Below is the link for the Leaving Cert Examination Timetable 2023
LC Timetable 2023.pdf
The Leaving Certificate is the final course in the Irish secondary school system and culminates with the Leaving Certificate Examination. It can take a minimum of two years preparation.
However with a large portion of students doing TY in Loreto C.S. this means that for those students it takes place three years after the Junior Certificate Examination.
The Examination is overseen by the State Examinations Commission.
A minimum of six subjects are undertaken, including Irish. Most students take seven subjects.
Students must study English and Mathematics; these have become de facto compulsory subjects, primarily due to college and university admission policies. Many students are also required to study a modern European language for certain university courses.
Parents and students need to be fully aware of what subjects, level and grades are required by college and university courses. Ms. Laura Diver our Career Guidance teacher is available to update and inform the school community about these requirements.
Core Curriculum Subjects
- Irish
- English
- Mathematics
- Religious Education (2 one hour classes per week)
- Physical Education or options (Cookery/ Drama)
- Career Guidance (one class)
Option Subjects
- Geography
- History
- Business
- Language – French/Spanish
- Accounting
- Music
- Art
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Home Economics
- T.C.G.
- Construction Studies
- Technology
- Physical Education
- Agricultural Science
- Politics and Society
Students can choose freely what four subjects their wish to do, along with a reserve subject. The Principal then works on the timetable option and will try to accommodate all students in their choice. However if a student cannot do their first four choices they may have to use their reserve subject choice.
Leaving Certificate subjects are examined in June of the students’ final year of study. For this, students must take at least one written paper which is supervised and corrected by an external examination system (English, Mathematics, Irish and some of the optional courses contain two written papers). Some subjects such as Art and Technology involve a practical exam which is also supervised by an external examiner.
Language courses are examined through both oral and aural-known as 'tape'-methods, as well as the written. The oral exams take place some months before the written exams, while the aurals take place in the same examination as the written.
Students can get the opportunity to view their scripts in September (after the Leaving Cert). In Loreto Community School, a large proportion of students avail of this opportunity. If a student is unhappy with their grade they can appeal to the DES through the school.
State Exam classes do full “Mock” Leaving Cert and Junior Cycle Examinations in February. Teachers operate a continuous assessment between house exams.