CSPE
CPSE – Civic, Social & Political Education (CSPE) is taught to all Junior Cycle students. It aims to help you become actively involved in your community, your country & the wider world.
What will I learn in CSPE?
In CSPE class you will get a chance to think about questions such as:
- what does it mean to be an active citizen?
- how can I get involved in my community?
- how can I make a difference?
- what are human rights?
- how can I play a part in protecting the environment?
But you will do more than just thinking about these things. You will be taking action.
How will CSPE connect with the world outside of school?
CSPE is all about understanding our community, our society and the wider world; how each work and how we can make them better. Some of the things you may do are:
- take part in an environmental project, such as recycling, in your local area
- watch what’s happening in the news
- discuss the topics that come up in class with your family and friends.
How will I learn CSPE in school?
Being active in the classroom is very important in CSPE. Some of the things you may do with your teacher and classmates are:
- work on your own, but also in pairs and in groups
- discuss and debate topics in class
- learn through games, role play, photos and other activities
- use newspapers, magazines, books and the Internet to find out information
- invite a guest speaker into the class or go on a trip outside of school.
CSPE is an important part of a wellbeing programme within junior cycle as it enables students to grow in awareness of how their wellbeing is connected to the wellbeing of others, locally and globally. It also develops students’ sense of responsibility for the wellbeing of others.
Students have one 40-minute class period per week, in first, second and third year. There is currently no state exam in CSPE.
What does the subject contain?
The subject is broken up into three sections in first year the students learn about rights and responsibilities. In Second year, students learn about global citizenship. In third year, students will learn about democracy. These areas of study develop the students understanding of the world we live in. The CSPE module interlinks with a wide range of subjects for example SPHE and Religion.