Senior Cycle

Leaving Certificate Irish builds upon the language developed during Junior Cycle. All four language skills are further developed in order to enable the learner take an active part in the bilingual society in which we live in today in Ireland. The learner is encouraged to develop and share her/his views on a range of topics. The learner is also prepared during Senior Cycle for further study in or through Irish. Irish is assessed at three levels i.e. Foundation Level, Ordinary Level or Higher Level. The learner’s oral competency is assessed around Easter of the final year, in an oral examination worth 40%, at each level, of the overall mark, and the other three skills are assessed in June. Aspects of literary works must be studied at Ordinary Level while at Higher Level these same works and additional material must be studied in greater detail. Siollabais Nuashonraithe na hArdteistimeireachta

Leaving Certificate English invites students into rich experiences with language so that they become fluent and thoughtful users of it and more aware of its significance in their lives. It develops a range of literacy and oral skills in a variety of areas, personal, social, and cultural. Students develop a wide range of skills and concepts. These will allow them to interpret and enjoy a range of material so that they become independent learners who can operate independently in the world beyond the school. Leaving Certificate English is assessed at two levels, Ordinary and Higher level. English Syllabus

Mathematics at Senior Cycle builds on the learning at Junior Cycle and develops mathematical knowledge, skills and understanding needed for continuing education, life and work. Through their study of mathematics, students develop a flexible, disciplined way of thinking which enables them to solve problems in mathematical and real world contexts. The syllabus is provided at three levels – Higher, Ordinary and Foundation level and is also assessed at these levels. There are two examination papers at each level. Maths Syllabus Examination 2015

Leaving Certificate religious education promotes tolerance and mutual understanding. It is a broad course which seeks to develop the skills needed to engage in meaningful dialogue with those of other or of no religious traditions. This syllabus is for students in the senior cycle of post-primary education and is assessed at Higher and Ordinary levels. A non-examination framework is also available for those students who do not wish to take Religious Education as a Leaving Certificate examination subject. Religious Education Non-examination Framework

Senior cycle SPHE aims to support learners in making informed choices for health and wellbeing now and in the future. The framework is built around five areas of learning: · Mental health · Gender studies · Substance use · Relationships and sexuality education · Physical activity and nutrition These areas of learning focus on what is important for learners in senior cycle to know, understand and be able to do in order to make and maintain healthy lifestyle decisions. Many of the learning outcomes are inter-related and so a non-linear approach to planning is advised to enable linkages to be made across the learning SPHE senior cycle framework

Physical education in senior cycle aims to develop the learner’s capacity to participate in physical education and physical activity in a confident and informed way. As a result of their learning in physical education, young people can increase their enjoyment, confidence and competence in a range of physical activities. From September 2020, the new Framework will replace the existing guidelines set out in the Rules and Programmes for Secondary Schools. All senior cycle students must be provided with the opportunity to study Physical Education in some capacity. This may be through the Leaving Certificate Physical Education specification or the Senior Cycle Physical Education Framework, or both. Physical Education Framework

Leaving Certificate Accounting provides students with the knowledge, understanding and skills in accounting and financial management necessary for managing personal and basic company accounts. The learning experiences in accounting develop students’ organisational, logical thinking, planning and problem-solving skills for their future life, work and study. It also develops their numeracy skills within the context of business and enterprise. The syllabus is for students in the senior cycle of post-primary education and is assessed at Higher and Ordinary levels. Accounting syllabus

Leaving Certificate Agricultural Science involves the study of the science and technology underlying the principles and practices of agriculture. It aims to develop knowledge, skills and attitudes that promote the sustainability of agricultural resources, and places emphasis on the managed use of these resources. Plants and animal types associated with agriculture are studied, and investigations are undertaken into such aspects as soil, ecology, plant and animal physiology, farm crops, farming practices, genetics and microbiology. NCCA Specification for Leaving Cert Agricultural Science

