Traditional Leaving Cert

The Leaving Certificate (Established) is a two-year programme that aims to provide learners with a broad, balanced education while also offering them a chance to specialise towards particular higher education and career options.

Students sit examinations held in June at the end of their two years of study. Like the Junior Cycle, the State Examination Commission fixes the dates of these exams and assessments.

Students generally study seven subjects. Subjects are normally studied at either Ordinary or Higher Level. Two subjects, Irish and Mathematics, can be studied at Foundation Level. Languages also have oral exams and a few subject areas have coursework that is a percentage of the final grade.

• English, Irish and Maths form the main core subjects.

• Then students may choose from the following subjects – Biology, Business Studies, Art, Home Economics,French, Geography, Music and Chemistry/Physics

• Like the Junior Certificate students may choose to study their subjects at Higher or Ordinary level. Maths and Irish are also offered at Foundation level.

• Students will also study non exam subjects such as PE, Religion, Career guidance and English as a Foreign Language.