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.

It is envisaged that a revised specification for Leaving Certificate Accounting will be introduced in schools from September 2026.

For more information see https://ncca.ie/en/senior-cycle/curriculum-developments/accounting/

Why Study Accounting

For those considering studying accounting, actuarial studies or finance after the Leaving Cert it would be unwise to leave accounting out of their subject choice. It is also an important subject choice for those thinking of starting their own business.
While not required specifically for studying any third level college course, it is recommended if Accountancy is the career path you want to follow.

What kind of Student would Accounting suit

Commonly seen as the mathematical side of business, accounting attracts the more numerate student. It teaches students the bookkeeping side of business but delves deeper, teaching you to analyse and interpret the figures. Once you can understand and adhere to the basic rules of accountancy, it is a subject that you can do very well in.

While the Junior Certificate Business Studies Course provides a foundation for this course, it is not essential and it is possible to take accountancy up at senior cycle.

Leaving cert State Exam     75%
Leaving Cert Project work  25%

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.

The subjects’ principles and practices

• Sheep/Beef/Dairy/Poultry/Pig management and production
• Grassland Management and Tillage crop growth and production- Practical component on gardening
• Forestry
• Soil Science
• Animal Physiology
• Plant Physiology
• Microbiology
• Genetics
• Plant and Animal classification
• Ecology
• Farm Safety

Subject Content

The course consists of the study of a variety of aspects of agriculture under the following headings:

• Soils
• Structure and function of plants
• Farm crops- cereal and root
• Farm cops- grassland
• Trees and shelter/ Forestry
• Structure and function of animal body
• Cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry and horse – production systems and management
• Farm buildings/ farm layout- practical assessment

Career direction and prospects

Technical positions in Quality Control in agri-food industries, Sales & Marketing Departments of agri-businesses, Technical personnel in organisations offering environmental and other services to farmers, Start-up Agricultural-based businesses. Cross Curricular subject links:

• Chemistry
• Physics
• Biology

Leaving Cert State Exam 37.5%
Leaving Cert Practical  62.5%

Subject layout

Craft – 10 week project

Life Drawing

• 2 drawings
• 15-minute standing pose
• 30-minute seated pose
• Range of materials can be used

Art History

• Three sections
  1. European
  2. Irish
  3. Appreciation

Why study Art

It is good to have a practical subject to give you a break from all the pressures of academic subjects. You get to experiment with many different crafts but also focus and hone skills in the areas that you prefer. Most of the Leaving Cert is based on continuous assessment.

Careers

Graphic design, Film, Fashion, Arcgitecture, Animation, Game design, Make up and special effects, Jewellery design, Set and costume design, photography, web design, teaching.

Student response

“Art is a really good option for anyone that enjoys it because it can be a good way to get high points and the practical aspect is a nice break from the academic subjects”.

https://www.curriculumonline.ie/senior-cycle/senior-cycle-subjects/art/

A new Leaving Certificate Biology specification will be introduced for fifth year students in September 2025 and will replace the current Leaving Certificate Biology syllabus.

Biology is the study of life and living organisms, offering insights into the complexity of life processes, ecosystems, genetics, and evolution. It plays a vital role in addressing global challenges, with applications in medicine, environmental conservation, biotechnology, and more.

The new biology specification is designed to inspire curiosity and prepare students for future opportunities. Alongside traditional topics, the course will feature a new exam component emphasising practical investigations and analytical skills. The Biology in Practice Investigation will be based on a common brief and will be assessed at the level at which the student sits the final written examination. This is worth 40% to be completed in fifth and sixth year. The written exam is worth 60%.

https://www.curriculumonline.ie/senior-cycle/senior-cycle-subjects/biology/

Chemistry at Senior Cycle combines theoretical learning with practical applications, fostering a deep understanding of the chemical principles that underpin the natural and technological world. Students engage with topics such as atomic structure, bonding, organic chemistry, environmental chemistry, and industrial applications. Practical work is central to the subject, with students conducting mandatory experiments and participating in investigative projects, including the Chemistry in Practice Investigation, which accounts for 40% of their assessment. The remaining 60% is based on a written examination that evaluates understanding across the syllabus, with higher-level students expected to demonstrate a deeper, more quantitative grasp of topics.

Through this course, students develop valuable skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, data analysis, laboratory techniques, and scientific communication. These skills prepare them for a wide range of careers in fields such as pharmaceuticals, chemical engineering, biotechnology, environmental science, medicine, and forensic science. The subject also lays a strong foundation for further education in STEM disciplines, equipping students to contribute to innovative industries and address global challenges like climate change and sustainable energy.

