irish mental health essay leaving cert

Leaving Cert Irish Predictions 2024 (Higher Level)

Updated November 2023

It is virtually impossible to correctly predict what questions and topics will come up on the Leaving Cert Irish Higher Level paper. We can, however, study past papers and identity a pattern in the style and type of questions that come up. You may also like: Leaving Cert Irish Guide (€).

Predictions 2024

General patterns of lc irish questions.

Cuid A Cuid B Cuid C Vocabulary for the aural comprehension An Ceapadóireacht Scéal Díospóireacht/ óráid

Léamhthuiscint Prós Filíocht Litríocht Bhreise

2023: what we predicted 2022: what we predicted 2021: what we predicted 2020: what we predicted 2019: what we predicted

You may also like: How much to write for each section of the Irish Leaving Cert Paper 1 and 2

Irish Leaving Cert Notes  (€)

While it is impossible to be certain of what will be on the paper, here are topics to pay special attention to for 2024:

Paper 1: An Ceapadóireacht

• Foireigean agus coirúilacht
• Teicbneolaíocht
• An ghéarchéim tithíochta
• An timpeallacht

2024 Paper 2: Prós

An Gnáthrud (some people are convinced it won’t ever show up on the paper, but it is still there, so we cannot forget about it)

2024 Paper 2: Filíocht

 An tEarrach Thiar

Structure of the Irish written exam: we have two papers, each on a different day.

Paper one consists of two sections – aural comprehension and the essay.

The aural comprehension is itself divided into three sections, ‘Cuid A’, ‘Cuid B’ and ‘Cuid C’.

In the first section of the aural comprehension, ‘Cuid A’, we hear two separate pieces about a certain announcement. These two pieces will be called ‘fógra a haon’ and ‘fógra a dó’, which means ‘announcement one’ and ‘announcement two’. You will be asked questions in Irish about each announcement. You hear each of these announcements twice.

The section part of the aural comprehension is called ‘Cuid B’. The speaker on the tape will say the words ‘Cuid B’ before this section starts.

In Cuid B you will hear two separate conversations, the first called ‘Comhrá a haon’ and the second called ‘Cómhrá a dó’.

Each comhrá is divided into two pieces or segments, the first segment is called ‘an chéad mhír’ and the second is called ‘an dara mír’.

You will hear each conversation twice. You will hear the conversation from start to finish the first time. The conversation will have a clear split between the first segment, ‘an chéad mhír’ and the second segment, ‘an dara mír’ the second time you hear it.

The third section of the aural comprehnsion is called ‘Cuid C’. In this section you will hear two news pieces. The first piece will be called ‘píosa a haon’ and the second will be called ‘píosa a dó.’ You will hear each piece twice.

Vocabulary for the aural comprehension

Cén t-ám? : What time

Cén locht?: What fault

Cé a ghlac páirt? : Who took part

Cén cháilíocht? : What qualification

Cén spriocdáta? : what’ the final date

An méid? : How many

Cén uimhir theileafóin? : What phone number

Luaigh rud amháin. : Mention on thing

Cén tuarastal? : What salary

Cár rugadh Áine? : Where was Áine born?

Cén duais? : What prize

Cén bhaint? : What connection

Ainmnigh : name

An Ceapadóireacht

The next part of paper one is the written composition, called the ‘ceapadóireacht’.

You will have the option to choose between three types of composition.

These three types of compositions you can pick from will each have separate headings and will be called A, B and C.

‘Aiste nó nuachtáin irise’

The first type of composition you can choose is the essay or article. This will be under the heading ‘Aiste nó nuachtáin irise’.

For this section, you will be given a choice of five topics to write an essay on. The essay is the most popular type of composition done by students. Although we cannot predict what topics will come up for the essay, there is definitely particular topics that come up frequently and are worth preparing for. The topics can also be influenced by current affairs, so current topics in the news in the months leading up to the exams could appear as an essay topic.

2023 essays

(a) An costas maireachtála in Éirinn.

(b) Fadhb na ndrugaí sa lá atá inniu ann.

(c) Daoine cáiliúla i saol an lae inniu.

(d) An éagóir i saol an lae inniu.

(e) Na rudaí a chuireann isteach ar shláinte an duine.

