OUR LADY S SCHOOL SUBJECT CHOICE INFORMATION BOOKLET LEAVING CERTIFICATE 2016

Transcription

1 OUR LADY S SCHOOL SUBJECT CHOICE INFORMATION BOOKLET LEAVING CERTIFICATE

2 SUBJECT CHOICE- INFORMATION BOOKLET (Leaving Certificate 2016) CONTENTS Letter to Students page 3 Senior Cycle Subject Choice in Our Lady s School page 4 Choosing a Career page 5 Application Procedures & Entry Requirements for 3 rd Level page 6 Subject Matters (A guide to Leaving Certificate Subjects) page 11 Points System page 17 Useful Websites page 18 2

3 Dear Student, You are about to make a very important decision, namely, Subject Choice. You will be asked to select a number of subjects, usually 7, for your Leaving Certificate. To make a good decision it is essential to have good information. At Our Lady s School, we arrange the following to help you make an informed subject choice: Careers classes on Subject Choice Individual appointments with Guidance Counsellor DATs & Multiple Intelligences Tests Individual subject departments will give a presentation on their subject Interest Assessment- to see what types of careers may suit your interests We would also recommend that you: read your Student Yearbook & Career Directory pages study this booklet do research (e.g. careers library) consult textbooks and past papers of subjects you are interested in talk to students who have been, or are presently, studying the subjects which interest you discuss Subject Choice with your teachers, parents/guardians Choose your package of subjects to satisfy your interests and to keep as many careers options open as possible. Keep the following guidelines in mind: Ensure that you have the essential subjects for your job/course (check essential subject charts, Qualifax and college websites for minimum entry requirements and specific course requirements) Select your remaining subjects to maximise your results. Look back over previous school reports to see what subjects you did well in. (If you like a subject, you are more likely to do well in it). Check college prospectuses and Choose subjects you have a genuine interest in. By getting as much accurate and up to date information as possible you will make a good Subject Choice decision. The deadline for subject choice is Monday 3 rd March Best of luck L. Porter M. Costello Guidance Counsellor Guidance Counsellor 3

4 Senior Cycle Subjects at Our Lady s School The following subjects are compulsory: Irish, English, Maths, Language (French/German/Spanish), Physical Education, RE. Students may choose three subjects from the following list: 1. Art 2. Applied Maths 3. Biology 4. Business 5. Chemistry 6. Economics 7. Geography 8. History 9. Home Economics- Social & Scientific syllabus 10. Music 11. Physics Subject Choice Students are invited to choose three subjects from the list above. They do this by listing their choice of subjects in order of preference. Subjects will be offered for this cycle (Leaving Certificate 2016) depending on students interest. In the event of a subject being under-subscribed the school authorities may, of necessity, withdraw it from the available options. With regard to subject availability, every effort is made to offer each student her preferences. However, due to timetabling restrictions, it may not be possible to offer all students their top preferences. It is advised that students select subjects that they like and those that they are good at. Having a genuine interest in the subjects you are going to take for the Leaving Certificate is very important. It can be difficult enough at the best of times to motivate yourself to study, but it can be twice as difficult if you are studying subjects which you don t particularly like. Students are normally expected to sit seven subjects in the Leaving Certificate. When you have made your final selection you should examine them very carefully to see that you have kept your career options open. You should check to see if you have the essential requirements for third-level courses in which you have an interest. It is too late to find out in your Leaving Certificate year that you do not have an essential subject when you come to fill out your application forms. 4

