Mercy Mounthawk Subject choice Senior Cycle (LC) 2016

Leaving Certificate Subjects Subjects are grouped as follows:

Science Group:  Mathematics  Applied Mathematics  Biology  Physics  Chemistry  Agricultural Science

Business Group:  Accounting  Business  Economics

Applied Science Group:  Design Communications Graphics  Construction Studies  Engineering  Home Economics (Social and Scientific)

Social Studies Group:  History  Geography  Art  Music  Religion

Language Group:  Irish  English  French  German  Spanish

Core Subjects  Irish (Unless exempt by DES)  English  Mathematics  Plus Four Additional Subjects

Subject Choice  Number of subjects to be taken?  The actual subjects to be taken?  The level at which these subjects will be taken?

Factors To Consider  Choose subjects you found interesting and enjoyable at JC/TY.  Focus on your strengths (ability).  List careers you have an interest in, research related third level courses and identify:

1. Subjects that are necessary and the required levels 2. Subjects that are desirable

Irish Leaving Certificate Examination Points Calculation Grid LC GradeHigher LevelOrdinary Level Bonus for HL Maths Foundation Maths A A B B B C C26525 C D D D345525

Changes to the LC grading system Higher Level Grade Ordinary Level Grade H1 (90-100)O1 (90-100) H2 (80 < 90)O2 (80 < 90) H3 (70 < 80)O3 (70 < 80) H4 (60 < 70)O4 (60 < 70) H5 (50 < 60)O5 (50 < 60) H6 (40 < 50)O6 (40 < 50) H7 (30 < 40)O7 (30 < 40) H8 (0 < 30)O8 (0 < 30) Reducing the number of grade bands from 14 to 8 Candidates receiving Leaving Certificate results in August 2017 will have their results expressed in the following new Leaving Certificate grades:

Changes to the Common Points Scale Higher Level Grade Points Ordinary Level Grade Points H1100 H288 H377 H466 H556O156 H646O246 H737O337 H80O428 O520 O612 O70 O80

 Maths Bonus Points 25 bonus points will continue to be awarded for Higher Level Mathematics for H6 grades and above. For example, if an applicant receives a H6 grade, an additional 25 points will be added to the 46 points already awarded for a H6 grade i.e. Higher Level Mathematics now carries a points score of 71 for this applicant.  Foundation Level Mathematics Universities do not award points for Foundation Level, the IoTs are currently considering a conversion for Changes to the Common Points Scale

Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme LCVP gradeRevised LCVP Points Distinction66 Merit46 Pass28

Objectives of the Changes  To reduce pressure on second- level students  To encourage the take-up of higher level subjects  To fairly reward scholastic achievement  To minimise use of random selection

Necessary Subjects Entry Requirements Course requirements

NUI,( UCC. UCD. Maynooth University, NUI Galway.) Six subjects which must include:  2 H5 (Formally 2HC3’s) 4 06/H7 (Formally 4D3’s)  A pass in English  A pass in Irish  A pass in a third language: French/ German/ Spanish

NUI – language requirement no longer exists for:  UCD – Engineering, Science, Social Science and Agricultural Science courses  Maynooth University– Engineering and Science Courses  NUI Galway – Engineering and Science courses  UCC – Science, Engineering and Food Science courses  All NUI – Nursing  NCAD –accept Art instead of the Language

University of Limerick Six subjects which must include:  At least 2H5 4 06/H7  Mathematics  English  Irish or another language

Institutes of Technology (Honours Degree) Six subjects to include:  Mathematics  English  Two higher H5 and 4 06/H7

Institutes of Technology (Higher Cert. / Ordinary Degree) Five subjects to include:  5 06/H7  Mathematics  English or Irish

Matriculation requirements from 2017 Changes to specific subject requirements from 2017 Where Current requirement is : 2017 requirement : 5 OD35 O6/H7 2 HC3 & 4 OD32 H5 & 4 O6/H7 3 HC3 & 3 OD33 H5 & 3 O6/H7

Course / Faculty Requirements The subject or group of subjects at a specified level that is required for a particular course

Examples of Course Requirements  Nursing – Laboratory Science Subject  Engineering (Level 8)- Higher Level Maths H4  Medicine & Health - Laboratory Science(s) H4  Pharmacy -Chemistry H5  World Languages UCC – H3 in Language  Primary Teaching – Higher Irish

Desirable Subjects (Examples)  Two science subjects for any science based course.  At least one business subject for any business or commerce course.  Design Communications Graphics for Architecture or Engineering.  History for Journalism or Government.

Other Factors To Consider  Awareness of subject content: (a) SC Booklet /Careers Portal (b) Subject Teacher  Do not choose subjects based on friend’s choices.  Choices should not be linked to teachers of senior classes.  There are ‘easy’ subjects in which to get points. (Myth?)

 Try to maintain a balance between the subjects groups. This will keep your options open.  Link between J.C subjects and L.C subjects.  Some subjects can complement each other eg: Physics/Applied Maths/Engineering or Higher English/History

Where to get information?  College Prospectuses  Websites:

General Guidelines on Subject Choice  Core Subjects (3)  Language (1)  A science subject/course req. (1)  Last two Consider : Personal strengths/desirable subjects/second science subject etc. (2)

Subject choice is all about getting one’s choices together in a manner which:  Satisfies the entry requirements for all courses in which you have an interest in.  Optimises the chances of fulfilling one's potential and changing educational/ career interest.  That stimulate interest and motivate study  Facilitates a stress free two years study.

Thank you for your attention  Ms Farrell: 3.2, 3.4, 3.8,3.10, 4.1 and 4.2  Ms O Mahony: 3.1, 3.3, 3.7, 3.9, ,4.4 and 4.5