1. Welcome
Senior Cycle Subject Choice

2. Don’t Stress!! Exciting opportunities Important decision, we are
happy to help;
-8-9am, pm, pm
Hints and tips to avoid
choosing an unsuitable
subject ‘FAMEOUS FIVE’

3. Subject Choice in Loreto College Mullingar
The curriculum available in Loreto College Mullingar is unrivalled.
Core subjects - some students have exemptions - seven subjects is most common
A common formula, many student’s selection looks like the following;
Core subjects + language + science subject + any two other
Core subjects + language + two science subjects + any other subject
I RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CHANGE MY MIND!!!! THE PERSON I AM TODAY IS NOT THE PERSON I WILL BECOME IN TIME
Keep choices broad and leave opportunities available
Students must consider points and entry requirements
Laboratory science subjects are a common requirement (Chemistry for Veterinary, dietetics, pharmacy etc)
Language for humanities in NUI
Business / History and Geography not a requirement
Music / Art portfolio or audition based with Grade exams

4. Humanities
Home Economics
Geography
Religion
History
Arts
Music
Art and Craft
Options Link
Chinese
Choir
Development Education
PE for leisure
GCSE PE *
Applied Maths**
LCVP **
Core Subjects
English
Irish
Maths
Languages
French
German
Spanish
Sciences
Agricultural Science
Physics
Biology
Chemistry
Business subjects
Business Studies
Accounting
Economics

5. Vocational Subject Groupings (VSGs) 2017/2018
Specialist Groupings
1 Construction Studies; Engineering; Design and Communication Graphics; Technology  -  Any Two  2 Physics and Construction Studies or Engineering or Technology or Design & Communication Graphics 3 Agricultural Science and Construction Studies or Engineering or Technology or Design & Communication Graphics 4 Agricultural Science and Chemistry or Physics or Physics/Chemistry  5 Home Economics; Agricultural Science; Biology - Any Two 6 Home Economics and Art - Design Option or Craft Option 7 Accounting; Business; Economics - Any two   8 Physics and Chemistry 9 Biology and Chemistry or Physics or Physics/Chemistry
10 Biology and Agricultural Science
11 Art - Design Option or Craft Option and Design & Communication Graphics
Services Groupings
12 Engineering or Technology or Construction Studies or Design & Communication Graphics and Accounting or Business orEconomics 13 Home Economics and Accounting or Business or Economics 14 Agricultural Science and Accounting or Business or Economics 15 Art  Design or Craftwork Option and Accounting or Business or Economics 16 Music and Accounting or Business or Economics

6. As a result of the new Leaving Certificate
grades, revised basic matriculation requirements will also be introduced, as follows:
Where the requirements are currently 2 higher level C3 grades and 4 ordinary level D3 grades, in 2017 these will become 2 H5 and 4 O6/H7 grades.
Where the requirements are currently 5 ordinary level D3 grades, in 2017 these will become 5 O6/H7 grades.
Where the requirements are currently 3 higher level C3 grades and 3 ordinary level D3 grades, in 2017 these will become 3 H5 and 3 O6/H7 grades.
LCVP Points 2017
Distinction 66
Merit 46
Pass 28

7. Websites and Resources
Subject departments - Each of the subject departments in Loreto Mullingar have developed information sheets that outline the content of the curriculum for senior cycle and the layout of the final exam at both higher and ordinary levels. Senior students will also be speaking about their subject choices and how they find each subject at senior level.
- This link offers help and advice as you begin your research into the link between subjects and college courses. This resource also highlights many of the errors students make when selecting their subjects.
- This link offers an aptitude test that will help you to identify your strengths and weaknesses as a student. Many subjects are appealing to students with aptitudes and strengths in particular disciplines. For example, a student with strong numerical and logical reasoning may enjoy accounting or applied maths.
- A guide by Brian Mooney in the Irish Times
- A guide by Aoife Walsh in the Independant

8. Research ESRI Reports Senior Students Subject Teachers
Textbooks / Notes
DES Curriculum
Skoool.ie
Scoilnet.ie
College Prospectus
Jan 16th week of events

9. This week, (Monday ) there are a number of events planned to help your daughter in making her subject choice decision. Members of the guidance team will be available each morning 8-9am, each lunchtime pm and each day after school to answer questions and support your daughter,individual appointmetns are also available
You may ask questions and read articles related to guidance and subject choice on the schools’ guidance twitter or instagram accounts (guidegoddess). You may also the guidance team on
- Monday- Assembly with all third year students
-Tuesday – Meeting with individual classes and parents information night
-Wednesday - Careers Interest Inventory
-Thursday – Leaving Certificate speakers’ Q and A session
-Friday – Careers’ Fair Day for subject choice

10. Trends VS Passions Study what you enjoy Follow your passions
Remember, 40 years is a
long time!!
Can I make a living from
this?

11. Following Friends Don’t follow your friends,
their subject choice may not
suit your strengths!

12. Avoiding Teachers I’m not taking …….. in case I get ………
Remember to follow your
passions and strengths

13. What Level? I’m doing ……… I only need … points
This is my extra subject so I’ll
do the ordinary level paper
Consultation with teachers is vital
Change of level form

14. Let the discussion begin!!
Look over past reports
Ask about your daughter’s friends

15. @guidance goddess
guidegoddess
Drop - In service and individual appts available