The New Leaving Certificate

The Science Series: 1. Biology

The New Curriculum Biology is one of the seven subjects being rolled out for Fifth years in 2025 (for examination in 2027)

The new curriculum is designed to support both a practical investigation and a terminal written exam.

The topics for study are grouped into three main strands:

·       Organisation of Life

·       Structures and Processes of Life

·       Interactions of Life

And will include the familiar:

Taxonomy, ecology, biochemistry, cells, plant life & functions, genetics, and human breathing, circulation, digestion, excretion, reproduction, nervous system, endocrine system, musculoskeletal system and immune system.

While the topics to be studied have not changed significantly, the focus has:

Students will be encouraged to explore ‘the ethical, social, economic and environmental implications and applications of biology’ and ‘contemporary issues in biology that affect their everyday lives’. [1]

There is greater focus on the scientific method, investigative skills and ways to communicate findings including illustrations, sketches, graphs, charts, tables and photographs.

Students will learn to interrogate and interpret data, both primary and secondary. The use of digital technology is more explicitly acknowledged, and students are encouraged to use scientific books, newspapers, magazines, professional journals, government reports and online sources including videos, podcasts etc.

Students design their own experiment or field study in response to SEC Investigation Brief

The Investigation

40% of the final grade will be attained through a practical investigation based on an Investigation Brief released by the State Examinations Commission (SEC) in term 2 of Fifth year.  Each student will develop a research question on a particular issue in response to the Investigation Brief and design and carry out an experiment or field study, then analyse and present their findings, to include both in-cite referencing and a separate reference section. Teachers will guide the process and enable laboratory work but cannot intervene or correct any part of the students’ individual work.  The final report will be sent to the SEC in 6^th year for correction.

The Exam

The terminal exam carries 60% of the final grade.

It will be shorter than the previous exam format but provide fewer choices.

There will be 7 Multipart Questions: 

The first is compulsory

A further five from the remaining 6 questions must be answered.

Sample Papers: Senior Cycle Redevelopment - State Examination Commission

References:

Curriculum Specification for Leaving Certificate Biology Dep of Education August 2024

What does the new LC Biology specification mean to teachers and students? - Gill Education Senior Cycle Redevelopment - State Examination Commission

[1] Curriculum Specification for Leaving Certificate Biology Dep of Education August 2024