Leaving Cert State Exam 50%
Practical Exam 50%

What is Construction studies

Construction studies is essentially about the study of buildings and the built environment. The theoretical part of the course examines all parts of a building from the planning stages to the completed building.

Subject Content

The course is studied through the following process:

Planning, Drawing and documents, site preliminaries and foundations, walls, partitions, floors, roofs, fireplaces, windows, doors, stairs, plastering, painting, services, drainage.

Who will the subject suit

1. Students interested in the construction sector.
2. Students interested in design and practical work.
3. Students that did woodwork for Junior cert (not compulsory), other subjects that are helpful would be – Art, Technology, Metalwork, Maths.

Career direction

Architecture, Building, trades, Designers, Civil and structural engineering, Quantity surveyor, town planning, Auctioneer.

Equipment needed for subject

1. Text book
2. T – Square
3. Set squares
4. Scale ruler

Students response:

“I enjoy the subject as there is both the practical and theory element. In 6^th year i get to complete my project. I enjoyed this as it was my piece and i took pride in constructing it. I also enjoyed exploring the new methods of how houses are being built today.”

https://www.curriculumonline.ie/senior-cycle/senior-cycle-subjects/construction-studies/

Leaving Cert State Exam 60%
DCG Student assignment 40%

This subject develops problem solving and creative thinking skills through the analysis and solution of both 2 and 3 dimensional graphics.

DCG also develops

• Freehand sketching skills
• Traditional draughting skills
• CAD – Computer Aided Design/Drawing skills

Cross Curricular subject links

1. Technical Graphics
2. Technology
3. Metalwork
4. Woodwork
5. Art

Career direction and prospects

Studying DCG would also greatly benefit you for a career as a

1. Toolmaker
2. Engineering Technician
3. Carpentry
4. Aircraft technician/mechanic

Students’ response:

“Learning to use solidworks is the most important aspect of this subject, as i will need it for my future college course”

What will i need?

1. Drawing board, drawing equipment and T – square for class and homework.
2. Be creative
3. Have a goof understanding of graphics
4. Be willing to problem solve

https://www.curriculumonline.ie/senior-cycle/senior-cycle-subjects/design-and-communication-graphics/

Leaving Certificate state Exam: 50%
Leaving Certificate state exam: 25%
Day practical exam: 25%

Engineering is using many different skills and disciplines, such as Science, Maths, Sketching, Research, Mechanical and CAD drawing as tools to design and manufacture solutions for real world problems.

Cross Curricular subject Links

1. Technical Graphics
2. Technology
3. Metalwork

Career direction and prospects

1. Engineering – Various types: Aeronautical, mechanical, electrical.
2. Apprenticeship – Car Mechanic, Electrician, Plant fitter.

Students’ response

“I really enjoy Engineering, as there are so many new skills and technologies to learn. Such as the laser cutter, 3D Printer and learning to draw using solid works.”

What will I need?

1. Be willing to work very hard.
2. Be creative.
3. Be willing to problem solve.
4. Have a good practical ability

https://www.curriculumonline.ie/senior-cycle/senior-cycle-subjects/engineering/

Geography is the study of people, their environment, and the interaction between the two.  Geography aims to stimulate curiosity, providing students with opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills, values and behaviours towards their immediate environment and wider world. This enhances their ability to make valuable contributions to the economic, social, and cultural life of their communities and localities.

Geography 1

Geography 2

Geography 3

Geography 4

Why study geography

Clonaslee is the ideal location to explore and understand physical geography. Located at the foot of the Slieve Blooms,  Students are surround by our unique physical landscape, of uplands, valleys, rivers, waterfalls, forestry and lakes.

Geography keeps you up to date with current affairs such as climate change, renewable energy, natural disasters, migration, wars, tourism, and sustainability. Students in return develop a deep understanding of our rapid changing world.

Through geographical investigations, using geographical skills and interacting with the course content and its links to the real world. Students will acquire a wide range of life skills. Students learn how to observe, record and analyse information, draw conclusions and solutions. These skills are rightly valued in school, college and the workplace.

Career Possibilities

Geography is a useful subject for careers in town planning, surveying, environmental assessment, tourism, transport, statistics, ordinal survey and weather forecasting.

Course outline

1. Patterns and processes in the physical environment
2. Regional geography
3. The Geographical Investigation and skills unit

4. Patterns and processes in the human environment

6. GeoecologyThe atmosphere-ocean environment

Exam Structure

• Written Examination (80%)
• Geographical Investigation Report (20%)

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.

In our increasingly multicultural, diverse and globalised workplaces opportunities are found not only in tourism, culture and heritage but also in business, law and education.

Examples of Careers from studying History:

Archaeologist, Administrator, Communication officers, Curator, Exhibition Officer, Historian, Librarian, Archivist, Policy and research manager, Solicitor, Teacher, Tour guide.