2022 essays

(a) Sochaí na hÉireann sa lá atá inniu ann.

(b) An tionchar a bhíonn ag na meáin shóisialta ar dhaoine.

(c) Éire agus an tAontas Eorpach.

(d) Saol an duine óig in Éirinn – an bhfuil sé ag dul i bhfeabhas nó in olcas?

(e) Mo laochra.

2021 essays

a) Fadhbanna móra na linne

(b) Cearta Daonna.

(c)  An tAthrú Aeráide.

(d)  An Ghaeilge agus an cultúr Gaelach.

(e)  Buntáistí agus míbhuntáistí na teicneolaíochta.

2020 essays

(a) An choiriúlacht i saol an lae inniu.

(b) Scéalta nuachta an lae inniu.

(c)  Na cúiseanna móra imní atá ag daoine óga faoi láthair.

(d)  An saol a bhíonn ag inimircigh in Éirinn.

(e)  An teicneolaíocht i saol an lae inniu.

2019 essays

• Géarchéim na tithíochta in Éirinn faoi láithair 
• Mná sa spórt sa lá atá inniu ann
• Athruithe chun fheabhais ar an saol in Éirinn le déanaí
• An taitneamh agus an brú a bhaineann le saol an scoláire dara leibhéal 
• Tá an caidreamh polaitíochta idir tíortha an domahin míshuaimhneach sa lá atá inniu ann

2018 essays

2017 essays

2016 essays

2015 essays

2014 essays

Personally, I had a list of topics and out of this list I always had at least one essay that I could have done each year.

I would recommend starting with the following topics:

The education system

The environment

The health system

The Irish language

• Alcohol and drugs

Life of a young person

Immigration

Homelessness

Violence, terrorism, war

The economy

International relations

I would try to incorporate a variety of seanfhocail into your essay, such as:

Níl tuile dá mhéad nach dtránn. (Every bad thing comes to an end)

Ní neart go cur le chéile (there’s strength in unity)

Tús maith, leath na hoibre (A good start is half the work).

Is maith an scéalaí an aimsir (time will tell)

Imíonn an tuirse ach fanann an tairbhe (the tiredness goes but the benefits stay)

Section B is the story or ‘Scéal’. Usually the examiner asks students to base a story on a certain emotion or seanfhocail.

Although writing a story based on an emotion may seem easier than an essay on current affiars, I would not advise students to attempt this question unless they have prepared well for it. In this question, the quality of your Irish is extremely important, marks are awarded for ‘saibhreas na Gaeilge’, which is the richness of your Irish.

Your story must have a beginning, middle and end.

Díospóireacht/ óráid

Section C is the debate, ‘díospóireacht/ óráid’.

The topics for the debate are usually similar to the topics that come up for the essay, However it is essential that the we begin a debate with an introduction specific to a debate and finish with a conclusion specific to a debate. I recommend learning off a general introduction and conclusion of a debate.

The following is a good general introduction that can be tailored to a specific question.

‘A chathaoirligh, a mholtóirí, a chomhdhaltaí agus a lucht an fhreasúra. Is mise ____ agus tá áthas orm a rá go bhfuilim anseo chun labhairt libh in aghaidh/ ar son an rúin go mba chóir go _____. Beidh an fhoireann thall ag iarraidh a gcuid tuairimí a chur ina luí oraibh agus molaim daoibh an chluas bhodhar a thabhairt orthu. Ar aon nós tá mise in aghaidh/ ar son an rúin, ar chúiseanna áirithe agus cuirfidh mé roinnt de na cúiseanna sin ós bhur gcomhair láithreach’.

For the other option, it is also important to structure accordingly. When choosing this option, make sure not to make the simple mistake of structuring your answer as a debate. Instead, throw in a few sentences to show your engagement and understanding of the question.

For example, the 2014 question asked to give a talk to a group of German students who were visiting your school on the importance of Irish and Irish culture. A good way to show that you read and understood the question properly is to begin by welcoming the group of students to your school. The following would work well as an opening sentence to this question.

