Subject Choices for Leaving Certificate 2012-2014
Introduction Overview of Subject Choices Essential Subjects Ideal Subjects Other Entry Requirements UK colleges Choosing Subjects
Guidelines Irish, English, Maths, third language are core subjects for most pupils. 3 more subjects to be selected. Art, History, Geography, French, German, Classical Studies, Music, Home Economics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Accounting, Business and Economics.
Degree Courses - Matriculation General Entry Requirements vary from institution to institution Set out subjects, levels (honours/ ordinary) and grades that have to be achieved by everyone. Places are then allocated on points
National University of Ireland (NUI) UCD, NUIM, UCC, NUIG, Royal College of Surgeons, NCAD NUI Matriculation: Six subjects, minimum of two Higher Level Cs; pass in English, Irish Third language essential for almost all faculties some general science excluded but NOT health sciences. Maths required for business and science courses.
Matriculation Continued Trinity College: Six subjects, minimum of three HCs; pass in English; pass in Maths and another language. Institutes of Technology and DCU: Six subjects, minimum of two HCs pass in Maths and English or Irish essential for most Honours degree courses. Some Ordinary Level degree courses and Higher Certificate courses in I.T.s will have lower requirements.
Essential Subjects Science subjects are required for science degree and medical courses. TCD will require 2 sciences Honours Engineering requires Honours maths Honours Level C is required for Primary School Teaching Chemistry required for Pharmacy, Dietetics, Veterinary Medicine and Medicine in UCC
Examples of courses that need a science subject SCIENCE ENGINEERING MEDICINE DENTISTRY VETERINARY PHARMACY PHYSIOTHERAPY RADIOGRAPHY NURSING ARCHITECTURE OCCUP. THERAPY SPEECH THERAPY SPORTS SCIENCE MED LAB SCIENCE DIETETICS OPTOMETRY PRODUCTION MGT. INDUSTRIAL DESIGN INFO. TECHNOLOGY
Ideal Subjects Just because subjects are not required does not mean that they are not ideal. Accounting and Economics for Business Courses Two sciences for Medicine, Science, Veterinary Medicine (Chemistry in particular!)
Other Entry Requirements Courses in Art, Photography, Film and Media Portfolio Required outside school hours or portfolio prep course Often want experience may have interviews
PLC and Vocational Courses PLC Post Leaving Certificate Courses accredited by FETAC 1 and 2 year long courses all now linked to allow students to progress on degree courses Hundreds of courses in art, beauty, media, social care, nursing, business, science, tourism, sport etc. No specific subject requirements, but must pass five LC subjects at ordinary level
Vocational Courses Beauty Therapy/ Hairdressing No specific subject requirements but pass in 5 LC subjects. Home Economics highly desirable for FAILTE Ireland
Applying to Colleges in UK UK college application includes school reference, predicted grades and personal statement Work experience and extra curricular activities in area highly desirable 2 Sciences and Chemistry essential for some and highly desirable for all Medicine, Veterinary Medicine and Science courses
Keeping your options open Humanities group Art, Classical Studies, French, German, Geography, History, Music, Home Economics Science Group Physics, Chemistry, Biology Applied Maths Business group Business, Accounting, Economics Do you have a balance from each group?
Bad Reasons for Choosing. Who the teacher will probably be. What the student s friends are doing. Rumours from older brothers/sisters or friends about what is an easy subject - a subject is only easy if you are good at it. Be wary of biased advice.
4 questions that need to be answered. What does the student like and what is the student good at? What is essential for a possible career? Is there a balance between Arts, Sciences, Business? What may be desirable for a possible career?
Information Look to the school for information. www.qualifax.ie excellent subject choice section www.cao.ie www.mountsackville.com guidance section www.careersportal.ie www.skoool.ie www.ucas.com Career Section in School Library
Guidelines Irish, English, Maths, third language are core subjects for most pupils. 3 more subjects to be selected. Art, History, Geography, French, German, Italian, Classical Studies, Music, Home Economics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Accounting, Business and Economics.
Applied Maths & LCVP Not included on subject choice form. Applied Maths open to all Hons Maths students at beginning of 5 th year. Classes happen before and after school.
LCVP Pilot project for current 5 th years. BOM to decide in next few months whether to extend this for current 4 th years. Classes happen before and after school. Need to commit to two year programme. Must be taking certain subject combinations. Students work to complete a portfolio of projects over the two years. There is an interview and a short exam in 6 th year. Can achieve up to 70 Leaving Cert points for their work.
LCVP subject groupings for 2011/12 Must be taking at least 5 LC subject including Irish (unless exempt), English and another modern language. 1. Home Economics and Biology Must take both 2. Home Economics and Art 3. Accounting; Business; Economics - Any two 4. Physics and Chemistry 5. Biology and Chemistry or Physics 6. Home Economics and Accounting or Business or Economics 7. Art and Accounting or Business or Economics 8. Music and Accounting or Business or Economics
Class of 2014... Try to work hard from the beginning of 5 th year Remember that education can happen outside the classroom sport, drama, debating, leadership Remember we are your allies help available from Dean, tutor, Guidance Counsellor, Principal, Vice Principal, subject teachers, librarian and each other!