At Mungret Community College, we are committed to providing the best possible educational experience for all our students. We want to keep you informed about an exciting and significant development in Irish education: the Senior Cycle Redevelopment. This national initiative aims to enhance the learning experience for students in their final years of secondary school, making it more engaging, relevant, and better preparing them for their future pathways, whether that be further education, training, or employment.
What is the Senior Cycle Redevelopment?
The Senior Cycle Redevelopment is a multi-year programme of change being introduced by the Department of Education. It is not about completely overhauling the Leaving Certificate, but rather about evolving and enriching it to meet the diverse needs and aspirations of today's students. The key goals include:
- Increased Student Choice and Flexibility: Offering a broader range of subjects and learning experiences to cater to individual interests and talents.
- Enhanced Teaching and Learning: Moving towards more active and student-centered approaches, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.
- New Assessment Methods: Introducing a wider variety of assessment methods beyond the traditional terminal exam, recognizing different forms of learning and skills.
- Stronger Connections to Further Education and Employment: Ensuring the Senior Cycle equips students with the skills and knowledge needed for their next steps.
- Wellbeing at the Core: Placing a greater emphasis on student wellbeing and holistic development.

I begin fifth year in 2025
If you are due to start fifth year in 2025, the following changes apply to you:
- The following subjects will have a revised curriculum (called ‘specifications’): Business, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Arabic, Latin, and Ancient Greek (Tranche 1 subjects).
- These subjects will feature an externally assessed component(s).
- Additional component(s) will not be a traditional written exam.
- Additional component(s) will be externally assessed by the State Examinations Commission.