‘Fáilte romhaibh go léir anseo chuig ___ your school’s name ___. Tá súil agam go bhfuil sibh ag baint taitneamh as bhur turas go dtí seo. Inniú, ba mhaith liom caint libh beagáinín faoi thábhacht an Ghaeilge, agus an cultúr Gaelach anseo in Éirinn.’

2023 Díospóireacht/óráid

(a) Scríobh an chaint a dhéanfá i ndíospóireacht scoile ar son an rúin seo a leanas nó ina aghaidh:

Tá an Ghaeilge beo beathach sa ré dhigiteach seo.

(b) Iarradh ort píosa cainte a dhéanamh ar chlár raidió ar an ábhar seo a leanas:

An dea-obair a dhéanann cumainn charthanachta.

2022 Díospóireacht/óráid

(a) Scríobh an chaint a dhéanfá i ndíospóireacht scoile ar son an rúin seo a leanas nó ina aghaidh:      Tugtar cothrom na Féinne do gach duine sa lá atá inniu ann.

(b) Iarradh ort píosa cainte a dhéanamh ar chlár raidió ar an ábhar seo a leanas:  Mo thaithí ar an gcóras oideachais.  

2021 Díospóireacht/óráid

(a) Scríobh an chaint a dhéanfá i ndíospóireacht scoile ar son an rúin seo a leanas nó ina aghaidh:      Tá r ialta s éifeachtach againn sa tír seo faoi láthair.

(b) Iarradh ort píosa cainte a dhéanamh ar chlár raidió ar an ábhar seo a leanas:  Saol an duine óig in Éirinn sa lá atá inniu ann.

2020 Díospóireacht/óráid

(a) Scríobh an chaint a dhéanfá i ndíospóireacht scoile ar son an rúin seo a leanas nó ina aghaidh:      Déanann na polaiteoirí obair mhaith ar son na tíre seo.

(b) Iarradh ort píosa cainte a dhéanamh ar chlár raidió ar an ábhar seo a leanas:  Na buntáistí a bhaineann le saoire a chaitheamh in Éirinn.

Paper two is divided into four sections.

Léamhthuiscint

The first part of paper two is the reading comprehension, ‘an léamhthuiscint’.

There will be two reading comprehensions, one called ‘A’ and the other ‘B’.

For the majority of the questions on this comprehension, you will be asked questions on the text and will be simply stating what the piece has said.

However, for question 6, you will be asked to reflect on an certain element of the comprehension and will have to give your opinion on it. For example, you might be asked on the style of writing or asked about the personality of the person portrayed in the text.

Common vocabulary that they use to ask questions on the text:

Luaigh: mention

Aimsigh: find

Cad a rinne sé: What did he do

Sprioc: aim

Aidhm : aim

Luiagh slí amháin: mention one way

Cén fáth ar chosúil go … : Why does it appear that ….

Cad a tharla : What happened

Alt: paragraph

Tabhair dhá phíosa eolais faoi..: give two pieces of information about

Cúis imní: cause for concern

Difríocht : difference

Cad ba chúis le …: what was the cause of…

Section 2 of paper two is the prós section. You will either have studied ‘prós ainmnithe’ or ‘prós roghnach’. The majority of students do the ‘prós ainmhithe’ question and so we will focus on that.

2023 – Oisín i dTír na nÓg agus Dís

2022 – Hurlamaboc agus Cáca Milis

2018 – Cáca Milis / An Lasair Choille

2017 – Hurlamaboc

2016 – Oisín i dTír na nÓg

2015 – Cáca Milis

2013 – Oisín i dTír na nÓg

2012 – Hurlamaboc

As ‘An Gnáthrud’ hasn’t been examined to date, it is likely to come up. However, ‘An Gnáthrud’ was equally likely to come up in 2016, 2017, and 2018 and it didn’t. Hence we cannot depend on predictions. [Some people have commented on the controversy surrounding the author as the reason why this hasn’t come up. Poems by authors in such situations have come up in the past. They are still on the syllabus, so I wouldn’t be complacent about this.]

Section 3 of paper two is the poetry section. Students answer either 3A or 3B. The majority of students answer 3A. If you are answering 3A, the poem is given to you on the paper.

