6th Year Free Preparation Courses
  • Info
  • Subjects
  • Timetable
  • Fees

About these Free Courses

This August and September, we are holding Free 2.5-Hour Preparation Courses. Students can avail of 7.5 hours of tuition by attending up to three courses – valued at €180 – completely free of charge.

Students who attend these courses will receive:

  • Multiple booklets of our renowned study notes.
  • 7.5 hours of tuition with Ireland’s leading teachers.
  • Advice on how to master the critically important marking scheme. Knowing this by September will ensure that students’ study time during the year is as efficient as possible, as they will be shown how to spot what the examiner is looking for.

Course dates & location

Courses begin on Tuesday 15th August and run until Sunday 3rd September. See timetable tab for full details of dates and times.

All courses will take place in Stillorgan Plaza, Lower Kilmacud Road, Stillorgan, Co. Dublin. For detailed directions and a map, click here.

Agricultural Science

The key focus of this course will be to examine the topics highly probable to appear in June 2018, such as Soils, Genetics, Animal and Crop production, experiments and scientific explanations. This course will also provide an extensive insight into effective answering technique in order to maximise your marks and improve your grades.

About the teacher: Iain Wallace has spent 15 years teaching Agricultural Science. In this time he has built up considerable experience in the subject working as a local facilitator for the Professional Development Service for Teachers and editing study notes for the Irish Farmers Journal weekly study guides. He utilises this experience to enable his students to master the course content, key answering skills and techniques needed in order to maximise grades.

Applied Maths

With the Applied Maths Syllabus not having changed in decades, this is a subject that can be rigorously trained for. By attending this course, students will have an intimate knowledge of what to expect in the exam in June 2018, with a particular emphasis on the marking scheme and question appearance. Students will receive comprehensive notes including probable exam questions, as devised and selected by our teacher.

About the teacher: Kieran Mills' experience of correcting with the State Examination Commission gives him an in-depth knowledge of what is required by students. He is popular amongst students due to his mastery of the Project Maths Syllabus and is well-known for his ability to stimulate students' interest in the subject. Kieran has 25 years' experience teaching. He has co-written several books, including The Power of Maths series of Junior and Leaving Certificate Textbooks, trusted by thousands of students around the country. Kieran has also been an expert contributor on Maths for RTÉ Radio.  

Business

Students will be given an essential insight into the marking scheme, focusing on points they must make and details on how answers must be structured.

About the Teacher: Rónán Murdock is the Head of the Business Department at The Dublin School of Grinds. He is the author of the Leaving Certificate Business Revision textbook, and is a popular teacher amongst students due to his ability to help them relate to the subject. Rónán is known for instilling confidence in students due to his deep understanding of the syllabus and marking scheme.

Chemistry

Topics in this grind are specifically chosen to ensure maximum choice in June 2018. Past and possible Leaving Certificate questions will be provided, along with solutions. Strategies to maximise grades will be given, with particular emphasis on the marking scheme.

About the Teacher: Lynn Anderson engages with and instils confidence in students, due to her mastery of the Chemistry syllabus. Her experience working as an examiner for the State Examination Commission gives her an in-depth knowledge of what is required by students. Lynn is a committee member of the Dublin branch of the Irish Science Teachers' Association.
 
 About the Teacher: Emer O’Reilly has experience in teaching Chemistry students of all abilities and her in-depth knowledge of the Chemistry syllabus instills confidence in her students at all levels. Her experience working as an examiner for the State Examinations Commission gives her an understanding of the exam system that is invaluable in the classroom. She is an active member of the Irish Science Teachers Association and the Irish Maths Teachers Association.
 

Classical Studies

The Classical Studies course will provide an overview of the key knowledge areas setting a strong foundation for the course. Comprehensive revision notes, advice on approaching the exam paper and concise sample answers to typical questions will be included.

