Leaving Cert. Options

Modern Foreign Languages

Students can opt for French, Spanish or German at Leaving Certificate.
The syllabus aims to develop learners’ communicative skills in the Spanish, 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.

Biology

The two year biology syllabus, is a course designed to give students an introduction to all the various aspects of life on planet earth. The course encourages students to make wise choices regarding diet, medicine intake and exercise. It promotes mature attitudes to body issues and urges students to take responsibility for personal health.

The new Leaving Cert Biology Course (starting 2025/2026) covers

• Cellular Biology
• Genetics & Evolution
• Microbiology
• Plant & Animal Biology
• Ecology
• Biotechnology

A new project component, the “Biology in Practice Investigation”, an Additional Assessment Component (AAC) will account for 40% of the final grade.

Students will engage in independent research, with 20 hours of class time allocated to complete the project.

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. The new Physics course will follow the other science disciplines in having a project worth 40% submitted in year 2. The project title and parameters will be given out in September of year 1. The exam now will be worth 60%.

This syllabus is for students in the senior cycle of post-primary education and is assessed at Higher and Ordinary 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.

A new Leaving Cert specification will be introduced for 5th year students in 2025. This is comprised of a written exam (60%) and a project (40%). The project based on a common brief, will be given to students in term 2 of 5th year and submitted in 6th year. It will be graded at the level that the student sits the final written examination. The theory component of the new syllabus has been adapted to include advancement in chemistry in society, for example, the inclusion of the study of lithium-ion batteries as used in EVs.

Home Economics

Leaving Certificate Home Economics (Social and Scientific) covers topics such as food constituents, microbiology, food preservation, consumerism and social issues, the family and the home. The course is divided into three sections:

• Food/Nutrition: There is an in-depth study of food, chemistry, food preservation, microbiology and physiology During 5th year students will do a lot of practical work that relates to the food area and will complete a Food Studies Journal which is typed and submitted and which will be worth 20% of the Leaving Cert Exam.
• Home: Everything to do with a modern household – from building/buying a house, interior design and finance, but to mention a few.
• Society: This is an introduction to basic Sociology. it includes the study of relationships, attitudes, behavioural problems/patterns, social groupings and social problems.

This syllabus is for students in the senior cycle of post-primary education and is assessed at Higher and Ordinary levels  

Art

Art at senior cycle allows students to further develop their creativity with a focus on self expression and the development of individuality through creativity.
70% of the course is focused on practical work with students exploring a range of mediums developing their knowledge from Junior Cycle.

The other 30% focuses on visual culture; students will learn about the contemporary world of art along with the historical and how this impacts our world today.

Religion

While Senior Cycle Religious Education is not an exam subject in Coláiste Muire, it is still an important part of school life at Senior Cycle. Our course aims to continue to develop the values that were established at Junior Cycle level and facilitate dialogue about topics such as social justice, climate justice, diversity, faith in Ireland today and their own faith development. We also link in with some of the Liturgical celebrations throughout the school year and our Senior Cycle classes take pride in being involved in Parish events such as Ash Wednesday, Women’s World Day of Prayer, the Advent Tree of Thanksgiving and the Cloyne Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes. In Senior Cycle we also carry out charity work raising vital funds for charities and global causes, for example Cobh Community Hospital, Syria and Turkey, Ukraine and local charitable causes.

Whole School celebrations of Faith:

• Annual School Mass in St. Colman’s Cathedral
• Graduation Prayer Services
• Catholic Schools Week every January
• Celebration of Feast Days connected to Edmund Rice and Catherine McAuley, the Presentation
• Brothers and the Sisters of Mercy.
• November Remembrance Tree
• PBST Christmas Card-December 2022
• RTE Mass- May 2022

http://pbst.ie/

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.

New Leaving Cert Business specification in September 2025.

• The focus is on Irish and International economics.
• How the business world operates
• Developing financial and business literacy.

A new feature is the introduction of a project which will be worth 40% of the total marks.

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.

In the new syllabus students study 2 topics relating to Irish history and 2 relating to Europe and the wider world from 1815-1993. There is a strong emphasis on enquiry, evidence, exploration and the links between them.

Each student will complete a research study which is pre-submitted and will account for 20% of the total marks. The individual topics will be chosen by the student and foster independent learning and research skills.

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 & 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.

• Student Assignment (40%)
• Exam (60%)