2023 – Mo ghrá-sa agus An Spailpín Fánach

2022 – Colscaradh agus an tEarrach Thiar

2021 – Géibheann agus an Spailpín Fánach

2020 – Mo ghrá-sa

2019 – An tEarrach Thiar

2018 – An Spailpín Fánach

2017 – Géibheann

2016 – An tEarrach Thiar

2015- Colscaradh

2014- An Spailpín Fánach

2013- Mo ghrá-sa

2012- An tEarrach Thiar

Litríocht Bhreise

The fourth section of paper two is additional literature, ‘litríocht bhreise’. Each student will have studied one of the prescribed pieces of literature depending on what their teacher has chosen for the class. Whatever literature you are doing, I would know key events, style of writing, character traits, relationships etc.

If your teacher is doing the ‘Filíocht Breise’, here is a breakdown of what has come up:

2019 – Colmáin

2018 – A Chlann

2017 – Éiceolaí

2016 – Caoineadh Airt Uí Laoghaire

2015 – Colmáin

2014 – Fill Arís

2013 – Éiceolaí

2012 – A Chlann

2023: what we predicted

• The Irish health system – positives, negatives, how this impacts the people of Ireland, mental health
• The Irish language and the Gaeltacht – importance/state of language etc.
• The housing crisis
• The education system in Ireland – advantages, disadvantages, stress of young people
• Sport – benefits, drawbacks, sport in Irish society, women in sport, scandals in sport
• Climate change
• *NOTE* – an essay on young people comes up almost every year so it is a good idea to be able to slant any essay to how it effects young people e.g. how young people use the health system in Ireland, how the housing crisis impacts young people in Ireland etc.

2023 Paper 2: Prós

• Oisín i dTír na nÓg
• An Gnáthrud

2023 Paper 2: Filíocht

• An Spailpín Fánach

2022: what we predicted

• Inequality in Irish society – housing, education, jobs, poverty, alcohol, drugs, crime
• Refugees/immigration/emigration/war
• Political relations (in Ireland and abroad)

2022 Paper 2: Prós

*NOTE* there will be 2 stories on the paper with an option of 2 questions for each story. Candidates answer 1 question on 1 story.

• Cáca Milis/An Lasair Choille

2022 Paper 2: Filíocht

*NOTE* there will be 2 poems on the paper with an option of 2 questions for each poem. Candidates answer 1 question on 1 poem.

• An tEarrach Thiar

2021: what we predicted

• Technology – how it influences our lives/advantages/disadvantages/social media
• The health system in Ireland/mental health in Ireland/alcohol/drugs
• Political leaders in Ireland and around the world
• Homelessness in Ireland
• Inequality in our society – education, health, housing etc.
• Irish language – the current state of the Irish language, future directions, Irish culture
• *NOTE* an essay on young people comes up almost every year so it is a good idea to have a section on young people in all of your essays – e.g. how young people use technology, how young people are affected by politics, how young people use the health system in Ireland etc.

2021 Paper 2: Prós

2021 Paper 2: Filíocht

2020: what we predicted

• Immigration/refugee crisis
• Celebrities/social media
• The health system/ mental health in Ireland
• Young people – advantages/disadvantages of being young, facilities available for young people etc.
• Violence/crime
• *Note* An essay to do with young people is on the paper nearly every year so it is a good idea to have a piece in all of your essays about how this impacts young people eg. how celebrities influence young people, the importance of travel for young people etc. 

2020 Paper 2: Prós

2020 Paper 2: Filíocht

• Mo Ghrá-sa 

2020 Paper 2: Litríocht Bhreise

• Caoineadh Airt Uí Laoghaire

2019: what we predicted

For your reference, this is what we predicted for 2019:

Homelessness and the housing crisis are another important topic to cover this year as it could be asked on its own relating to Ireland, or on a larger scale including topics such as refugees and immigration.

International relations and the role of Donald Trump 

‘Mo ghrá-sa’, second is ‘Colscaradh’

Fill Arís’, then ‘Colmáin’

You may also like: Analysis of the 2019 exam .

• Post author: Martina
• Post published: December 20, 2020
• Post category: Irish / Predictions

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• Jan 28, 2023

Mastering Irish Essay Phrases for Leaving Cert Success - Tips and Tricks for Achieving Success

Updated: Sep 28, 2023

Introduction

Irish essay writing can be challenging for Leaving Certificate students, but mastering a few key phrases can make a big difference in your grade. In this blog post, we will cover some of the most commonly used Irish essay phrases that can help you to improve your writing and achieve success in your exams.

