Leaving Cert Agricultural Science
The new Leaving Certificate agricultural science involves the study of the science and technology underlying the principles and practices of agriculture. The first Leaving Cert exam based on the new syllabus will be in June 2021. The new syllabus aims to develop knowledge, skills and attitudes that promote the sustainability of agricultural resources, and places emphasis on the managed use of these resources. Plants and animal types associated with agriculture are studied, and investigations are undertaken into such aspects as soil, ecology, plant and animal physiology, farm crops, farming practices, genetics and microbiology.
Structure of the Specification
There are two assessments: a project worth 25% and a written exam worth 75% of the overall grade.
- The Project-100 Marks (25%): Individual Investigative Study (IIS)
The Ag Science project is officially known as the Individual Investigative Study (IIS) and is done by each student individually. The old 'farm project' that once was is now gone, in its place is a research and experiment-based task.
Each cohort of students must choose a specific agricultural enterprise for their project, focusing on the annual theme set by the State Exams Commission (SEC). The title for the 2022 Leaving Certificate students is “Supporting conservation of the environment through Irish Agricultural practice”.”
Students must develop a research question that is related to the theme and investigate in the context of the chosen enterprise. This must include one or more experiments and a specific scientific investigation of the topic; developing and testing scientific hypothesis and drawing conclusions based on evidence gathered.
Both higher and ordinary level students have the same theme for their projects (max 2500 words) which is completed using a digital booklet.
Students will have developed these scientific skills on entering fifth year, as these skills will have been implemented when completing their Science Classroom-Based Assessments, as part of their Junior Cycle Science syllabus.
The main tasks for students are:
- Pick a research question and enterprise to study.
- Develop a hypothesis and experiment to test that hypothesis.
- Carry out your experiment(s).
- Analyse and evaluate your results.
- Make comparisons between your results and other similar studies.
- Make conclusions based on your findings.
- The Written Exam- 300 Marks (75%)
The assessment of the course will be a 75% written assessment (2.5 hours length) comprising of:
- short questions
- structured questions
- synoptic questions.
Practical laboratory and field investigative and experimental activities provide opportunities for the promotion of scientific methodology. Students will learn to ask questions about and seek to find evidence as answers to their observations. The process will involve them in formulating and testing hypotheses. Students will appreciate the need for investigative and experimental controls and other measures intended to minimise errors.
Highlights
- Trip to Salesian Agricultural College in Pallaskenry where students get a first-hand experience of how a dairy, beef and sheep farm is ran.
- Analysis and reading of the weekly Farmers Journal Newpaper
- Students growing their own potatoes and barley crops.
- Carrying out many practical investigations in the laboratory and outside on the school grounds.