Leaving Certificate Physical Education

​

Senior options 2025

LCPE

Composed of 3/4 periods a week

​

Generally 1 class of practical (video analysis, project work or developing skills) and the remainder of classes are theory based. Some weeks, it may be all theory classes

​

The course contains learning outcomes that must be covered using 3 sports or physical activities. These are picked at October mid term in 5^th year depending on the teachers expertise, students interest and facilities available.

​

Physical activity areas

Only one sport can be chosen from each bubble. For example soccer and basketball cannot be picked to cover the learning objectives

Course

• The course is split into 2 strands which contains a total of 10 topics
• Topics 1-6 are mandatory and the state assigns two topics from 7-10 for the candidates to study. For example those LCPE students sitting their leaving certificate exam in 2025 are covering topics 1-6 and 7-8.
• Additional to the theory based topics, students must submit a physical activity project (PAP) in term 1 in sixth year which is worth 20% and complete a performance assessment in Jan-March in 6^th year which is worth 30% of the total marks.

The exam

• The exam is 2.5 hours in length and is in written format which is filled in on the exam paper itself
• Section A is based on short questions
• Section B is based on some case study questions
• Section C is based on long questions where the student picks 3 questions out of 5 to complete based on the learning outcomes completed during the course

3 physical activities

Examples of section 1 questions

Examples of section 1 questions

Examples of section 1 questions

Examples of section B questions

Examples of section C questions

Answer 3 questions from 5

In summary

• Leaving certificate physical education requires continuous effort throughout 5^th and 6^th year. You must meet deadlines for projects.
• It is a theory based subject with elements of practical
• 50% of the marks are from an end of two year exam, 20% is for a physical activity project (December 6^th year) and 30% is for a performance assessment (Jan-March 6^th year).
• It requires digital skills and creativity through using an iPad for skill analysis and making videos of performances. Organisation skills on a computer. Making files, saving files, converting videos from MOV(iMovie) to MP4 format.
• The subject is not for you if you thought it was football/basketball or gym for each class
• It is for you if you like sports and being active. If you like sports science and how to maximise your sporting ability. Future careers include;
• PE teaching, physio or sports medicine, coach, nutritionist, referee and much more.

Please ask us any questions that you may have or talk to one of our current LCPE students

​

Thank you for your time