandeses se caracteriza por ser abierto, cordial, hospitalario y flexible hacia las personas en general y los extranjeros en particular.