JUNIOR & SENIOR CYCLE HISTORY
MS DOORLEY'S
HISTORY NOTES
Leaving Certificate History
Leaving Certificate History (2026–2028)
Who is this course for? This guidance and these resources are specifically designed for students sitting their Leaving Certificate History examinations between 2026 and June 2028.
What History Involves
Leaving Cert History is a challenging but rewarding subject that demands critical thinking and independent research. It is marked out of 400, with the final written exam accounting for 80% of your overall grade.
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Essay-based assessment
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Analytical skills development
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Primary source evaluation
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Independent historical inquiry
Syllabus Structure
The course is split between Early Modern (1492–1815) or Late Modern (1815–1993) fields. Students study four topics in total:
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2 Irish History Topics
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2 European and Wider World Topics
Written Exam (80%)
The final examination lasts 2 hours and 50 minutes. It tests historical knowledge and the ability to construct arguments under time pressure.
Documents-Based Question (20%)
Focuses on a prescribed topic using primary source documents to test comprehension, comparison, and evaluation.
Three General Essays (60%)
One essay from each of the three remaining studied topics, requiring depth of knowledge and clear structure.
Research Study (20%)
Commonly known as the RSR, this is a pre-submitted project on a topic of your choice. It allows you to earn 20% of your marks before the exam.
Components of the RSR:
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Outline Plan: Defining your scope and objective.
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Evaluation of Sources: Assessing the reliability of your research materials.
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Extended Essay: A final 1,500-word piece based on your findings.
Ready to master LC History?
Explore our targeted study plans, clear notes, and exam organisers designed to help you excel. Start your journey toward high marks today.
IRL3 The Pursuit of Sovereignty and Partition
Complete availability of notes for Ireland Topic 3 The Pursuit of Sovereignty and Partition. The Educate.ie and Gill Education Notes are my supporting resources for the textbooks.
IRL 3 - Sovereignty and Partition
IRL5 Politics and Society in Northern Ireland
Complete availability of notes for Ireland Topic 5 Politics and Society in Northern Ireland. The Educate.ie and Gill Education Notes are my supporting resources for the textbooks.
IRL 5 - Politics and Society in Northern Ireland
EUR3 Dictatorship and Democracy
Complete availability of notes for Europe Topic 3 Dictatorship and Democracy. The Educate.ie and Gill Education Notes are my supporting resources for the textbooks.
EUR 3 - Dictatorship and Democracy
EUR6 The USA and the Wider World
Complete availability of notes for Europe Topic 6 The USA and the Wider World. The Educate.ie and Gill Education Notes are my supporting resources for the textbooks.
EUR 6 - The USA and the Wider World