St. Peters Leaving Certificate Subject Choice

Today Compulsory subjects (must do) Option subjects (study 3) Options after Leaving Cert Course Requirements Subjects linked to courses/careers Common pitfalls The perfect Balance Targets

UNDERSTANDING WHAT’S INVOLVED IN EACH SUBJECT In the workbook Each subject is: Described Explained if it’s necessary for courses/careers Explained how it’s useful for courses/careers Detailed how it’s examined Compulsory subjects are included: Maths, English, Irish, French

Compulsory Subjects English Irish Maths French

Technical subjects – Junior Cert Materials Technology/Woodwork becomes Construction Studies in the Senior Cycle. Metalwork becomes Engineering in the Senior Cycle. Technical Graphics is called Design and Communication Graphics in the Senior Cycle.

Option Subjects Study three! 7. Art Accounting Business 10. History 11. Geography Home Economics 1. Chemistry Biology Physics 4. Construction Studies Engineering Design & Communication Graphics

The right subjects! Ability: - Interest: - Career: - Subject and level requirement

Is it one of my better subjects? Do I find it easy to follow what is going on in class? Can I do the homework without much difficulty? What grades do I get?

Is it a subject I like studying? Do I look forward to the class? Do I enjoy doing projects/assignments? Do I do anything outside of homework in this subject, e.g. watch a relevant TV programme?

Do I have talents/interests which relate to specific subjects? Problem solving Drawing/painting Creative Current affairs/politics How things work Good with numbers DCG, Physics, Chemistry Art/Home Economics History, Geog., Business Engineering, Chemistry, Construction, Physics Accounting, Chemistry, Physics

Think about Interests Abilities Subjects you might need

What do students typically/usually do after school?

After the LC (LC) Subjects & Results Further Education (FE) St Johns CSN College of Commerce Higher Education (HE) UCC CIT UL Work Apprenticeships Training Centres

PLCs Level 5 & 6 ITs Level 6,7 & 8 Universities Level 8

New Grade Levels

New Common Points Scale

25 additional points will be added for Honours Maths

Big difference in points between higher and ordinary level. H5(50-60%)=56 pts same O1(90-100%)=56pts H7(30-40%)=37 pts same O3(70-80%)=37pts Important to keep this in mind

Requirements for college applications 2 H5 4 O6/H7 (UCC) Irish English French Irish English Maths Irish English Maths French Irish English Maths and one laboratory Science subject (depending on course choice) Additional Requirements H5 Chemistry H4 Physics or Biology H4 Maths Minimum Subjects Levels Grades Specific Subjects Levels Grades

Additional Requirements Requirements for CIT Additional Requirements H4 Maths O6/H7 Irish or English O6/H7Maths Minimum Entry Requirements CIT Minimum Subjects Levels Grades Level 8: -Leaving Certificate with two H5 and four O6/H7 grades including Mathematics, and either English or Irish. Level 7: -Leaving Certificate with five O6/H7 grades including Mathematics, and either English or Irish. Specific Subjects Levels Grades

Different minimum entry requirements MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS, SUBJECT SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS & HELPFUL SUBJECTS Each college has: Different minimum entry requirements Different specific subject requirements (depending on the course) Read the college prospectus/look up their website to find out the requirements

Name of course: Nursing Studies Minimum Entry: Leaving Certificate with OL Maths (grade 03 preferable). Biology is considered an advantage. Additional requirements: None

Examples Example: Using CIT Prospectus 2017 Accounting p. 26 Name of course: Accounting Based on how many subjects passed in LC: 6 How many must be at O6 or H7 level: 4 How many must be H5 level & what grade: 2 What grade must you get in Maths: O4/H7 What grade must you get in English or Irish: O6/H7 What subjects would be helpful to have studied in LC: Accounting, Business or Economics

Example: Using UCC Prospectus 2017, p.226 Name of course: Medicine Minimum Entry: H4 in Chemistry and either Physics or Biology and passes in four other subjects at H7/ O6 level from Irish, English, another language (French) and Maths Additional requirements: HPAT.

