Ireland - Leaving Cert Physics

Leaving Cert Physics grinds

Physics is a high-scoring subject for students who can apply formulas to unfamiliar situations. The redeveloped course examined from June 2027 adds an investigation worth 40%, so the written paper now has less choice and every question counts more.

Book a free demo →✓ 2 free classes · no card · no commitment

One-to-one from about €11 a class · billed in USD

Ireland - online 1-to-1

What every programme includes

✓ Mechanics: motion, forces, momentum and energy
✓ Electricity and magnetism
✓ Waves, light and sound
✓ Modern and nuclear physics
✓ Derivations and multi-step calculations
✓ Planning the 2027 investigation

Lesson times in your time zone

Weekdays 3pm-9pm after school · Weekends 8am-8pm, your local time. Pick the slot when you book.

Physics from 2027

Students who began fifth year in September 2025 are the first to take the redeveloped course: a 2 hour 30 minute written paper worth 60% (300 marks) and an additional assessment component worth 40%, completed during sixth year and submitted to the State Examinations Commission.

On the SEC's sample papers students answer Question 1 and five of six other questions, all of equal value. With less choice than the old paper, there are no topics to skip.

What our tutors focus on

✓ Choosing the right equation and stating it before substituting
✓ Units and significant figures in every answer
✓ Explaining a result in words as well as calculating it
✓ Graph work: gradients, intercepts and what they mean physically
✓ Planning a fair, measurable investigation with controlled variables

Physics and CAO points

Physics often suits students who are strong at Higher Level maths, and the two reinforce each other: the same algebra, graphs and trigonometry appear in both. Many engineering and science courses list Physics as recommended or required.

Higher or Ordinary Level?

Higher Level Physics expects confident algebra, graphs and trigonometry, and longer explanations of experiments and theory. Students taking Higher Level maths usually have the toolkit; those at Ordinary Level maths can still succeed but need regular practice rearranging formulas. With the investigation carrying 40%, the written paper's share is smaller than before, which helps students on the borderline.

Leaving Cert Physics from 2027

Component	Weight	Format
Written examination	60%	2h30; Question 1 plus five of six others (sample papers)
Investigation (additional assessment component)	40%	Completed in sixth year and submitted to the SEC

First examined June 2027. Leaving Cert Physics is separate from the combined Physics and Chemistry subject, which is redeveloped later.

Sixth year, 2026-27

1
Autumn
Mechanics and electricity calculations, one topic a week with timed questions.
2
Investigation period
Design, measurements and analysis; uncertainties and graphs.
3
After Christmas
Waves, modern physics and mixed questions from the sample papers.
4
May
Full timed papers and a formula-and-unit check sheet.