About the teacher: Gavin Cowzer’s teaching style is focused on covering the syllabus in a concise way, so that students have the tools to successfully manage the likely exam questions. His experience correcting exams gives his students an edge and instils the confidence they need to excel in the exam.

Economics

Students will receive a comprehensive introduction to the Economics syllabus. Exam-focused notes and expert teaching will ensure students have a firm grasp of the marking scheme and what is needed to fully exploit it.

About the Teacher: Rónán Murdock is the Head Economics teacher at The Dublin School of Grinds. In 2012, just 3% of students nationwide got an A1 in Leaving Certificate Economics; however, 32% of Rónán's students achieved A1s. Rónán is the author of the Leaving Certificate Economics Revision textbook, and is a popular  teacher amongst students due to his ability to help them relate to the subject. Rónán is known for instilling confidence in students due to his deep understanding of the syllabus and marking scheme.

English

This English course focuses on building the techniques that the examiner expects you to be able to both use and analyse. You will be confident that you have our formula, with which to successfully manage the probable exam questions.

This course focuses on, firstly, building an awareness of what the examiner wants and then providing the confidence to be able to supply it. As our teachers have said over the years: “It is a myth that English can’t be trained for.”

 

Michael Ruaidhri Deasy 6th Year English Grinds in DublinAbout the Teacher: Michael Ruaidhrí Deasy is the Head English teacher at The Dublin School of Grinds. He has been an advisor to some of Ireland's leading textbook publishers regarding the new English Syllabus, and has worked for The State Examinations Commission. In recent Leaving Certificate results, 36% of Michael Ruaidhrí's students achieved an A1. Nationwide, this figure was just 4%. This can be explained by his ability to teach English as a formula that every student can follow, eliminating the air of mystery, and sometimes confusion, around the subject and its marking scheme.

 
   

Gavin CowzerAbout the Teacher: Gavin Cowzer is regarded as a leading English teacher in this country. Having developed a passion for this subject, including obtaining a Master’s degree, Gavin’s teaching style is focused on covering the syllabus in a concise way, so that students have the tools to successfully manage the likely exam questions. His experience correcting exams gives his students an edge in a subject which is often assumed to be an art. However it is clear that there is a strict science behind doing well in the English exam and Gavin’s students will be guided by this little-known fact.

 
About the Teacher: Ciarán Hartigan has been teaching English to the highest level for over 10 years and brings an organised and methodical approach to his teaching.  Holding a Masters in Drama and Theatre Studies, he provides original insights into works of literature and couples this with practical advice on structuring responses and arguments.  Drawing on years of experience as a Leaving Certificate examiner with the State Exams Commission, he provides students with dependable techniques and strategies for success.

Geography

By the end of this course, you will have multiple essays with 15 SRPs in each. You will receive a pull-out sheet at the end of each essay in which you can write your 15 SRPs using the notes and a trigger-word section.

About the Teacher: Wesley Hammond's unique style of teaching instils confidence in students, by providing them with the skills and techniques required to master the marking scheme and syllabus content. As an examination corrector, Wesley is adept at understanding the avoidable mistakes for which students frequently lose marks.

German

The German exam is notorious for students running out of time. This course will provide students with a strategy on how they can effectively answer certain sections, such as the heavily weighted reading comprehension section, in a time efficient manner. This will allow students more time, which they can apply to the written letter/essay section, where marks can be easily picked up.

About the Teacher: Genevieve Farrell is the head German teacher at the Dublin School of Grinds. She has 14 years experience teaching German and is the author of "Complete German Grammar" text book. Her unique style of teaching instils confidence in students, by providing them with the skills and techniques required to master the German syllabus.

History

The History course prioritises essential key content and the most important personalities from course topics. Exam strategy that promotes time-management and awareness of the marking scheme will be addressed. Also, good essay writing technique will be explained with sample essays to demonstrate how higher grades can be achieved. A concise set of notes will be provided for each student and a glossary of key terms will supplement each Case Study.