How subjects link to courses & careers/jobs? Could be a requirement for college or work…. Could be helpful when studying

How important is it to chose a Science Subject It is important not to neglect the sciences There are many courses where a science subject is necessary; - engineering, medicine, science, paramedical courses, physiotherapy, radiography, nutrition and dietetics 1 written exam 3hrs for each subject

Why choose Biology? Biology is the study of life. A good biology student is very curious about how the different systems work. They must also possess phenomenal attention to detail. Syllabus requires a lot of memory work Must: Genetics UCC Human Health & Disease TCD Those considering medicine, nursing, ecology, food science & all related courses, biology will benefit them tremendously.

Why Choose Chemistry? Chemistry students are required to learn off information about molecules, bonding, organic chemistry etc. Also a small amount of calculations involved. A good chemistry student applies attention to detail, in describing procedures of experiments & in understanding vocabulary.

Involved in developments in medicine, pharmacology, engineering, agriculture, electronics – useful for a lot of 3rd level courses Essential for Medicine, Dentistry Pharmacy, Veterinary (with another science subject) Dietetics

Why Choose Physics? Often referred to as the Maths side of Science, this is true for a small section of the course. Physics aims to enhance students’ ability to observe, think logically & understand scientific method A good physics student wonders why and asks why Useful for Engineering, radiography, electronics, architecture, electrician, physiotherapy,dentistry Essential for: Theoretical Physics TCD

Business Business requires students to stay alert & aware of current business related media. A good business student is able to digest theoretical information about business & use it to advise entrepreneur Involves learning things off by heart but it is logical & easy to understand If you want to study business after the LC it is of great benefit but not a requirement for any courses 3 hour written exam

Accounting Bookkeeping side of business, delves deeper teaching students to analyse & interpret figures. A good accounting student has good mathematical and analytic skills. Is organised & accurate. Not required for studying accounting at third level (exc. NUI Galway) however if considering accounting or actuarial finance it would be unwise to leave out of subject choice. 3 hour written exam

Engineering Engineering consists of: - Design and make electronic based project final written exam 50% Divided into the practical & theoretical Useful for careers: Mechanical Engineering, Civil & Structural Eng. Electrician, Army & Air Corps

Construction Studies Both practical & theory work based around the planning & construction of buildings Practical exam 25% Project & Portfolio 25% final exam 50% Practical skills involving tools & processes are taught. Useful for careers in: Civil Engineering, carpentry, architecture, quantity surveying, furniture design & manufacturing, construction studies teacher

Design & Communications Taken the place of technical drawing End of year drawing exam worth 60% and an assignment worth 40% Traditional technical drawing element, freehand sketching Each student has access to a PC to practice & develop their skills Useful for careers in: Architecture, Civil & Mechanical Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Graphic Design, Interior Design, all trades carpentry, electrician

Art 66% Practical Exam 34% History & Appreciation of Art Requires hard work & concentration Not necessary to study art at LC to progress at third level Portfolio is required for all art courses Useful for careers in: Architecture, Graphic Design, Printing, Publishing, Teaching Interior Design

History History improves students critical thinking while studying topics from both Irish history & the history of Europe & the wider world. Course is quite large & requires constant attention throughout the year. Advantage research project 20% Final Exam 80% Useful for careers in: - Law , Archaeology, Journalism, Politics, Librarian, Tourism

Geography Study of people & their environment 20% geographical investigation 80% final exam TCD accepts geography as a science subject for entry to both science & pharmacy faculty Useful for careers in:- Town Planning, Geologist, Architecture, Construction, Marine Officer Environmental Science, Travel & Tourism

Home Economics Social & Scientific Wide range of topics from food studies, resource management, consumer studies & social studies 20% of final exam Useful for careers in: Hotel, Catering & Tourism, Chef Culinary Arts, Hospitality/Bar Management, Fashion Design, Nutrition & Food Science Child Care, Sociology, Social Care, Home Ec Teaching

Career oriented subject choice Guide! Choose subjects that suit you best!

