In approaching the Senior Cycle Programme students must consider 3 main options.
- To take a Transition Year Programme followed by the regular two-year Leaving Certificate
Any Third Year student may apply for this, but it is particularly recommended for those who are a little younger than the norm, i.e. under 15 years of age on the 1st of January this year (or 17½ years or younger sitting the Leaving Certificate).
- To take the Leaving Certificate Programme/Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme
Students should keep further studies at 3rd level in mind when selecting their subjects for Leaving Certificate.
- To take the Leaving Certificate Applied Programme
The Leaving Certificate Applied is a distinct, self-contained two-year programme aimed at preparing students for adult and working life. This programme is designed to cater for the needs of students for whom the ordinary Leaving Certificate courses are not appropriate.
Senior Cycle:
Students at Senior Cycle follow a two year programme leading to the Leaving Certificate Examination. Students will study seven subjects to Leaving Certificate. Gaeilge, English, Mathematics, together with four subjects from the following list; Applied Maths, History, Geography, Spanish, French, Home Economics, Business, Accounting, Economics, Art, Physics, Biology, Agricultural Science, Chemistry, Engineering, Construction Studies, Design and Communication Graphics, Physical Education and Music. The non-examination subjects Religion, Career Guidance and Physical Education are also taken by students. Students, who qualify, can also complete the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP) which incorporates modules in Enterprise Education, Preparation for the World of Work, Work Experience and a modern language.
We take a student centred approach to subject options with the opportunity being afforded to study an extensive curriculum. Students are advised well in advance of entering senior cycle and every opportunity is taken to ensure student preference is met resulting in the highest possible satisfaction rating.
All subjects are offered at all levels with students being encouraged to pursue subjects at higher levels. The new Leaving Certificate grading system introduced last year allocates marks from H1 - H7 and provides a broader opportunity to achieve. Students are afforded every opportunity to meet with Guidance teacher(s) for advice on college courses, application requirements and the multiple career options available.
Leaving Certificate Applied:
The Leaving Certificate Applied Programme is a self-contained two year Leaving Certificate Programme. It is based on the concepts of learning styles, achievement and excellence are broader than those of the established Leaving Certificate. It consists of three main elements, Vocational Preparation, Vocational Education and General Education. The course includes the following Vocational Preparation and Guidance, English and communications, Mathematical Applications, Social Education, Irish, European Language, Arts Education, Leisure and Recreation, Vocational Specialisms and Elective Modules.
The Course develops communication, creativity, decision making and self- appraisal skills. Assessments of tasks/allocation of credits are on-going and cumulative over two years. The final examination at the end of second year is added to the credits achieved during this two year course.
Click below fore the letters to parents for Combined Transition Year PTS Exhibition/Senior Cycle Options Information Evening
For an overview of all three options please click on the links below:
Senior Cycle Options Pack - Updated on 19th February 2018
You may also find the following publication by the Department of Education and Science useful