1 Senior Cycle Options in Confey College March 2015

2 Senior Cycle Options Traditional Leaving Certificate ( includes Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme LCVP) Transition Year Leaving Certificate Applied

3 How do I choose? You choose the senior cycle option which is best for you by considering Your age Your intentions for after school Your aptitudes and interests

4 Subject Choices for the Traditional Leaving Certificate

5 How do I choose my subjects? You need to consider Your strengths Your interests Your skills or aptitudes Your plans for the future, i.e. do I plan to go to college, what would I like to do?

6 when choosing subjects: Students should research what the study of each subject entails on websites such as and Students should research entry requirements for 3 rd level courses on the website

7 How can we help? Presentations to students over last few weeks Presentation to parents Individual teachers can advise on their subject The Guidance Counsellor can advise about course requirements queries to

8 Subjects Available in Confey College Core Subjects: Irish-Higher, Ordinary and Alternative Level English-Higher and Ordinary Level Maths-Higher, Ordinary and Alternative Level

9 Option Subjects Available at Higher and Ordinary Level only and according to demand expressed by students Languages-French and German Sciences-Biology -Chemistry -Physics - Agricultural Science

10 Option Subjects 2 Business - Business - Accounting - Economics Social Studies- History - Geography - Religion Artistic & Creative -Art -Music

11 Subject Options 3 Applied Sciences - Home Economics - Engineering - Construction Studies - Design & Communication Graphics

12 How many subjects do I choose? Each student has 3 core subjects, i.e. Irish, English and Maths. You then choose 4 other subjects

Choosing a language Choosing French or German builds on the knowledge acquired for the Junior certificate Would suit students with an interest in French/German culture and who have an aptitude for the language Important choice as many 3 rd level courses have a language requirement 13

Choosing a language French/German would be of benefit to many careers including teaching, translation, interpreting, journalism media, engineering, finance, tourism, hospitality, food and wine, sales and marketing There are a total of 13 courses that require French and 7 courses that require German as part of their entry requirements 14

Choosing Business Business provides students with a learning experience for a wide range of careers in business, marketing, law enterprise and management Would suit students who have an organised mind and who like to answer questions in bullet points not in long essay format 15

Choosing Business Students don’t have to have studied business at Junior certificate level Business is not an essential subject for any courses in the CAO system 16

Choosing Economics Economics provides students with a learning foundation for a wide range of careers in business, economics, finance, enterprise and management Ideally students should have a general interest in how the economy works and be interested in current affairs 17

Choosing Economics Economics is not an essential requirement for any courses in the CAO system The study of Economics is concerned with the workings of a modern economy at both macro and micro level It suits students who are willing to work hard and caters for all abilities 18

Choosing Accounting, Accounting develops students numeracy skills within the context of business and enterprise Strongly recommended when Accountancy is the career path you want to follow although not required for any course at third level Students needs to be comfortable with numbers but do not need to be higher level maths students s19

Choosing History History suits students who enjoy history and who are willing to commit a lot of time to study and research Students who have strong English language skills It is not required for any CAO courses Useful for careers in education, law, media, politics, research etc. 20

Choosing Geography Suits students considering further study in areas such as geography, economics, environmental science Not an essential requirement for any course in the CAO system TCD accepts Geography as a science subject into science and pharmacy UCD acceots Geography as a scinece subject into science 21

Choosing Religion The study of Religion explores issues such as meaning and value, the nature of morality the development of diversity and belief, the principles of a just society and the implications of scientific progress 22

Choosing Religion Students personal faith commitment and /or affiliation to a particular religious grouping will not be assessed Possible future careers: Arts, Law, Journalism, Education, Social Work 23

Choosing Art Suits students who have shown an aptitude for art Suits students who are considering a career in a creative disciplines such as Architecture, Marketing, Film and Entertainment, Web Design, Fashion, Game Design or Advertising For most 3 rd level Art and Design courses, a portfolio is required as well as Leaving Cert art 24

Choosing Music Music involves three core areas- performing, composing and listening Suits students considering a career in a creative discipline such as singing, playing in a band, music production and performance technology and management Most music courses require an interview and an audition along with Leaving cert results 25

Choosing Home Economics Suits students who enjoy practical work such making things, doing things and knowing how things work Much of the course is theory based and includes in-depth study of Nutrition, Resource Management Consumer studies and aspects of sociology 26

