Coursework in State Examinations

Coursework forms part of the assessment arrangements in many Leaving Certificate subjects. Coursework components are completed over an extended period of time and may include research reports, portfolios, practical projects or digital artefacts. Unlike written, oral or practical point-in-time examinations, coursework allows students to engage more deeply with the subject and to develop skills in planning, research, analysis and practical application.

The examinations conducted by the State Examinations Commission (SEC) are based on the published specifications for each subject. The inclusion of coursework and project work in revised Senior Cycle subjects forms part of the overall national assessment policy, and the nature and weighting of coursework varies between subjects. As Senior Cycle redevelopment continues, the SEC updates the Coursework Rules and Procedures annually and publishes subject-specific briefs each year.

For reasons of fairness and equity, the SEC can only accept coursework that has been completed and authenticated in accordance with the published rules. Authentication procedures are essential to protect the integrity of the examination process, particularly where work is completed over an extended period.

Most students complete their coursework within their recognised second-level school where they follow an approved course of study. In these cases the coursework is monitored and authenticated by the class teacher and further authenticated by the school Principal.

Some students may take an additional subject outside their own school or may enter the examinations as external candidates. In these circumstances it is the responsibility of the candidate, and where appropriate their parent or guardian, to familiarise themselves with the relevant SEC regulations and to ensure that the required conditions for completing valid coursework can be met. Candidates may be able to liaise with a recognised school or other examination centre, which may, at its discretion, agree to supervise and authenticate coursework.

Each year the SEC encounters cases where coursework cannot be authenticated as the candidate’s own unaided work. In such situations the coursework is not accepted for assessment and the candidate receives marks only for the remaining components of the examination.

The following summary outlines who may authenticate coursework for submission to the SEC:

• Candidates completing coursework in their recognised school under the supervision of the school’s teachers. This can be authenticated.
• Candidates entered by a recognised school who complete coursework in another recognised school. This can be authenticated where the required procedures are followed by both schools.
• Candidates completing coursework in a private school or centre. This can be authenticated where the centre is recognised for examinations purposes and the required procedures are followed.
• External candidates completing coursework in a recognised school. This can be authenticated by the supervising teacher and Principal of that school.
• Home-tutored or home-schooled candidates who liaise with a recognised school or examination centre. Such schools or centres may, at their discretion, supervise coursework. The SEC may accept such coursework where the supervising teacher and Principal can verify that all required conditions have been met.
• Candidates completing coursework independently, or with private tuition outside a recognised school or centre. Such work cannot be authenticated and will not be accepted for assessment.