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Social, Personal and Health Education 
Subject Information 

Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) is studied by all pupils in Junior Cycle for 1 period per week. In Transition Year, pupils study Relationships and Sexuality as well as other aspects of mental, physical and social health for 1 period per week. In Senior Cycle, SPHE is taught in Religion classes for a 6-week block focussing on Relationships and Sexual Education.

Department Members

Why Study SPHE?

SPHE  “aims to build students’ self-awareness and positive self-worth; to develop the knowledge, understanding, skills, dispositions and values that will support them to lead fulfilling and healthy lives; empower them to create, nurture and maintain respectful and loving relationships with self and others; and enhance their capacity to contribute positively to society.” SPHE Course Specification 2023

Is SPHE a good choice? 

SPHE is a core pillar of the junior cycle Wellbeing programme. The six indicators of wellbeing – Active, Responsible, Connected, Resilient, Respected and Aware - describe what is important for young people and their wellbeing. The SPHE course supports young people to develop all six indicators of wellbeing. A copy of the wellbeing indicators and what they mean can be downloaded below.

Career Sectors

SPHE helps pupils to develop skills that will support them throughout their lives, beyond school and into the world of work. These skills will help pupils to:

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  • Form healthy relationships

  • Be able to work cooperatively with others

  • Manage information and thinking

  • Communicate assertively

  • Critically think

  • Make decisions

  • Self-regulate

  • Develop emotional literacy

  • Problem solve

  • Research

  • Become more resilient

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