Leaving Certificate Home Economics: Food Studies Assignments for 2027 and 2028

Following queries from members, the Association of Teachers of Home Economics (ATHE) contacted the State Examinations Commission (SEC) to seek clarification on the number of Food Studies assignments required for Leaving Certificate Home Economics — Scientific and Social.

The information below covers students currently in Sixth Year and Fifth Year during the 2026/27 school year. It applies at both Higher and Ordinary Level.

At a Glance

Current Sixth Years — Leaving Certificate 2027

• Two Food Studies assignments are required.
• This is confirmed in the published 2027 assessment arrangements.
• Where candidates present more than two assignments, their two highest-scoring assignments are counted.

Current Fifth Years — Leaving Certificate 2028

• Two Food Studies assignments are required under the continuing assessment adjustments.
• This is indicated by the SEC’s written response and Oide’s published guidance.
• The coursework completion date is 1 November 2027.
• The formal 2028 assessment arrangements document is expected to be finalised in September 2027.

1. Current Sixth Years — Leaving Certificate 2027

The published Assessment Arrangements for Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate Examinations 2027 confirms the reduced Food Studies coursework requirement.

On page 40, under Home Economics — Scientific and Social, the “Adjustments for 2027” column states:

“Candidates present and record two assignments from five assignments issued by SEC here.”

For this cohort:

• Candidates must present and record two assignments from the five issued by the SEC.
• This applies at Higher and Ordinary Level.
• Where more than two assignments are presented, marks are awarded for the two highest-scoring assignments.

Official document — see page 40:

Assessment Arrangements for Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate Examinations 2027

2. Current Fifth Years — Leaving Certificate 2028

ATHE sought clarification because the 2028 Food Studies assignment brief refers to four assignments.

In its written response to ATHE, the SEC referred to Circular S65/26 and provided the following wording:

“Candidates will be required to select and complete any four assignments.

Noting the continuance of adjustments arrangements where the number of assignments required has been reduced to two as per Ministerial announcement, which can be found here.

Adjustment arrangements document to be issued by the Department of Education and Youth in Sept 2027.”

The SEC’s response indicates that:

• The reduced requirement of two assignments continues for the 2028 cohort.
• The formal assessment arrangements document for 2028 is expected in September 2027.

Oide’s Published Guidance

Oide’s page titled Leaving Certificate — Food Studies Assignments 2028 states:

“All candidates (Higher and Ordinary) are required to complete and present a record of any two assignments for examination (noting adjusted assessment arrangements).

Candidates are required to present the record of each assignment in the official food studies coursework journal issued by the State Examinations Commission.

The date for completion of coursework is 1st November 2027.”

Oide’s guidance confirms that:

• Candidates at Higher and Ordinary Level must complete and present a record of two assignments.
• Each assignment must be recorded in the official SEC Food Studies coursework journal.
• Coursework must be completed by 1 November 2027.

Oide guidance:

Leaving Certificate — Food Studies Assignments 2028

SEC assignment brief:

Leaving Certificate 2028 — Food Studies Assignments

3. Why Do the Documents Refer to Four Assignments?

• Four assignments is the standard requirement before assessment adjustments are applied.
• The continuing assessment adjustments reduce this requirement to two assignments.
• For 2027, the published document shows the standard and adjusted requirements in separate columns.
• For 2028, the SEC’s written response and Oide’s guidance indicate that the reduction to two continues.

4. Who Decides on Assessment Adjustments?

In its written response to ATHE, the SEC clarified:

“As you are aware, it is the Department of Education and Youth who decides on Leaving Certificate and Junior Cycle examination adjustment arrangements.”

The Department’s announcement of 5 November 2025 states:

“For 2027 and beyond, these adjustments will continue until replaced by revised subject specifications and new examination formats under Senior Cycle Redevelopment.”

Department announcement:

Minister McEntee confirms assessment adjustments for Leaving Certificate 2026 — 5 November 2025

5. When Will the Formal 2028 Arrangements Be Published?

• The SEC advised ATHE that the Assessment Arrangements for Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate Examinations 2028 document is expected to be finalised in September 2027.
• In the meantime, the SEC’s response refers to the continuing assessment adjustments.
• Oide’s current guidance states that the 2028 cohort must complete and present a record of two Food Studies assignments.

ATHE would like to thank the State Examinations Commission for responding to our request for clarification on behalf of members.