The Senior Cycle (including Transition Year)
The Senior Cycle is a two or three year programme at post-primary school. It builds on the learning at Junior Cycle and aims to deepen students’ knowledge and understanding and key skills in advance of undertaking further study, joining the workforce and becoming a responsible adult and an active member of their communities.
It comprises a different programme of study such as:
- Transition Year (Optional)
- Leaving Certificate Established
- Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme
- Leaving Certificate Applied Programme
Under each of the above programmes, the school is required by the Department of Education & Skills to provide a programme on Relationships & Sexuality Education (RSE).
The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) is the national body responsible for the development of the curriculum and assessment strategies for Senior Cycle. A lot of general information about the Senior Cycle in all schools is available through its website (see link below)
The State Examinations Commission (SEC) is the body responsible for overseeing the Leaving Certificate Examinations. It provides general details on its website (see link below) but the school will provide the details to all students at the relevant stages.
Information sessions for Parents and Students take place each year in February/March.
You will find more details at the links below
Other Useful Sites