We, at Loreto Balbriggan, expect pupils to aim for high academic standards. We offer a curriculum that is balanced, integrated and stimulating. The school is continually reviewing and adapting its curriculum to the educational requirements of a rapidly changing world.
Senior Cycle Programme
The Senior Cycle Redevelopment is a phased update of the Leaving Certificate designed to better reflect students’ learning, wellbeing and future pathways. Changes are being introduced gradually through a series of tranches, meaning that subjects are updated in stages rather than all at once. This approach allows schools, teachers and students time to prepare for change, while ensuring continuity and clarity for students currently in senior cycle. Students will therefore experience a mix of existing and newly redeveloped subjects during the transition period, with no sudden changes to examination years.
Phased introduction of redeveloped subjects
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Tranche 1 – from September 2025
Ancient Greek, Arabic, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Climate Action and Sustainable Development, Drama, Film and Theatre Studies, Latin, Physics -
Tranche 2 – from September 2026
Accounting*, Construction Studies, Engineering, English*, Geography, LCVP Link Modules, Physical Education
*Introduction of Accounting and English has been postponed until at least September 2027. -
Tranche 3 – from September 2027
Agricultural Science, Computer Science, Design and Communications Graphics, History, Home Economics, Mathematics, Music, Physics and Chemistry -
Tranche 4 – from September 2028
Art, Economics, French, Gaeilge, German, Italian, Politics and Society, Spanish, Technology -
Tranche 5 – from September 2029
Applied Mathematics, Classical Studies, Japanese, Lithuanian, Mandarin Chinese, Polish, Portuguese, Religious Education (redeveloped specification), Russian
Under the revised Transition Year Programme, which came into effect in September 2025, students will have the opportunity to sample 12 subjects over the course of TY to help them make an informed choice. Students can choose any four optional subjects.
It is strongly recommended that one of the subjects chosen is a modern European language, such as French, Spanish, or German. More than one language can be chosen if the student so wishes.
| Core Subjects |
| Irish |
| English |
| Mathematics |
| Religion |
| Physical Education |
| Careers |
| Optional Subjects | Curriculum Online | Careers Portal |
| Business | ||
| Accounting |  |
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| Business | |
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| Economics | |
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| Creative | ||
| Art | |
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| Music | |
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| Science | ||
| Applied Mathematics | |
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| Biology | |
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| Chemistry | |
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| Computer Science | |
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| Physics | |
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| Humanities | ||
| French | |
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| Spanish | |
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| German | |
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| History | |
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| Social | ||
| Geography | |
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| Home Economics S&S | |
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| Physical Education Specification | |
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| Politics & Society | |
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| Climate Action & Sustainable Development | |
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| Practical | ||
| Technology | |
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| Design and Communication Graphics | |
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All subjects at Junior and Senior cycle are offered subject to personnel and resources being available.
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Senior Cycle Redevelopment:
Follow this link for details regarding what Senior Cycle Redevelopment means for you and for your daughter.
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Inspection Reports
Follow this link to view our Department of Education inspection reports.