leaving cert history essay marking scheme

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Marking Scheme

Leaving cert history ol.

Simply select the Marking Scheme you want to download from the exam years presented in the list below. The files will open in printable PDF format for you. If you are having trouble, please right-click (Windows) or control-click (Mac) on the link to download and save the file to your computer.

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History - Higher

Late Modern History (1815-1993) is divided into 6 Irish topics and 6 European topics. 

Leaving Cert History is a challenging course and requires essay style answers. Good English skills, the ability to do research and an interest in History are all important if you do this subject. Up to 20% of your final result will be based on your research project done before the exam. 

History (Late Modern) Course Content

Irish History (1815-1993) 

• Ireland & the Union,
• Movements for political and social reform
• Sovereignty & the impact of partition
• The Irish diaspora
• Politics and society in Northern Ireland
• Republic - government, society, economy

History of Europe and the Wider World 1815-1993 

• Nationalism and State Formation
• Nation states and international tensions
• Dictatorship and democracy
• Division and realignment in Europe
• European retreat from Empire and the aftermath
• The US and the World.
• Written Exam (80%)
• Research Study Report (20%)

At both levels, the examination paper features a documents-based question (linked to the documents-based study) and three general questions. All four questions carry equal marks. The paper is 2 hours and 50 minutes long.

Research Study Report

Students must choose a research topic and write up their findings under three headings:Outline Plan (15 marks); Evaluation of the Sources (25 marks); Extended Essay with a review of the research process (60 marks). 

Future Careers with Leaving Certificate History

Leaving cert History is not an essential requirement for any courses in the CAO system. History can be used in a wide variety of careers including Archaeology, Writing, Research, Education and Tourism.

Download the Leaving Cert History Syllabus

Download the Leaving Cert History Chief Examiner's Report  (2017) 

Download the Leaving Cert History Guidelines for teachers

Past Papers

Created by studyclix.

Community Activity

History in Your Hands project guide

Submitting your research study report.

You will submit your completed research study report (RSR) to the project team by Friday 5th April 2024.

For the purposes of this project you will complete your History in Your Hands RSR using the 'History in your Hands submission template 2024' Word document provided on this page. As stated in the template, you'll complete the sections using Arial size 12 font, in black. Name the document using your name and the name of your school i.e. Eoin Murphy Scoil Chaitriona and email this to [email protected] by 5pm on Friday 5th April 2024.

Projects sent after this date and time will not be accepted. You are welcome to submit your RSR to the project team before this date.

Marking scheme

• The History in your Hands RSR marking scheme
• Outline plan marking scheme
• Evaluation of the sources marking scheme
• Extended essay marking scheme
• Review of the research process marking scheme

For the purposes of this project, all research study reports will follow the guidelines and requirements laid out for Higher Level Leaving Certificate History. The RSRs submitted to the History in your Hands project team will be marked according to the Higher Level marking scheme.

See an overview of the breakdown of marks below. Click on the relevant tab to view a detailed breakdown of the marks available for each section. We have included information about the marking scheme for Ordinary Level History also, for reference purposes.

PLEASE NOTE: If two or more of the highest scoring essays achieve the same marks, they will be ranked according to the originality of thought demonstrated in the report i.e. if it produces new findings and new theories through independent learning and critical thinking.

These tables are sources from The Students' Guide to the RSR  and The Teachers' Guide to the History Research Study Report  by the Wicklow County Archives .

RSR Leaving Certificate booklet

When you are submitting your research study report for examination as part of Leaving Certificate History, you will use the official RSR booklet. You will handwrite your RSR into the booklet and this will be submitted to the State Examinations Commission. Click the PDF below to view the booklet - each numbered page is A4 size. Read the instructions for candidates on pages 2 and 3 for further guidelines around filling out the booklet and researching and writing your RSR.

• RSR booklet
• << Previous: February 2024: Revision Class
• Next: RSR tips and checklists >>
• Meet the project team
• October 2023: Class 1
• November 2023: Class 2
• December 2023: Class 3
• January 2023: Class 4
• February 2024: Revision Class
• April 2024: Submitting your Research Study Report and Marking Scheme
• RSR tips and checklists

History in your Hands RSR submission template

Use this Word template to submit your History in your Hands RSR to the project teaml. Name the document using your name and the name of your school i.e. Eoin Murphy Scoil Chaitriona and email this to [email protected] by 5pm on Friday 5th April 2024. As indicated in the template use Arial font 12 text colour black and follow the word count guidelines laid out for each section.

