Senior Cycle Subject choice January 21st 2019 Rosemarie Sexton

Objective of Guidance is Skills Development Research skills: Access the necessary information, primary and secondary sources Evaluate: the information must be reflected on and evaluated Decision making: Consider the facts, personal awareness, application of information

To make a good decision it is essential to have good information Why subject choice? Study a 2 year programme to gain knowledge, broaden education and develop a level of thinking to prepare for the next level of education and training Satisfy requirements for options after school Where to get the information Class work: using resources and completing worksheets Teachers: knowledge of subject and student Peers: opportunity made available to meet with senior students and 1. Ask questions and 2.look at text books etc Parents, siblings, friends

Irish English French/German Maths Core Subjects Irish English French/German Maths

Choose 3 Music 50% practical Art 62.5% (37.5% Art appreciation exam) Technology 50% practical Home Economics (Social & Scientific) 20% Geography 20% field trip History 20% report Computer Science 30% project Economics 20% project Accounting Business Biology Chemistry Physics LCVP Module

Questions to Ask Myself Aim to produce a workable balance between what I need and what I am able for. O What type of Learner am I? What will I most likely do well in? What am I interested in learning more about, what am I motivated to learn O Reflect on the Junior Cycle. How did I manage the Junior Certificate? (not the results) RACE, what did I find difficult to learn? O Style of examination most suitable for me. O After school Options, What are my realistic goals?

National Framework of Qualifications

EXIT PLAN… College of Further Education L5/6 Considerations for making plans Time Learn & Earn Ladder of progression Application process, points/interview Maturity/Readiness Travel Training….Qualification ….Job Education experience 4th level plans Leaving Cert L5 Eunicas UCAS Apprentice.ie L5/6/7/8 CAO L6/7/8 L8 Gap year/work

Entry to Higher Education Institutes (Institutes of technology and Universities) have 3 levels of requirements to gain entry 1.Minimum Entry Requirements 2.Specific Entry Requirements (may also involve interviews, portfolios etc) 3.Points

1.Minimum entry requirements Six subjects, 2 at higher level and 4 at ordinary level are required as minimum entry requirements for 3rd level colleges offering level 8 honours degrees. National University of Ireland (NUI) UCC, UCD, NUI Galway, NUI Maynooth, RCSI, St Angela’s Sligo, NCAD, Shannon College of Hotel Management require English, Irish, Maths and a 3rd language. Third language not required by Institutes of Technology, UL, DCU, Mary Immaculate College Exceptions: Maths not needed for Law and Arts (TCD accept Foundation level) 3rd language not needed for Nursing, Science, Ag Science and Engineering. University of Limerick, Mary Immaculate College, require Maths, Irish or another language and English. Institutes of Technology require Maths and English or Irish. A modern European language is a requirement for any international or language based course. It is also a requirement for the Army/Air Corps cadets.

Check them carefully in www.qualifax.ie 2. Course Requirements Subject Requirements for Medical and Science based courses are quite complex. Check them carefully in www.qualifax.ie One Science subject is a requirement for all science and science related courses. One to two sciences are required for medical and paramedical courses especially chemistry Trinity College Dublin requires 2 higher level science subjects for their science based courses. Though Maths, Applied Maths and Geography are accepted as fulfilling the 2nd science requirement in some courses. One science subject is required for all Nursing courses. Agricultural, horticultural and animal courses require a science subject. Note that while only a small number of courses require 2 science subjects, if one is seriously interested in pursuing a science related career, particularly at degree level one should consider taking 2 science subjects.

2.Course requirements Most UK colleges require 2 higher level science subjects for their science based courses. www.ucas.com central European courses www.eunicas.ie Art as a subject may not be specified as a requirement, but a portfolio is required for many Art based courses eg Architecture Music entrance assessments are required for music related courses but not needed as a leaving Certificate subject Garda Vetting and fit to practice requirements must considered with all health/education courses/careers. Record of work experience for Veterinary Portfolio/HPAT/Music/ Drama performance requirements for related courses.

Central Application Office 3. CAO Points Central Application Office processes the applications for Universities and Institutes of Technology level 6/7/8 courses Points are calculated from the best 6 subjects

Leaving Certificate Grading Scheme

Leaving Certificate Grades and Points LCVP Points Pass 28 Merit 46 Distinction 66 Maths 25 bonus points for H6 - H1

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 the 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

Resources Teachers Senior Cycle Students Guidance Counsellor www.qualifax.ie subject requirements www.careersportal.ie subject content www.qqi.ie progressions www.transition.ie new grading and points www.apprentice.ie www.cao.ie application and points Reach+ programme