1. Programme and Subject Choice
Thursday 2nd March, 2017

2. Agenda
Programme choice – Leaving Cert Applied V Mainstream Leaving Cert
Subject Choice – Why it matters?
College/Course Subject Requirements
Subject Groupings
Hedging Bets
Questions?

3. Programme Choice LCA V Mainstream Leaving Cert

4. OVERVIEW

5. What is the Leaving Certificate Applied?
It is a distinct, self-contained two-year Leaving Certificate programme aimed at preparing students for adult and working life
It emphasises forms of achievement and excellence which the established Leaving Certificate has not recognised in the past

6. Who would benefit most?
Students who are not adequately catered for by other Leaving Certificate programmes
Students who choose not to opt for those programmes

7. Rationale Prepares students for adult and working life
Recognises talents of all pupils
Promotes communication and decision making skills
Applies knowledge and skills to the solution of real problems

8. Curriculum Vocational Preparation & Guidance English & CommunicationsOV OV
Curriculum
Vocational Preparation & Guidance 
English & Communications
Mathematical Applications 
Information Technology
Vocational Specialisms 
Arts Education
Languages 
Leisure & Recreation
Social Education
Elective Modules

9. Assessment 3 Modes Satisfactory completion of Modules 62 credits (31%)
7 Student tasks credits (35%)
Final examinations credits (34%)
Total credits (100%)
Certificate awarded at three levels:
Pass % ( credits)
Merit (70-84 %) ( credits)
Distinction ( %) ( credits)

10. Further &Higher Education
Opening up New Options
The Leaving Certificate Applied Route Map
Leaving
Certificate
Applied
Vocational Preparation
Vocational Education
Further
Education
Post Leaving
Certificate
Course
Further &Higher Education
Careers
FAS
Apprenticeships

11. Subject Choice

12. Subject Choice – Why it Matters
Can Define: Your Points Your Course Options in College Therefore your Future!

13. College Requirements
Certain colleges require certain subjects e.g. National Universities of Ireland (NUI) requires Irish, English & Maths

14. Course Requirements
Certain courses require specific subjects and grades e.g. Primary Teaching courses require a grade of between 50-60% in Higher level Irish (H4). Medicine in any college requires at least one science subject at senior level Law in NUI, Galway requires a European language

15. Subject Requirements Maths, English & Irish - most commonly required.
A 3rd Language is required by the NUI colleges for many of their courses.
Most Business courses state a requirement in Maths - not a business subject!
An Art portfolio is required for most art related courses - Art itself may not be required!
A minimum of one science subject is required for the following fields:
Nursing, Medical/paramedical, Science, Engineering

16. Checking CAO Subject Requirements

17. What to research! Check the relevant college/employer literature
check the overall college requirements
check the course requirement
subject
grades/level
Check the course content -
this will highlight what subjects are predominant
Good websites include
& College websites

18. Subject Choice - Guidelines
Pick the best senior cycle option for you!
Established Leaving Certificate
Pick the subjects you are most interested in.
Maximise your points.
Achieve grades specified by employers or colleges.
Pick the essential subjects for your hoped course or career.
Mistakes can be made in career decisions!

19. Subject Groupings Core – Irish, English, Maths
European Languages – Spanish, French
Sciences – Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Agricultural Science
Humanities – History, Geography
Arts – Art, Music, Home Economics
Business – Business, Accounting, Economics

20. 3rd Language (French/Spanish)
Required for a number of college courses (169 out of over 1400) mostly in universities. See handout for these courses.
Exam is comprised of oral (25%), aural (20%) and written (55%)
Hugely positive for later employment opportunities

23. Biology
Leaving Certificate Biology is a very interesting subject with over 20 experiments. It is one of the most popular subjects at Leaving Certificate level. Topics range from the cell, the heart, the digestive system, ecology to genetics. Students who enjoy learning about how the human body works, nature and medical disorders & treatments will find biology very interesting.