Leaving Cert State Exam: 80%

Leaving cert Project: 20%

The Course

• 45% Food studies
• 25% Resource Management and Consumer Studies
• 10% Social Studies
• 20% Elective
• Home design and management (or)
• Social studies (or)
• Textile, fashion and design

Food studies

• Food Science and Nutrition, Diet and Health, Preparation and processing of food.
• Resource management and consumer studies
• Family Resource Management, Consumer studies.

Social Studies

• The Family in Society.

Home Design and Management

• Housing, House Building and Design, Designing the House Interior, The Energy – Efficient Home, Systems and Services

What skills will the student develop in Home Economics

• Research, study, analyse and interpret material.
• Willing and able to learn nutrition and culinary skills.
• Developing communicational and organisational skills.
• Nurturing teamwork and discussion skills.

Cross curricular subjects

• Biology
• Business studies
• Building Construction

Career direction and prospects

Food sector, Science, Social Care, Healthcare, Tourism and Hospitality, Fitness, Sales.

Students’ response

“Home Economics as a whole subject is a life skill, much more detailed than the Junior Cert but still very interesting.”

https://www.curriculumonline.ie/senior-cycle/senior-cycle-subjects/home-economics/

Roinn na Gaeilge

Irish language and culture are at the heart of life in Coláiste Chluain na Slí. Gaeilge is nurtured and celebrated through both curricular and extra-curricular activities.

Leaving Certificate Gaeilge is offered at Higher, Ordinary, and Foundation levels, with a strong emphasis on the spoken language. The oral examination accounts for 40% of the total marks, reflecting the importance of fluency in communication.

The program aims to develop students’ language skills while fostering respect and enthusiasm for Gaeilge. Irish is the target language in all classes, ensuring students have ample opportunities to practice and develop their fluency.

Assessment

The Leaving Certificate Gaeilge examination includes four components:

• Oral exam
• Aural exam
• Two written papers

For more details, visit: / Tá tuilleadh eolais le fáil ag:
https://curriculumonline.ie/Senior-cycle/Senior-Cycle-Subjects/Gaeilge?lang=en-ie

How will i be assessed?

Why Study LCPE?

The subject is designed to appeal to a broad range of learners. Whether they excel in sport or have a keen interest in physical activity. Some students enjoy the performance aspect while others prefer the coaching.

Physical activity

• Analayse your performance in one activity
• Set four performance goals
• Plan and implement a programme to improve
• Reflect on progress
• Students can use Video, photography, text, story

Performance Assessment:

• Compile a video of best performance in one of three physical activities
• Video includes variety of contexts, including fully competitive and conditioned practices designed to showcase particular aspects of performance eg: attacking play.

What will I Learn?

Strand 1 – Towards Optimum Performance

• The skills and techniques required
• The biomechanics involved
• Performance related fitness
• The impact of psychological factors on performance

Strand 2 – Contemporary issues in Physical activity

• Promoting physical activity
• Ethics and fair play

Other areas of learning

• Physical activity and inclusion
• Technology, media and sport
• Gender and physical activity
• Business and enterprise in sport

Cross curricular

• Physics
• Chemistry
• Biology
• Home economics
• English
• DCG

Career direction and prospects

Sport Science, Teaching, Leisure and recreation, media studies.

https://www.curriculumonline.ie/senior-cycle/senior-cycle-subjects/physical-education-specification/

https://www.curriculumonline.ie/senior-cycle/senior-cycle-subjects/physical-education-framework/

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 Higher and Ordinary level and one examination paper at Foundation level.

The current syllabus for leaving cert maths for all levels was introduced in 2015. It consists of 5 strands:

• Statistics and Probability
• Geometry and Trigonometry
• Number
• Algebra
• Functions

Examples of Careers from studying Mathematics

Statisticians and Mathematicians, Engineers and Architects, Healthcare Professionals, Cryptographers, Programmers and Designers, Scientists, Business and Finance Professionals.

Leaving Certificate English provides students with rich and meaningful experiences with language, empowering them to become fluent, thoughtful, and confident communicators. This subject fosters a deep appreciation for the significance of language in personal, social, and cultural contexts, enhancing students’ ability to navigate and interpret the world around them.

By studying English, students develop a wide range of literacy, analytical, and oral communication skills. These include critical thinking, creative expression, research, and the ability to articulate ideas clearly and persuasively. These skills enable students to engage independently with a variety of texts, media, and real-world scenarios, equipping them to become independent learners who can thrive beyond the classroom.

Leaving Certificate English is assessed at two levels: Ordinary and Higher. Both levels challenge students to explore and interpret a diverse array of material, including literature, drama, poetry, film, and media, providing a solid foundation for academic growth and real-world application.

