Environmental Social Studies

NOTE:
Environmental and Social Studies (ESS) is not included on the list of subjects in the new junior cycle programme. After the new specifications for History and Geography are introduced in 2018, ESS will no longer be on offer as a subject. The last ESS examination will take place in 2020.

Environmental and Social Studies (ESS) is a student centred syllabus drawing on the disciplines of History, Geography and Civics in a thematic approach for the first, second and third years in post-primary school. Assessment is by way of: (i) Examination paper (60%) (ii) Historical investigation (20%) (iii) Geographical fieldwork assignment (20%) There are two examination papers, one for Higher level and one for Ordinary level.