The Senior Cycle Programme
Senior students at Coláiste Phádraig take the following core subjects in the two-year Leaving Certificate Programme:
- English
- Maths
- Irish
- Physical Education (non-exam)
- Religion (non-exam)
- SPHE (Introduced in 5th Year in September 2026) (non-exam)
In addition to the above, students choose four of the following option subjects:
- French
- German
- Engineering
- Design and Communications Graphics (DCG)
- Construction Studies
- Art
- History
- Geography
- Physics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Economics
- Business Studies
- Computer Science
- Home Economics
- Physical Education
- Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP)
Subjects can be taken at either Higher or Ordinary Level
All students are encouraged and supported to study their subjects at the highest level appropriate to them.
In third year, the following process assists students and parents in making informed choices regarding course and subject choice for senior cycle:
- A Study Skills Seminar in September of Third Year to help students get off to a good start in their Junior Certificate year
- Aptitude Testing is carried out and the results are used to assist students in identifying their particular areas of strength
- An Information Evening on Senior Cycle Programmes and Senior Cycle Subjects is organised for all Third Year students and parents
- Each student who opts to go directly into Fifth Year has, at least one, one to one careers counselling session with his guidance counsellor prior to making his decision as to his choice of programme, and subjects, for Senior Cycle
- Students are informed of their Programme and Senior Cycle Subjects in April/May
Subject to there being sufficient resources being made available by the Department of Education and Skills and subject to their being sufficient demand to justify the provision of a subject option, management reserves the right, on an annual basis, to determine the range and level of subjects provided.
Assessment
Pupils are assessed continuously throughout the school year in a variety of ways including written work, project work, oral work and examinations. Results of House Examinations are sent home at Christmas and summer. Trial examinations for the Junior and Leaving Certificate take place in February and results are communicated to parents.