Current Stage
Stage 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.Tranche 2
As part of Tranche 2, it is envisaged that a revised specification for Leaving Certificate XXXXX will be introduced in schools from September 2026. 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 11 - Guidelines to support the Additional Assessment Component published
Tranche 2
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 11 - Guidelines to support the Additional Assessment Component published
Tranche 2
Development Group convened
The Development Group was convened on 30 September, 2025 and is due to complete its work by September, 2027.
Stage 11 - Guidelines to support the Additional Assessment Component published
Tranche 2
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 11 - Guidelines to support the Additional Assessment Component published
Tranche 2
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 11 - Guidelines to support the Additional Assessment Component published
Tranche 2
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 11 - Guidelines to support the Additional Assessment Component published
Tranche 2
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 11 - Guidelines to support the Additional Assessment Component published
Tranche 2
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 11 - Guidelines to support the Additional Assessment Component published
Tranche 2
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 11 - Guidelines to support the Additional Assessment Component published
Tranche 2
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 11 - Guidelines to support the Additional Assessment Component published
Tranche 2
Ministerial approval and publication
The specification has been approved by the Minister and is available on curriculumonline.ie
Stage 11 - Guidelines to support the Additional Assessment Component published
Tranche 2
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 11 - Guidelines to support the Additional Assessment Component published
SCPE aims to encourage learners’ confident, enjoyable and informed participation in physical activity while in senior cycle and in their future lives. The Framework is structured around six curriculum models. Each model provides a detailed map, including a rationale, planning, implementation and assessment guidance, all of which can be used in the design of a physical education programme in senior cycle.
The models are
- Health-related physical activity
- Sport education
- Contemporary issues in physical activity
- Adventure education
- Personal and social responsibility
- Teaching games for understanding
The framework builds on students’ prior learning in primary PE, and junior cycle PE short course and Junior Cycle Physical Education Framework (JCPE).
The Framework for SCPE is available here.
The official launch of the Senior Cycle Physical Education Framework took place on the 10th April 2018. Dr. Deborah Tannehill, Emeritus Senior Lecturer in the Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Limerick
Senior Cycle Physical Education Framework: Dr. Deborah Tannehill
Emertius Faculty, University of Limerick
Check out video exemplification of each of the models in practise here.
Health Related Physical Activity
Health Related Physical Activity
Sport Education
Sport Education
Contemporary Issues in Physical Activity 1
Contemporary Issues in Physical Activity 1
Contemporary Issues in Physical Activity 2
Contemporary Issues in Physical Activity 2
Adventure Education
Adventure Education
Personal and Social Responsibility
Personal and Social Responsibility