Leaving Cert 2024: Everything you need to know ahead of the exams

Take a deep breath: after a few years of stop-start schooling, Wednesday will see the first of the written papers in this year’s Leaving Certificate when English paper one lands at 9.30am.

As we quickly approach the start date of this year’s Leaving Cert, students are entering into the last day of studying ahead of the important exams. Whether you're getting ready for the exams, a parent in preparation or working as a supervisor, here's all you need to know about the Leaving Cert 2024 exams.

When will the exams begin?

The Leaving Cert begins on Wednesday, June 5th and runs until Tuesday, June 25th. All morning exams begin at 9.30am, and all afternoon exams begin at 2pm (with the exception of the Music listening exam which begins at 1:30 pm). Aural exams for language subjects begin at 12.10 pm.

This year students will be required to be in their assigned seat in the exam centre 30 minutes before the start time of exams on day one, and at least 15 minutes in advance of their exams on subsequent days. Remember: candidates are not allowed to enter exam centres if they arrive more than half an hour late.

Familiarise yourselves with the exam start and end times.

The full timetable can be accessed here.

The Leaving Certificate Applied timetable can be accessed here.

What do I need to bring?

It is important that students bring something to write with, as well as water and food. The exam days can be long, and it is important to keep refuelling. There is also plenty of time between exams during the day, so it is recommended to bring your study notes for other exams!

Some essential exam items include - 

• Comfortable writing pens: There will be lots of writing, so use your favourite kind and have a few of them.
• Highlighters: Useful for highlighting keywords/quotes on the exam paper.
• Pencil and colouring pencils: Useful for sketching diagrams required in some exams e.g. Biology and Geography.
• Scientific Calculator: You may need this for a number of exams. Make sure it is permitted and don’t forget to check the batteries.
• The right clothing: Try to wear comfortable clothing during the exam. The exam halls may be well ventilated so make sure that you have enough layers in case it gets cold.
• Water: Sipping water keeps you hydrated and maintains your concentration levels. Sipping water can also help to steady nerves. Try not to drink too much as you don’t want to waste precious time going to the bathroom. A 500ml bottle is plenty.
• Snack: Ideally you will have eaten well before your exam. If you haven’t then a banana/some nuts or a cereal bar could help keep hunger away. Avoid any noise or distraction that might disturb the other candidates.
• Watch: Your exam centre should have a clock, however, you may place your watch on the table to keep a closer eye on time. Smart watches are not permitted into your exam centre.

Before leaving for the exam centre, review each day’s subject requirements. Different papers require you to have different instruments and materials, such as log tables for maths, or drawing apparatus such as set squares for Design and Communication Graphics.

What do I do when the Exam begins?

When the invigilator arrives at your desk, you will be offered a choice of subject level in that exam subject. Always opt for the paper you have prepared for. Never attempt to change levels at the last minute; this is always a negative side effect of exam nerves.

Once you receive your paper, read it carefully before you do anything else. Read the instructions carefully on every single page.

Start to sketch out, at the back of your answer book, the answers to every question you are planning to answer. You will not be able to complete this task in the first few minutes, but your brain will continue to reflect on all the questions you select as you begin to write. When you have completed this brainstorming to the best of your ability, start working on the first question, selecting the one you feel most comfortable with.

How should I manage my time during the Exam?

Time can be an enemy in exams for many candidates. Getting your time management under control will be key to doing well. It is a good idea to work out how much time you can afford to allocate to each question or section.

Consider the weighting of marks given to each question and allocate the time accordingly. Try to stick as closely as possible to your timings. Even if you don’t get the question finished - move on. The few extra marks you garner in finishing a question may be worth sacrificing to pick up many more marks going for a new question. Have a watch on the table to help you here.

Be strategic about how you go about deciding what order to answer the questions in. They do not have to be done in chronological order. Read the exam paper in its entirety first. Select the questions that you will answer and then begin with your strongest area. This will give you confidence and get you off to a good start. Leave your least knowledgeable sections to last.

Pay attention to the questions that have most marks and do not waste too much time on short questions. Pay attention to the action words in the question. If you are asked to ‘List’ then do exactly that, don’t waste time with a paragraph. On the other hand, if you are asked to ‘Explain’ or ‘Describe’ then likewise, spend the time doing that as there will be more marks for these type of questions. Finally, try to avoid doing extra questions. Do your best with the required ones you have chosen and develop the answers as much as you can.

What do I do when I have finished my Exam?

If at the end of your last question you still have a few minutes left until you must hand up your paper, you can always boost your chances of getting a few extra marks by rereading your script. As any successful writer knows, a first attempt at writing any piece is always improved by rereading.

Once the exam time has concluded, supervisors will collect your exam work off of you. Make sure that you include all necessary worksheets that you have used in the work that you hand up.

If you have finished the exam early and wish to leave, simply raise your hand and wait for a supervisor to attend.

How can I plan ahead for study ahead of the Exams?

Plan ahead for each week. Prepare a list of exactly what you are going to revise for the week and draw up a daily priority list. At the end of each day tick off what you have achieved and plan for the next day.

Review your mock exam papers and marking schemes. Prioritise the areas that need attention and fill in the gaps in your learning. At this stage it is essential that you practice lots of exam questions. Make sure you are clear on the layout of the paper in each subject, the breakdown of marks for each section and the time allocation for each question. When you are completing full exam questions, practice against the clock.

Do your best to switch off all distractions particularly notifications on the phone and social media, so you can concentrate fully and to maximise the use of your time.

How do I stop stressing about the Exams?

It's always important to keep things in perspective! The Leaving Cert attracts a lot of media attention every year, try to keep that hype at a distance and focus on own staying on track with your own exam preparation.

Make sure that the study that you do for the next few weeks is balanced and not stress-inducing, and make sure to work in some of your regular routine after studying. Getting some outdoor time and screen time after studying can help you to relax.

This year has been tough and tiring, but you are almost there now so keep it going through the final term! Remember that whatever happens in the exams, you have lots of options and pathways open to you. There is life after the Leaving Cert, full of opportunities, possibilities and fun. Keep that in mind on the more difficult days and try to look forward to the exciting time that lies ahead!