About the teacher: With over 16 years of teaching experience, Kieran Roche brings his extensive experience as a History expert to The Dublin School of Grinds. Kieran has worked for the State Examination Commission as both a corrector and an examiner, giving him a unique insight into the State Exams. As well as his work for the State Examination Commission, Kieran has been published in, and regularly contributes to, History Ireland Magazine. 48% of Kieran’s students achieved an A1 grade in a recent Leaving Certificate Examination. Nationwide, just 7% of students received an A1. 

Irish

The course will cover simple shortcuts to help students raise their grade, along with guidance on how to avoid the common mistakes made in the exam. The marking scheme and how to fully exploit it will be emphasised.

About the Teacher: Rónán Murdock is the author of several Irish textbooks, is an experienced Irish speaker and has taught at a Gaelscoil. He is a popular teacher amongst students because of his ability for instilling confidence in them due to his deep understanding of the syllabus and marking scheme.  

Maths (H)

This course is noteworthy because of its exam-focused nature, with a huge emphasis on taking advantage of the marking scheme. Students receive a set of notes called the Bankers Bible, which includes all the items that can be learned off by heart. This set alone is worth 5% of the exam.

Rob Browne, Head Maths Teacher and The Dublin Academy of EducationAbout the teacher: Robert Browne has a unique ability to stimulate students' interest and is renowned for giving students confidence they thought wasn't there. He is a vastly experienced teacher, having taught at education workshops in Trinity College, Dublin. His experience of correcting with the State Examination Commission gives him an in-depth knowledge of what is required by students. He is popular amongst students due to his mastery of the Project Maths syllabus. He has appeared in the media leading discussions on Maths, syllabus content, teaching methods and exams. Robert teaches in a systematic and clear way that relates to students.

Maths (O)

With Project Maths beginning to settle, predictable trends are now being identified. We will show you the shortcuts to take full advantage of this. Each student will also receive a full set of notes, with solutions, which will be essential in improving exam grades.

About the Teacher: Having worked for the State Examination Commission, Carl brings his reputation as an authority on the Maths Syllabus to The Dublin School of Grinds. As a member of the Irish Mathematics Teachers' Association, he is a popular teacher amongst students due to his mastery of the Project Maths Syllabus, and is well-known for his ability to stimulate students' interest in Maths.

Physics

In this course, Physics will be broken down to its fundamentals. It will be shown that the Physics course is no more advanced than Junior Cert standard Maths and that the learning of definitions and experiments go a long way to ensuring a top grade in the exam.

About the Teacher: Kieran Mills has 25 years' experience teaching Physics. He has co-written several books including Leaving Certificate Sample Papers. He is also the co-author of the Physics Experiment Book, which is given free of charge to all Physics students at The Dublin School of Grinds. Kieran has been an expert contributor on Physics on RTÉ Radio.

