Introduction to the Field Investigation

1. Introduction
A revised syllabus for Leaving Certificate Geography was introduced in September 2004. The revised syllabus was examined for the first time in 2006. Assessment in the subject features two components at both Ordinary and Higher Levels, as follows: (i) Practical coursework (20% of the total available marks) and (ii) A Final, Written
Examination (80% of the total available marks).

2.1 The Geographical Investigation Reporting Booklets 

A reporting booklet is to be completed by each candidate in the course of the current school year. The practical coursework must be submitted in the Geographical Investigation Reporting Booklet.

2.2 Importance of ensuring that the Reporting Booklet is each candidate’s own individual work.  

The writing up of the reporting booklet must be the individual work of each candidate. Completed booklets will be accepted for assessment only if the school authorities have certified on the relevant forms that they are the candidates’ own unaided work. Teachers should monitor the progress of the candidates’ work  on a regular basis. Any incidence of suspected copying, improper assistance from another party, or plagiarism will be thoroughly investigated. Candidates should be advised of the penalties that may be applied under the Rules and Programme for Secondary Schools, which range from loss of the subject, to loss of the entire examination in all subjects, to being debarred from the Certificate Examinations in future years. 
 
It is recognised that the field-based work in a Geographical Investigation may be undertaken in groups. However, the report must, in every case, be the candidate’s own work and the candidate’s own individual contribution must be clearly identified in the booklet. It is the responsibility of each candidate in
the group to ensure that his/her own individual contribution is clearly identified in the booklet.