5 Choosing a Career Some people know at an early stage what they would like to be, but many have no definite ideas about the kind of work they would like to do. In order to choose a career a young person needs information on: entrance requirements, opportunities available and awareness of their own qualities, skills and potential. Good decisions are based on good information. During Transition Year students face an important decision, the choice of school subjects for the Leaving Certificate. The choice is important because, once made, it may affect the course of their college and working lives. It is essential to know the following Entrance Requirements: Minimum entry requirements for colleges (matriculation requirements) Subject requirement for your chosen course/career Academic entrance requirements e.g. Points in CAO system (although these may change each year) Points about Choosing a Career In choosing a Career you need to: Ask yourself what you would like to do? Then take some time to think about this, do the research and plan. Assess your: Skills and Aptitudes what are you good at? Interests what you enjoy doing? Values - what motivates you and would give meaning to your work? Personality type what are your characteristics? Educational qualifications what qualifications have you got and what further qualifications do you want to achieve? Explore the Options access job descriptions, research job sectors and further and higher education course details. How to set about Choosing a Career A good way to approach career choice is to list on one side your interests and skills: Which school subjects are you best at? Do you write well? Are you artistic? Do you get on well with other people? Do you work best with a group or do you like to work alone on an exercise or a problem? Are you a leader, the kind of person your classmates pick as a team captain etc.? Would you like outdoor or indoor, manual or deskwork? Against this, list the careers that, at first glance, interest you and the educational qualifications and any particular personal qualities required for each of them. By comparing your two lists, you should be able to narrow down the choice of occupations that you consider would suit you. A Careers Investigation should be completed before final choice of subjects is made. 5

6 Application procedures and entry requirements for 3 rd Level Colleges Information Application for most full-time undergraduate courses (Honours Degree - Level 8, Ordinary Degree - Level 7 and Higher Certificate - Level 6) in the Universities and Institutes of Technology is made through the Central Applications Office (CAO). The CAO provides an applications pack with a handbook that lists all the courses on offer and gives information on how to apply. The closing date for applications from Irish and other European Union nationals is normally 1 st February each year. A student must have the particular academic entry requirements needed for the course she wants to take. In addition, there is a wide and varied choice of other courses for which you apply directly to the college. These are known as PLC (Post Leaving Certificate) or FE (Further Education) courses and usually take one or two years to complete. In general, the entrance requirement for these courses is 5 passes in Leaving Cert and a suitability interview. The qualification awarded is FETAC and can lead onto further education in I.T. s (or some universities) or into direct employment. When choosing your Leaving Cert subjects it is vitally important that you are aware of the fact that you do need certain subjects in order to apply for particular 3rd level college courses. Below is a brief description of these Subject Entry Requirements and a brief guide to the Leaving Cert. Points System. Entry Requirements for 3rd Level Colleges - Very Important There are two sets of Entry Requirements which must be met before a student can apply for places in 3rd level colleges (i.e. before points can be considered). These are: 1. Minimum Entry Requirements 2. Specific Subject Requirements 1. Minimum Entry Requirements: These are particular subjects and numbers of honours/passes required to apply to an individual college or university. Full details of the Minimum Entry Requirements and Specific Subject Requirements of any particular courses you are interested in should be researched in and the college s prospectus or website as requirements are subject to change. 6

7 The following are the minimum entry requirements of the main colleges in the CAO system. Abbreviations: HC Higher Paper Grade C OD Ordinary Paper Grade D C generally refers to minimum grade C3 and D to a minimum grade D3 Dublin City University DCU Dublin Institute of Technology DIT National College of Art and Design NCAD University College Galway UCG University College Cork UCC University College Dublin UCD University of Limerick UL National University of Ireland Maynooth NUIM Royal College of Surgeons RCSI Trinity College Dublin TCD National University of Ireland NUI NUI Colleges (UCC, UCD, UCG, NUIM, RCSI, NCAD) OD3 -> Irish, English & Modern Language. 2HC3 + 4OD3 Maths is essential for a number of courses Important: A Modern Language is essential to gain entry to a number of courses in the NUI universities with the exception of Science, Agriculture, Nursing and Engineering courses. A modern language or Art is required for entry to all courses in NCAD TCD UL DCU OD3 -> English, Maths & Another Language (can be Irish) 3HC3 + 3OD3 OD3 -> English, Maths & Irish OR Another Language 2HC3 + 4OD3 OD3 -> Maths & English OR Irish 2HC3 + 4OD3 INSTITUTES OF TECHNOLOGY (e.g. IT Tallaght) OD3 -> Maths & English OR Irish 2HC3 + 4OD3 (Honours Degree - Level 8 courses) 5OD3 (Ordinary Degree/Higher Certificate - Level 7/6 courses) 7

