1. Mercy Mounthawk Subject choice Senior Cycle (LC) 2016

2. Leaving Certificate Subjects Subjects are grouped as follows:

3. Science Group:  Mathematics  Applied Mathematics  Biology  Physics  Chemistry  Agricultural Science

4. Business Group:  Accounting  Business  Economics

5. Applied Science Group:  Design Communications Graphics  Construction Studies  Engineering  Home Economics (Social and Scientific)

6. Social Studies Group:  History  Geography  Art  Music  Religion

7. Language Group:  Irish  English  French  German  Spanish

8. Core Subjects  Irish (Unless exempt by DES)  English  Mathematics  Plus Four Additional Subjects

9. Subject Choice  Number of subjects to be taken?  The actual subjects to be taken?  The level at which these subjects will be taken?

10. Factors To Consider  Choose subjects you found interesting and enjoyable at JC/TY.  Focus on your strengths (ability).  List careers you have an interest in, research related third level courses and identify:

11. 1. Subjects that are necessary and the required levels 2. Subjects that are desirable

12. Irish Leaving Certificate Examination Points Calculation Grid LC GradeHigher LevelOrdinary Level Bonus for HL Maths Foundation Maths A1100602520 A290502515 B185452510 B28040255 B3753525 C1703025 C26525 C3602025 D1551525 D2501025 D345525

13. Changes to the LC grading system Higher Level Grade Ordinary Level Grade H1 (90-100)O1 (90-100) H2 (80 < 90)O2 (80 < 90) H3 (70 < 80)O3 (70 < 80) H4 (60 < 70)O4 (60 < 70) H5 (50 < 60)O5 (50 < 60) H6 (40 < 50)O6 (40 < 50) H7 (30 < 40)O7 (30 < 40) H8 (0 < 30)O8 (0 < 30) Reducing the number of grade bands from 14 to 8 Candidates receiving Leaving Certificate results in August 2017 will have their results expressed in the following new Leaving Certificate grades:

14. Changes to the Common Points Scale Higher Level Grade Points Ordinary Level Grade Points H1100 H288 H377 H466 H556O156 H646O246 H737O337 H80O428 O520 O612 O70 O80

15.  Maths Bonus Points 25 bonus points will continue to be awarded for Higher Level Mathematics for H6 grades and above. For example, if an applicant receives a H6 grade, an additional 25 points will be added to the 46 points already awarded for a H6 grade i.e. Higher Level Mathematics now carries a points score of 71 for this applicant.  Foundation Level Mathematics Universities do not award points for Foundation Level, the IoTs are currently considering a conversion for 2017. Changes to the Common Points Scale

16. Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme LCVP gradeRevised LCVP Points Distinction66 Merit46 Pass28

17. Objectives of the Changes  To reduce pressure on second- level students  To encourage the take-up of higher level subjects  To fairly reward scholastic achievement  To minimise use of random selection

18. Necessary Subjects Entry Requirements Course requirements

19. NUI,( UCC. UCD. Maynooth University, NUI Galway.) Six subjects which must include:  2 H5 (Formally 2HC3’s) 4 06/H7 (Formally 4D3’s)  A pass in English  A pass in Irish  A pass in a third language: French/ German/ Spanish

20. NUI – language requirement no longer exists for:  UCD – Engineering, Science, Social Science and Agricultural Science courses  Maynooth University– Engineering and Science Courses  NUI Galway – Engineering and Science courses  UCC – Science, Engineering and Food Science courses  All NUI – Nursing  NCAD –accept Art instead of the Language

21. University of Limerick Six subjects which must include:  At least 2H5 4 06/H7  Mathematics  English  Irish or another language

22. Institutes of Technology (Honours Degree) Six subjects to include:  Mathematics  English  Two higher H5 and 4 06/H7

23. Institutes of Technology (Higher Cert. / Ordinary Degree) Five subjects to include:  5 06/H7  Mathematics  English or Irish

24. Matriculation requirements from 2017 Changes to specific subject requirements from 2017 Where Current requirement is : 2017 requirement : 5 OD35 O6/H7 2 HC3 & 4 OD32 H5 & 4 O6/H7 3 HC3 & 3 OD33 H5 & 3 O6/H7

25. Course / Faculty Requirements The subject or group of subjects at a specified level that is required for a particular course

26. Examples of Course Requirements  Nursing – Laboratory Science Subject  Engineering (Level 8)- Higher Level Maths H4  Medicine & Health - Laboratory Science(s) H4  Pharmacy -Chemistry H5  World Languages UCC – H3 in Language  Primary Teaching – Higher Irish

27. Desirable Subjects (Examples)  Two science subjects for any science based course.  At least one business subject for any business or commerce course.  Design Communications Graphics for Architecture or Engineering.  History for Journalism or Government.

28. Other Factors To Consider  Awareness of subject content: (a) SC Booklet /Careers Portal (b) Subject Teacher  Do not choose subjects based on friend’s choices.  Choices should not be linked to teachers of senior classes.  There are ‘easy’ subjects in which to get points. (Myth?)

29.  Try to maintain a balance between the subjects groups. This will keep your options open.  Link between J.C subjects and L.C subjects.  Some subjects can complement each other eg: Physics/Applied Maths/Engineering or Higher English/History

30. Where to get information?  College Prospectuses  Websites: www.cao.ie www.qualifax.ie www.careersportal.ie

31. General Guidelines on Subject Choice  Core Subjects (3)  Language (1)  A science subject/course req. (1)  Last two Consider : Personal strengths/desirable subjects/second science subject etc. (2)

32. Subject choice is all about getting one’s choices together in a manner which:  Satisfies the entry requirements for all courses in which you have an interest in.  Optimises the chances of fulfilling one's potential and changing educational/ career interest.  That stimulate interest and motivate study  Facilitates a stress free two years study.

33. Thank you for your attention  Ms Farrell: 3.2, 3.4, 3.8,3.10, 4.1 and 4.2  Ms O Mahony: 3.1, 3.3, 3.7, 3.9, 3.11 4.3,4.4 and 4.5