Choosing Home Economics Suits students interested in careers in food, textiles, science, design, social studies and tourism Not essential requirement for any course in the CAO system but useful if seeking entry to study Home Economics at third level 27

Choosing Biology Suits students who had a good understanding and interest in junior cert science at higher level Suits students who have excellent memories and attention to detail Many CAO courses require at least one science subject Choosing biology will be a huge benefit when studying Medicine, Nursing and related courses 28

Choosing Chemistry Suits students who have done well in Mathematics and Science at junior cert level Chemistry is an essential element in the study of careers including Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Physiotherapy, Nursing, Pharmacy and Medical Laboratory Technology 29

Choosing Chemistry Chemistry is an essential requirement for study of Dentistry, Medicine, Pharmacy (UCC), Pharmacy (TCD), Human Nutrition & Dietetics (DIT), Public Health Nutrition (DIT), Veterinary Medicine (UCD) 30

Choosing Physics Suits students who have an interest in science at junior cert level and those who enjoy learning about how things work Students who are interested in the following careers would be advised to study physics: electrician, optician, doctor, dentist, engineer, computer technician and programmer 31

Choosing physics Physics is a requirement for entry into a number of CAO courses including Theoretical Physics in TCD and UCD 32

Choosing Agricultural Science The study of the science and technology underlying the principles and practices of agriculture Suits students interested in ecology, plant and animal physiology, farm crops, farming practices, genetics and microbiology Useful for careers in Chemical, Biomedical Sciences, 33

Choosing Agrcultural Science Useful for careers in Animal and Veterinary Science, Earth Science and Environment, Mechanical Engineering & Manufacturing and Medical Devices Not essential requirement for any courses in CAO system Meets science subject entry requirement for many courses 34

Choosing Engineering Suits students who have an aptitude and interest for design and practical work and an interest in the study of mechanical engineering Suits students who have an interest in careers in Mechanical Engineering and Manufacturing, Space Science and Technology, Computers and Software. 35

Choosing Engineering Suits students interested in careers in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Art, Craft and Design, Building, Construction & Property Engineering is not an essential requirement for any course in the CAO system 36

Choosing Construction Suits students with an interest in buildings and the built environment Students should have an aptitude and interest for design and practical work Suits students interested in Building, Construction & Property Not an essential subject for any courses in the CAO system 37

Choosing Design & Communication Graphics Suits students who have an interest in the practical aspects of engineering and construction and who have taken Tech Graphics to Junior Cert level Suits students who have an interest in careers in Building, Construction & Property, Computers & Software, Art, Craft & Design 38

Choosing Design, Communication & Graphics Suits students interested in careers in Mechanical Engineering & Manufacturing and Medical Devices DCG is not an essential requirement for any courses in the CAO system. 39

Entry requirements 3 rd level Remember choose 4 subjects that you are genuinely interested in, have an aptitude for and subjects that fulfill entry requirements for third level courses that you may wish to pursue after Leaving Certificate Check entry requirements for all third level courses on

41 Minimum Requirements NUI Colleges require: Irish, English and a third language* 3 other subjects At least 2 HC3’s Maths for all courses except Arts, Law and Social Science Science, except for Arts, Law, Social Science and Commerce * For entry to a small number of Engineering Courses in Maynooth a 3rd language is not required and another recognised subject can be substituted. A 3 rd language will not be required for entry to Engineering or Agricultural Science Degrees in UCD. Another recognised subject may be substituted. Students entering Nursing may substitute any other recognised subject for the 3 rd. Language Students entering the NCAD my present Art in place of the 3 rd. Language.

42 Minimum Requirements cont. TCD requires: English, Maths and another language (Irish, French, German or other) 3 other subjects At least 3HC3’s DCU requires Maths and English or Irish 4 other subjects At least 2HC3’s

43 Minimum requirements cont. DIT and other IT requirements: English or Irish and Maths 4 other subjects – for Level 8 courses 3 other subjects – for Level 7 courses At least 2 HC3’s – for Level 8 courses

44 Course or Essential Requirements Many college courses and faculties have requirements in addition to the minimum requirements outlined. These must be checked with the college brochures or websites Examples:- Medicine may require honours Chemistry - Level 8 Engineering may require honours Maths - Art and Design courses require a portfolio of students’s own art work.

