NCCA advises the Minister for Education on curriculum and assessment for early childhood education, for primary and post-primary schools. As part of the broader redevelopment of senior cycle, it is envisaged that a revised specification for Leaving Certificate Physics and Chemistry will be introduced in schools from September 2027. The Development Group for Leaving Certificate Physics and Chemistry will have a key role in this work. The group includes nominees of the education partners and other key education agencies.
Below you will find information on the subject development work including the background paper and brief for the review for this subject, and a note from each of the development group meetings.
Current Stage
Stage 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.Tranche 3
As part of Tranche 3, it is envisaged that a revised specification for Leaving Certificate XXXXX will be introduced in schools from September 2027. 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 6 - Draft Curriculum Specification developed and published
Tranche 3
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 6 - Draft Curriculum Specification developed and published
Tranche 3
Development Group convened
The Development Group was convened on 30 September, 2025 and is due to complete its work by September, 2027.
Stage 6 - Draft Curriculum Specification developed and published
Tranche 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 6 - Draft Curriculum Specification developed and published
Tranche 3
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 6 - Draft Curriculum Specification developed and published
Tranche 3
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 6 - Draft Curriculum Specification developed and published
Tranche 3
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 6 - Draft Curriculum Specification developed and published
Tranche 3
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 6 - Draft Curriculum Specification developed and published
Tranche 3
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 6 - Draft Curriculum Specification developed and published
Tranche 3
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 6 - Draft Curriculum Specification developed and published
Tranche 3
Ministerial approval and publication
The specification has been approved by the Minister and is available on curriculumonline.ie
Stage 6 - Draft Curriculum Specification developed and published
Tranche 3
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 6 - Draft Curriculum Specification developed and published
The development group for Leaving Certificate Physics and Chemistry was convened on September 30th 2024, and will progress the development of a new specification guided by the brief and the findings of the consultation on the Background paper.
The first step in the redevelopment of Leaving Certificate Physics and Chemistry (Phys-Chem) was the development of a Background paper and brief for the review of the subject.
Background Paper and Brief for the Review of Leaving Certificate Physics and Chemistry (Phys-Chem).
The Background Paper and Brief for Leaving Certificate Physics and Chemistry (Phys-Chem) was made available for consultation from January 6th to February 28th 2025. The consultation is now closed.
Short descriptions of meetings that have taken place so far can be accessed below.
Meeting 1: 30th September 2024
Meeting 6: 3rd April
Meeting 7 and 8: 13th and 14th May 2025