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Senior Cycle

Senior Cycle at Enfield Community College

Overview

At Enfield Community College, the Senior Cycle (5th–6th Year) builds on the foundations of the Junior Cycle and prepares students for further education, training, and life beyond school.
The Senior Cycle aims to develop independent, responsible learners who are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make informed decisions about their futures.
Students can pursue one of several pathways depending on their interests, abilities, and goals:
  • Established Leaving Certificate (LC)
  • Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP)

Established Leaving Certificate (LC)

The Established Leaving Certificate is a two-year programme culminating in examinations set by the State Examinations Commission (SEC).
It provides a broad and balanced education while offering opportunities for depth in chosen subject areas.

Core Subjects

All students study:
  • English
  • Irish (unless exempt)
  • Mathematics

Common Additional Subjects

  • Religious Education
  • Physical Education (non-exam)
  • Career Guidance
  • SPHE
  • Wellbeing modules

Optional Subjects

Students then choose four additional subjects from a wide range that may include:
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Agricultural Science
  • Business
  • Accounting
  • Applied Maths
  • Economics
  • Geography
  • History
  • Home Economics
  • Art
  • Music
  • Engineering
  • Construction Studies
  • Design & Communication Graphics (DCG)
  • Modern Foreign Languages (French / Spanish)
  • Politics and Society
Each subject is generally assessed through terminal written exams in June, although some include practical, oral, or project components.

Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP)

The LCVP is an enhanced Leaving Certificate that combines traditional academic subjects with a strong focus on enterprise, work experience, and personal development.

To qualify, students must:

Take at least five Leaving Certificate subjects, including Irish, English, and Mathematics Include a modern European language
Study two subjects from specific Vocational Subject Groupings (VSGs)
  • Classroom-Based Assessments (CBAs) in 2nd and 3rd Year
  • Assessment Tasks worth 10% of the final grade (following the 3rd Year CBA)
  • Final Examinations in June of 3rd Year

In addition, students complete Link Modules:

  • Preparation for the World of Work
  • Enterprise Education

Assessment includes:

  • Portfolio of Coursework (60%)
  • Written Examination (40%)
  • LCVP is an excellent choice for students who enjoy practical, career-focused learning alongside academic study.

Assessment & Certification

Established Leaving Certificate

  • Grades are awarded on a H1–H8 (Higher Level) and O1–O8 (Ordinary Level) scale.
  • Subjects may include written, oral, aural, and practical components depending on the subject.
Grade % RangePoints (Higher Level). Points (Ordinary Level)
H1 / O1
90 – 100
100
56
H2 / O2
80 – 89
88
46
H3 / O3
70 – 79
77
37
H4 / O4
60 – 69
66
28
H5 / O5
50 – 59
56
20
H6 / O6
40 – 49
46
12
H7 / O7
30 – 39
37
0
H8 / O8
0 – 29
0
0

LCVP

Grades are awarded as:
  • Distinction (80–100%)
  • Merit (65–79%)
  • Note: The Link Modules in the LCVP are awarded a maximum of 66 CAO points for a Distinction (46 for Merit, 28 for Pass).

Supports for Senior Students

Guidance & Career Counselling

Students receive individual and group guidance sessions on:
  • Subject choice and course planning
  • CAO, UCAS, and apprenticeship options
  • Career exploration and aptitude testing
  • Mental health and wellbeing support

Learning Support & SEN

Tailored support is available for students with additional learning needs through:
  • Team-teaching and small-group tuition
  • Reasonable accommodations for state exams (RACE)
  • Assistive technology and resource support
  • Collaboration with NEPS and external services

Pastoral Care

  • A strong pastoral care structure ensures students feel supported academically and personally.
  • Class Tutors and Wellbeing Co-Ordinators monitor progress and wellbeing
  • The Care Team meets regularly to identify and support students in need
  • A mentoring culture encourages positive senior leadership roles

Study & Wellbeing

  • Study skills workshops and supervised study sessions
  • Mindfulness, stress management, and wellbeing initiatives
  • Peer mentoring and student leadership opportunities

Our Approach to Senior Learning

Our Senior Cycle is about more than exams — it’s about helping students discover their potential, prepare for their next steps, and develop the confidence to take on the world.
We aim for students to leave Enfield Community College as:
  • Confident learners
  • Responsible citizens
  • Kind and capable young adults

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