The consultation on the draft specification for Leaving Certificate Art is now closed.
You can read the draft specification for Leaving Certificate Art here
A new Leaving Certificate Art specification is in development. The current Leaving Certificate Art (including Crafts) syllabus is available here. It is assessed at Higher and Ordinary levels.
The development of a new Leaving Certificate Art specification began in May 2017.
The background paper focused on the current state of the subject and the recent developments with the new Junior Cycle Visual Art specification, current research and developments in art in general as well as curriculums from other jurisdictions.
The Art Development Group consists of the nominees from a range of education stakeholders including teacher and management bodies, Department of Education and Skills, and the State Examinations Commission.
Current Stage
Stage 1
School visits completed
NCCA has visited a number of schools as part of the work in gathering feedback on the current curriculum and potential future developments.Tranche 4
As part of Tranche 4, it is envisaged that a revised specification for Leaving Certificate XXXXX will be introduced in schools from September 2028. This timeline shows all the steps involved in the development of the subject specification and indicates which stages have already been completed, which stages are yet to be undertaken and which stage is currently the active stage.
Stage 1 - School visits completed
Tranche 4
School visits completed
NCCA has visited a number of schools as part of the work in gathering feedback on the current curriculum and potential future developments.
Stage 1 - School visits completed
Tranche 4
2. Development Group convened
The Development Group was convened on 30 September, 2025 and is due to complete its work by September, 2027.
Stage 1 - School visits completed
Tranche 4
3. Background Paper and Brief published
The Background Paper and Brief is published online following discussion at Board and approval by Council. It informs the work of the Development Group and also contains national and international research including interviews with school management, subject teachers and students in a selection of schools.
Stage 1 - School visits completed
Tranche 4
4. Consultation on BGP and Brief
The public consultation on the Background Paper and Brief opens between 10 October and 30 November, 2025.
10 Oct 2025 - 30 Nov 2025
Stage 1 - School visits completed
Tranche 4
5. Report on Consultation on BGP and Brief
The report on the Background Paper and Brief is published following discussion at the Board and approval by Council and is published online.
Stage 1 - School visits completed
Tranche 4
6. Draft Curriculum Specification developed and published
Guided by the Brief for their work and feedback from the consultation on the Background Paper, the Development Group prepare a draft curriculum specification. The Draft Curriculum Specification is published following discussion at Board and approval by Council.
Stage 1 - School visits completed
Tranche 4
7. Consultation on the Draft Curriculum Specification
The public consultation on the draft Curriculum Specification opens between 1 September and 20 October, 2026.
1 Sep 2026 - 20 Oct 2025
Stage 1 - School visits completed
Tranche 4
8. Report on Consultation on Draft Curriculum Specification
The Report on the Consultation on the Draft Curriculum Specification has been approved by both the Board and Council and is published online. The Development Group use the findings from the Report on the Draft Specification to finalise the Specification.
Stage 1 - School visits completed
Tranche 4
9. Final Curriculum Specification approved by Council
The final Curriculum Specification is discussed by the Board and approved by Council before it can be sent to the Minister of Education and Youth for final approval.
Stage 1 - School visits completed
Tranche 4
10. Ministerial approval and publication
The specification has been approved by the Minister and is available on curriculumonline.ie
Stage 1 - School visits completed
Tranche 4
11. Guidelines to support the Additional Assessment Component published
The AAC Guidelines are developed by NCCA in conjunction with the State Examinations Commission and supported by the Department of Education and Youth, Oide and teacher focus groups.
Stage 1 - School visits completed