C.S.P.E means Civic Social Political Education, this subject covers the fight for human rights, child slavery and the fight for political justice. C.S.P.E is a common level exam. The course encourages civic responsibility and teaches about the basis of the Irish political system. Other topics covered include racism, the environment and the community..

Student Council Elections December 2011

The GPA was a hive of activity on Tuesday 6^th December with the election of the Student Council for 2012. Work for the elections began with nominations of potential candidates in the previous weeks. Junior students(1^st 2nd and 3^rd years) nominated their class candidates during CSPE classes. Nominations were forwarded from each year group and students voted for one male and one female candidate.

Voting in the election is an example of democracy in action and creates a link with work being carried out in CSPE classes. In order to vote students had to ensure their names were on the register of electors. They then received their ballot papers and voted in secret ballot in a polling booth. After votes were cast they were placed the ballot box. Students waited in anticipation for the results which were announced by the principal over the intercom. 

Our Lady’s 2^nd year class visits the Áras

Our visit to the Aras

On Sat last, 22^nd October, the 2D C.S.P.E. class accompanied by their

 teachers, Mrs Horgan and Mrs Christie, visited Áras an Uachtaráin.

The visit included

• ·        an introductory film about the history of the Phoenix Park

• ·        tour of museum and exhibition centre

• ·        a walk in Victorian Walled Garden

• ·        guided tour of main State Reception Rooms

The Áras dates from 1750 and served from 1782 until 1922 as the

 residence of the British Viceroys. In 1938 it became the official residence

 of the President of Ireland.

The tour by Don from the OPW held the attention of the students as he

 led them through the main State Reception Rooms.

• ·        Entrance Hall

• ·        Francini Corridor which is lined with bronze busts of the Irish Presidents to date.

• ·         State Dining Room which was built in 1849 for the visit of Queen Victoria. In the centre of the room is the large table made in 1927 and brought to the Áras by Eamonn de Valera in 1960. It is around this table that the first meeting of new Governments is held.

• ·         State Reception Room with the magnificent ceiling centre piece and carpet handwoven in Killybegs, Co Donegal. It is here that The President receives visiting dignitaries

• ·         Council of State Room where students admired the Rococo style of plasterwork on the ceiling depicting scenes from Aesops Fables

• ·        State Drawing Room  with bronze chandelier commemorating the Act of Union in 1801 as well as original Louis XIV couch and chairs and Connemara coffee table commissioned for the visit of President Bill Clinton in 2000 

• ·         President’s Study (Library) which The President uses as main office.

The students thoroughly enjoyed their visit to the Áras and look forward

 to doing their Action Project on the Presidential Elections which is part of

 the Junior Certification Examination. They may not be able to vote yet

but they are well informed and await with anticipation the outcome of the

 Election on Thursday.