"Introductory Phrases"

• Tá sé seo i gceist: This is the topic at hand

• Tá sé tábhachtach a thabhairt faoi deara: It is important to note

• Is é an chaoi a ndéanann mé: The way I would go about

• Tá sé ábhar dúshlánach: It is a challenging subject

• Déanfaidh mé iarracht: I will attempt

"Transitional Phrases"

• Mar sin féin: Nevertheless

• Ar an gcaoi chéanna: In the same way

• Is é an fhírinne: The truth is

• I gcomparáid le: In comparison to

• Dá réir sin: Therefore

"Concluding Phrases"

• D'fhéadfadh sé a bheith: It could be argued

• Is é mo dhearbhú: My conclusion is

• Ar deireadh: In conclusion

• Tá sé éasca a fháil amach: It is easy to see

What are some common Irish essay phrases that are useful for Leaving Cert students to know?

Some common Irish essay phrases that are useful for Leaving Cert students to know include "ar an gcéad dul síos" (to begin with), "mar shampla" (for example), and "chun an pointe seo" (up to this point).

How can using Irish essay phrases in a Leaving Cert essay help to improve a student's grade?

Using Irish essay phrases in a Leaving Cert essay can help to improve a student's grade by demonstrating their proficiency in the Irish language and their ability to effectively express themselves in it. Additionally, it can also showcase a student's understanding of Irish culture and history which is an important component of the Leaving Cert Irish exam.

By incorporating these commonly used Irish essay phrases into your writing, you can improve the structure and fluency of your essays. Practice using these phrases in your own writing and you will find that your essays will become more polished and effective. Remember to also focus on other important writing skills such as organization, clarity, and strong arguments. With hard work and dedication, you can achieve success in your Leaving Certificate exams.

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Our Irish grinds service offers expert, personalized tutoring to help you achieve your goals. Our team of experienced and knowledgeable instructors will provide individualized support and guidance to ensure that you have the tools and knowledge you need to succeed in your exams.

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Commentaires

Irish - Higher

An important subject to pass at either level, Irish is needed to study at most Irish universities.

The syllabus has changed in recent years to place greater emphasis on spoken Irish so you should try and spend some time in the Gaeltacht if possible. It is worth practicing speaking Irish aloud as often as possible. You'll find some advice on preparing for your Oral on our blog .

Higher Level Course Content:

• AURAL - Comhrá (Conversation)
• AURAL - Phíosa Nuachta (News Pieces)
• AURALS - Fógra (Announcement)
• Poetry - An Spailpín Fánach
• Poetry - An tEarrach Thiar
• Poetry - Colscaradh
• Poetry - Géibheann
• Poetry - Mo Ghrá-sa
• Poetry, extra - A Chlann
• Poetry, extra - Caoineadh AUL
• Poetry, extra - Colmáin
• Poetry, extra - Eiceolai
• Poetry, extra - Fill Aris
• Prose - A thig Ná Tit Orm
• Prose - An Gnáthrud
• Prose - An Lasair Choille
• Prose - An Triail
• Prose - Cáca Milis
• Prose - Canary Wharf
• Prose - Dís
• Prose - Gafa
• Prose - Hurlamaboc
• Prose - Oisín i dTír na nÓg
• Prose - Tóraíocht Dhiarmada agus Ghráinne
• Reading Comprehension
• Sraith Pictiúr 2023
• Sraith Pictiúr 2024
• Studied Poetry (Filiocht Roghnach)
• Studied Prose (Pros Roghnach)
• Write a Debate..
• Write a News/Magazine Article..
• Write a Story..
• Write an Essay..

Ordinary Level Course Content:

• AURAL - Píosa Nuachta (News Pieces)
• Prose - Oisín i dTír na n-Óg
• Write a blog..
• Write a Conversation..
• Write a Letter/email...
• Write about a studied Folk Tale..
• Write about a studied poem (Roghnach)..
• Write about studied film/drama
• Write about Studied prose (roghnach)..
• Write an Essay...

Foundation Level Course Content:

• Fill in a Form..
• Match the pictures with text..
• Reading - A Brochure
• Reading - A Letter
• Reading - Extract
• Reading - Newspaper article
• Reading - Poem
• Write a letter..
• Write a Notice..
• Write from pictures..

Ardleibheal/Higher Level (i)   Bealtriail (The Oral/ speaking exam)  240 marks - 40%

(ii)  The Aural/listening exam. 60 marks - 10%

(iii)  Two written papers.  300 marks - 50% Paper One - 100 marks

•  An Chluastuiscint (listening exam).
• Composition Section with a choice of an essay, a story, a newspaper article or a debate/speech  an Chluastuiscint (listening exam).

Paper Two - 200marks

• First, there are two reading comprehensions usually connected to cultural affairs, famous people, current affairs, etc.
• Then there are questions on compulsory prose and poetry. There are four stories and one film/drama on the prose course which are also on the ordinary level paper. There is a question on a theme or character or an aspect of the story or film.
• Students must answer a poetry question, Filíocht Ainmnithe or Filíocht Roghnach.
• Drama/Biography/Short Stories/Bealoideas. You are required to write about an Irish language drama that you've studied

Gnathleibheal/Ordinary Level (i) Bealtriail: The Oral exam is an important part of the exam. 240 marks - 40% 

(ii) The Aural/listening exam. 60 marks - 10%

(iii) There are two written papers (50%) - Paper one is worth 100 marks and paper two is worth 200 marks Paper One – 100 marks

• An Chluastuiscint (listening exam)
• A Written Composition Section with a choice out of:  a letter, conversation, story or paragraph. Usually, these options are topics that you will have studied for the Oral exam.

Paper Two - 200 marks

• Two reading comprehensions, one usually about a famous person and the other about something to do with young people, current affairs etc.
• Questions on compulsory prose and poetry. Students must answer two questions from sections 2A, 2B, 3A or 3B.

Bonnleibheal/Foundation Level

The main part of this course is Listening and Speaking. There is one written paper only and this is very similar to Junior Cert Ordinary level consisting mostly of reading comprehensions. There are no prescribed prose or poetry sections in this course. However, you may be asked questions about an unseen poem.

Future Careers with Leaving Certificate Irish

Irish is a requirement for entry into a number of third-level courses. Future careers include Teaching, Translation, working in Gaeltacht areas, Garda, Lawyer.

Download the Leaving Cert Irish Syllabus

Download the Leaving Cert Irish Chief Examiner's Report   (2017) 

Download the Leaving Cert Irish Teachers Guidelines

Past Papers

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Leaving Cert Papers, News, Notes, Tips and Resources

Higher Level Exam Papers

2019 P1 2019 P2 2019 sound 2018 P1 2018 P2 2018 sound 2017 P1 2017 P2 2017 sound 2016 P1 2016 P2 2016 sound 2015 P1 2015 P2 2015 sound 2014 P1 2014 P2 2014 sound 2013 P1 2013 P2 2013 sound 2012 P1 2012 P2 2012 sound 2011 P1 2011 P2 2011 Aural 2011 sound 2010 P1 2010 P2 2010 Aural 2010 sound 2009 P1 2009 P2 2009 Aural 2009 sound 2008 P1 2008 P2 2008 Aural 2008 sound 2007 P1 2007 P2 2007 Aural 2007 sound 2006 P1 2006 P2 2006 aural 2006 sound

Ordinary Level Exam Papers

2019 P1 2019 P2 2019 sound 2018 P1 2018 P2 2018 sound 2017 P1 2017 P2 2017 sound 2016 P1 2016 P2 2016 sound 2015 P1 2015 P2 2015 sound 2014 P1 2014 P2 2014 sound 2013 P1 2013 P2 2013 sound 2012 P1 2012 P2 2012 sound 2011 P1 2011 P2 2011 Aural 2011 sound 2010 P1 2010 P2 2010 Aural 2010 sound 2009 P1 2009 P2 2009 Aural 2009 sound 2008 P1 2008 P2 2008 Aural 2008 sound 2007 P1 2007 P2 2007 Aural 2007 Sound

