The Senior Cycle refers to the final two to three years of secondary education in Ireland, typically attended by students aged 15 to 18. It follows the Junior Cycle and prepares students for further education, employment, and adult life. Here are the key aspects of the Senior Cycle:

Structure: The Senior Cycle generally spans two years, known as fifth and sixth year. However, there is an optional Transition Year (TY) between Junior Cycle and fifth year, making it a three-year cycle for those who choose to participate in TY.

Transition Year (TY): This optional one-year program is designed to offer students a broad educational experience, focusing on personal development, social skills, and work experience. It is not exam-oriented and allows students to explore various subjects and activities.

Curriculum: The curriculum in the Senior Cycle is diverse, offering a range of subjects from different areas:

Core Subjects: English, Mathematics, and Irish (unless exempt).

Optional Subjects: Students can choose from various subjects in the Humanities, Languages, Arts, Business, Science, and Pracital Faculties, see all options below. 

Vocational Programmes: These include the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP) and the Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA), which provide practical and vocational education.

Leaving Certificate Examination: At the end of the Senior Cycle, students take the Leaving Certificate Examination, which is crucial for gaining entry into higher education institutions and certain employment sectors. The exams are held in June and cover the subjects studied during the Senior Cycle.

Assessment: The assessment for the Leaving Certificate includes written exams, oral exams (for language subjects), practical exams (for subjects like Art and Home Economics), and project work (for subjects like Technology and Geography).

Senior Cycle Programmes:

Traditional Leaving Certificate: The most common program, focusing on academic subjects.

Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP): Combines academic subjects with vocationally oriented modules.

Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA): Focuses on practical and vocational skills, intended for students who may not wish to pursue traditional academic routes.

Key Skills: The Senior Cycle aims to develop key skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and independent learning, preparing students for further education, training, and employment.

Further Education and Career Preparation: The Senior Cycle is designed to help students prepare for various post-secondary pathways, including university, technical and vocational education, apprenticeships, and direct entry into the workforce.

The Senior Cycle is a critical phase in Irish education, providing students with the knowledge, skills, and qualifications needed for their future educational and career aspirations.

Students have the option of choosing 4 subjects from the list of 19 available subjects, in addition to the 3 core subjects; English, Irish and Maths