Senior Cycle Programme Structure
A broad programme of core subjects, optional subjects and learning opportunities for students at Grange Post Primary School.
The Leaving Certificate programme at Grange PPS provides students with a broad range of subjects and learning opportunities. Students study the core subjects of English, Irish and Mathematics, together with four optional subjects selected from the subject bands available each year.
Students entering Fifth Year from September 2026 will also study the Life, Community and Work programme (previously LCVP).
Programme Overview
| Programme Area | Subjects and Information |
|---|---|
| Core Examination Subjects | English, Irish and Mathematics |
| Non Examination Core Subjects | Physical Education, Career Guidance and RSE |
| Optional Subjects | Art, Engineering, Geography, Home Economics, Music, Construction Studies, DCG, Technology, Biology, Agricultural Science, Physics/Chemistry, French, Spanish and Business, History, Physics, Chemistry |
| Subject Selection | Students normally select four optional subjects. Subject bands are created each year based on student demand, staffing and timetable availability. |
| Additional Programme Option | Leaving Certificate Life, Community and Work replaces LCVP for students beginning Fifth Year. |
Summary of Changes to the Senior Cycle Programme
The Leaving Certificate is being revised nationally. Changes are being introduced subject by subject and apply when students begin Fifth Year. Students who have already started a two-year course will remain on the syllabus and assessment arrangements for their year group.
What Is Changing?
Each new or revised subject includes an Additional Assessment Component worth at least 40% of the final marks. Depending on the subject, this may be a project, investigation, portfolio or practical assessment. These components are set and externally assessed by the State Examinations Commission. Students will also sit a written State examination.
Changes Introduced in September 2025
Students who entered Fifth Year in September 2025 are following revised courses in Biology and Business, where selected.
Biology: Biology in Practice Investigation 40%; written examination 60%.
Business: Business Alive Investigative Study 40%; written examination 60%.
Changes from September 2026
Students entering Fifth Year in September 2026 will follow the following revised courses where they are offered by Grange PPS.
Engineering: Design and Manufacture Project 50%; written examination 50%.
Geography: Applied Geography Project 40%; written examination 60%.
Construction Technology: Exploring the Constructed Environment 30%; Craft Skills Assessment 20%; written examination 50%. Construction Technology is a new and revised course that replaces the current Construction Studies syllabus.
Changes to LCVP
From September 2026, Leaving Certificate Life, Community and Work will replace the current Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme for students entering Fifth Year.
Life, Community and Work: Portfolio in Action 60%; written examination 40%.
Information reviewed: June 2026
Senior Cycle Redevelopment – What it means for your young person