1. St Joseph’s College, Lucan Guidance Counselling Department

2. 1st Year Subject Choice
All subjects are of equal value in terms of results at the Junior Certificate.
Pupils are likely to do well in subjects they enjoy studying.
Pupils are not being asked to make a choice that will affect their college or career future!

3. SUBJECTS All subjects will be examined except PE and SPHE
All are equal for the JC
English, Maths, Science
Irish, Religion
History, Geography, Business, CSPE
French, German, Italian, Spanish
Music, Art, Home Economics
Most students take 11 subjects

4. LEVELS
English, Irish, Maths have examination papers at three different levels: Higher, Ordinary and Foundation
All other subjects have two levels: Higher and Ordinary
Except CSPE which is a Common paper

5. 1st Year Subject Choice
When making a choice about what subjects to drop at the end of 1st Year it is important to ask yourself the following:
(a) What subjects can I drop?
(b) Of these which do I enjoy the most?
(c) Of these which do I achieve the best grade in?
(d) Do I need any of the subjects that I can drop for further education/careers?

6. Subjects that can be dropped
Business
Music
Art
Home
Economics

7. Subjects I enjoy the most?
Art, Home Economics…..
Don’t abandon what you enjoy or what your are good at!

8. The facts about Business
There are two main areas of study in Business Studies for the JC – (1) The business world and (2) book-keeping/accountancy.
For the LC there are three business subjects to choose from (1) Business, (2) Accountancy and (3) Economics.
If you don’t take Business Studies for the JC you can’t take Accountancy or Economics for the LC.
You do not need to study a business subject for the LC in order to study Business at 3rd level.

9. The facts about Home Economics
Home Economics is a very popular subject for JC and LC
There is no course at 3rd Level that requires this subject but it is useful to have studied Home Economics for courses that involve culinary arts
You CAN take up Home Economics for the LC having dropped it in 2nd Year.

10. HOME ECONOMICS Cookery Practical Exam April 35% Higher 45% Ordinary
Craftwork or Childcare Project
Sept-Feb %
Written Exam 50% Higher 40% Ordinary

11. The facts about Art
Art should only be considered if you like painting and design because you will be spending double classes drawing and creating
If you are considering a creative career you should take Art in the LC because you will need to present a portfolio
You CAN take up Art for the LC with the permission of the Art teacher
Project = 75% and Drawing = 25%.

12. The facts about Music
You should only consider keeping on music for the JC if you have an aptitude for the subject and you enjoy it.
You will need music in the JC to take it in the LC.
If you want to study music at 3rd level you will need either LC music or min grade 6 in music exams taken outside school.
Practical exam before Easter
Higher Level 25%
Ordinary Level 20%
Higher level students prepare 4 pieces
Ordinary level prepare 2 pieces
Written paper in June – Listening and composing

13. Careers to Consider Now!
Primary School Teaching: H5 in Irish
Pharmacy/Medicine/Nursing/Science Careers: at least one Science subject at H5 level and often Chemistry (Medicine TCD H3 + H4 in two Sci)
Business and Science : O4/H7 + in Maths
Engineering: Higher level maths
Most of our Universities require a pass in English, Irish, Maths and a 3rd language with 2H5 and 4H/O6
Levels matter because points matter!!!

14. The ‘points system’ means subject levels matter!
CAO
Higher %
Ordinary
100 H1
90 – 100% O1 56 88 H2
80 – 89% O2 46 77 H3
70 – 79% O3 37 66 H4
60 – 69% O4 28 H5
50 – 59% O5 20 H6
40 – 49% O6 12 H7
30 – 39% O7 H8
0 – 29% O8

15. Leaving Certificate Points
7 subjects
English, Irish, Math, Language, Science and two other subjects
Points are calculated using your top 6 grades
Arts NUI Maynooth = 330
Social Care DIT = 405
Economics, Politics and Law DCU = 400
European Studies TCD = 535
Social Work TCD = 470
General Nursing TCD = 425
Science UCD = 515
Law >385; Medicine > 560; Science >400; Primary Ed >460.

16. It’s not all about points! Earn and Learn
New Apprentic