1. St. Peters Leaving Certificate Subject Choice

2. Today Compulsory subjects (must do) Option subjects (study 3)
Options after Leaving Cert
Course Requirements
Subjects linked to courses/careers
Common pitfalls
The perfect Balance
Targets

3. UNDERSTANDING WHAT’S INVOLVED IN EACH SUBJECT
In the workbook
Each subject is:
Described
Explained if it’s necessary for courses/careers
Explained how it’s useful for courses/careers
Detailed how it’s examined
Compulsory subjects are included:
Maths, English, Irish, French

4. Compulsory Subjects
English
Irish
Maths
French

5. Technical subjects – Junior Cert
Materials Technology/Woodwork becomes Construction Studies in the Senior Cycle.
Metalwork becomes Engineering in the Senior Cycle.
Technical Graphics is called Design and
Communication Graphics in the Senior Cycle.

6. Option Subjects Study three!
7. Art
Accounting
Business
10. History
11. Geography
Home Economics
1. Chemistry
Biology
Physics
4. Construction Studies
Engineering
Design & Communication Graphics

7. The right subjects! Ability: - Interest: -
Career: - Subject and level requirement

8. Is it one of my better subjects?
Do I find it easy to follow what is going on in class?
Can I do the homework without much difficulty?
What grades do I get?

9. Is it a subject I like studying?
Do I look forward to the class?
Do I enjoy doing projects/assignments?
Do I do anything outside of homework in this subject, e.g. watch a relevant TV programme?

10. Do I have talents/interests which relate to specific subjects?
Problem solving
Drawing/painting
Creative
Current affairs/politics
How things work
Good with numbers
DCG, Physics, Chemistry
Art/Home Economics
History, Geog., Business
Engineering, Chemistry, Construction, Physics
Accounting, Chemistry, Physics

11. Think about
Interests
Abilities
Subjects you might need

12. What do students typically/usually do after school?

13. After the LC (LC) Subjects & Results Further Education (FE)
St Johns
CSN
College of Commerce
Higher Education
(HE)
UCC
CIT UL
Work
Apprenticeships
Training Centres

14. PLCs
Level 5 & 6
ITs
Level 6,7 & 8
Universities
Level 8

15. New Grade Levels

16. New Common Points Scale

17. 25 additional points will be added for Honours Maths

18. Big difference in points between higher and ordinary level.
H5(50-60%)=56 pts same O1(90-100%)=56pts
H7(30-40%)=37 pts same O3(70-80%)=37pts
Important to keep this in mind

19. Requirements for college applications
2 H5 4 O6/H7 (UCC)
Irish English French
Irish English Maths
Irish English Maths French
Irish English Maths and
one laboratory Science subject
(depending on course choice)
Additional Requirements
H5 Chemistry
H4 Physics or Biology
H4 Maths
Minimum
Subjects
Levels
Grades
Specific
Subjects
Levels
Grades

20. Additional Requirements
Requirements for CIT
Additional Requirements
H4 Maths
O6/H7 Irish or English
O6/H7Maths
Minimum Entry Requirements CIT
Minimum
Subjects
Levels
Grades
Level 8: -Leaving Certificate with two H5 and four O6/H7 grades including Mathematics, and either English or Irish.
Level 7: -Leaving Certificate with five O6/H7 grades including Mathematics, and either English or Irish.
Specific
Subjects
Levels
Grades

21. Different minimum entry requirements
MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS, SUBJECT SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS & HELPFUL SUBJECTS
Each college has:
Different minimum entry requirements
Different specific subject requirements
(depending on the course)
Read the college prospectus/look up their website to find out the requirements

22. Name of course: Nursing Studies Minimum Entry: Leaving Certificate with OL Maths (grade 03 preferable). Biology is considered an advantage. Additional requirements: None

23. Examples Example: Using CIT Prospectus 2017 Accounting p. 26
Name of course: Accounting
Based on how many subjects passed in LC: 6
How many must be at O6 or H7 level: 4
How many must be H5 level & what grade: 2
What grade must you get in Maths: O4/H7
What grade must you get in English or Irish: O6/H7
What subjects would be helpful to have studied in LC: Accounting, Business or Economics

24. Example: Using UCC Prospectus 2017, p.226
Name of course: Medicine
Minimum Entry: H4 in Chemistry and either Physics or Biology and passes in four other subjects at H7/ O6 level from Irish, English, another language (French) and Maths
Additional requirements: HPAT.

