Physics
Leaving Certificate Physics in Mercy College Sligo encourages students to explore how the physical world works through a balance of theory, problem-solving, and practical experimentation.
Why Study Physics?
The subject promotes critical thinking, curiosity, and logical reasoning, while the classroom environment is open and encouraging, with questions and discussion actively welcomed. Students are supported to challenge themselves, work collaboratively, and build confidence in their understanding of physics, regardless of their starting level. Physics is a mathematical subject in nature, thus a keen interest in mathematics is advantageous.
In the 2026/27 academic year, Leaving Certificate Physics will be assessed differently than prior years as part of the Senior Cycle Redevelopment process. Students undertaking physics in 5th Year from 2025/26 will study this new course.
The assessment grade of this new course is as follows:
- Written Examination: 60%
- Physics in Practice Investigation: 40%
National Curriculum for Curriculum and Assessment: “The Physics in Practice Investigation provides an opportunity for students to display evidence of their learning throughout the course, in particular, the learning set out as outcomes in the unifying strand. It involves students completing a piece of work during the course and, in Year 2, submitting for marking to the State Examinations Commission (SEC), evidence of their ability to conduct scientific research on a particular issue and to use appropriate primary data to investigate aspects of that issue.”.
The investigation is based on a common brief for both higher and ordinary level students released in January of 5th Year to be completed and submitted by December of 6th Year.