SENIOR CYCLE
Senior Cycle
Senior Cycle covers 5th and 6th year at St Joseph's, leading to the Leaving Certificate. Students choose from 25 subjects across every discipline — one of the widest selections available in the region.
25
LC subjects available
3
Programmes: LC, LCVP, LCA
2
Years — 5th & 6th year
★
Pilot school — Drama, Film & Theatre
Programmes
Leaving Certificate
Standard LC
English, Irish & Maths plus 4 subjects chosen from our list of 25 options. The most common pathway.
Most students
LCVP
Leaving Cert Vocational Programme
7 standard LC subjects plus 2 link modules — Preparation for Work & Enterprise Education.
Career focused
LCA
Leaving Cert Applied
A practical, activity-based alternative Leaving Cert pathway for students who prefer a vocational approach.
Practical pathway
Subjects
Core subjects
All LC students — compulsory
6 subjects
›
English
Irish
Mathematics
Career Guidance
SPHE
PE (non-exam)
Option subjects
Choose 4 from 25
6 categories
›
Business & Economics
BusinessAccountingEconomicsApplied Maths
Science
BiologyChemistryPhysicsAgricultural Science
Languages
FrenchGermanSpanish
Humanities & Social
HistoryGeographyPolitics & SocietyClassical Studies
Technology & Design
TechnologyConstruction StudiesDCGComputer Science
Creative & Practical
ArtMusicHome EconomicsPE (Exam)Religious EducationDrama, Film & Theatre ★
★
Drama, Film & Theatre Studies is a brand new Leaving Certificate subject. St Joseph's is one of a small number of pilot schools in Ireland selected to offer it from launch.
Non-exam subjects
All students — not assessed in LC
PE (non-exam)
SPHE
Career Guidance
Choosing your subjects
How to choose Senior Cycle subjects
Subject choices are made by 3rd year and TY students via VSware. Any queries can be emailed to info@droghedacbs.ie
1
Read the Senior Cycle Choices Booklet — covers all subjects, combinations and the LCVP
2
Log in to VSware and navigate to the options section
3
Select your preferred subjects and submit — the school will confirm your choices
CAO, SUSI & study planning
Preparing for college & beyond
Resources to help 5th and 6th year students plan for the CAO, SUSI grants and building effective study habits.
Documents & resources
↓
Senior Cycle Choices Booklet 2026Full subject descriptions, TY, 5th year options and LCA
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Options Night Presentation 2026Slides from the senior cycle information evening
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Subjects Information BookletDetailed guide to all subjects available at St Joseph's
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Senior Cycle Redevelopment Bulletin 1Information note on senior cycle changes
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Senior Cycle Redevelopment Bulletin 2Follow-up note on senior cycle changes
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New Transition Year ProgrammeTY programme statement and details
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Transition Year Admissions PolicyHow students are admitted to the TY programme
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ncca.ieFull details on all LC subjects and the LCVP link modules
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Teaching and Learning in St Joseph'sOur approach to teaching, learning and student development
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Questions about Senior Cycle?
Contact the school at info@droghedacbs.ie or call (041) 9837232 — the guidance team is happy to help students and parents with subject choices and planning.
Contact the school at info@droghedacbs.ie or call (041) 9837232 — the guidance team is happy to help students and parents with subject choices and planning.