Studying Leaving Certificate English opens doors to a variety of careers that value strong communication, analytical, and creative skills. Potential career paths include:

• Journalism and Media: Writing, reporting, editing, and broadcasting.
• Education: Teaching English at primary, secondary, or higher education levels.
• Writing and Publishing: Careers as authors, editors, content creators, or copywriters.
• Marketing and Advertising: Crafting compelling messages to engage audiences.
• Law: Building strong arguments, critical thinking, and public speaking.
• The Arts: Scriptwriting, acting, or working in theater and film.
• Public Relations: Managing communications and storytelling for organizations.
• Research and Policy Development: Analyzing, drafting, and presenting ideas effectively.

With its focus on language and communication, Leaving Certificate English equips students with the essential skills needed to excel in virtually any field, fostering lifelong learning and adaptability in an ever-evolving world.

What is Leaving Certificate French?

French as a Leaving Cert subject aims to bring students closer to fluency in the French language, as well as developing a good knowledge of literature, culture, geography, and national history to provide a context for communication within the Francophone world. It builds on the knowledge acquired for the Junior Cycle.

What kind of student might French suit?

• Students with an interest and aptitude for the language and who have enjoyed the programme in Junior Cert.
• Students with an interest in French culture, history and language.
• Students who may need a foreign language for college studies.
• Students who are considering working abroad in the future.
• Students from a French background.

Career Possibilities

Specific careers in which French would be of benefit include teaching, translation, diplomacy, interpreting, journalism, business, culinary arts and media. It is worth noting that France is now our nearest European Union neighbour, and thus our cooperation has become all the more important.

Many multinational companies use French as a working language and it is an official language of international organisations like the UN, the EU, the Red Cross, the OECD, NATO and the International Olympic Committee to name but a few.

Exam Structure

The emphasis in Leaving Cert French moves from comprehension to productive French. Students will be expected to produce their own passages of French both written and orally. This is a challenge moving from Junior Cycle and students are expected to take initiative and responsibility for their learning.

Mark Allocation for L.C. French

Comment

• It is very important for students to familiarize themselves with the college courses that require a third language. Information regarding this is available on the Qualifax website.
• There are a large number of courses that do not require French, but students need to do some research before they make a decision.
• Students need to work hard on their oral communication from the beginning of the Leaving Cert course. Oral proficiency must to be worked at over the two years of the programme.
• Students who have shown an aptitude in French at Junior Cycle Level are encouraged to continue with it in Leaving Cert.

The Religion senior cycle framework is designed as a two-year framework, but can be extended to cover a three-year senior cycle if transition year is to be included and offers more choice and scope for creativity for teachers and schools. Each section is presented in two parts. The first part sets out the topics to be covered in the section and the expected learning outcomes. The second part offers a range of possible explorations of each theme. It is intended that students would complete at least one of these explorations, but a teacher/school may decide to offer opportunities for students to pursue all explorations of a particular section. The explorations have been carefully designed to offer opportunities and support for a variety of learner styles and methodologies including group work, project work, self-directed learning, investigations, visits and speakers, cross-curricular linkages, the use of ICT, particularly the use of the internet.

Summary of contents – The Search for meaning – Christianity – Religious faiths in Ireland today – Morality in action – God-talk – A living faith – doing justice– Celebrating faith – Story

Learning in SPHE aims to empower students to

• be healthy, resilient, confident, responsible and empathetic young adults
• nurture respectful, loving and caring relationships and
• prepare for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life now and beyond school

The three main areas include;

Health & Well Being; students will explore the factors that influence their physical, social, spiritual, emotional and mental wellbeing and the relationships between these. They will learn ways to take care of themselves and stay as healthy as possible, with a particular focus on gaining awareness, skills, techniques and information to protect their mental health.,

Relationships & Sexuality; students will explore the wide range of relationships that are important for their lives with a particular focus on gaining the awareness, knowledge and skills to support them in creating and nurturing respectful, caring and healthy relationships. This strand also supports students to recognise and be empowered to respond to instances of abuse or violence in relationships .Each of the learning outcomes are taught in a way that LGBTQ+ identities, relationships and families are fully integrated and reflected in teaching and learning, as opposed to being addressed within stand-alone lessons.

Into Adulthood; students will gain specific knowledge and skills to support them as they make the transition to adulthood and learn how to take greater responsibility for themselves. This includes being enabled to manage choices, develop the skills that are needed to plan for the future,establish and stick to good habits, and achieve goals. It also supports students in learning how to take care of themselves in times of change or challenge, understanding their rights and responsibilities before the law, and building the skills needed to advocate for and express solidarity with those experiencing discrimination or inequality.