25. How subjects link to courses & careers/jobs?
Could be a requirement for college or work….
Could be helpful when studying

26. How important is it to chose a Science Subject
It is important not to neglect the sciences
There are many courses where a science subject is necessary; -
engineering, medicine, science, paramedical courses, physiotherapy, radiography, nutrition and dietetics
1 written exam 3hrs for each subject

27. Why choose Biology? Biology is the study of life.
A good biology student is very curious about how the different systems work. They must also possess phenomenal attention to detail.
Syllabus requires a lot of memory work
Must: Genetics UCC Human Health & Disease TCD
Those considering medicine, nursing, ecology, food science & all related courses, biology will benefit them tremendously.

28. Why Choose Chemistry?
Chemistry students are required to learn off information about molecules, bonding, organic chemistry etc.
Also a small amount of calculations involved.
A good chemistry student applies attention to detail, in describing procedures of experiments & in understanding vocabulary.

29. Involved in developments in medicine, pharmacology, engineering, agriculture, electronics – useful for a lot of 3rd level courses
Essential for Medicine, Dentistry Pharmacy, Veterinary
(with another science subject)
Dietetics

30. Why Choose Physics?
Often referred to as the Maths side of Science, this is true for a small section of the course.
Physics aims to enhance students’ ability to observe, think logically & understand scientific method
A good physics student wonders why and asks why
Useful for Engineering, radiography, electronics, architecture, electrician, physiotherapy,dentistry
Essential for: Theoretical Physics TCD

31. Business
Business requires students to stay alert & aware of current business related media.
A good business student is able to digest theoretical information about business & use it to advise entrepreneur
Involves learning things off by heart but it is logical & easy to understand
If you want to study business after the LC it is of great benefit but not a requirement for any courses 3 hour written exam

32. Accounting
Bookkeeping side of business, delves deeper teaching students to analyse & interpret figures.
A good accounting student has good mathematical and analytic skills. Is organised & accurate.
Not required for studying accounting at third level (exc. NUI Galway) however if considering accounting or actuarial finance it would be unwise to leave out of subject choice. 3 hour written exam

33. Engineering Engineering consists of: -
Design and make electronic based project
final written exam 50%
Divided into the practical & theoretical
Useful for careers: Mechanical Engineering, Civil & Structural Eng. Electrician, Army & Air Corps

34. Construction Studies
Both practical & theory work based around the planning & construction of buildings
Practical exam 25% Project & Portfolio 25% final exam 50%
Practical skills involving tools & processes are taught.
Useful for careers in: Civil Engineering, carpentry, architecture, quantity surveying, furniture design & manufacturing, construction studies teacher

35. Design & Communications
Taken the place of technical drawing
End of year drawing exam worth 60% and an assignment worth 40%
Traditional technical drawing element, freehand sketching
Each student has access to a PC to practice & develop their skills
Useful for careers in: Architecture, Civil & Mechanical Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Graphic Design, Interior Design, all trades carpentry, electrician

36. Art 66% Practical Exam 34% History & Appreciation of Art
Requires hard work & concentration
Not necessary to study art at LC to progress at third level
Portfolio is required for all art courses
Useful for careers in: Architecture, Graphic Design, Printing, Publishing, Teaching Interior Design

37. History
History improves students critical thinking while studying topics from both Irish history & the history of Europe & the wider world.
Course is quite large & requires constant attention throughout the year.
Advantage research project 20%
Final Exam 80%
Useful for careers in: - Law , Archaeology, Journalism, Politics, Librarian, Tourism

38. Geography Study of people & their environment
20% geographical investigation 80% final exam
TCD accepts geography as a science subject for entry to both science & pharmacy faculty
Useful for careers in:- Town Planning, Geologist, Architecture, Construction, Marine Officer Environmental Science, Travel & Tourism

39. Home Economics Social & Scientific
Wide range of topics from food studies, resource management, consumer studies & social studies
20% of final exam
Useful for careers in: Hotel, Catering & Tourism, Chef Culinary Arts, Hospitality/Bar Management, Fashion Design, Nutrition & Food Science Child Care, Sociology, Social Care, Home Ec Teaching

