Irish Schooling System

you attend primary (national school) age 5-13 (roughly_
)
Primary teaches you basic english skills, math, irish language, art, science
all that
you then go to secondary school (13 to 17-18)
this teaches you the more advanced side
you get subject choices (biology, physics, chemistry, woodworking, home economics, business studies)
in the 3rd year of secondary you do something called Teastas Sóisearach
Junior Certificate
it summarises what you have done in the last 3 years
you then go into TY (Optional) or 5th year, then 6th Year
6th Year you do Scrúdú na hArdteistiméireachta, (Leaving Cert) which is what i'm doing this year
this basically determines what you do
https://www.irishtimes.com/polopoly_fs/1.3596890!/image/image.jpg
higher is a more advanced lesson, you learn the subject in immense detail
ordinary is simpler
CAO points determine if you can get into college
for example
to be a doctor you need roughly 480 points
to make jam for dunnes stores you need 38 points
you also have 7 subjects
Irish, Maths, English, (4 choice subjects)
so if you're a mega lad
you can get 700 points