Important Documents

Senior Cycle Advisory Report

The Senior Cycle Review: Advisory Report sets out a clear purpose and vision for a redeveloped senior cycle and provides a roadmap to the creation of a Framework for Senior Cycle. 

The Advisory Report is set out in four chapters. Chapter one offers a clear picture of the purpose, vision and guiding principles that will act as a compass for everyone involved in education as senior cycle is redeveloped in the years ahead. Chapter two proposes the work to be undertaken by NCCA, in collaboration with schools and stakeholders, across three main areas: Pathways and Flexibility, Curriculum Components and Assessment, Reporting and Transitions. Chapter three focuses on the key factors or ‘conducive conditions’ – which are necessary to support the redevelopment of senior cycle. Finally, chapter four sets out a plan and a timeline for the redevelopment of senior cycle, in three overlapping stages.

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Key Competencies in Senior Cycle Document

Key competencies is an umbrella term which refers to the knowledge, skills, values and dispositions students develop during senior cycle. Their learning is deeper when they can draw upon, integrate and apply their knowledge, skills, values and dispositions to various tasks, contexts, situations and events.

Students develop key competencies within and across the curriculum during senior cycle.  The key competencies described in this document support students to grow and develop intellectually, personally, socially, morally, and physically.

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State Examinations Commission Coursework Rules and Procedures

The fundamental principle that continues to underpin the approach to coursework for assessment is that school principals, teachers and candidates are aware that all work submitted for assessment must be the candidate’s own individual and authentic work, verified by the candidate, the class teacher and the school principal.

This is a document for schools which consolidates all previous State Examinations Commission (SEC) instructions regarding coursework, and sets out the process for the completion, authentication and submission of valid coursework for assessment in the State examinations.

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State Examinations Commission Schedule of Examinations and Coursework Completion Dates 2026/2027

This is the timeline for submission of projects and coursework to the State Examinations Commission 2026/2027 

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