Leaving Certificate Subjects
- English
- Irish
- Maths
- Physics
- Physical Education ( Non Exam )
- Biology
- French
- Engineering
- Design Graphics & Communication(DCG)
- Geography
- Art
- Applied Maths
- Religion ( Non Exam)
- Home Economics
- Construction Studies
- Business
- German
- Accounting
- Music
- Chemistry
- History
- Agricultural Science
- LCVP
Senior cycle subjects
The following is a brief description of all subjects that are on offer at Coláiste Treasa, for Senior Cycle Leaving Certificate Students. For further information contact the school or log on to :
Accounting
Agricultural Science
Art
Revision to Assessment Arrangements for Leaving Certificate Art (for first examination in 2018)
Revised arrangements are being put in place for students entering Leaving Certificate Year 1 in September 2016 and taking their examinations in 2018 and thereafter. The revision to the practical components will include execution of the Imaginative Composition or Still Life component and the Craft or Design component as coursework in schools over an extended period of time. Both components will also be based on a single set of stimulus materials. The Life Sketching and History and Appreciation of Art examinations will continue to be held at the same time of year as they are currently.
Biology
Biology is the study of life. Through the study of biology students explore the diversity of life and the inter-relationships between organisms and their environment. They become aware of the use of living organisms and their products to enhance human health and the environment.
The Leaving Certificate Biology syllabus is for students in the senior cycle of post-primary education and is assessed at Ordinary and Higher levels. The biology syllabus is currently under review.
Business
Leaving Certificate business creates an awareness of the importance of business activity and develops a positive and ethical attitude towards enterprise. The learning experiences in business develop students’ critical thinking, creative and organisational skills while enhancing literacy and numeracy skills using real-life examples. Business provides students with a learning foundation for a wide range of careers in business, marketing, law, enterprise and management.
This syllabus is for students in the senior cycle of post-primary education and is assessed at Ordinary and Higher levels.
Chemistry
Leaving Certificate chemistry aims to provide a relevant course for students who will complete their study of chemistry at this level while, at the same time, providing a foundation course for those who will continue to study chemistry or a related subjects following completion of their Leaving Certificate. This syllabus is for students in the senior cycle of post-primary education and is assessed at Ordinary and Higher levels.
Construction Studies
Leaving Certificate construction studies provides students in the senior cycle of post-primary education with an introduction to the knowledge and skills involved in construction technology and construction materials and processes. Students develop their ability to communicate ideas and information and to apply accurate observation and scientific investigation through exploring materials and processes.
Construction studies is assessed at two levels, Ordinary level and Higher level, by means of a written examination, a practical test, and an assessment of student project work.
Design and Communication Graphics
Leaving Certificate design and communication graphics involves comprehending, analysing and communicating information presented verbally or graphically. Problem solving and creative thinking skills are developed through the analysis and solution of problems in both two and three dimensions graphics. Graphics and design are communicated using a variety of media, including computer-aided design (CAD). The main areas of study are: Plane and Descriptive Geometry, Communication of Design and Computer Graphics, and Applied Graphics.
Design and Communication Graphics is assessed at two levels, Ordinary level and Higher level, by means of two assessment components: a student assignment, of which CAD forms a significant and compulsory element, and an examination paper.
Engineering
Leaving Certificate engineering is the study of mechanical engineering for students in the senior cycle of post-primary education. Students develop the skills and initiative in the planning, development and realization of technological projects in a safe manner. Practical resourcefulness, creativity and design in the planning and development of technological projects are emphasised. There are two main areas of study: workshop processes, and materials and technology.
Engineering is assessed at two levels, Ordinary level and Higher level, by means of a written examination, a project and a practical examination.
English
Leaving Certificate English invites students into rich experiences with language so that they become fluent and thoughtful users of it and more aware of its significance in their lives. It develops a range of literacy and oral skills in a variety of areas, personal, social, and cultural. Students develop a wide range of skills and concepts. These will allow them to interpret and enjoy a range of material so that they become independent learners who can operate independently in the world beyond the school.
Leaving Certificate English is assessed at two levels, Ordinary and Higher level.
French
Leaving Certificate French follows a common syllabus framework for the teaching and examining of modern languages in the Leaving Certificate. The syllabus aims to develop learners’ communicative skills in the French, to develop their strategies for effective language learning and raise their awareness of cultural, social and political diversity.
Assessment is by means of a written examination, and an aural and oral examination at two levels, Ordinary level and Higher level.
Irish
Leaving Certificate Irish builds upon the language developed during Junior Cycle. All four language skills are further developed in order to enable the learner take an active part in the bilingual society in which we live in today in Ireland. The learner is encouraged to develop and share her/his views on a range of topics. The learner is also prepared during Senior Cycle for further study in or through Irish.
