Senior Cycle: Curriculum and Assessment Overview
Leaving Certificate Programme
St. Mel's College offers a comprehensive Senior Cycle curriculum designed to prepare students for further education, training, and employment. Students follow a two-year programme in Fifth and Sixth Year, culminating in the Leaving Certificate examinations.
Subject Levels and Assessment
Core Subjects
Irish, English, and Mathematics are offered at Higher and Ordinary Level. Mathematics is also available at Foundation Level.
All other subjects are offered at Higher and Ordinary Level, with the exception of LCVP which has its own assessment structure.
- History
- Geography
- Leaving Cert PE Exam Subject
- Business
- Economics
- Accounting
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Agricultural Science
- Construction Studies
- Design and Communication Graphics
- French/German
- Physical Education
- Religion
- Career Guidance
- LCVP
Grading System
The Leaving Certificate uses the following eight-point grading scale:
Subject-Specific Assessment Details
Languages: Irish, English, French, German
Written Examinations:
- Comprehension, composition, and literature components
- Oral examinations in Irish and modern foreign languages (worth 40% for Irish, 25% for French/German HL and 20% French/German OL). Orals take place in March/April of Sixth Year
- Aural/ listening for LC French/German - 20% at HL and 20% at OL.
Mathematics
Assessment:
- Written papers examining all strands of the syllabus
- Available at Higher, Ordinary, and Foundation Level
- Bonus CAO points available for Higher Level H6 or above
Science Subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Agricultural Science
Assessment Structure:
- Written examination papers covering theory and applied knowledge
- Biology, Chemistry and Physics project work equals 40%.
- Agricultural Science practical coursework component is worth 25% of final grade
*from 2027 practical coursework will be worth 40%.
Business, Economics, Accounting
Written Examinations:
- Business: Research Project (40%), written examination (60%)
- Economics: Research Project (20%), written examination (80%)
- Accounting: written examination (100%)
Geography and History
Assessment:
- Geography: Research Study Brief (RSB) completed during Sixth Year (20%), written examination (80%)
- History: Research Study Report completed during Sixth Year (20%), written examination (80%)
- Both subjects emphasise skills development alongside content knowledge
Design Subjects: Construction Studies, Design and Communication Graphics (DCG)
Assessment Structure:
- Construction Studies: Coursework project completed during Sixth Year (50%), written examination (50%)
- DCG: Coursework assignment completed during Sixth Year (40%), written examination (60%)
- Practical skills and design capability assessed throughout coursework
Leaving Certificate Physical Education (LCPE)
Assessment Components:
Career Guidance
- Timetabled support for all Senior Cycle students
- Individual and group guidance sessions
- Supports CAO applications, career planning, and subject choices
- Not examined but essential for informed decision-making
Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP)
Programme Structure:
- Students take five Leaving Certificate subjects plus two Link Modules
- Link Modules: Preparation for the World of Work; Enterprise Education
- Link Modules assessed through Portfolio (60%) and written examination (40%). Graded as Distinction, Merit, or Pass.