8 2.Specific Subject Requirements (In addition to the minimum entry requirements mentioned previously, certain additional subjects may be required to gain entry to specific courses in a college.) For most University & College courses, there are no specific subject requirements. This includes courses in Arts, Business, Computing, Law, Psychology, Design, Social Science and many others. The following are EXCEPTIONS and for the most part are required at Honours (Higher) Level. SCIENCE (BIOLOGY,CHEMISTRY, PHYSICS) The following rule is unique to TRINITY College, Dublin: Two Sciences with Ordinary Maths or one Science with Higher Maths are required for: Physiotherapy; Pharmacy (Chemistry must be one) Science Physics and Chemistry of Advanced Materials Medicinal Chemistry; Human Genetics; Earth Science (SCIENCE generally refers to laboratory sciences i.e. Biology, Physics or Chemistry, however, Geography can count as a science for some of these courses in TCD only) Two Science subjects are required for: Medicine (TCD), (UCC specifies Chemistry must be one of them) Dentistry (TCD) (UCC specifies Chemistry must be one of them) Pharmacy (UCC and TCD specifies that Chemistry must be one of them) Human Health and Disease (TCD specifies Biology must be one of them) One Science subject is required for: - All Nursing degrees (O/H accepted), it does not have to be Biology - Occupational Therapy - Speech & Language Therapy - Radiation Therapy, Radiography, Physiotherapy - Medicine (UCD- Chemistry required for 5 yr programme, UCG, RCSI) - Veterinary Medicine (UCD-Chemistry is essential and 2 sciences are recommended) - Engineering (in Universities) - Agricultural Science - Sports Science - Nutrition & Dietetics (Chemistry is essential) - Science - Applied sciences (E.g. Clinical Measurement, Pharmacology, Optometry) - Beauty Therapy (Biology is useful but not essential for many courses) - Vet Nursing and Dental Nursing - Home Economics Teaching However, many of the courses available in science, engineering and electronics in the Institutes of Technology do not require a science subject. 8

9 ART If you wish to take a course at third-level in Art, some colleges/courses require that you have studied Art, others may not. However, a substantial portfolio of work is usually required, and this is difficult to complete if you are not doing Art. MUSIC If you wish to take a course at third-level in Music, many courses require that you have studied Music, others may not. Some courses may require you to perform an audition or sit a music test. LANGUAGES A modern language is required for some faculties in the National University of Ireland (UCC, UCD, UCG, NUIM). There are some language courses you can enter without having previously studied the language, but generally speaking you will be required to have studied a particular language to Leaving Cert in order to study it at third level and some language courses will require a HC in a modern language. BUSINESS, ECONOMICS There are no careers/courses that specifically require these subjects as an entry requirement. However they are useful for many courses and careers. GEOGRAPHY, HISTORY, HOME ECONOMICS There are no careers/courses that specifically require these subjects as an entry requirement. However they are useful for many courses and careers. ENGLISH Almost all universities, colleges and employers require a pass in Ordinary level English though some will accept Irish instead (e.g. the Institutes of Technology and DCU). HC in English is essential for a small number of courses like Journalism, Communications, Media studies, Creative Digital Media and Speech Therapy. IRISH Irish is required for all faculties in the National University of Ireland (UCC, UCD, UCG, NUIM, NCAD) but you can be exempt from it under certain conditions e.g. being born outside Ireland or having a specific learning difficulty (dyslexia). The Gardai require a B in Foundation or a D on Ordinary Irish. Irish satisfies the requirement of a Modern Language for TCD and the language other than English requirement for UL and DCU. Primary Teaching requires a HC in Irish. 9

