CSPE

Civic, Social and Political Education (CSPE) is taught to all Junior Cycle students. It aims to help you to become actively involved in your community, your country and 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

• organise a visit to a local court

• support a campaign for children’s rights

• watch what’s happening in the news

• discuss the topics that come up in class with your family and friends.

 

Is learning CSPE anything like what I did in primary school?

CSPE will build on what you learned about ‘Myself and the Wider World’ in Social Personal and Health Education (SPHE). It will also build on what you learned about ‘Environmental Awareness and Care’ in the subjects Geography and Science within SESE.

 

Will CSPE have anything to do with other subjects I will be studying?

Yes, it will. You will find that building skills for citizenship in CSPE is similar to personal development in SPHE. You will find links between the Ethical Curriculum and CSPE in learning about the community. Concepts of democracy, law, rights and responsibilities, and knowledge of Ireland and the wider world in CSPE will help you with History and Geography in the junior cycle.

 

How will CSPE be useful to me?

You will find CSPE useful if you want to study politics or sociology or many other courses. You will also find it useful in your everyday life as it helps you to understand your community, society and the wider world.