24. Biology (Continued)
This subject is useful for careers in: 1. Veterinary 2. Medicine 3. Pharmacy 4. Nursing 5. Physiotherapy 6. Environmental Science

25. Chemistry
Very exciting and practical subject with over 28 experiments.
Subject ranges from topics such as evironmental chemistry, molecular shapes, tests for onions and preparing soap to name but a few.
Students who enjoy experiments and finding out what substances are made of will enjoy chemistry

26. Chemistry (Continued)
Chemistry is useful for careers in:
Veterinary
Medicine
Pharmacy
Engineering
Nursing
Environmental Science
Forensic Science

27. Physics
Strong Maths element – Though can be taken comfortably with ordinary level maths
Students must maintain a laboratory workbook
24 mandatory experiments – 4 examined on the LC paper

28. Possible Career Areas Essential for electronics, engineering etc.
Very high element of physics in courses like astronomy, computers, architecture etc.
Also useful for General science courses and Radiography, pharmacy & Pilot

29. Agricultural Science
Leaving Certificate agricultural science involves the study of the science and technology underlying the principles and practices of agriculture.
Aims to develop knowledge, skills and attitudes that promote the sustainability of agricultural resources, and places emphasis on the managed use of these resources.

30. Plants and animal types associated with agriculture are studied, and investigations are undertaken into such aspects as soil, ecology, plant and animal physiology, farm crops, farming practices, genetics and microbiology.
Agricultural Science is assessed at two levels, Ordinary level and Higher level, through a written examination and an assessment work undertaken during the course.

31. Geography New course introduced in 2004
More of a continuation of the Junior Certificate Syllabus
Three core topics – Physical, Regional and Field Work
Field work is submitted by April of Leaving Certificate and is worth 20% of overall grade

32. Geography Student also study two more sections called options
These include – Human or Economic Geography, Geoecology, or Global interdependence
Good subject for high grades if you liked the subject at Junior Cert level & like a practical hands on subject

33. History
Subject includes special topic to be submitted in April of Leaving Certificate year worth 20% of overall grade
Four other questions on Leaving Certificate Paper to be done, worth 20% each.
One question on paper is based on the examination of documents

34. History
Student needs to have some love for history in order to do the subject
A fairly high standard of English is required for Higher Level.
Will give rewards if students are prepared to work hard at the subject

35. Home Economics
The syllabus consists of Core Areas and Three Electives:
The Core Areas 1. Food Studies - 45% 2. Resource Management and Consumer Studies - 25% 3. Social Studies - 10%

36. Electives 1. Home Design and Management - 20% or 2
Electives 1. Home Design and Management - 20%                   or 2. Textiles, Fashion and Design - 20%                   or 3. Social Studies - 20% Students opt for one Elective area only.  Those choosing the Textiles, Fashion and Design elective must produce a garment which will be inspected and graded.

37. The Elective areas are extensions of the content contained in the Core Areas and provide students with the opportunity to study certain topics in more depth.
As part of the Core Areas, a mandatory section comprises of Practical Coursework which must be completed during the two years and will be sent to the Department of Education and Science for inspection.  This is 20% of the final examination marks.

38. Music
A Choice Subject
You do NOT need to be able to play an instrument to take up music
Good Subject to gain high points

39. Music Course involves:
Listening: Analysing songs/works – types of music
Composing: Learn to read and write music
Aural Skills
Performing: Learn Tin Whistle and Recorder
Performance is worth 25% or 50% of Exam. (choice of which)

40. Art
Philosophy aside, the Art course for Leaving Certificate consists of two main parts. The practical side of the course is about developing the student's ability in a range of artistic fields and disciplines.

41. Three practical examinations carried out in May
Three practical examinations carried out in May. These are; Life Sketching, Still Life or Imaginative or Abstract Composition, Design or Craftwork. All three examinations have papers to help with the preparation of ideas, research, design and materials.
The art course also features a written examination on History and Appreciation of Art, which counts for 37.5% of the marks in June.

