In Scoil Mhuire Kanturk (SMK) the Senior Cycle curriculum is made up of core subjects and option subjects.
Core Subjects (Examination)
Levels: Higher and Ordinary
Levels: Higher, Ordinary and Foundation
Levels: Higher, Ordinary and Foundation
Core subjects are assessed at higher, ordinary and foundation levels in Mathematics and English while Gaeilge is examined at higher and ordinary levels. Some students may be exempted from the study of Gaeilge in accordance with circular letter 0055/2022.
Core Subjects (Non Examination)
In addition to core examination subjects, students also study the following non-examination subjects:
Information: As a CEIST school, students will be provided with the opportunity to study Religious Education.
Information: Students will be timetabled to study career options and learn the processes involved in progressing to future education and work options.
Information: Students will be encouraged to remain physically active throughout Senior Cycle.
Information: Students will complete a mandatory programme of RSE during Senior Cycle.
Optional Subjects (Examination)
In addition to the core subjects all Senior Cycle students’ study four additional subjects. In SMK the following 16 option subjects are available to students to select from:
Students select their option subjects prior to entry to fifth year. Option blocks are drawn up based on student preferences. Students may me examined at either higher or ordinary level in each of these subjects.
Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP)
In SMK we offer LCVP to students. This is a Leaving Certificate with a focus on enterprise and preparation for working life. This two-year programme combines the academic strengths of the Leaving Certificate with a dynamic focus on self-directed learning, enterprise, work and the community. In most ways the LCVP is like the established Leaving Certificate. LCVP students take two additional courses, called Link Modules, in the areas of Preparation for the World of Work and Enterprise Education.
The programme runs in SMK subject to student demand.
Senior Cycle Redevelopment
In March 2022, the Minister for Education Norma Foley, TD announced plans for a reimagined Senior Cycle, Equity and Excellence for All, where the student is at the centre of their Senior Cycle experience. In setting out her plan, the Minister requested NCCA to prepare a schedule of senior cycle subjects to be reviewed and redeveloped. It is envisaged that all subjects will have an additional assessment component which will be worth at least 40% of the final mark in each subject.
The tables below show the schedule of introduction of SMK subjects in 2025 and 2026:
| Senior Cycle Redevelopment September 2025 subjects |
|---|
| Biology |
| Business |
| Chemistry |
| Physics |
| Senior Cycle Redevelopment September 2026 subjects |
|---|
| Accounting |
| Construction Studies |
| English |
| Geography |
| LCVP – Link Modules |
If you could not attend our Parents Information Evening on Senior Cycle Program Choices & Subject Options, or just need a refresher the slides from our Presenters are available to view below.
Parental Presentation on DD Month YYYY
Various Presenters