Leaving Certificate

Core examination subjects: Irish, English and Mathematics

Optional examination subjects:
History, Geography, French, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Agricultural Science, Business, Accounting, Music, Home Economics, Construction Studies, Engineering, Design and Communication Graphics, Religion, Art and LCVP (see below for more information)

Core non exam: Religion, Physical Education, Career Guidance, Computing and Sport.

Each leaving certificate student normally takes three core subjects plus four optional subjects.

Transition Year

This is the year after Junior Certificate, during which a student can take the opportunity to develop personally, develop skills and take a year out from the pressures of examinations and consider what path they wish to follow for the rest of their lives.

Advantages: Students’ development is encouraged through sport, the arts, social action, critical thinking, various skills and teamwork. Core subjects are still essential elements of the Transition Year. Research has shown that those students who participate fully in Transition Year generally perform better in the Leaving Certificate and have less difficulty with the independent learning style required in third level institutions.

Leaving Certificate Applied is an alternative to the traditional Leaving Certificate. It is a two year programme designed to suit students who do not like academic work or who find it difficult. Students who wish to pursue courses in IT Colleges can do so by taking a further year in a Post-Leaving Certificate course. The Course does not suit students who wish to go directly to University.

Features of Leaving Certificate Applied: