Senior Cycle at Elphin Community College
📘 Senior Cycle Overview
Senior Cycle is a two-year programme for students in 5th and 6th Year. It supports students as they prepare for further education, training, apprenticeships, employment and life beyond school.
At Elphin Community College, students are supported to deepen subject knowledge, develop independent learning skills, prepare for State Examinations and make informed choices about future pathways.
✅ Key Features of Senior Cycle
- Two-year programme: 5th Year and 6th Year
- Wide range of subject options
- Preparation for Leaving Certificate examinations
- Subject-specific coursework, practical work and oral examinations where applicable
- Guidance support for CAO, PLCs, apprenticeships, training and employment pathways
- Focus on independence, responsibility and future planning
📚 Subject Options
Students choose subjects based on their interests, strengths, future course requirements and career plans. Guidance support is available to help students make informed choices.
Note: Subject availability may vary depending on student demand, staffing, timetabling and school planning.
📝 Assessment in Senior Cycle
Assessment in Senior Cycle may include final written examinations, coursework, projects, practical work, oral examinations, aural examinations and other subject-specific components.
Additional Assessment Components
Many new and redeveloped Senior Cycle subjects include Additional Assessment Components, known as AACs. The format and weighting may vary depending on the subject.
- Projects
- Practical work
- Research assignments
- Oral or presentation tasks
- Coursework completed over time
Final Examinations
- Take place at the end of 6th Year
- Set and marked by the State Examinations Commission
- Remain an important part of Leaving Certificate assessment
- Students should check official timetables and deadlines carefully
Important: Assessment details differ from subject to subject. Students should follow guidance from their subject teachers and check official examination information.
💼 LCVP – Link Modules
The Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme supports students in developing skills connected to enterprise, work, community and future pathways.
- Enterprise education
- Work experience
- Preparation for the world of work
- Portfolio development
- Communication and presentation skills
🧭 Careers Guidance and Future Pathways
Guidance support plays an important role during Senior Cycle. Students are encouraged to research future options and make informed choices.
- One-to-one and group guidance support
- CAO information and application support
- PLC, apprenticeship, training and employment options
- Subject choice and course requirement advice
- Guest speakers and career-related events
👩🎓 For Students
- Choose subjects carefully based on your interests, strengths and future plans.
- Keep track of coursework, project and practical deadlines.
- Speak to Guidance before making major decisions about future pathways.
- Use a planner or calendar to organise study, homework and revision.
- Ask for help early if you are unsure about any part of a subject or assessment.
👨👩👧 For Parents/Guardians
- Discuss subject choices and future plans with your son/daughter.
- Check course requirements for college, PLCs, apprenticeships or training routes.
- Encourage strong attendance, especially near coursework, oral and practical deadlines.
- Support regular study routines at home.
- Contact the school early if you have concerns about progress, attendance or wellbeing.
🔄 Senior Cycle Redevelopment
Senior Cycle is being redeveloped nationally. The aim is to enhance the student experience, broaden learning, and provide a greater range of ways for students to demonstrate their learning.
The redevelopment of subjects is being introduced in phases. Timelines may change, so students and parents/guardians should refer to the NCCA website for the most up-to-date information.
2025 Tranche 1
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Business
- Climate Action and Sustainable Development
- Drama, Film and Theatre Studies
2026 Tranche 2
- Construction Studies
- Engineering
- Geography
- LCVP Link Modules
- Physical Education
- Accounting and English postponed until at least September 2027
Important: Senior Cycle redevelopment is a national process and details may change. Always check the official NCCA information for current updates.
💡 In Simple Terms
- Senior Cycle is mainly 5th and 6th Year.
- Students choose subjects that suit their interests, strengths and future plans.
- Assessment may include exams, coursework, practicals and oral exams.
- Guidance support helps students plan for life after school.
- Senior Cycle subjects are being updated nationally over time.
📞 Further Information
If you would like more information about Senior Cycle at Elphin Community College, please contact the school.
Email: info.elphin@gretb.ie
Phone: 071 9635031