Additional Assessment Components (AACs)
Information on the revised Leaving Certificate specifications, assessment weightings and key dates for subjects offered at St. Columba's College, Stranorlar.
What are Additional Assessment Components?
Senior Cycle Redevelopment is introducing updated subject specifications and new forms of assessment alongside the traditional Leaving Certificate written examinations.
Additional Assessment Components (AACs) allow students to demonstrate their knowledge, understanding and skills through investigations, projects, practical assessments and portfolios.
These assessments contribute directly to students' final Leaving Certificate results and are assessed by the State Examinations Commission (SEC).
Tranche 1 - September 2025
First Leaving Certificate examination: June 2027.
The revised specifications for Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Business were introduced in September 2025. They apply to students entering Fifth Year from that date onwards.
Biology
Biology in Practice Investigation
Students undertake a scientific investigation, demonstrating their experimental, analytical and problem-solving skills.
First Examination: Leaving Certificate 2027
AAC Deadline: 26 February 2027
Chemistry
Chemistry in Practice Investigation
Students complete an investigation applying chemistry knowledge, practical techniques and data analysis.
First Examination: Leaving Certificate 2027
AAC Deadline: 23 April 2027
Physics
Physics in Practice Investigation
Students investigate a physics-related question using experimental methods and scientific analysis.
First Examination: Leaving Certificate 2027
AAC Deadline: 11 December 2026
Business
Business Alive Investigative Study
Students undertake an investigative study applying business concepts to a real-world context.
First Examination: Leaving Certificate 2027
AAC Deadline: 12 March 2027
Tranche 2 - September 2026
First Leaving Certificate examination: June 2028.
The following revised specifications were introduced for students entering Fifth Year in September 2026.
Construction Technology
Previously Construction StudiesExploring the Constructed Environment (30%) and Craft Skills Assessment (20%)
Students complete an investigation of the constructed environment and a practical craft skills assessment.
First Examination: Leaving Certificate 2028
AAC Deadline: To be confirmed
Engineering
Engineering Design and Manufacture Project
Students design, manufacture and evaluate an engineering project, applying technical and practical skills.
First Examination: Leaving Certificate 2028
AAC Deadline: To be confirmed
Geography
Applied Geography Project
Students complete an applied geographical investigation involving research, analysis and geographical skills.
First Examination: Leaving Certificate 2028
AAC Deadline: To be confirmed
Physical Education
Physical Education Assessment Components
Students demonstrate their knowledge and application of physical education through practical and project-based assessment.
First Examination: Leaving Certificate 2028
AAC Deadline: To be confirmed
Life, Community and Work
Replacing LCVP Link ModulesPortfolio in Action
Students develop a portfolio of learning and use evidence from it to respond to an assessment brief.
First Examination: Leaving Certificate 2028
AAC Deadline: To be confirmed
AAC Calendar
The calendar below provides important dates for Additional Assessment Components (AACs), including assessment windows and submission deadlines. Students and parents are encouraged to check regularly for updates.
Future Subject Developments
The introduction of revised specifications for Accounting and English has been delayed.
Accounting
The revised Leaving Certificate Accounting specification is planned for introduction no earlier than September 2027.
Further information about assessment arrangements and AAC weightings will be published as the specification development process continues.
NCCA Accounting Information →English
The introduction of the revised Leaving Certificate English specification has been postponed.
Students will continue to follow the existing specification until new arrangements are officially introduced.
NCCA English Information →Mathematics
Leaving Certificate Mathematics is included in Tranche 3 of Senior Cycle Redevelopment. Its introduction has been deferred until at least September 2028.
The revised specification is currently under development, with public consultation taking place during 2026.
Details of the Additional Assessment Component, its weighting and assessment arrangements have not yet been finalised.
NCCA Mathematics Information →Useful Resources
For further information on Senior Cycle Redevelopment, subject specifications and assessment arrangements, please visit the following official websites.
Please Note: AAC deadlines are determined by the State Examinations Commission and may be subject to change.
The published 2027 deadlines relate to the first cohort completing the redeveloped Tranche 1 subjects. Students should follow instructions provided by their subject teachers.