Expert Teaching Across Every Subject

At Castle Park, Art is taught by a specialist teacher from the early years to 6th class. Having a subject specialist at primary level makes a real difference. Children are exposed to a wide variety of materials, techniques, and ideas, allowing them to explore art in a deeper, more meaningful way. Specialist teaching encourages creativity, builds confidence, and gives children the chance to connect skills and knowledge in practical, hands-on lessons.

Our art facilities are designed to inspire. The main art room, set in the old castle building, is ideal for drawing, designing, and other dry projects, while the adjoining “wet room” lets children get messy with paint, clay, and other materials. Both spaces are well-organised, with plenty of storage and display areas, so pupils can proudly share their work throughout the school.

With specialist teaching, children learn to use materials correctly, understand art language, plan and develop ideas in their sketchbooks, and work confidently both independently and in groups. They also learn to set up materials properly and complete their projects with pride, ready to showcase their achievements.

Art lessons at Castle Park are full of freedom and creativity. Children enjoy experimenting with paint, clay, and ink, and they love creating three-dimensional and sculptural pieces. With two 50-minute art sessions each week, pupils have the time to explore a wider range of artists, techniques, and projects than most primary schools can offer.

At Castle Park, PE is taught by specialist teachers from Pre-Primary 2 to 6th Class. From the earliest years, children receive expert guidance across all areas of physical development – from fundamental movement skills to aquatics, athletics, dance, gymnastics, and outdoor activities. As they progress, pupils build sport-specific skills in rugby, hockey, basketball, football, GAA, badminton, volleyball, dance, tennis and swimming.

Specialist teaching ensures lessons are purposeful, safe, and tailored to each child. Pupils develop strong skills, confidence, and understanding of teamwork, rules, and tactics. Younger children learn correct techniques early, helping them excel as they grow, while older pupils benefit from expert coaching and tactical insight in competitive sports.

Our PE programme is supported by outstanding facilities: a fully equipped sports hall, swimming pool, high-quality Astro turf, multiple pitches, indoor spaces for dance and fitness, and courts for badminton, volleyball, tennis, and softball. These spaces allow children to explore a broad range of sports in safe, purpose-built environments.

By the time pupils reach the senior end of the school, most can move confidently across a wide variety of activities, demonstrate strong fundamental skills, swim competently, understand rules and tactics, and compete effectively as individuals or team members. They also develop resilience, sportsmanship, and leadership.

Children consistently highlight the variety and enjoyment in PE lessons: trying new sports, playing matches with friends, improving skills, and staying active outdoors or in the sports hall.

What makes Castle Park’s PE programme distinctive is its sport for all model, breadth and inclusivity, expert teaching, holistic approach, strong extracurricular offer, and outstanding facilities. Every child has the chance to participate and succeed, whether in competitive fixtures, skill development, or personal sporting interests.

Languages at Castle Park are taught by specialist teachers from an early age, giving pupils the confidence to communicate naturally and with accuracy.

Spanish is introduced in Senior Infants and continues through to 1st Class, 5th Class and 6th Class, while French is taught in 2nd Class, 3rd Class and 4th Class. All language lessons are delivered by qualified secondary-level teachers, allowing pupils to benefit from deep subject expertise and clear progression over several years. Strong relationships develop between pupils and their language teachers, supporting steady growth and confidence.

Lessons place a strong emphasis on speaking and listening. Role play is a particular favourite, with pupils scripting and performing conversations, alongside structured activities such as precision translation. Every pupil has the opportunity to speak French or Spanish in each lesson, helping language feel active and purposeful rather than theoretical.

By the upper primary years, most pupils can hold confident conversations — asking and answering multiple questions — and leave Castle Park with experience in two modern foreign languages, well prepared for the expectations of secondary school.