Subject
Level
Day
Time
Location
Accounting
(Higher)
Monday 20th & Tuesday 21st August
11:45am-1:00pm
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd September
10:00am-11:15am
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Agricultural Science
(Higher)
Wednesday 22nd & Thursday 23rd August
10:00am-11:15am
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Applied Maths
(Higher)
Monday 27th & Tuesday 28th August
7:45pm-9:00pm
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Biology
(Higher)
Thursday 16th & Friday 17th August
11:45am-1:00pm
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Monday 20th & Tuesday 21st August
10:00am-11:15am
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Wednesday 22nd & Thursday 23rd August
11:45am-1:00pm
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Wednesday 22nd & Thursday 23rd August
1:15pm-2:30pm
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Friday 24th & Saturday 25th August
10:00am-11:15am
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Wednesday 29th & Thursday 30th August
6:00pm-7:15pm
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd September
10:00am-11:15am
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Business
(Higher)
Thursday 16th & Friday 17th August
11:45am-1:00pm
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Wednesday 22nd & Thursday 23rd August
1:15pm-2:30pm
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd September
11:45am-1:00pm
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Chemistry
(Higher)
Wednesday 22nd & Thursday 23rd August
10:00am-11:15am
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Monday 27th & Tuesday 28th August
7:45pm-9:00pm
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd September
10:00am-11:15am
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd September
11:45am-1:00pm
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Classical Studies
(Higher)
Economics
(Higher)
Monday 20th & Tuesday 21st August
10:00am-11:15am
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Friday 24th & Saturday 25th August
10:00am-11:15am
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Monday 27th & Tuesday 28th August
7:45pm-9:00pm
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
English
(Higher)
Tuesday 14th & Wednesday 15th August
11:45am-1:00pm
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Thursday 16th & Friday 17th August
11:45am-1:00pm
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Monday 20th & Tuesday 21st August
10:00am-11:15am
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Monday 20th & Tuesday 21st August
11:45am-1:00pm
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Wednesday 22nd & Thursday 23rd August
11:45am-1:00pm
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Friday 24th & Saturday 25th August
11:45am-1:00pm
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Monday 27th & Tuesday 28th August
6:00pm-7:15pm
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd September
10:00am-11:15am
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd September
11:45am-1:00pm
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
French
(Higher)
Tuesday 14th & Wednesday 15th August
11:45am-1:00pm
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Thursday 16th & Friday 17th August
10:00am-11:15am
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Monday 20th & Tuesday 21st August
10:00am-11:15am
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Wednesday 22nd & Thursday 23rd August
11:45am-1:00pm
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd September
11:45am-1:00pm
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Geography
(Higher)
Monday 20th & Tuesday 21st August
11:45am-1:00pm
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Monday 27th & Tuesday 28th August
7:45pm-9:00pm
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd September
11:45am-1:00pm
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
German
(Higher)
Monday 20th & Tuesday 21st August
10:00am-11:15am
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Friday 24th & Saturday 25th August
11:45am-1:00pm
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
History
(Higher)
Monday 20th & Tuesday 21st August
1:15pm-2:30pm
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Wednesday 22nd & Thursday 23rd August
11:45am-1:00pm
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Home Economics
(Higher)
Wednesday 22nd & Thursday 23rd August
1:15pm-2:30pm
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Irish
(Higher)
Tuesday 14th & Wednesday 15th August
10:00am-11:15am
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Thursday 16th & Friday 17th August
10:00am-11:15am
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Monday 20th & Tuesday 21st August
11:45am-1:00pm
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Wednesday 22nd & Thursday 23rd August
10:00am-11:15am
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd September
10:00am-11:15am
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Maths (H)
(Higher)
Tuesday 14th & Wednesday 15th August
10:00am-11:15am
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Thursday 16th & Friday 17th August
10:00am-11:15am
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Monday 20th & Tuesday 21st August
10:00am-11:15am
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Monday 20th & Tuesday 21st August
1:15pm-2:30pm
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Wednesday 22nd & Thursday 23rd August
11:45am-1:00pm
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Wednesday 22nd & Thursday 23rd August
1:15pm-2:30pm
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Monday 27th & Tuesday 28th August
6:00pm-7:15pm
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Wednesday 29th & Thursday 30th August
6:00pm-7:15pm
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Maths (O)
(Ordinary)
Wednesday 22nd & Thursday 23rd August
11:45am-1:00pm
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Friday 24th & Saturday 25th August
11:45am-1:00pm
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Monday 27th & Tuesday 28th August
7:45pm-9:00pm
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Physics
(Higher)
Tuesday 14th & Wednesday 15th August
10:00am-11:15am
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Monday 20th & Tuesday 21st August
1:15pm-2:30pm
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd September
11:45am-1:00pm
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Spanish
(Higher)
Monday 20th & Tuesday 21st August
11:45am-1:00pm
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Monday 27th & Tuesday 28th August
7:45pm-9:00pm
Location: Stillorgan Plaza
Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd September
10am-11:15am
Location: Stillorgan Plaza

Course Fees:


  • FREE