Irish is assessed at three levels i.e. Foundation Level, Ordinary Level or Higher Level. The learner’s oral competency is assessed around Easter of the final year, in an oral examination worth 40%, at each level, of the overall mark, and the other three skills are assessed in June. Aspects of literary works must be studied at Ordinary Level while at Higher Level these same works and additional material must be studied in greater detail.
Geography
Leaving Certificate geography will help students develop an understanding of the changing relationships between the physical and human worlds. Through their study of geography, students will develop geographical skills that will help them to make informed judgements about issues at local, national and international levels.
Leaving Certificate geography may be studied at Ordinary or Higher level. The course is divided into core, elective and optional units of study. Geography is assessed at Ordinary and Higher level. Students are expected to complete a report on a geographical investigation and to sit a written examination.
German
Leaving Certificate German follows a common syllabus framework for the teaching and examining of modern languages in the Leaving Certificate. The syllabus aims to develop learners’ communicative skills in the German, to develop their strategies for effective language learning and raise their awareness of cultural, social and political diversity.
Assessment is by means of a written examination, and an aural and oral examination at two levels, Ordinary level and Higher level.
History
Leaving Certificate history deals with the experience of human life in the past. The study of history involves an investigation of the surviving evidence relating to such experience. It brings students into contact with human experiences that are often very different from their own and fosters their developing understanding of the human condition and human motivation. Through its focus on the evaluation of evidence, it contributes significantly to the development of students’ skills of critical thinking. Through its focus on research, it allows students the opportunity to develop their skills of independent learning.
Leaving Certificate history is assessed at two levels, Ordinary level and Higher level. There are two assessment components: a research study report (submitted prior to the examination) and a written examination.
Home Economics
Leaving Certificate home economics provides students with knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes necessary for managing their own lives, for further and higher education and work. The learning experiences in home economics develop flexibility and adaptability in students, prepare them for a consumer-oriented society and provide a learning foundation for a wide range of careers in food, textiles, science, design, social studies and tourism. This syllabus is for students in the senior cycle of post-primary education and is assessed at Higher and Ordinary levels.
Mathematics
Mathematics at Senior Cycle builds on the learning at Junior Cycle and develops mathematical knowledge, skills and understanding needed for continuing education, life and work. Through their study of mathematics, students develop a flexible, disciplined way of thinking which enables them to solve problems in mathematical and real world contexts.
The syllabus is provided at three levels – Higher, Ordinary and Foundation level and is also assessed at these levels. There are two examination papers at each level.
Music
Leaving Certificate Music involves a series of interrelated musical activities within each of the three core areas of musical experience – performing, composing and listening. In performing, students choose from a variety of individual and/or group performing activities. In composing, students develop an understanding of musical structure and form, while the listening component provides for rich aural experiences through exposure to music of different periods, styles and genres.
This syllabus is for students in the senior cycle of post-primary education and is assessed at Higher and Ordinary levels.
Physics
Leaving Certificate Physics aims to give students an understanding of the fundamental principles of physics and their application to everyday life. It offers a general education in physics to all students, enabling them to develop an understanding of the scientific method and their ability to observe, to think logically and to communicate effectively. Science technology and society (STS) is an integral part of the syllabus so that students can be aware of the principles of the applications of physics in the everyday world.
This syllabus is for students in the senior cycle of post-primary education and is assessed at Higher and Ordinary levels.
Religious Education
This optional framework for senior cycle religious education offers teachers who are not preparing students for the Leaving Certificate examination in religious education a structure within which to plan a programme of religious education for senior cycle.
There is a strong relationship between this framework and the syllabuses for Junior and Leaving Certificate religious education. Such a relationship should make for easier management of the optional examination subject in the senior cycle timetable.
Physical Education
In Leaving Certificate physical education, learners have an opportunity to study physical education for their Leaving certificate. The syllabus is designed to appeal to learners who have an interest in and a commitment to participation and performance in physical activity.
The aim of Leaving Certificate physical education is to develop learners’ ability to become informed, skilled, self-directed and reflective performers in physical education and physical activity now and in the future.
The emphasis is on providing learners with integrated learning experiences where there is a balance between developing personal performance in selected physical activities and deepening their understanding of the theoretical perspectives that impact on performance and participation in physical activity. These perspectives include learning in the humanities/social sciences and life sciences.
Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme
The LCVP is a Leaving Certificate with a focus on enterprise and preparation for working life. This two-year programme combines the academic strengths of the Leaving Certificate with a dynamic focus on self-directed learning, enterprise, work and the community. In most ways the LCVP is like the established Leaving Certificate. What makes it different is that students take some of their Leaving Certificate subjects from a specified set of vocational subject, they study a recognised course in a modern European language and have two additional courses, called Link Modules, in the areas of Preparation for the World of Work and Enterprise Education.
Please Note: The examination of these subjects and the course content of these subjects is dependent on advice from the relevant health authorities in relation to the Covid 19 Pandemic.
