Senior Cycle Overview - Leaving Certificate Applied and Leaving Certificate Established
Firhouse ETSS is proud to offer 2 senior cycle programmes for 5th and 6th year students - both Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) and Leaving Certificate Established (LCE).
We have offered both programmes since we had our very first 5th Year group back in the 2022-2023 academic year. LCA and LCE are equally valued by the team and students alike, with each programme offering our students quality learning opportunities, and progression pathways beyond secondary school.
We understand the importance of students in Transition Year (TY) making as educated a decision as possible around which programme is best suited to them as learners and individuals.
Below you can see the presentations to help guide parents / guardians and students when choosing which programme to take.
Looking Ahead - 5th Year 2026 Timeline for the Current TY Year Group
| Week Starting |
Expected Activities |
| 23rd - 26th of February |
In School: An exploration of LCA & LCE to students in Guidance class
|
| Monday 2nd March |
Meeting Date of Tuesday 3rd March:
Deadline Date of Friday 6th March:
|
Once students have decided on either LCA or LCE, there will be a split in terms of the next specific steps.
| Week Starting |
Students Opting for LCA |
Students Opting for LCE |
Monday 9th March
|
In School:
- Interview exploration in Guidance class
|
In School:
- Subject exploration in Guidance class
|
| Monday 16th March |
In School:
- An interview for LCA with a team from school on Thursday 19th March
|
In School:
- Subject exploration for students hosted by individual teachers on Wednesday 18th March (13:30 - 15:00)
- What subject is needed for a college course?
- Log onto www.qualifax.ie
- Scroll down and click on CAO Subject Requirements
- In the subject box select a subject
- 3 options will appear below this
|
| Monday 23rd March |
Work Experience Week for Students:
- Students who wish to do LCA will find out if their place has been secured on the programme after their interview.
|
Work Experience Week for Students:
- Students must submit their ranking of subjects from 1-12 on VSware via their parents accounts.
- Gudiance on how to do this will be posted here on Thursday 19th March.
- Deadline is Wednesday
|
Leaving Certificate Subjects information