42. The syllabus permits a huge number of media, from the fine arts such as sculpture, drawing, and painting, to puppet-making, embroidery, calligraphy, metalwork, and pottery.

43. Economics
Economics has a mathematical slant as well as graphic and theoretical work. It explores the inner workings of companies, and how they measure their success and progress. At a macro level it examines international trade, the role of government and the EU in controlling the economy, competition and markets. A good subject for the analytical student.

44. Business
This subject deals with current realities of a fast-changing business environment. It requires constant attention to the business pages of the quality newspapers. It looks at how organisations are formed, financed and run. It also explores the services that support businesses such as insurance, banking, transport, as well as public service bodies. 

45. Accounting
Students who enjoyed the bookkeeping part of Junior Cert business should consider accounting. Analysis and interpretation of accounts is the core activity at Leaving Cert level. For those with strong numeracy and reasoning skills. 

46. Leaving Cert Option Subjects
Geography
History
French
Spanish
Accounting
Business Studies
Economics
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Agricultural Science
Art
Music
Home Economics

47. Link Modules (LCVP)

49. Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme

50. An Enhanced Leaving Certificate
The LCVP is a Leaving Certificate with a Vocational dimension
Vocational refers to the development of a range of key “Transferable Skills”

51. Transferable Skills Team Working Critical Thinking Flexibility
Leadership
Planning
Basic Skills (incl. IT)
Motivation to Learn
Communication
Initiative & Enterprise
Decision Making
These skills are equally relevant to young people progressing to further study, working for themselves or going directly into employment

52. The LCVP helps Students
take responsibility for their own learning
become more innovative and enterprising
communicate their thoughts and ideas effectively
investigate and plan their career options

53. and to.. develop key skills for the modern working environment
work well with others as part of a team
network with people in business and the community
access and use computers and audio-visual equipment

54. ACTIVE LEARNING
The LCVP fosters active learning. All activities which the students partake in go through the following steps:
PLANNING - Setting Aims and Objectives
EXPERIENCE - The Activity Itself
DE-BRIEFING - Reflecting on the Experience
EVALUATION - Drawing Conclusions
REPORTING – Drawing up report

55. LCVP Structure 2 Link Modules Vocational Subject 2 Vocational
Irish
Modern European
Language
Other LC Subjects
Most LCVP Students take seven Leaving Certificate Subjects plus the Link Modules

56. Purpose of the Link Modules
The Link Modules help you put theory into practice
Vocational Subjects
Business
Home Economics
Art
Biology
Music
Physics
Chemistry
Business
Community
Work / Career
LINK
MODULES

57. Typical LCVP Activities
Invited Visitors
Site Visits
Case Studies
Team Enterprises
Work Experience
Using Computers
Video Interviews

58. Link Modules Assessment
The Link Modules are assessed by written examination and portfolio

59. Link Modules Assessment Written Examination
Section A - Audio Visual
Video sequence of an enterprise
Section B - Case Study
Received 4 weeks in advance
Section C - General Questions
Choice of 4 questions from 6

60. Link Modules Assessment Portfolio of Coursework
Core Items CV
Career Investigation
Enterprise/Action Plan
Summary Report
Options - any two from:-
Diary of Work Experience
Enterprise Report
Recorded Interview/Presentation
Report on “My Own Place”

61. LINK MODULES RESULTS
Distinction 80% - 100% Merit 65% - 79% Pass 50% - 64%

62. POINTS TO NOTE COURSE REQUIRES REGULAR ATTENDANCE
TEACHERS ACT AS FACILITATORS
MUST USE OWN INITIATIVE
PORTFOLIO MUST BE COMPLETED ON TIME
MUST BE COMMITTED TO COURSE
POSITIVE ATTITUDE ESSENTIAL

63. Useful Sites Careers Portal Subject Choice NCCA
State Examinations Commission
Irish Times Ultimate Career Guide
STEM Careers