| During the three years at the upper stage (forms 7–9), all pupils have at least 70 weekly lessons in common subjects and no more than 20 weekly lessons in elective subjects. Time allocation for the upper stage | Subject and subject group | Minimum number of lessons
Weekly lessons per year during the upper stage (3 years) | | Mother tongue and literature | 8 | | Languages | | | A language, starting at the lower stage | 8 | | B1 language, starting at the upper stage | | | Mathematics | | | Biology, Geography | | | Physics, Chemistry | | | Religion/Ethics | | | History, Social studies | | | Music | | | Visual arts | | | Home economics | 3 | | Craft, technical work and textile work | 3 | | Physical education | | | Pupil counselling | 2 | | Common subjects, minimum total | 70 | Periodical system Most upper stage schools have divided the school year into 4–6 periods of equal duration. In practical terms, the periodical system means that pupils may study different subjects during different periods. There is a different timetable to cover each period. Leaving certificate Each pupil is awarded the comprehensive school leaving certificate upon completion of the basic education syllabus. The role of the final assessment is to determine the pupil’s level of achievement and to guide them to further study. Final assessment is nationally comparative and treats pupils equally. Pupils are in an equal position regardless of the school where they have completed their comprehensive school studies.
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