Leaving Certificate English
Leaving Certificate English in Templeogue College is designed to further students' analytical, creative and evaluative skills. The course requires engagement with a broad range of texts and the ability to respond critically and creatively to them. The exam consists of two papers: Paper 1 (Comprehension and Composition) and Paper 2 (Studied Texts).
Paper 1: Language and Composition
This paper focuses on students’ ability to engage with and produce a variety of written texts while responding to five writing genres.
- Information
- Argument
- Persuasion
- Narration
- Aesthetic
The Paper 1 exam consists of three sections:
- Question A (Comprehension): Analysing and responding to a selection of texts (informative, persuasive, argumentative, narrative or aesthetic).
- Question B (Functional Writing): Producing a variety of written pieces such as short talks. speeches, diary entries, reports or articles etc.
- Composition: A major piece of writing, worth 25% of the exam, where students choose from different prompts, including narrative, discursive or persuasive writing.
Paper 2: Studied Texts
This paper assesses students’ understanding and interpretation of literature. It consists of four key sections.
The Single Study
The Single Study is an in-depth study of a prescribed novel or play. Higher Level students must study a Shakespearean text as part of their Leaving Cert course. In Templeogue College, all students study the Shakespearean text as their Single Study.
2025: King Lear
2026: Macbeth
2027: Othello
The Comparative Study
A study of three texts (novels, plays or films – chosen from a prescribed list) examined under a set of prescribed modes. Three modes are prescribed each year.
- Theme
- Cultural Context
- General Vision and Viewpoint
- Literary Genre
Poetry
Unseen Poetry
- Students must demonstrate their ability to analyse an unseen poem.
Studied Poetry
- Student must study five out of eight prescribed poets.
Course Requirements
- Regular practice of both creative and functional writing.
- Development of critical thinking skills through analysis and discussion.
- Study of a prescribed novel or play for the Single Text.
- Comparative analysis of three texts.
- Engagement with prescribed poetry and unseen poetry.
Assessment
- Two written examination papers (Paper 1 and Paper 2) at Higher or Ordinary level.
- Continuous engagement with coursework, including essays and written assignments throughout 5th & 6th year.
Prescribed Material