40. Career oriented subject choice
Guide!
Choose subjects that suit you best!

41. Science
Biology/chemistry/physics
Geography
Favourite subject

42. Dentistry Chemistry (Necessary)
Physics/biology (Option second science)
Favourite subject

43. Veterinary Chemistry (Necessary)
Biology (not required, strongly recommended)
Favourite subject

44. Architecture
Design & Communications
Art
Physics

45. Law
History
Business
Favourite subject

46. Psychology
Biology
Business
Favourite subject

47. Physiotherapy One Science subject necessary Biology Chemistry/physics
Favourite subject

48. Pharmacy
Chemistry
Biology or Physics (second science subject required)
Favourite Subject

49. Medicine Chemistry (necessary)
Biology/physics (second science subject)
Favourite Subject

50. Nursing One Science Subject required Biology Chemistry
Home Economics/Favourite Subject

51. Hotel Management
Business
Home Economics
Favourite Subject

52. Business
Business
Accounting
Favourite Subject

53. Social Sciences
Geography
Home Economics
Favourite Subject

54. Engineering
Physics
Engineering
Design & Communications
Chemistry

55. Computer Science Physics Design & Communication Graphics
Favourite Subject

56. Are there any subjects that are easier than others?
Common misconception!
No such thing as an ‘easy honour’
Depends entirely on the student; -
Flair for Maths
Flair for English
Flair for practical subjects
Each subject requires time, dedication & consistent attention for two years

57. If I don’t know what to study at third level, what subjects should I chose?
Take a good mixture of subjects
A science subject is important so options are not limited when it comes to the CAO
However
In order to maximise points you should chose subjects you are interested in and enjoy studying

58. Keep in mind! Some subjects can contain an overlap with other subjects
E.g. Home Economics and Biology
Help lighten the workload!

59. GENERAL ADVICE e.g. one science one business
If students are really not sure what they want to do in the future:
Pick a broad range of subjects in order to keep options open
e.g.
one science
one business
one humanities / practical
This combination would allow access into a broad range of courses/careers.
Many students have an idea of their direction re. subject choice
SCIENTIFIC
ARTISTIC / CREATIVE
PRACTICAL
SOCIAL / HEALTH
HUMANITIES
BUSINESS
Making very acceptable combinations of choices
Many students will change their minds about their future a number of times in the next 2 years

60. Must have subjects! (Requirement)
Maths, English: all courses (usually min. OL)
Irish: many courses, primary teaching (HL)
French: (a 3rd language) for many courses in UCC e.g. all teaching courses, social science, medicine, dentistry, speech therapy, all business & law and Cadetships in the Army & Aircorps
Science Subject: nursing, science courses, engineering
Chemistry: & another science subject - Medicine/Veterinary/Dentistry/Pharmacy/Dietician

61. Nice to have subjects (Helpful)
Maths: for all courses (especially computing, game design, engineering, apprenticeships, science based courses)
English: for all courses
Physics: engineering
Biology: nursing, sports courses
Business/Accounting: commerce, hotel management
Geography: environmental science, town planning
History: law, politics
Home Economics: social work, youth work, gardai
Chemistry: pharmaceutical industry, nutrition
Engineering:……………..
Construction:……………
DCG: ………………………
Art: ……………………..

62. Do
Don't 
Choose subjects you enjoy
Choose a subject because your friend is taking it
Choose subjects you are good at
Choose a subject just because you like or dislike the teacher
Choose subjects you need for your chosen career
Choose a subject because you think it will be easy
Keep your options open for the future by making a balanced choice now
Choose a new subject without finding out more about it
Talk to your Guidance Counsellor and your teachers
Make a decision at the last minute without thinking about it
Talk to your parents or guardians
But don't panic

63. Useful website Setting Targets/Points
Parents Role: - Monitor & Encourage

64. Summary Read the booklet List of websites
Discuss with your son/daughter about what subjects would suit them
Speak to people who might be of help
Input preferences by clicking on vsware tab on school website homepage stpeters.ie
login using username and password
On left hand side click on student options
List 1-5 in order of preference
Sign Out

65. Computer will generate option blocks based on the highest preference choices of students.

66. Any Questions?