info@pcc.cdetb.ie

01-4902404

Leaving Certificate Programme

Senior Cycle: The Leaving Certificate Programme (Leaving Cert Established)

The Established Leaving Certificate is the traditional senior cycle programme for Irish secondary schools. It aims to give students a broad, balanced education, but also allows them to specialise somewhat, depending on their interests and strengths
  • Subjects: At Presentation Community College Leaving Cert. students take 7 subjects, three core subjects, Irish, English and Maths and four option subjects. Irish is compulsory unless exempt.
We offer a wide choice of option subjects: Sciences, Languages, History, Classical Studies, Geography, Accounting, Business, Art, Construction Studies, Design & Communication Graphics, Home economics, Music, Leaving Cert. Physical Education (LCPE)
  • Assessment: The Leaving Certificate Examinations (State Examinations) take place in June of each year. Many subjects, however, have components of the exams such as coursework, language oral exams, projects in Art and Construction Studies that are completed during the school year.
  • Important: New assessment procedures for 5th years 2025/2026

The Senior Cycle curriculum has been undergoing redevelopment. For students entering 5th year in 2025/26, in Presentation Community College, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Business will be taught in accordance with the new subject specifications. It is important to note at this stage that there will be an additional assessment component (AAC) for these subjects. Students will undertake a project over a period during their senior cycle. These assessment components will be worth at least 40% of the available marks and will be externally assessed by the State Examinations Commission (SEC).

These components are developed and completed under the guidance and supervision of the relevant subject teacher. This ensures authenticity, academic integrity, and fairness for all students. Teachers cannot accept any AACs or project-based work that has not been completed in this structured and supervised manner. Work presented at a late stage without evidence of incremental development under teacher guidance will not be eligible

for submission to the State Examinations Commission.

We appreciate the support of parents/guardians and students in ensuring that all assessment components (AACs) are completed properly and in line with required procedures.