Subject content
A new Leaving Certificate Chemistry specification will be introduced for fifth year students in September 2025.
Leaving Certificate Chemistry aims to develops students' curiosity, enthusiasm and enjoyment for studying Chemistry. It seeks to nurture students to become scientifically literate citizens and life-long learners, supporting the development of a wide range of key competencies, and equipping students for the challenges and opportunities of their futures.
Key Components
- Unifying Strand: The Nature of Science
- Strand 1: Nature of Matter
- Strand 2: Behaviour of Matter
- Strand 3: Interactions of Matter
- Strand 4: Matter in our World
Exam Structure
60% Written Paper
On above strands
40% Chemistry in Practice Investigation
This involves students completing a piece of work during the course and, in Year 2, submitting for marking to the State Examinations Commission (SEC), evidence of their ability to conduct scientific research on a particular issue and to use appropriate primary data to investigate aspects of that issue.
Comment
It is recommended that a student undertaking the course has a good understanding of Junior Cycle Science at the higher level
Each student should have an aptitude and interest for laboratory work.
A student would be expected to have a reasonable level of Junior Cert Maths, either at higher or ordinary level.