• History in your Hands submission template 2024

Have a question?

If you're taking part in the project and you'd like to ask us a question, just click on the image below to submit a query to the team.

Irish language version of guide

There is an Irish language version of this guide available -  Stair i do Lámha: Treoir Tionscadail

• Last Updated: Apr 8, 2024 1:46 PM
• URL: https://dcu.libguides.com/Historyinyourhands

⚠️Want a FREE 2024 Study Planner?

• Dec 20, 2022

Understanding the Marking Scheme for the Leaving Cert: Tips and Strategies for Success

Updated: Mar 27, 2023

1. Introduction to the Marking Scheme

The marking scheme for the Leaving Cert is an important aspect of the exam process, as it determines how your exams are graded and what grades you will receive. Understanding the marking scheme and how it works can help you feel more confident and prepared for the exam, and it can also give you a better sense of what you need to do to succeed. In this post, we'll explore some tips and strategies for understanding the marking scheme for the Leaving Cert.

2. Familiarize Yourself with the Marking Scheme

One of the first steps in understanding the marking scheme for the Leaving Cert is to familiarize yourself with it. This means knowing what types of questions are asked on the exams and how they are graded.

The marking scheme for the Leaving Cert varies depending on the subject, but in general, exams are divided into two or three sections, with each section worth a specific number of marks. For example, an English exam may be divided into two sections, with Section A worth 50 marks and Section B worth 50 marks.

It's a good idea to ask your teacher or school administration for a copy of the marking scheme for your exams, as this will give you a better understanding of how the exams are graded.

3. Understand the Grading Criteria

In addition to understanding how the exams are divided and how many marks each section is worth, it's also important to understand the grading criteria for each exam. This means knowing what types of answers are expected and what types of answers will earn you higher marks.

For example, on an English exam, you may be expected to provide detailed and well-supported answers that demonstrate your understanding of the material. On a math exam, you may be expected to show your work and explain your solutions in order to earn higher marks.

By understanding the grading criteria for your exams, you'll know what you need to do to earn the highest marks possible.

4. Practice with Past Papers

Practicing with past papers is an important part of preparing for the Leaving Cert exams. By working through past papers, you'll get a sense of the types of questions that are asked on the exams and how to approach them. You'll also get a feel for the time pressure, which can be helpful on exam day.

In addition to helping you understand the types of questions that are asked, practicing with past papers can also help you understand the marking scheme and grading criteria for your exams. By reviewing the answers and marking schemes for past papers, you'll get a sense of what types of answers earn high marks and what you need to do to succeed on the exams.

5. Seek Help When Needed

If you're struggling to understand the marking scheme or are having difficulty preparing for the Leaving Cert exams, don't be afraid to seek help. This could mean asking your teacher for clarification, meeting with a tutor, or seeking support from school resources such as a guidance counselor. It's important to address any challenges or issues you're facing as soon as possible, rather than letting them build up and become overwhelming.

6. Conclusion

The marking scheme for the Leaving Cert is an important aspect of the exam process, as it determines how your exams are graded and what grades you will receive. To understand and succeed on the exams, it's important to familiarize yourself with the marking scheme, understand the grading criteria, practice with past papers, and seek help when needed. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to success on the Leaving Cert exams.

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Higher Level Exam Papers

2019 – Source 2019 – History 2018 – Source 2018 – History 2017 – Source 2017 – History 2016 – Source 2016 – History 2015 – Source 2015 – History 2014 – Source 2014 – History 2013 – Source 2013 – History 2012 – Source 2012 – History 2011 – Source 2011 – History 2010 – Exam 2010 – Source 2009 – Exam 2009 – Source 2009 – Craftwork 2008 – Exam 2008 – Source

Ordinary Level Exam Papers

2019 – Source 2019 – History 2018 – Source 2018 – History 2017 – Source 2017 – History 2016 – Source 2016 – History 2015 – Source 2015 – History 2014 – Source 2014 – History 2013 – Source 2013 – History 2012 – Source 2012 – History 2011 – Source 2011 – History 2010 – Source 2010 – Exam 2009 – Exam 2009 – Source 2009 – Design 2008 – Exam 2008 – Source 2007 – Exam 2007 – Source

Higher Level Marking Schemes

2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007

Ordinary Level Marking Schemes