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Leaving Certificate Physical Education (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
Overview
Leaving Certificate Physical Education (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
Complete topic map
Every topic recorded for this subject in the curriculum is reproduced below in its full hierarchy. The descriptions reflect the mapped scope without implying additional exam rules.
An overarching strand in which learners apply psychological, physiological, biomechanical, sociological and cultural perspectives to understand and improve performance across their chosen physical activities.
Identifying the key skills and techniques central to successful performance and applying principles of skill acquisition, practice design and feedback to refine them.
Examining components of fitness, training principles, recovery, nutrition, hydration, energy systems, the muscular and skeletal systems, and mental-preparedness strategies that underpin performance.
Analysing the structures, tactics, strategies, roles, rules, rituals and conventions that shape how performers compete and cooperate within different physical activities.
Integrating learning from the earlier topics to design, implement and evaluate a personalised plan aimed at achieving best possible performance.
An overarching strand exploring how physical activity and sport are organised and experienced in society and the contemporary issues surrounding participation.
Investigating the benefits of physical activity, how it is provided for people at different life stages, and the factors that influence participation in and provision for sport and physical activity.
Considering the ethical dimensions of sport and the responsibilities of participants, officials, coaches and governing bodies in upholding fair play and integrity.
The six recognised categories from which learners select activities for study and assessment: Games, Athletics, Artistic and Aesthetic Activities, Adventure Activities, Aquatics, and Personal Exercise and Fitness.
A coursework component, worth 20%, in which learners investigate an aspect of their own performance or a contemporary issue and produce an evidence-based report on one chosen activity.
A digitally captured, common-level component, worth 30%, in which learners demonstrate their best personal performance in a second chosen activity within competitive or conditioned settings.
A 2.5-hour terminal examination worth 50% (250 marks), set at Higher and Ordinary level, assessing understanding across both strands and the integrated application of theory to performance.
Where this subject applies
These pathways and regions are explicitly connected to the subject in the curriculum.
Higher Level
Higher Level — the more demanding level, with broader and deeper content and the H1–H8 grade scale.
Ordinary Level
Ordinary Level — the foundational level covering the core of the syllabus, graded O1–O8.
Official sources
The public sources below are referenced directly by this subject or by one of its topics.
This editorial selection points to the relevant official bodies. Always confirm current requirements, dates and exceptional arrangements with your school and the responsible authority.
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Public references
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