10 MATHEMATICS Employers tend to expect applicants to have numeric skills and look for at least an OD in Maths. Likewise, the Institutes of Technology usually require an OD for entry to their courses (although in some cases they will accept foundation level). The universities require an OC for many of their Science and Business courses reflecting its importance as part of these courses. An OD is required for entry to Nursing. Higher level Mathematics is required by relatively few courses. One particular group that require it are Engineering Honours Degree Courses. For Engineering, Mathematical, Theoretical Physics courses and Actuarial Degrees a HC or HB is required, again reflecting the crucial role it plays in these disciplines. Some Computer, Financial and Economics courses also require a HC in Maths. ****New for Leaving Certificate 2012 onwards**** A bonus of 25 points will be allocated to students who achieve a grade D3 or higher in Higher Level Maths. This will apply to all colleges in the CAO system, with the exception of NCAD. The maximum Leaving Certificate points total will increase from 600 to 625. This is subject to review and change in the future. Foundation Level Mathematics is accepted by some employers e.g. Grade B accepted for entry to Garda and some colleges, points are awarded in a limited number of colleges. Most PLC courses will accept it. Check for a list of these courses. APPLIED MATHEMATICS There are no careers/courses that specifically require this subject as an entry requirement. However it is useful for many courses and careers. Details of the Specific Requirements for courses can be found in the 3rd level college s literature. It is vitally important to check these requirements if you are hoping to apply for a particular 3rd level course, so as to ensure you are choosing the appropriate subjects for your Leaving Cert. It is only after both sets of requirements have been met, are you deemed to be qualified to submit your Points for a particular course. If you don t have the right subjects to meet the above requirements for a course then you cannot apply for the course, even if you had 600 (625 with honours Maths) points! Check Qualifax and the relevant college literature yourself. It s your choice, your responsibility. 10

11 Subject Matters A Guide to Leaving Certificate Subjects ENGLISH Almost all universities, colleges and employers require a pass in Ordinary level English though some will accept Irish instead (e.g. the Institutes of Technology and DCU). HC in English is essential for a small number of courses like Journalism, Communications, Creative Digital Media and Speech Therapy. Useful for: Acting, Advertising, Accountant, Broadcasting, Civil Servant, Librarian, Marketing, Personnel Officer, Politician, Public Relations Officer, Solicitor, Barrister, Speech Therapist, Teacher, Receptionist, Typist, Computer Programmer, Flight Attendant, Printer, Copy Writer, Proof Reader, Sales Representative, Translator, Interpreter, Secretary. IRISH Irish is required for all faculties in the National University of Ireland (UCC, UCD, UCG, NUI Maynooth, NCAD) but you can be exempt from it under certain conditions e.g. having a specific learning difficulty (dyslexia). The Gardai require a B in Foundation or a D on Ordinary. Irish satisfies the requirement of a Modern Language for TCD and the Language other than English requirement for UL and DCU. Primary Teaching requires a HC in Irish. 50% of the Leaving Cert. marks are allocated to aural (tape) and oral parts of the exam. Oral 40% Aural 10% Useful for: Acting, Administration, Personnel in Irish Voluntary Bodies (e.g. Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann), Flight Attendant, Archivist, Army, Civil Service, Broadcasting, Journalist, Local Government, Politics, Printing, Publishing, Teaching, School Secretary, Translators (EU). MATHEMATICS Employers tend to expect applicants to have numeric skills and look for at least an OD in Maths. Likewise, the Institutes of Technology usually require an OD for entry to their courses. The universities require an OC for many of their Science and Business courses reflecting its importance as part of these courses. An OD is required for entry to Nursing. Higher level Mathematics is required by relatively few courses. One particular group that require it are Engineering Honours Degree Courses. For Engineering, Mathematical, Theoretical Physics courses and Actuarial Degrees a HC or HB is required, again reflecting the crucial role it plays in these disciplines. Foundation Level Mathematics is accepted by some employers (e.g. Grade B accepted for entry to Garda Siochana) and in a few colleges and it earns points in a limited number of colleges. Most PLC courses will accept it. 25 bonus points will be awarded to students who achieve a D3 or above in higher level maths. Maths is Useful for: Accountancy, Actuary, Air Traffic Controller, Architecture, Astronomy, Banking, Biologist, Clerical Work, Chemist, Civil Servant, Computer Operator, Data Input Operator, Economist, Engineer, Engineering Technician, Geologist, Insurance, Laboratory Technician, Maths Teacher, Marketing, Medical Laboratory Technician, Meteorologist, Physicist, Psychologist, Programmer, Quantity Surveyor, Scientist, Sociologist, Statistician, Systems Analyst, Tax Officer, Trades. 11

