1. Senior Cycle Options in Confey College January 2017 Ms O’Byrne & Ms Logan

2. Senior Cycle Options
Traditional Leaving Certificate ( which may include Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme LCVP)
Transition Year
Leaving Certificate Applied

3. LCVP
LCVP students must take a minimum of five Leaving Certificate Subjects
(at Higher, Ordinary or Foundation Level) including Irish
two of the above must be selected from one of the designated Vocational Subject Groupings
they must study the two Link Modules, namely Preparation for the World of Work and Enterprise Education
students are required to follow a recognised course in a Modern European Language (other than Irish or English).

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

5. Subject Choices for the Traditional Leaving Certificate

6. 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?

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

8. How can we help? Presentation to students Presentation to parents
Individual teachers can advise on their subject
Guidance Counsellor can advise about course requirements
queries to

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

10. 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
May do Agricultural Science outside of school

11. Option Subjects 2 Business - Business - Accounting - Economics
Social Studies -History
-Geography
-Politics & Society
Artistic & Creative -Art
-Music

12. Subject Options 3 Applied Sciences - Home Economics - Engineering
- Construction Studies
- Design & Communication
Graphics (DCG)
- Applied Maths

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

14. 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 3rd level courses have a language requirement

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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.

22. 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 accepts Geography as a science subject into science.

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 3rd 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 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.

33. 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

34. 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

35. 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

36. 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.

37. POLITICS and SOCIETY - NEW SUBJECT!!!

38. Choosing Agricultural Science
Study of the science and technology underlying the principles and practices of agriculture.
Plants and animal types associated with agriculture are studied investigations are undertaken into soil, ecology, plant and animal physiology, farm crops, farming practices, genetics and microbiology.
Written exam and project
Agricultural Science is assessed at two levels, Ordinary level and Higher level, through a written examination and an assessment work undertaken during the course.

39. Entry requirements 3rd 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

40. NEW LEAVING CERT GRADING SYSTEM
NEW GRADES FROM 2017
H1/O A1
H2/O <90 A2/B1
H3/O <80 B2/B3
H4/O <70 C1/C2
H5/O <60 C3/D1
H6/O <50 D2/D3
H7/O <40 E
H8/O <30 E/NG

41. Revised Points Scale from 2017
HIGHER
ORDINARY
GRADE
POINTS H1 H2 H3
100 88 77 H4 66 H5 H6 H7 56 46 37 O1 O2 O3 H8
Lcvp link modules
Distinction = 66
Merit = 46
Pass = 28 O4 O5 O6 O7 08 28 20 12

42. Minimum Requirements NUI Colleges require:
Irish, English and a third language*
3 other subjects
At least 2 H5’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 3rd 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 3rd. Language
Students entering the NCAD may present Art in place of the 3rd. Language.

43. Minimum Requirements cont.
TCD requires:
English, Maths and another language
(Irish, French, German or other)
3 other subjects
At least 3H5’S
DCU requires
Maths and English or Irish
4 other subjects
At least 2H5’S

44. 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 H5’s – for Level 8 courses

45. 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.

46. 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.

47. NATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORK

48. Colleges in Ireland Type of College Name of College Length of Course
Level of Qual
Entry Require-ments
University
Maynooth (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

49. Colleges in Ireland continued
Type of College
Name of College
Length 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 8
2 + Honours
2-3 + Honours
4 + Honours

50. Colleges in Ireland continued
Type of college
Name of College
Length of Course
Level of Qual
Entry require-ments
Miscella-neous State Funded Colleges
--National College of Ireland(NCI)
-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
2 years
3Years
3/4 Years +
Level 6
Level 7
Level 8
2 + Hons
3/4 + Hons
4 + Hons

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

52. 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
Level 8
Pass Leaving Cert +
N.B. Large Tuition Fees are payable at Private Colleges – Ranging from €4,000 upwards per annum.

53. 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.

54. 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)

55. 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

56. EXEMPTIONS FROM IRISH

57. Exemptions from Irish
A number of universities require students to have a pass grade in Irish in order to meet the matriculation requirements. These institutions include:
University College Dublin (UCD)
University College Cork (UCC),
NUI Maynooth and
NUI Galway.
Trinity College Dublin (TCD) requires students to pass a language other than English.
The University of Limerick (UL) requires students to pass English and another language

58. Language exemption NUI Colleges TCD University of Limerick
These must be completed and signed by the school principal. Completed forms should be sent to the NUI offices on Merrion Square, Dublin, and not to the individual institutions. There is no need for the candidate to contact the CAO or institutions directly as this will be done on their behalf if their application is successful.
TCD
Applicants to TCD who may not meet the language requirement may apply to the university's admission office for a similar exemption.
University of Limerick
If a student with a learning difficulty or hearing impairment wishes to apply to UL and does not study Irish or a European language they may apply for a language exemption by providing evidence of their disability and a copy of their certificate of exemption from Irish to UL admissions office.

59. Language Exemption DCU
Dublin City University (DCU) requires students to have passed Maths and English for matriculation.
Institutes of Technology
The Institutes of Technology also require students to have passed Maths and English. Therefore it is not necessary to apply for a language exemption from any of these institutions.

60. Language Exemption NUI Colleges
Students who do not take Irish and/or a European language will have difficulty meeting the minimum requirements for these colleges. However, if candidates hold an exemption from Irish from the Department of Education they may apply to the institutions for an exemption from language-related entry requirements.
NUI Colleges
In order to apply for an exemption from the NUI institutions, candidates should first go to nui.ie and go to the 'entry requirements' section of 'going to college.' Here they will find PDF forms to be used to apply for a third language or Irish exemption.

61. 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.

62. 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 3rd. Level Colleges, or to gain a qualification and go directly into employment
Courses are from 1 – 2 years, with qualification from Level 5 to Level 6.

63. SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS
Monday 23rd January: Parents Information Session: Introduction to Senior Cycle Options in Confey 7pm: Mr O’Byrne (Principal)
Tuesday 24th January: Subject Options Talks to 3rd Yr & TY students in Assembly Hall ( )
Tuesday 24th January (7PM)- Feedback to Parents/Students of 3A1, 3A2 & 3a5 (half of class) on Cambridge and Eirquest
Wednesday 25th January (7PM)- Feedback to parents/students of 3a3, 3a4 and 3a5 (second half) on Cambridge and Eirquest

64. Schedule of Meetings
Wednesday February 1st: (7pm): Feedback to Parents/students of TY on Cambridge Profile & Eirquest
Monday February 6th:(pm): Information meeting for parents on TY and LCA programmes
Wednesday February 15th: Closing Date for Applications for 5th Yr/TY/LCA Options.

65. Good luck with your decisions!
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!