Senior Cycle

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.

The Leaving Cert English Curriculum in Ireland is an exciting, high-energy journey that takes students deep into the heart of literature, language, and self-expression. From studying literary greats like Shakespeare and Yeats to exploring contemporary voices that challenge and inspire, students are immersed in timeless themes of love, power, and identity.
 
The comparative study brings stories to life as students connect characters, ideas, and emotions across novels, plays, films, and poetry. Essay writing becomes an art form, where critical thinking meets personal insight, and poetry takes centre stage with its rhythm, imagery, and power to stir emotions. Shakespearean drama adds intensity, with iconic characters like Hamlet or Macbeth keeping everyone on the edge of their seats.
 
The curriculum also sharpens language skills, transforming students into confident communicators capable of crafting persuasive speeches and compelling stories. Whether you’re analysing texts or composing your own, the Leaving Cert English curriculum is a dynamic, creative challenge that empowers students to think deeply, write boldly, and express themselves with flair.

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.

Spanish 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
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.

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 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.

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.

At Presentation Castleisland, Chemistry is taught by Ms Dooley and is offered to all senior cycle students. Each Chemistry category (inorganic, organic, physical, environmental & analytical) is covered over the course of two years.

Chemistry is fundamental to our world; it plays a role in everyone’s lives. It is essential for meeting our basic needs of food, clothing, shelter, health, energy, clean air, water, and soil. As Chemistry is a practical subject, experimentation is vital. Our students have the opportunity to work as a team in our two fully equipped Science labs to carry out experiments.

Chemical technologies enrich our quality of life in numerous ways by providing new solutions to problems in health, materials, and energy usage. Thus, studying chemistry is useful in preparing us for the real world, therefore we plan activities such as BT Young Scientist, SciFest and trips to 3rd level institutes and Chemical companies in order for our students to experience what is involved in the Chemistry world.

With the strong set of STEM skills and knowledge provided here at Presentation, we hope that many of our students will go on to study a Science at 3rd level and pursue STEM related careers.

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.

There are three different components to the Leaving Certificate Art Exam:

Coursework 50% – 2 pieces developed one piece made during class time

Practical 20% – 2^nd piece made during 5 hr exam

Written 30%

In preparation for this senior cycle Art students will endeavour to become visual researchers. They will learn to select a stimulus, choose relevant primary sources and develop, rationalise and contextualise their ideas and work further. Students will be engaged in the process of making/creating art from conception to realisation using a range of skills and chosen materials.

The written examination will have a range and balance of question types suited to Visual Studies and the application of practical knowledge. Art theory classes in senior cycle will focus on a broad understanding of Visual Studies and will require learners to demonstrate knowledge and understanding, and an ability to apply, analyse, evaluate and respond as appropriate.

Leaving Certificate Religious Education promotes tolerance and mutual understanding. It is a broad course which seeks to develop the skills needed to engage in meaningful dialogue with those of other or of no religious traditions.

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

A non-examination framework is also available for those students who do not wish to take Religious Education as a Leaving Certificate examination subject.

Business plays a significant role in the life of all people – managing finances, accessing debt, running a business, understanding economic influences, among much else. Our aim in Presentation Castleisland is to ensure that students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to be literate and accomplished when dealing with their own financial affairs and those of others.

The Leaving Certificate Business course 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 through real-life examples. Business provides students with a learning foundation for a wide range of careers in business, marketing, law, enterprise and management.

Presentation Castleisland works closely with Kerry’s Local Enterprise Office and arranges for student participation in the Student Enterprise programme. In recent years, senior cycle students have won awards at both the Kerry County and National Finals of the Student Enterprise Awards, with one group of students appearing on RTÉ’s The Today Show in 2022, showcasing their enterprise.

The Leaving Certificate Business syllabus is assessed at Ordinary and Higher levels.

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.

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 judgments 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. Students are expected to complete a report on a geographical investigation and to sit a written examination.

Physical Education as an exam subject for the Leaving Certificate is a new offering in our school from the 2023-2024 school year. The subject aims to develop students’ capacity to become informed, skilled and self-directed performers in physical education and physical activity. Students’ physically active participation is central to teaching and learning in the subject. The emphasis is on providing students with integrated learning experiences with a balance between developing personal performance in physical activities and deepening understanding of the theoretical perspectives that impact on performance and participation in physical activity.

The subject is assessed at both Higher and Ordinary levels, and consists of a physical activity project (20%), performance assessment (30%) and written examination (50%).

Physical Education is also separately timetabled for senior cycle students who do not wish to take the subject for the Leaving Certificate.