12 LANGUAGES: (FRENCH, GERMAN, SPANISH) Acquiring another language is a worthwhile skill for life and provides an insight into another culture. In these days of fast international transport and modern communications, knowledge of a foreign language will always be useful. You do not need a foreign language for all third level studies but it is a necessity for entry to many faculties in the National University of Ireland (UCC, UCD, UCG, and NUI Maynooth) unless you are exempt. There are a few exceptions like Nursing (all) or Engineering, Science and Agriculture at UCD and NUIM. The other universities will accept Irish as a language other than English for entry. However, many colleges have it as a requirement for specific courses such as European Studies, Languages, Tourism and International Business/Law. 45% of Leaving Cert. marks are allocated to aural (tape) and oral parts of the exam. Higher Level 25% oral 20% aural Ordinary Level 20% oral 25% aural. A European Language is necessary for: Tourism Hotel & Catering Management Receptionist Marketing Aer Lingus Army, Air Corps, Navy Cadet Speech Therapy International Business and Law Courses in UCC, UCD, UCG, NUIM (Exceptions as outlined above) Useful for: Flight Attendant, Air Traffic Controller, Archivist, Au Pair, Secretary, Chef, Courier, Hotel Reception, International Marketing, Export Careers, Interpreter, Translator, Pilot, Travel Agency, Journalist, Waiter/Waitress, Importer, Librarian, Dept of Foreign Affairs, Teaching. BUSINESS Business is a very comprehensive subject examing the formation, financing and operation of business in the context of the domestic and international environment. Topics covered range from entrepreneurship and company structure to marketing, business ethics and the role of the EU in Irish business. The subject provides an excellent foundation for anybody considering studying business at third level. It is also invaluable for anyone with an interest in starting their own business Business is Useful for: Accounting, Banking, Clerical work, Business Teacher, Administration, Hotel Management, Insurance, Receptionist, Store Management, Stock broking, Sales, Marketing, Merchandising, Purchasing Officer, Customs & Excise, Taxation, Law. ECONOMICS Economics is a topical and broad reaching subject which aims to develop an awareness in students as to how the world we live in really operates. The subject examines the working of the economy at macro and micro economic levels. 12

13 Macroeconomics is concerned with topics such as inflation, banking and international trade, the EU and the role of the government in the economy. Microeconomics looks at the economy from the point of view of the individual consumer and firm economics. Economics requires a logical, analytical approach and the ability to support opinion with reasoned argument. This subject would be a good preparation for many third level courses; business, journalism, politics, tourism, law. A good Economics student is.. o Interested in the economy and how the economy operates o Keeps up to date with the current affairs in newspapers and Internet. BIOLOGY Biology has many subdivisions including plants, animals, genetics, microbiology and ecology. Studying Biology teaches us to ask questions, make observations, evaluate evidence and solve problems. Biologists learn how things work, how they interact with one another and how they evolve. Biology increases our understanding of the natural world and helps us to address problems such as environmental issues, threats to human health and many others. Useful for: Agriculture, Animal Breeder, Vet Nursing, Ambulance Driver, Biochemist, Biologist, Catering, Chiropody, Conservation Work, Dentist, Dietician, Farmer, Food Science, Doctor, Health Inspector, Horticulturist, Laboratory Technician, Marine Biologist, Microbiologist, Nursing, Pharmacist, Physiotherapist, Psychologist, Science Teacher, Speech Therapist, Veterinary Surgeon, Zoologist. CHEMISTRY Chemistry looks at the world around us and investigates the composition of matter. It is the study of substances, what they are made of, how they behave, how they react, and how they can be manipulated to benefit mankind. Chemistry is responsible for many of the improvements we enjoy in modern living; Food Technology and preservation; modern medicine and drugs; artificial fibres; and materials for clothing, furniture, cosmetic surgery, and countless other uses result from the study of chemistry. The chemical industry is one of the most important employers in Ireland today. Because of this, the Dept. of Education has modified the chemistry syllabus. This new course enables students to appreciate the practical aspects of chemistry and how it is applied in everyday life. It is a user-friendly hands-on course, with students having greater opportunities to perform the experiments themselves, thus bridging the gap between second level and third level study. Chemistry is not just for those who wish to work in the chemical industry, it is also a sound basis for a career in any of the following: Veterinary Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Human Nutrition, Medicine, Radiography, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Engineering, Food Technology, Healthcare Technology, Agricultural Science, Paramedical studies, Teaching, Home economics teaching. 13

