Leaving Certificate science syllabuses are designed to incorporate the following components: science for the enquiring mind, or pure science, to include the principles, procedures and concepts of the subject as well as its cultural and historical aspects. Science for action, or the applications of science and its interface with technology science, which is concerned with issues – political, social and economic – of concern to citizens.

SMGS offers chemistry at higher and at ordinary level. Students who liked the chemistry section of the Junior Cert. Science course should seriously consider taking it for leaving cert.

The school is actively involved in Science Exhibitions and competitions, including the Salter's Festival of Chemistry.