For the junior cert, we can get an A, B, C, D, E, F, NG. Anything from A-D is a pass, anything below is a fail.
- A = 85-100%
- B = 70 – 84%
- C = 55-69%
- D = 40-54%
- E = 25-39%
- F = >24%
- NG = so poor, it’s not worthy of a being marked.
For the leaving cert however, we have the points system. 6 subjects, 100 points per subject… a maximum of 600 points.
Usually, we’ll do at least 7 subjects though and write off our lowest mark. The points system is as follows;
So if you do all ordinary level subjects, 600 points isn’t your potential maximum… it’s 360. So 6 A1’s at ordinary level is the equivalent of 6 C3’s at higher level.
Depending on the subject, it might be a lot harder to get a C3 at higher level than an A1 in ordinary level, so if you’re thinking of dropping down to ordinary level, make sure to look at both papers and compare the two… it might be easier to pass a higher level paper than it is to get an A in an ordinary paper, especially if you’re not used to the structure / past exam questions of an ordinary level paper.
You can do 50 subjects if you want, and i know some people do… but only your best 6 will be counted. Every year on the news, you’ll hear about some student who gets 50 A1’s in their leaving cert… good for them – but for the rest of us we’re saying “what a complete waste of time and energy” 
If you get 6 A1’s, you should know your own ability. It’s not as if you can cram the night before exams and get an A1.. so why bother doing more than 7 or 8 subjects?
Well, some like to show off and go for the glory… the headlines and press coverage act as rewards. Others just take on as many subjects as they can, just because they can… for the challenge, for the craic (some people actually enjoy learning).
No matter how much you love or hate the leaving cert, you’ll end up with ‘x’ points and that figure could well dictate your future. When the results come out, the table above will lead to tears or high pitched screams.
Loading ...