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	The school curriculum is geared towards the overall development of the pupils and is based on the requirements of the Department of Education & Science for Primary Schools.The weekly timetable includes the following subjects: - Irish English Mathematics Social, Environmental & Scientific History Geography Science Social, Personal & Health Education Religions Education Arts Education Visual Arts Music Drama Physical Education
	In addition to the main curriculum, there are a number of extra curricular subjects and educational activities available to the pupils of Barefield N. S.
	COMPUTERS: Computers play a prominent role in Barefield N. S. All pupils have every opportunity to become familiar with computers, as the study of same is now an integral part of the school day. The school has a large library of educational software that helps prepare pupils for work and society in which computers are playing an ever-increasing role.
	LANGUAGES: Languages were introduced to the school in September 1988 in response to the closer links that Ireland has been forging with Europe. Since our advent into the E. U., the knowledge of Irish and English is no longer adequate. The introduction of foreign languages at an early age is beneficial both educationally and culturally for our students. Unfortunately, the Department of Education and Science does not finance the teaching of modern languages in Primary schools and therefore it is necessary to charge a nominal fee to cover the cost of tuition.
	GERMAN: Mrs Hilary Niehues has taught this subject since 1990. Although Hilary was born and educated in Dublin, she studied German in Munster / Westfalen where she also lived and worked for over 20 years. While teaching 11-V1 classes, the emphasis at this level is on communicating. She feels that by introducing a language at this early stage in a child's education, it gives them the distinct advantage of choosing a language at post-primary level. Tuition is available to juniors (after school hours) depending on the numbers.
	FRENCH: Ms Monique Baugas teaches French to the V & V1 classes. She is a native French speaker, born in the Loire Valley. She has been teaching French in Barefield N. S. since 1998 and in doing so, she gives the pupils a very good basic knowledge of the language. This knowledge makes the choice for pupils much easier when entering second level education.
	ART: Kathy Howard studied painting in Ireland and in the States. She has many years teaching experience both at Primary and Secondary level. She also works as a Freelance Graphic Designer, Calligrapher and has been commissioned as an Artist. At Barefield N. S. she introduces the children to the basic elements of Art through lines, shapes, colours, tones, textures, forms, patterns and composition through enjoyable applications of Imaginative Composition, Still Life, Life Drawing and Design.
	SPEECH and DRAMA: Mrs. Eileen Fitzgerald teaches all facets of Speech & Drama including Public Speaking to pupils from Infants up to Rang V1. Each year she prepares pupils for Grade Examinations. Eileen's pupils have attained remarkable success in both the Grade Examinations and County Elocution Competitions.
	CHOIR: There has always been a strong tradition of choral participation in Barefield N. S. Pupils from IV to VI standards take part in our choir, trained by Mr. Noel Lennon. To date, they have many achievements to their credit. They have competed at All-Ireland level of "Slógadh" on many occasions and they have participated regularly in concerts and choral events. 1992 was a memorable year for the choir when they captured First Prizes in both the Church Music and School Choirs section of Féile na hInse. They have also performed on Clare FM and national television.
	MARCHING BAND: The Marching Band under the watchful eye of Denis Liddy consists of over ninety children from Ranganna III-VI who play tinwhistle, accordions and drums. They participate annually at the Christmas Concert in Cois na hAbhna, St Patrick's Day Parade and the Fleadh Nua. They practise the whole year round so they can match their repertoire to the various occasions.
	CÉILÍ BAND: Our school Ceili Band is also taught by Denis Liddy and consists of several accomplished musicians featuring keyboard, fiddles, concert flutes, accordions and drums. Jigs and reels are predominantly featured in the practices and performances are given at concerts and competitions such as Slógadh and Fleadh Cheoil an Chláir. They have been national champions for many years at Slógadh and at the Fleadh Cheoil.
	DEBATING SOCIETY: Since 1985 debating competitions in Irish and English have become a regular feature for Rang VI. The year's competitions culminate in a grand finale with special guests judging the event.
	QUIZ-TIME SOCIETY: Barefield N. S. has a long history of success in various primary school quiz competitions, including the Mid Clare P. T. A. A. quiz, the Killaloe Diocesan Pioneer Question Time and the Feile na nGael quiz. In recent years, school teams have also participated in county Table Quizzes.
	SPORT: Barefield School participates in a wide range of outdoor games including hurling, football, camogie, volleyball and basketball. The school has won County Championships in eleven-a-side hurling and football and it also holds the distinction of having, in recent years, won the Division 1 County Championships in camogie. In 1998, Barefield School had the unique distinction of being, not alone county champions in 13 a-side hurling and football, but also Munster champions in basketball.
	DRAMA: All pupils in the school from the three-year olds in our "Over the Rainbow Playschool" to Rang VI are given the experience of stage acting, dramas and musicals. This culminates in our annual Christmas Concert to which all parents are cordially invited. It is usually staged in Cois na hAbhna.
	GYMNASTICS: Has been provided in Barefield N.S for the past two years by Claire O' Sullivan. Each year group attends gym classes for a four-week period during which time they learn skills to improve general fitness, flexibility, balance and co-ordination, while having fun and a break from the classroom. Last year there was a gymnastics display at the Christmas concert and also at the graduation celebration.
	SWIMMING: Children of our school are very fortunate to be able to avail of the wonderful facilities at the Ennis Leisure Centre. Each class in the school experiences a four to six week module of swimming lessons, under the careful direction of the qualified instructions at the pool.