Leaving Certificate Applied Mathematics aims to develop the learner’s capacity to use mathematics to model real-world problems. By focusing on all aspects of the problem-solving cycle it is envisaged that learners will move beyond calculating procedures and gain experience in asking appropriate questions, formulating mathematical representations of problems, and interpreting and verifying results. Through Applied Mathematics, students should learn to appreciate the extent to which mathematics is relevant in everyday life, generating engagement and interest in the process. It is anticipated that digital technology will be used as a learning tool in some aspects of this course. Applied Mathematics is assessed at two levels, Ordinary level and Higher level, by means of two assessment components: a modelling project, and an examination paper. Both components of assessment reflect the relationship between the application of skills and the theoretical content of the specification. The modelling project will be based on a brief issued annually by the State Examinations Commission (SEC). Applied Mathematics Syllabus

Learners in senior cycle are approaching the end of their time in school and are focusing on the directions they would like to take in their future lives. Senior cycle plays a vital role in helping learners to address their current needs as young adults and in preparing them for life in a changing economic and social context. Senior cycle is founded on a commitment to educational achievement of the highest standard for all learners, commensurate with their individual abilities. To support learners as they shape their own future there is an emphasis on the development of knowledge and deep understanding; on learners taking responsibility for their own learning; on the acquisition of key skills; and on the processes of learning. The broad curriculum, with some opportunities for specialisation, supports continuity from junior cycle and sets out to meet the needs of learners, some of whom have special educational needs, but who all share a wide range of learning interests, aptitudes and talents. Curricular components at senior cycle promote a balance between knowledge and skills, and the kinds of learning strategies relevant to participation in, and contribution to, a changing world where the future is uncertain. Assessment in senior cycle involves gathering, interpreting and using information about the processes and outcomes of learning. It takes different forms and is used for a variety of purposes. It is used to determine the appropriate route for learners through a differentiated curriculum, to identify specific areas of difficulty or strength for a given learner and to test and certify achievement. Assessment supports and improves learning by helping learners and teachers to identify next steps in the teaching and learning process.

Biology is the study of life. Through the study of biology students explore the diversity of life and the inter-relationships between organisms and their environment. They become aware of the use of living organisms and their products to enhance human health and the environment. The Leaving Certificate Biology syllabus is for students in the senior cycle of post-primary education and is assessed at Ordinary and Higher levels. The biology syllabus is currently under review. Biology Syllabus

Leaving Certificate Business creates an awareness of the importance of business activity and develops a positive and ethical attitude towards enterprise. The learning experiences in business develop students’ critical thinking, creative and organisational skills while enhancing literacy and numeracy skills using real-life examples. Business provides students with a learning foundation for a wide range of careers in business, marketing, law, enterprise and management. This syllabus is for students in the senior cycle of post-primary education and is assessed at Ordinary and Higher levels. Business Syllabus

Leaving Certificate Chemistry aims to provide a relevant course for students who will complete their study of chemistry at this level while, at the same time, providing a foundation course for those who will continue to study chemistry or a related subjects following completion of their Leaving Certificate. This syllabus is for students in the senior cycle of post-primary education and is assessed at Ordinary and Higher levels. Adjustments to the Leaving Certificate Chemistry Syllabus (Changes in September 2013): The Leaving Certificate chemistry syllabus has been adjusted as a result of a ban on substances that have been designated as Substances of Very High Concern by the European Chemicals Agency. The theoretical content of the syllabus is not being changed. Four of the mandatory experiments have been adjusted. Three are being adjusted to accommodate the removal of banned substances and one that did not require the use of a banned substance is being extended to ensure that the overall amount of practical work in the syllabus does not change. Note: These adjustments are effective from September 2013 for all students who will sit the Leaving Certificate Chemistry examination in 2015 and thereafter. Chemistry Syllabus

Welcome to the new Leaving Certificate Classical Studies specification. This specification allows for the study of how the classical world of ancient Greece and Rome has influenced and shaped western culture across various fields of human endeavour, including art, architecture, history, archaeology, literature, drama, religion, philosophy and politics. It also supports students’ capacity to deepen their understanding of the human condition and provides a lens through which they can critically examine aspects of the contemporary world. The specification sets out clear expectations for students across four inter-related and inter-dependent strands of learning: The world of heroes; Drama and spectacle; Power and identity; Gods and humans. Leaving Certificate Specification Classical Studies

