Junior Certificate Subject Choice St Paul’s Monasterevin

Aim For students to give themselves a package of subjects and levels which: They can manage Will give a sense of career direction

Important Considerations Interest in the subject Ability in the subject Future career aspirations

Junior Certificate Exam Subjects Mandatory: Irish English Maths History Geography French SPHE Business Religion Optional (Choose 2) Technical Drawing Wood Technology Science Home Economics Art, Craft and Design Music

Applied Sciences – Usefulness: Technical Graphics: Useful for careers in Engineering, Information Technology, Architecture, Printing, Aviation, Army and Air Corps, Design, Construction Industry etc. Wood Technology: Useful for Architecture, Building Construction, Carpentry, Engineering, Design, Town Planning, Quantity Surveyor, Plasterer, Housing etc.

Career Advantage Art Home Economics Advertising, Marketing, Printing, Architecture, Fashion Designer, Primary Teacher, Media, Fashion Design. A portfolio is often a requirement for Art courses Home Economics Home Ec Teaching, Dietician, Chef, Food Science, Nursing, Childcare etc.

SCIENCE Science : useful for careers in human medicine, allied healthcare professions, biomedical and forensics Music: useful for careers in entertainment and performance sector, sound and stage production, dance, broadcasting

Choosing Subjects

How do students choose? Research Discuss Reflect Decide

Discuss Subject Teachers. Current Pupils. Parents/Guardians Older Brothers & Sisters. Guidance Counsellor.

Ask…. Do I like this subject? Am I good at it? How have I performed up to now? Is there a chance I might need it for further study/career? Am I keeping my options open? Is Level important?

Decide We do not have a crystal ball to see into the consequences of our decisions but we tend to be happier and more at ease with our decisions when we have done our work!

How can it go wrong? Subjects chosen are too difficult and they do not like them. No thought given to future can lead to disappointment. Picking traditional subjects and so limiting options. Following friend’s selections or teacher reputation. Not fully informed about subject, especially if informed by only one source.

Q. What subjects will you enjoy and do best in?? Summary Subjects should be chosen based on: - Ability & Interest - Career Aspirations - College Entry Requirements. Q. What subjects will you enjoy and do best in??

Contact Ms. Garrett for more information Questions? Contact Ms. Garrett for more information