Science Biology/chemistry/physics Geography Favourite subject

Dentistry Chemistry (Necessary) Physics/biology (Option second science) Favourite subject

Veterinary Chemistry (Necessary) Biology (not required, strongly recommended) Favourite subject

Architecture Design & Communications Art Physics

Law History Business Favourite subject

Psychology Biology Business Favourite subject

Physiotherapy One Science subject necessary Biology Chemistry/physics Favourite subject

Pharmacy Chemistry Biology or Physics (second science subject required) Favourite Subject

Medicine Chemistry (necessary) Biology/physics (second science subject) Favourite Subject

Nursing One Science Subject required Biology Chemistry Home Economics/Favourite Subject

Hotel Management Business Home Economics Favourite Subject

Business Business Accounting Favourite Subject

Social Sciences Geography Home Economics Favourite Subject

Engineering Physics Engineering Design & Communications Chemistry

Computer Science Physics Design & Communication Graphics Favourite Subject

Are there any subjects that are easier than others? Common misconception! No such thing as an ‘easy honour’ Depends entirely on the student; - Flair for Maths Flair for English Flair for practical subjects Each subject requires time, dedication & consistent attention for two years

If I don’t know what to study at third level, what subjects should I chose? Take a good mixture of subjects A science subject is important so options are not limited when it comes to the CAO However In order to maximise points you should chose subjects you are interested in and enjoy studying

Keep in mind! Some subjects can contain an overlap with other subjects E.g. Home Economics and Biology Help lighten the workload!

GENERAL ADVICE e.g. one science one business If students are really not sure what they want to do in the future: Pick a broad range of subjects in order to keep options open e.g. one science one business one humanities / practical This combination would allow access into a broad range of courses/careers. Many students have an idea of their direction re. subject choice SCIENTIFIC ARTISTIC / CREATIVE PRACTICAL SOCIAL / HEALTH HUMANITIES BUSINESS Making very acceptable combinations of choices Many students will change their minds about their future a number of times in the next 2 years

Must have subjects! (Requirement) Maths, English: all courses (usually min. OL) Irish: many courses, primary teaching (HL) French: (a 3rd language) for many courses in UCC e.g. all teaching courses, social science, medicine, dentistry, speech therapy, all business & law and Cadetships in the Army & Aircorps Science Subject: nursing, science courses, engineering Chemistry: & another science subject - Medicine/Veterinary/Dentistry/Pharmacy/Dietician

Nice to have subjects (Helpful) Maths: for all courses (especially computing, game design, engineering, apprenticeships, science based courses) English: for all courses Physics: engineering Biology: nursing, sports courses Business/Accounting: commerce, hotel management Geography: environmental science, town planning History: law, politics Home Economics: social work, youth work, gardai Chemistry: pharmaceutical industry, nutrition Engineering:…………….. Construction:…………… DCG: ……………………… Art: ……………………..

Do Don't  Choose subjects you enjoy Choose a subject because your friend is taking it Choose subjects you are good at Choose a subject just because you like or dislike the teacher Choose subjects you need for your chosen career Choose a subject because you think it will be easy Keep your options open for the future by making a balanced choice now Choose a new subject without finding out more about it Talk to your Guidance Counsellor and your teachers Make a decision at the last minute without thinking about it Talk to your parents or guardians But don't panic

Useful website Setting Targets/Points Parents Role: - Monitor & Encourage

Summary Read the booklet List of websites Discuss with your son/daughter about what subjects would suit them Speak to people who might be of help Input preferences by clicking on vsware tab on school website homepage stpeters.ie login using username and password On left hand side click on student options List 1-5 in order of preference Sign Out

Computer will generate option blocks based on the highest preference choices of students.

Any Questions?