Leaving Certificate Economics aims to stimulate students' curiosity and interest in the economic environment and how they interact with it. It develops a set of skills, knowledge and values that enables students to understand the economics forces which affect their everyday lives, their society and their economy at local, national and global levels, making them more informed as decision-makers Economics is assessed at two levels, Ordinary level and Higher level, by means of two assessment components: a research study, and an examination paper. Both components of assessment reflect the relationship between the application of skills and the theoretical content of the specification. The research study will be based on a brief issued annually by the State Examinations Commission (SEC). Economics Specification

Leaving Certificate French follows a common syllabus framework for the teaching and examining of modern languages in the Leaving Certificate. The syllabus aims to develop learners’ communicative skills in the French, to develop their strategies for effective language learning and raise their awareness of cultural, social and political diversity. Assessment is by means of a written examination, and an aural and oral examination at two levels, Ordinary level and Higher level. French Syllabus

Leaving Certificate Geography will help students develop an understanding of the changing relationships between the physical and human worlds. Through their study of geography, students will develop geographical skills that will help them to make informed judgements about issues at local, national and international levels. Leaving Certificate geography may be studied at Ordinary or Higher level. The course is divided into core, elective and optional units of study. Geography is assessed at Ordinary and Higher level. Students are expected to complete a report on a geographical investigation and to sit a written examination. Geography Syllabus

Leaving Certificate German follows a common syllabus framework for the teaching and examining of modern languages in the Leaving Certificate. The syllabus aims to develop learners’ communicative skills in the German, to develop their strategies for effective language learning and raise their awareness of cultural, social and political diversity. Assessment is by means of a written examination, and an aural and oral examination at two levels, Ordinary level and Higher level. German Syllabus

Leaving Certificate History deals with the experience of human life in the past. The study of history involves an investigation of the surviving evidence relating to such experience. It brings students into contact with human experiences that are often very different from their own and fosters their developing understanding of the human condition and human motivation. Through its focus on the evaluation of evidence, it contributes significantly to the development of students' skills of critical thinking. Through its focus on research, it allows students the opportunity to develop their skills of independent learning. Leaving Certificate history is assessed at two levels, Ordinary level and Higher level. There are two assessment components: a research study report (submitted prior to the examination) and a written examination. History Syllabus

Leaving Certificate home economics provides students with knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes necessary for managing their own lives, for further and higher education and work. The learning experiences in home economics develop flexibility and adaptability in students, prepare them for a consumer-oriented society and provide a learning foundation for a wide range of careers in food, textiles, science, design, social studies and tourism. This syllabus is for students in the senior cycle of post-primary education and is assessed at Higher and Ordinary levels. Music Syllabus

Leaving Certificate Music involves a series of interrelated musical activities within each of the three core areas of musical experience - performing, composing and listening. In performing, students choose from a variety of individual and/or group performing activities. In composing, students develop an understanding of musical structure and form, while the listening component provides for rich aural experiences through exposure to music of different periods, styles and genres. This syllabus is for students in the senior cycle of post-primary education and is assessed at Higher and Ordinary levels. Music Syllabus

Leaving Certificate Physics aims to give students an understanding of the fundamental principles of physics and their application to everyday life. It offers a general education in physics to all students, enabling them to develop an understanding of the scientific method and their ability to observe, to think logically and to communicate effectively. Science technology and society (STS) is an integral part of the syllabus so that students can be aware of the principles of the applications of physics in the everyday world. This syllabus is for students in the senior cycle of post-primary education and is assessed at Higher and Ordinary levels. Physics Syllabus

The aim of Leaving Certificate Physical Education is to develop the learner’s capacity to become an informed, skilled, self-directed and reflective performer in physical education and physical activity in senior cycle and in their future life. Physical Education Syllabus