45 College Courses All college courses are listed as Level 6, 7 or 8 for students with Leaving Cert.which is Level 5. Level 6 courses are usually 2 years and the Qualification gained is a Higher Certificate. Level 7 courses are usually 3 years and are called Ordinary Degrees Level 8 courses are 3/4 or more years and are called Honours Degrees.

46 Colleges in Ireland Type of College Name of College Length of Course Level of Qual Entry Require- ments UniversityMaynooth (NUIM). Pontifical University, Maynooth. Trinity College (TCD). Galway (NUIG). Cork (UCC). Dublin (UCD). Limerick (UL). Dublin City University (DCU). Minimum 3 years 4 or more for many courses Level 8 4 or more honours in LC

47 Colleges in Ireland continued Type of College Name of CollegeLength of Course Level of Qual Entry Require- ments Institutes of Technology Dublin (DIT) Blanchardstown, Tallaght, Carlow, Athlone, Dundalk, Galway/Mayo, Cork, Waterford, Letterkenny, Limerick, Tralee, Sligo 2 years 3 Years 3/4 + years Level 6 Level 7 Level Honours Honours 4 + Honours

48 Colleges in Ireland continued Type of college Name of CollegeLength of Course Level of Qual Entry require- ments Miscella- neous State Funded Colleges --National College of Ireland(NCI) -Tipperary Rural Business Development College(TRBDI) -National College of Art and Design (NCAD) -Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology(DLIADT) -Royal College of Surgeons (RCSI) -Shannon College of Hotel Management -Carlow College -Milltown Institute 2 years 3Years 3/4 Years + Level 6 Level 7 Level Hons 3/4 + Hons 4 + Hons

49 Colleges in Ireland continued Type of college Name of CollegeLength of Course Level of Qual Entry require- ments Primary Teaching St. Patrick’s, Drumcondra Coláiste Mhuire, Marino Froebel NUIM Church of Ireland College, Rathmines Mary Immaculate College, Limerick 3/4 YearsLevel 7 or Honours Home Economics St. Angela’s, Sligo 4 YearsLevel 84 + Honours Teacher of Religion Mater Dei, Drumcondra St Patricks Pontifical College 4 Years 3 years Level 8 3/4 + Honours

50 Colleges in Ireland continued Type of college Name of College Length of Course Level of Qual Entry require- ments Private Colleges -American College -Dublin Business School -Griffith College -Portobello College 1 – 4 Years Level 6 Level 7/8 Level 8 Pass Leaving Cert + N.B. Large Tuition Fees are payable at Private Colleges – Ranging from €4,000 upwards per annum.

51 To Keep Your Options Open If you are not sure at all, or have only a vague idea of what you would like to do after you leave school then – Take at least one science subject Keep your modern language Take 2 other subjects that you are good at, or that you enjoy and will do well at. N.B. - Points restrict entry to many courses more than subjects do.

52 Essential Subjects Many courses, especially at Level 8 will require you to have a particular subject and sometimes even to Honours level. For example: Engineering – you may require Honours Maths and often a Science subject also Medicine and other Paramedical courses – one or two science subjects (Chemistry very important)

53 Essential Subjects cont. Nursing – must have a science subject – not necessarily Biology Primary Teaching – Must have Honours Irish to get straight into Teacher Training Languages – for all NUI Colleges you must have a modern language (except for a small number of courses). For all courses that includes the study of a language. Business & Accounting – not essential for any course but would make college life easier if you intend to choose this type of career/course

54 Alternative routes Remember that there are many ways to reach the career of your choice. If you do not get the points you would need to do a Level 8 course, then you could start at Level 6 and work your way up. This is true for many careers and courses, but not all.

55 Post Leaving Cert Courses Post Leaving Cert Courses (PLC) are available in many colleges in Dublin and around the country. There are courses in almost everything you could wish for. Entry to these courses is based on an application to the college and an interview. Not on Points! They can be used to improve your prospects of entry to 3 rd. Level Colleges, or to gain a qualification. Courses are from 1 – 4 years, with qualification from Level 5 to 8.

56 Finally Most Employers want a good graduate,but not of a particular type Keep your options open as long as possible – keep your science and language if possible Students should work as hard as they can now to get the best grades in their Junior Cert as this can often affect at what level they take a subject for the Leaving Cert. If they are unsure, ask a teacher or the Guidance Counsellor for help Good luck with your decisions!