14 PHYSICS Physics is a precise science of fact, which deals with the laws and forces governing natural phenomena, and includes heat, light, optics, sound, electricity, magnetism, nuclear physics and planetary motion. It is of key importance in technology and particularly relevant for those interested in many of the branches of engineering. In most engineering courses, one will find a high physics content, while some paramedical careers will involve the study of physics, e.g. Radiography, Physiotherapy, etc. It is an essential requirement (HB) for Theoretical Physics (TCD, UCD) and Electrical Engineering (UCC) HC. Anyone considering courses or a career in Electronics should be encouraged to do Physics. Useful for: Architecture, Astronomy, Biophysicist, Computer Careers, Dentist, Doctor, Engineer especially electrical and electronic, Marine Radio Operator, Medical Laboratory Technician, Meteorologist, Naval Officer, Nurse, Optician, Pharmacist, Science Teacher, Radiographer, Telecommunications, various Apprenticeships, Pilot, Heating and Ventilation technicians. HOME ECONOMICS Home Economics covers topics such as diet and nutrition, food constituents, microbiology, food preservation, consumerism and social issues, the family and the home. Home Economics Social and Scientific combines theory with practice in order to develop understanding and solve problems. It is concerned with the way individuals and families manage their resources to meet physical, emotional, intellectual, social and economic needs, thus preparing students for life in a consumeroriented society. Home Economics provides a learning foundation for those seeking employment in a wide range of careers, such as the food industry, tourism, clothing and design, and the health and social services. Useful for: Baking and Confectionery, Beautician, Catering, Chef, Child Care, Consumer Adviser, Demonstrator Food, Wines, etc., Dietician, Fashion Designer, Food Science, Hairdressing, Health Inspector, Home Economics Teacher, Hotel Management, Nursing, Occupational Therapist, Parenthood, Pre-school Management, Social Worker, Textile Designer, Solicitor, Sale, Teaching. HISTORY History embraces the world of politics and society, economics, religion and philosophy. It can be a most enjoyable challenge, developing skills such as identifying main issues, critical analysis, the ability to select relevant information and essay writing (which is very useful discipline in college). Useful for: Archaeology, Barrister, Broadcasting, Civil Service, Garda, History Teacher, Journalism, Librarianship, Local Government, Politics, Researcher, Social Work, Solicitor, Tourism, Writer. A good History Student shows: An interest in the world as it is now and how it came to be so. A thirst for knowledge to explain and explore the current situation. An ability to express themselves accurately and to support their arguments with relevant information. An appreciation of historical sources and an understanding of causes. An interest in reading and watching relevant programmes A desire to use the internet in a discriminating fashion. 14

15 GEOGRAPHY Geography is concerned with the interrelationships between human activities and the physical environment. Geography includes the study of population, farming, industry, pollution, statistics, resources, landscapes, and communications. The updated course (which was first examined in June 2006) includes new electives and options. Fieldwork now accounts for 20% of the final grade and is prepared and submitted before the written exam in June. For certain courses in TCD it is accepted as one of the HC s in science subjects. Useful for: Civil Engineering, Construction, Town Planning, Architecture, Meteorology, Surveying, Agriculture, Auctioneering, Archaeology, Horticulture, Forestry, Conservation Work, Statistics, Marine Officer, Geologist, Geography Teacher, Naval Officer, Quantity Surveyor, Tourism and Travel. A good Geography Student shows: An interest in the world as it is now and how it came to be so. A thirst for knowledge to explain and explore the current situation. An ability to express themselves accurately and to support their arguments with relevant information. An appreciation of a geographers understanding of causes. An interest in reading and watching relevant programmes. ART This course is designed to encourage a lively imaginative response to the visual world and to develop an extensive knowledge and appreciation of artistic traditions and modern developments. The course has two components, firstly a range of practical skills such as drawing, painting, design, craft and 3D work (accounting for 66% of the marks), and secondly art history, covering Irish, European Art and general appreciation (comprising of 33% of the marks) Useful for: Industrial design; Advertising; Interior design; Fashion; Stage design; Film & Video production; Make-up for TV and film; Architecture; Photography; Animation and Teaching. Fine Art (painting & sculpture); Crafts such as ceramics, woodworking, jewellery, book crafts; Graphic design; APPLIED MATHS Applied Maths is, as its name suggests, the study of practical applications of mathematics to the real world and physical problems. It is typically associated with engineering and physics, but also finds use in economics, finance, business, environmental studies, and even chemistry and medicine. The Applied Mathematics course at Leaving Certificate would be called 'Theoretical Mechanics' or 'Mathematical Physics' in third level education, and it is one of many branches of the more general field of Applied Mathematics. The course essentially covers the mathematics behind the behaviour of objects when placed in various situations, such as being thrown as projectiles, bounced off walls or other objects, immersed in fluids, or swung around on a rope. There are 10 questions on the exam paper, each covering one of these topics in detail. The course tends to avoid theory-heavy questions (such as proofs and manipulating formulae) which are found on the Mathematics paper, instead offering practical problems with numerical solutions, such as computing the volume of fluid in a 15

