Senior Cycle

Last updated: 15th February 2023

Students in senior cycle (upper secondary education) can choose from a range of programmes over a two or three year cycle. Senior cycle (upper secondary education) generally covers the ages 15 to 18 years. Senior cycle is currently undergoing a significant phase of review. A number of areas were prioritised for development and are at various stages of progress

Transition Year

The Transition Year (TY) is a one-year programme that forms the first year of a three-year senior cycle in many schools. It is designed to act as a bridge between the Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate programmes. Transition Year is optional for students in some schools and compulsory in others. Transition Year offers learners an opportunity to mature and develop without the pressure of an examination. It also provides an opportunity for learners to reflect on, and develop an appreciation of, the value of learning in preparing them for the ever-changing demands of the adult world of work, further and higher education and relationships.

Each school designs its own Transition Year programme, within set guidelines, to suit the needs and interests of its students. In establishing its own distinctive programme content, the school takes into account the possibilities offered by local community interests.

Leaving Certificate (Established)

The Leaving Certificate (Established) is a two-year programme that aims to provide learners with a broad, balanced education while also offering some specialisation towards a particular career option. Students following the Leaving Certificate (Established) programme are required to study at least five subjects, one of which must be Irish. In general, students take five or more subjects (usually seven) for examination. Syllabuses are available in 31 subjects. All subjects are offered at two levels, ordinary and higher. Irish and Mathematics are available at foundation level also.

The Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme

The Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP) modifies the traditional Leaving Certificate Programme, with a concentration on technical subjects and some additional modules which have a vocational focus. It includes three Link Modules – Enterprise Education, Preparation for Work and Work Experience.

Requirements for the two-year Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme from September 2022 are as follows:

LCVP students

  • must take a minimum of five Leaving Certificate subjects (at Higher, Ordinary or Foundation Level) including Irish. Students who are exempt from studying Irish, must take additional subject(s) to ensure that they present a minimum of five Leaving Certificate subjects in their Leaving Certificate examination.

  • must study the two Link Modules, namely Preparation for the World of Work and Enterprise Education

The complete LCVP Programme Statement can be accessed here

(curriculumonline.ie)

The Leaving Certificate Applied Programme

The Leaving Certificate Applied Programme (LCA) is a self-contained two-year course. It is a person-centred course involving a cross-curricular approach rather than a subject based structure. It has as its primary objective the preparation of participants for adult and working life through relevant learning experiences, which develop the following areas of human endeavour: spiritual, intellectual, social, emotional, aesthetic and physical. The framework of the LCA Programme consists of a number of modules grouped under three general headings:

  • General Education

  • Vocational Education

  • Vocational Preparation

The LCA Programme is intended to meet the needs of those students who are not adequately catered for by other Leaving Certificate Programmes. Although certification in the LCA is not recognised for direct entry to third level courses, students who successfully complete the programme can proceed to Post-Leaving Certificate courses and thereby continue their education.

Senior Cycle review and redevelopment

The State Examinations Commission is responsible for the development, assessment, accreditation and certification of the leaving certificate examinations.

Senior Cycle is currently being redeveloped following a comprehensive review process. This important work will seek to enhance the educational experience and ensure meaningful learning and achievement in senior cycle for all learners.

The Senior Cycle Advisory Report sets out a clear purpose and vision for a redeveloped senior cycle and provides a roadmap to the creation of a Framework for Senior Cycle. The report can be assessed here: Senior Cycle Review Advisory Report | NCCA