NCCA - An Comhairle Náisiúnta Curaclaim agus Measúnachta - National Council for Curriculum and Assessment NCCA - An Comhairle Náisiúnta Curaclaim agus Measúnachta - National Council for Curriculum and Assessment

Biology

Biology is defined as the scientific study of life. Nature is remarkable and composed of a wide variety of simple and complex systems. Biology attempts to describe and explain these systems with regards to the organisation of life, its structures and processes and the interactions between living things and their environment. In doing so, biology allows us to understand all of life in the past, present and future.

The first step in the redevelopment of Leaving Certificate Biology was the development of a Background paper and brief for the review of the subject. 

The Background Paper for the review of Leaving Certificate Physics, Chemistry and Biology and the supporting consultation report on same are available to download below:

The Development Group for Leaving Certificate Biology was convened on 13th September 2019 and progressed the development of the new specification guided by the brief and the findings of the consultation on the Background paper.  

The draft Leaving Certificate Physics, Chemistry and Biology specifications were made available for national public consultation from December 2023 to February 2024. The aim of this consultation was to seek the open and honest views of the public in relation to the curriculum and assessment arrangements in the draft specifications. The feedback from this consultation helped to inform the work of the Leaving Certificate Biology Development Group in refining the draft specification prior to final approval and publication. The report on the consultation of the draft LC Physics, Chemistry and Biology specifications are available to download below:

The consultation period ran from Friday the 8th of December until Friday the 23rd of February, 2023.

The consultation involved in-depth engagement with a wide variety of stakeholders across Ireland. NCCA also contacted schools to participate in school-based focus groups involving teachers, students and school leaders.

The feedback from this consultation helped to inform the work of the Leaving Certificate Biology Development Group in refining the draft specification prior to final approval and publication.

Agreed short descriptions of meetings that have taken place can be accessed below:

A new specification for Leaving Certificate Biology has been developed, to be introduced for fifth year students in September 2025, replacing the current Leaving Certificate Biology syllabus which will be examined for the last time in June 2026. 

Both the new specification and current syllabus can be found at:

The development of a new Leaving Certificate Biology specification began in November 2006. The draft specification was published for consultation in 2012. The consultation report is available here.

The specification for Biology included a proposal for practical assessment. A trial of the practical assessment by the SEC was undertaken and completed in 2018. The draft specification was reviewed in light of the trial, and the consultations, but it was not implemented.

The Biology Development Group consisted of the nominees from a range of education stakeholders including teacher and management bodies, Department of Education and Skills, and the State Examinations Commission.