16 container, or finding the optimal angle to throw a projectile at so that it will travel as far as possible. As a result, Applied Maths is excellent for developing strong problem solving skills, which are very valuable for future employment. MUSIC The aim of the music course is to encourage the development of musical creativity and sensitivity through active involvement in performing, composing and listening to music. Course Layout: 25%Core Performance 25% Core Listening 25% Core Composition The addition 25% (which is known as the Higher Elective Option) can be chosen from either Performance, Listening or Composition section, depending on the strengths of the individual student. The majority of students choose the Performance elective which requires them to present a minute performance comprising of 6 pieces (one activity) or 8 pieces (two activities- 4 pieces in each activity). For example, if a student is a competent singer and piano player, she would be encouraged to sing 4 pieces and play 4 pieces on piano. The important aspect in the Higher Elective Performance is a sense of fluency and confidence in the performance and a varied and interesting repertoire. The standard of playing must show evidence of approximately 4-6 years of private tuition or in a classroom context. The myth of music; Yes, it is possible to get high marks in Music, IF you perform excellently in the practical (involves committed practice and preparation), know every feature, contextual detail of the set works (involves repeated and focused listening/score reading/note writing), learn to use the rules of correct cadential and harmonic progressions and learn to write well constructed 16-bar melodies, involve yourself in listening to and appreciating a plethora of musical styles including Irish traditional music, and finally by acquiring a stock of musical terminology with which to answer the paper convincingly. Useful for: Arts, Arts Management, Primary Teaching, Secondary Teaching Art & Design, Childcare, Parenthood, Social Work, Arts Officer, Media & Broadcasting, Advertising, Music Performance, Music Production/Technology. 16

17 Summary of Points system: N.B. The Points System is a selection tool for courses on the CAO, it is not used for other courses (e.g. PLC s). The Points System is basically a selection system used to select students for a course when there are more qualified applicants than places on the course. Qualified here means they have satisfied both the Minimum Entry Requirements and any Specific Subject Requirements for the course. A student s points total is calculated from his/her six best subjects. Points are calculated from one sitting of the Leaving Cert. only, in other words you cannot combine Leaving Certs for the calculation of points. All subjects give equal points, except for Higher Level Mathematics, where 25 bonus points are awarded. The points allocated for Leaving Cert. Subjects are: A1 (90-100%) pts (Higher); 60 pts (Ordinary) A2 (85-89) - 90 (Higher); 50 (Ordinary) B1 (80-84) - 85 (Higher); 45 (Ordinary) B2 (75-79) - 80 (Higher); 40 (Ordinary) B3 (70-74) - 75 (Higher); 35 (Ordinary) C1 (65-69) - 70 (Higher); 30 (Ordinary) C2 (60-64) - 65 (Higher); 25 (Ordinary) C3 (55-59) - 60 (Higher); 20 (Ordinary) D1 (50-54) - 55 (Higher); 15 (Ordinary) D2 (45-49) - 50 (Higher); 10 (Ordinary) D3 (40-44) - 45 (Higher); 5 (Ordinary) E (25-39) - none at O/H level F (10-24) - none at O/H level NG (0-9) - none at O/H level The details given in these pages are not intended to be exhaustive; they merely highlight the complexity of subject requirements. 17

18 Useful Websites: College application site UK college application site Information on college courses Information on educational and career development Information of various careers Notes: 18