1. Senior Cycle Subject choice January 21st 2019 Rosemarie Sexton

2. Objective of Guidance is Skills Development
Research skills: Access the necessary information, primary and secondary sources
Evaluate: the information must be reflected on and evaluated
Decision making: Consider the facts, personal awareness, application of information

3. To make a good decision it is essential to have good information
Why subject choice?
Study a 2 year programme to gain knowledge, broaden education and develop a level of thinking to prepare for the next level of education and training
Satisfy requirements for options after school
Where to get the information
Class work: using resources and completing worksheets
Teachers: knowledge of subject and student
Peers: opportunity made available to meet with senior students and 1. Ask questions and 2.look at text books etc
Parents, siblings, friends

4. Irish English French/German Maths
Core Subjects
Irish
English
French/German
Maths

5. Choose 3 Music 50% practical Art 62.5% (37.5% Art appreciation exam)
Technology 50% practical
Home Economics (Social & Scientific) 20%
Geography 20% field trip
History 20% report
Computer Science 30% project
Economics 20% project
Accounting
Business
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
LCVP Module

6. Questions to Ask Myself
Aim to produce a workable balance
between what I need and what I am able for.
O What type of Learner am I? What will I most likely do well in?
What am I interested in learning more about, what am I motivated to learn
O Reflect on the Junior Cycle. How did I manage the Junior Certificate? (not the results) RACE, what did I find difficult to learn?
O Style of examination most suitable for me.
O After school Options, What are my realistic goals?

7. National Framework of Qualifications

8. EXIT PLAN… College of Further Education L5/6
Considerations for making plans
Time
Learn & Earn
Ladder of progression
Application process, points/interview
Maturity/Readiness
Travel
Training….Qualification ….Job
Education experience
4th level plans
Leaving Cert L5
Eunicas
UCAS
Apprentice.ie L5/6/7/8
CAO L6/7/8 L8
Gap year/work

9. Entry to Higher Education Institutes (Institutes of technology and Universities)
have 3 levels of requirements to gain entry
1.Minimum Entry Requirements
2.Specific Entry Requirements (may also involve interviews, portfolios etc)
3.Points

10. 1.Minimum entry requirements
Six subjects, 2 at higher level and 4 at ordinary level are required as minimum entry requirements for 3rd level colleges offering level 8 honours degrees.
National University of Ireland (NUI) UCC, UCD, NUI Galway, NUI Maynooth, RCSI, St Angela’s Sligo, NCAD, Shannon College of Hotel Management require English, Irish, Maths and a 3rd language.
Third language not required by Institutes of Technology, UL, DCU, Mary Immaculate College
Exceptions:
Maths not needed for Law and Arts (TCD accept Foundation level) 3rd language not needed for Nursing, Science, Ag Science and Engineering.
University of Limerick, Mary Immaculate College, require Maths, Irish or another language and English.
Institutes of Technology require Maths and English or Irish.
A modern European language is a requirement for any international or language based course. It is also a requirement for the Army/Air Corps cadets.

11. Check them carefully in www.qualifax.ie
2. Course Requirements
Subject Requirements for Medical and Science based courses are quite complex.
Check them carefully in
One Science subject is a requirement for all science and science related courses.
One to two sciences are required for medical and paramedical courses especially chemistry
Trinity College Dublin requires 2 higher level science subjects for their science based courses. Though Maths, Applied Maths and Geography are accepted as fulfilling the 2nd science requirement in some courses.
One science subject is required for all Nursing courses.
Agricultural, horticultural and animal courses require a science subject.
Note that while only a small number of courses require 2 science subjects, if one is seriously interested in pursuing a science related career, particularly at degree level one should consider taking 2 science subjects.

12. 2.Course requirements
Most UK colleges require 2 higher level science subjects for their science based courses central European courses
Art as a subject may not be specified as a requirement, but a portfolio is required for many Art based courses eg Architecture
Music entrance assessments are required for music related courses but not needed as a leaving Certificate subject
Garda Vetting and fit to practice requirements must
considered with all health/education courses/careers.
Record of work experience for Veterinary
Portfolio/HPAT/Music/ Drama performance requirements for related courses.

13. Central Application Office
3. CAO Points
Central Application Office
processes the applications for Universities and Institutes of Technology level 6/7/8 courses
Points are calculated from the best 6 subjects

14. Leaving Certificate Grading Scheme

15. Leaving Certificate Grades and Points
LCVP
Points
Pass 28
Merit 46
Distinction 66
Maths
25 bonus points for H6 - H1

16. 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 the 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

17. Resources Teachers Senior Cycle Students Guidance Counsellor
subject requirements
subject content
progressions
new grading and points
application and points
Reach+ programme