This is a whole-school options-clarity resource for Senior Cycle.
It is not a careers guide, not a CAO handbook, and not a pathway-selection tool.
This resource exists to help schools support students in understanding what Senior Cycle options actually involve, before choices harden and pressure increases.
What This Resource Is For
This guide supports schools in helping students:
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Understand the structure and purpose of Senior Cycle
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Clearly distinguish between routes, programmes, and subject choices
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Understand what changes — and what does not — between options
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Approach decisions with clarity rather than assumption or urgency
It supports informed understanding, not direction-giving.
What This Resource Covers
The School Resource Edition provides structured explanations of:
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Senior Cycle pathways and how they are organised
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What different programmes and routes are designed to do
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How subject choices and levels function in practice
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Common misconceptions about “closing doors”
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The shared roles of schools, families, and students in decision-making
The focus is on what options mean, not on recommending choices.
What This Resource Is Not
This guide:
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Does not tell students what they should choose
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Does not rank pathways or outcomes
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Does not predict points, progression, or success
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Does not replace guidance counselling
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Does not lock students into routes or labels
It is designed to reduce confusion, not to steer decisions.
How Schools Use This Resource
Schools typically use this resource:
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During Senior Cycle information and orientation periods
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Alongside guidance, pastoral, and SEN supports
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In assemblies, group sessions, or classroom discussion
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To ensure consistent explanations across staff and settings
It may be used flexibly and selectively, according to school context.
Format & Delivery
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Format: Digital PDF
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Delivery: Secure digital delivery to the licensed school
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Printing: Permitted in line with licence terms
Legal / Use Notice
This resource supports understanding, clarity, and informed discussion.
It does not replace guidance counselling, teaching, or statutory educational obligations.
Licensed for school use only. Redistribution outside the licensed school is not permitted.