Introduction to the Project Brief

In this lesson, you will explore how the Computer Science coursework contributes 30% to your Leaving Certificate grade, review key dates from 1 December 2025 to 19 March 2026, and outline the forest-themed project involving an embedded system and Python model. You will also distinguish basic versus advanced requirements, learn the submission format, and understand authentication rules to avoid plagiarism. Finally, complete a preparation checklist.

Learning Goals Learning Outcomes Teacher Notes Lesson Files

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1 Welcome and Objectives
2 Where Does the Coursework Fit In?
3 Key Dates and Timeline
4 The Theme and Overall Task
5 Basic vs Advanced Requirements
6 Submission Format – Get This Right!
7 Authentication and Plagiarism Warning
8 Student Checklist

1 - Welcome and Objectives

The lessons in this module will help you through the Coursework Project. They are meant as a guide and you should always refer back to the official Coursework Project Brief document (linked below in this step) from the SEC.

By the end of this lesson you will be able to:

Explain how the coursework fits into your overall Leaving Certificate Computer Science grade
State the exact timeline and key deadlines
Describe the main theme and overall task
Understand the difference between basic and advanced requirements
Recognise the importance of authentication and avoiding plagiarism
Identify the required submission format

Here is the official Coursework Project Brief for the 2026 Leaving Cert.

2 - Where Does the Coursework Fit In?

Total marks for Computer Science = 300 marks
Written examination = 210 marks (70%)
Coursework project = 90 marks (30%)

This means doing well in the coursework can make a big difference to your final grade.

Component	Marks	Percentage
Written Exam	210	70%
Coursework Project	90	30%
Total	300	100%

3 - Key Dates and Timeline

Project officially starts: Monday, 1 December 2025
Final submission deadline: Thursday, 19 March 2026
Duration: 12 school weeks

You will work on the project both in class (supervised) and at home (research only).

Tip: Put these dates in your phone/calendar today!

4 - The Theme and Overall Task

Theme: Forests and their influence on climate, biodiversity, water resources, carbon storage, wildfire risk, etc.

You must create two connected things:

A real embedded system (using hardware such as micro:bit or Raspberry Pi) that:
- Collects real environmental data
- Simulates a forest-related process
A Python computer model that uses the collected data (plus other data) to:
- Run “what-if” scenarios
- Predict future outcomes
- Include an adaptive feedback mechanism

Everything is explained in a report presented as a local website (not online) with a short video demonstration.

5 - Basic vs Advanced Requirements

Basic Requirements (enough for full marks at Ordinary Level)	Advanced Requirements (needed for high marks at Higher Level)
Embedded system with ≥1 digital + ≥1 analogue input At least one output Collects and stores real data Simulates a real-world process	Python model of a disaster risk (e.g., wildfire, drought) Uses your real data + other data Two different “what-if” scenarios Feedback system that adapts automatically

You can (and probably should) aim higher than the basic level even if you are taking Ordinary Level – it gives you safety and practice.

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Introduction to the Project Brief