Foundation Level Exam Papers

2019 2019 sound 2018 2018 sound 2017 2017 sound 2016 2016 sound 2015 2015 sound 2014 2014 sound 2013 2013 sound 2012 2012 sound 2011 2011 sound 2010 2010 sound 2009 2008 2007

Higher Level Marking Schemes

2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006

Ordinary Level Marking Schemes

2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007

Foundation Level Marking Schemes

2 thoughts on “Irish”

what ponts acn you recieve for irish foundation in leaving cert

in foundation you can get:

A1 20 points A2 15 points B1 10 points B2 5 points B3 0 points C1 0 points C2 0 points C3 0 points D1 0 points D2 0 points D3 0 points

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Schools ill-equipped to deliver Leaving Cert reforms, say science teachers

Plan to allocate 40% for research projects ‘cannot be implemented’ unless all schools have sufficient laboratory resources.

The Minister has previously said that the changes are aimed at reducing pressure on students so results will not be determined by performance on a single day in the written Leaving Cert exams. Photograph: PA

Science teachers say most schools are ill-equipped to deliver new Leaving Cert reforms which will require students to complete laboratory-based research projects to be worth 40 per cent of their marks.

Senior cycle students will be required to complete research investigations from fifth year onwards in subjects such as physics, biology and chemistry.

The changes, aimed at reducing pressure facing students in the written exams at the end of sixth year and broadening how they are assessed, are due to be introduced to schools from September 2025.

However, in a report presented to Minister for Education Norma Foley , the Irish Science Teachers’ Association has expressed concern about the capacity of schools to deliver these changes.

Sharp rise in sexual images generated by primary school pupils, Foley warns

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‘We’re haemorrhaging young blood to greener pastures’: Teachers on prospects for new entrants

No megaphones or slow handclaps: why Norma Foley can expect easier ride at this year’s teachers’ conferences

In a poll of 320 teachers, the association says a large majority (82 per cent) do not feel they have sufficient resources to support these changes. A lack of access to laboratories, the absence of laboratory technicians in schools and access to equipment were all cited as big problems.

The report also says these additional components will “seriously impact” the availability of school laboratories to other classes such as Junior Cycle and transition year students, with less practical work carried out as a result.

It says this may also affect the availability of teachers for students who wish to participate in the BT Young Scientist Exhibition and other extracurricular activities.

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The proposed changes are contained in draft curriculum specifications for Leaving Cert biology, chemistry and physics, drawn up by the State’s advisory body on the curriculum.

In addition, more than 90 per cent of teachers have expressed dissatisfaction with the allocation of 40 per cent of marks to these research components.

Most teachers felt this was too much. The most popular choice of marks for this coursework was 20 per cent, with the next most popular option being 10 per cent.

The association’s report maintains that such a heavy weighting of marks will result in additional stress on teachers and students, as well as increasing the risk of cheating associated with the use of AI and other tools.

Teachers also identified “major problems” with the clarity of learning outcomes in the draft syllabus for physics, chemistry and biology and favoured a list of mandatory student laboratory investigations to be conducted during the course.

The association proposes that marks for the research investigations be reduced to 20 per cent or 10 per cent for several years on a trial basis. It also calls for funding to ensure all schools have access to laboratory resources and equipment, as well as technical support from laboratory technicians.

If funding is not provided, it says alternative assessment models should be considered, such as an oral exam or marks allocated for evidence in students’ laboratory notebooks of their practical work.

Ms Foley has previously said that the changes are aimed at reducing pressure on students so their results will not be determined by their performance on a single day in the written Leaving Cert exams.

When asked recently if all schools will have access to laboratory equipment in the same way, she said: “I’ll be straight up and honest and say we cannot do everything overnight ... but it be our absolute intention that, where schools are stepping forward in any of the new subjects, that they will be supported to meet the challenges that the new subject provides. We’re committed to doing that.”

She added: “Since becoming Minister, a consistent message coming through is that our senior cycle students want broader choice and reduced pressure. That is why we are developing new specifications for senior cycle subjects with additional assessed components so that a student’s overall result will not be determined by their performance on one day in June.”

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Carl O'Brien

Carl O'Brien is Education Editor of The Irish Times. He was previously chief reporter and social affairs correspondent

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