Leaving Certificate

 

The Leaving Certificate at the Marist provides students with a broad, challenging and rewarding educational experience during the final two years of secondary school. Through a wide range of subject choices and learning opportunities, students are encouraged to develop their talents, interests and ambitions. Our Leaving Certificate programme is designed to support students in achieving their academic potential and develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed for third level study, employment and active participation in society. 

As part of the ongoing redevelopment of Senior Cycle, students will experience evolving subject specifications, teaching approaches and assessment methods. The introduction of additional assessment components, alongside the traditional final examinations, will allow students more opportunities to demonstrate their learning and achievements throughout their senior cycle journey. 

In addition to the core subjects of Irish, English and Mathematics, students at St. Mary’s have the unparalleled opportunity to choose from a diverse range of 20 optional subjects, allowing them to tailor their programme to their individual strengths, interests and future aspirations. Through this extensive subject choice and a wide variety of learning opportunities, students are encouraged to develop their talents, pursue their passions and achieve their full potential.

 

 

Our current range of optional subjects include:  

Accounting, Agricultural Science, Art, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Computer Science, Construction Studies, Design & Communication Graphics, Economics, French, Geography, German, History, Home Economics, LC Physical Education, Music, Physics, Politics & Society, Technology. The modular programme Life, Community & Work (LCW) is also offered.  

Additional Assessment Components (AACs)

A key feature of the revised specifications is the inclusion of Additional Assessment Components (AACs), which will be worth a minimum of 40% of the overall grade in each redeveloped subject. These assessment components provide students with opportunities to demonstrate their learning through a variety of formats, including research projects, investigations, practical work, performances, presentations, portfolios and field studies.  

As the phased rollout of Senior Cycle redevelopment continues, AACs will become a feature of all Leaving Certificate subjects. As of September 2026, the list of newly revised subjects which incorporate an AAC include:  Accounting, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Economics, Geography, History, LC Physical Education and Physics.