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Chemistry

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. More specifically, Leaving Certificate Chemistry aims to empower students to build knowledge and understanding of specified core concepts and fundamental principles of chemistry; apply this knowledge to explain, analyse, solve problems and predict events in a variety of chemical systems and interactions; demonstrate inquiry and practical skills consistent with the principles and practices of chemistry and understand how society and science are interwoven, the everyday relevance and the ethical implications of chemistry.

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 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 Chemistry 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 induction meeting for the new development group for Leaving Certificate Chemistry took place on September 13th 2019 in Athlone and a series of meetings will take place in the subsequent months.

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

 

A new specification for Leaving Certificate Chemistry has been developed, to be introduced for fifth year students in September 2025, replacing the current Leaving Certificate Chemistry 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 Leaving Certificate Chemistry specification began in November 2006. The draft specification was published for consultation in 2012. The consultation report is available here.

 

This specification for chemistry 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 not implemented.

The Chemistry 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.