Senior Cycle education in Ireland is undergoing significant changes, with revised subject specifications, new approaches to assessment and an increased emphasis on student learning, skills and development.
At St. Columba's College, we are committed to supporting students, parents, guardians and teachers as these changes are introduced. This page provides information on Senior Cycle Redevelopment, including the rollout of revised subjects, Additional Assessment Components (AACs), key dates and useful resources.
Senior Cycle Redevelopment is a national initiative led by the Department of Education and Youth, with curriculum development undertaken by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA).
The redevelopment aims to provide students with a broader and more inclusive learning experience, while recognising a wider range of knowledge, skills and abilities.
Some of the key changes include:
These changes are being introduced gradually over several years, with subjects organised into five groups known as tranches.
Revised Leaving Certificate subject specifications are being introduced in stages between 2025 and 2029. Students will follow the specification applicable to their year of entry into Fifth Year.
The following table highlights subjects offered at St. Columba's College and their planned introduction under Senior Cycle Redevelopment.
| Tranche | Introduction | Subjects Offered at St. Columba's |
|---|---|---|
| Tranche 1 | September 2025 | Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Business |
| Tranche 2 | September 2026 | Construction Studies, Engineering, Geography, Physical Education, LCVP Link Modules |
| Tranche 3 | September 2027 | Agricultural Science, Computer Science, Design and Communication Graphics, History, Music, Accounting |
| Tranche 4 | September 2028 | Art, Economics, French, Irish, German, Spanish |
| Tranche 5 | September 2029 | Applied Mathematics, Religious Education |
Please note: English, Mathematics and Home Economics have revised implementation timelines, with introduction planned no earlier than September 2028. Accounting has moved to September 2027. National timelines may be subject to further updates.
For the complete national schedule, visit the NCCA Senior Cycle Redevelopment Schedule .
One of the most significant changes introduced through Senior Cycle Redevelopment is the inclusion of Additional Assessment Components (AACs) in revised Leaving Certificate subjects.
AACs allow students to demonstrate their knowledge, understanding and skills through assessment activities other than the traditional final written examination.
Depending on the subject, an AAC may involve an investigation, practical activity, project, portfolio or another form of assessment.
In new and revised Leaving Certificate Established subjects, AACs generally account for at least 40% of the available marks. The precise assessment format and weighting are specified for each subject.
AACs are externally assessed by the State Examinations Commission (SEC), with schools providing the necessary arrangements and support for their completion.
Explore the Additional Assessment Components for subjects offered at St. Columba's College, including assessment weightings, key deadlines and links to official subject specifications.
View Subjects & AAC Information →St. Columba's College is developing a coordinated calendar of Additional Assessment Components to help students, parents, guardians and teachers plan for important assessment periods and deadlines.
As subject assessment arrangements are confirmed, information will be added to this section.
Details of upcoming AAC assessment windows, key dates and submission deadlines will be published here as they are confirmed.
| Subject | Assessment | Dates / Deadlines |
|---|---|---|
| Biology | AAC | Completed |
| Chemistry | AAC | To be confirmed |
| Physics | AAC | To be confirmed |
| Business | AAC | To be confirmed |
This calendar is currently being developed. Students should continue to follow the instructions and deadlines communicated by their subject teachers.
View AAC Calendar →No. Revised specifications are being introduced gradually. Students follow the subject specification applicable when they begin Fifth Year.
Yes. Written examinations remain an important part of the Leaving Certificate. However, in redeveloped subjects, additional assessment components will contribute towards the overall result.
No. While both provide opportunities to assess learning in different ways, AACs form part of the Leaving Certificate assessment process and are externally assessed by the State Examinations Commission.
Information about our Senior Cycle programmes and subjects is available on our Senior Cycle page.
The following websites provide official information on Senior Cycle Redevelopment, revised subject specifications and assessment arrangements.
General information for students, parents and schools.
Updates on curriculum developments and the rollout of revised subjects.
Official subject specifications and curriculum information.
Digital teaching and learning resources.
Professional learning and supports for teachers.
Official examination information and assessment arrangements.
St. Columba's College will continue to update this page as Senior Cycle Redevelopment progresses and further information becomes available.
Students and parents are encouraged to check this page regularly for updates on revised subjects, Additional Assessment Components and important dates.