St Peters Leaving Certificate Subject Choice Today Compulsory
St. Peters Leaving Certificate Subject Choice
Today • • Compulsory subjects (must do) Option subjects (study 3) Options after Leaving Cert Course Requirements Subjects linked to courses/careers Common pitfalls The perfect Balance Targets
UNDERSTANDING WHAT’S INVOLVED IN EACH SUBJECT In the workbook Each subject is: 1. Described 2. Explained if it’s necessary for courses/careers 3. Explained how it’s useful for courses/careers 4. Detailed how it’s examined Compulsory subjects are included: Maths, English, Irish, French
Compulsory Subjects • • English Irish Maths French
Technical subjects – Junior Cert Ø Materials Technology/Woodwork becomes Construction Studies in the Senior Cycle. Ø Metalwork becomes Engineering in the Senior Cycle. Ø Technical Graphics is called Design and Communication Graphics in the Senior Cycle.
Option Subjects Study three! 1. Chemistry 2. Biology 3. Physics 4. Construction Studies 5. Engineering 6. Design & Communication Graphics 7. Art 8. Accounting 9. Business 10. History 11. Geography 12. Home Economics
The right subjects! • Ability: • Interest: • Career: - Subject and level requirement
Is it one of my better subjects? • Do I find it easy to follow what is going on in class? • Can I do the homework without much difficulty? • What grades do I get?
Is it a subject I like studying? • Do I look forward to the class? • Do I enjoy doing projects/assignments? • Do I do anything outside of homework in this subject, e. g. watch a relevant TV programme?
Do I have talents/interests which relate to specific subjects? • Problem solving • DCG, Physics, Chemistry • Drawing/painting Creative • Art/Home Economics • Current affairs/politics • History, Geog. , Business • How things work • Engineering, Chemistry, Construction, Physics • Good with numbers • Accounting, Chemistry, Physics
Think about • Interests • Abilities • Subjects you might need
What do students typically/usually do after school?
After the LC (LC) Subjects & Results Further Education (FE) St Johns CSN College of Commerce Higher Education (HE) UCC CIT UL Work Apprenticeships Training Centres
PLCs Level 5 & 6 ITs Level 6, 7 & 8 Universities Level 8
New Grade Levels
New Common Points Scale
25 additional points will be added for Honours Maths
Big difference in points between higher and ordinary level. • H 5(50 -60%)=56 pts same O 1(90 -100%)=56 pts • H 7(30 -40%)=37 pts same O 3(70 -80%)=37 pts • Important to keep this in mind 18
Requirements for college applications Minimum Subjects Levels Grades Specific Subjects Levels Grades 2 H 5 4 O 6/H 7 (UCC) Irish English French Irish English Maths and one laboratory Science subject (depending on course choice) Additional Requirements H 4 Maths Additional Requirements H 5 Chemistry H 4 Physics or Biology
Requirements for CIT Minimum Subjects Levels Grades Minimum Entry Requirements CIT Level 8: -Leaving Certificate with two H 5 and four O 6/H 7 grades including Mathematics, and either English or Irish. Level 7: -Leaving Certificate with five O 6/H 7 grades including Mathematics, and either English or Irish. Specific Subjects Levels Grades Additional Requirements O 6/H 7 Maths O 6/H 7 Irish or English Additional Requirements H 4 Maths O 6/H 7 Irish or English
MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS, SUBJECT REQUIREMENTS & HELPFUL SUBJECTS SPECIFIC • Each college has: Different minimum entry requirements Different specific subject requirements (depending on the course) • Read the college prospectus/look up their website to find out the requirements
Name of course: Nursing Studies Minimum Entry: Leaving Certificate with OL Maths (grade 03 preferable). Biology is considered an advantage. Additional requirements: None
Examples Example: Using CIT Prospectus 2017 Accounting p. 26 Name of course: Accounting Based on how many subjects passed in LC: 6 How many must be at O 6 or H 7 level: 4 How many must be H 5 level & what grade: 2 What grade must you get in Maths: O 4/H 7 What grade must you get in English or Irish: O 6/H 7 What subjects would be helpful to have studied in LC: Accounting, Business or Economics
Example: Using UCC Prospectus 2017, p. 226 Name of course: Medicine Minimum Entry: H 4 in Chemistry and either Physics or Biology and passes in four other subjects at H 7/ O 6 level from Irish, English, another language (French) and Maths Additional requirements: HPAT.
How subjects link to courses & careers/jobs? 1. Could be a requirement for college or work…. 2. Could be helpful when studying
How important is it to chose a Science Subject • It is important not to neglect the sciences • There are many courses where a science subject is necessary; • engineering, medicine, science, paramedical courses, physiotherapy, radiography, nutrition and dietetics • 1 written exam 3 hrs for each subject
Why choose Biology? • Biology is the study of life. • A good biology student is very curious about how the different systems work. They must also possess phenomenal attention to detail. • Syllabus requires a lot of memory work • Must: Genetics UCC Human Health & Disease TCD • Those considering medicine, nursing, ecology, food science & all related courses, biology will benefit them tremendously.
Why Choose Chemistry? • Chemistry students are required to learn off information about molecules, bonding, organic chemistry etc. • Also a small amount of calculations involved. • A good chemistry student applies attention to detail, in describing procedures of experiments & in understanding vocabulary.
• Involved in developments in medicine, pharmacology, engineering, agriculture, electronics – useful for a lot of 3 rd level courses • Essential for Medicine, Dentistry Pharmacy, Veterinary (with another science subject) Dietetics
Why Choose Physics? • Often referred to as the Maths side of Science, this is true for a small section of the course. • Physics aims to enhance students’ ability to observe, think logically & understand scientific method • A good physics student wonders why and asks why • Useful for Engineering, radiography, electronics, architecture, electrician, physiotherapy, dentistry • Essential for: Theoretical Physics TCD
Business • Business requires students to stay alert & aware of current business related media. • A good business student is able to digest theoretical information about business & use it to advise entrepreneur • Involves learning things off by heart but it is logical & easy to understand • If you want to study business after the LC it is of great benefit but not a requirement for any courses 3 hour written exam
Accounting • Bookkeeping side of business, delves deeper teaching students to analyse & interpret figures. • A good accounting student has good mathematical and analytic skills. Is organised & accurate. • Not required for studying accounting at third level (exc. NUI Galway) however if considering accounting or actuarial finance it would be unwise to leave out of subject choice. 3 hour written exam
Engineering • Engineering consists of: – Design and make electronic based project – final written exam 50% • Divided into the practical & theoretical • Useful for careers: Mechanical Engineering, Civil & Structural Eng. Electrician, Army & Air Corps
Construction Studies • Both practical & theory work based around the planning & construction of buildings • Practical exam 25% Project & Portfolio 25% final exam 50% • Practical skills involving tools & processes are taught. • Useful for careers in: Civil Engineering, carpentry, architecture, quantity surveying, furniture design & manufacturing, construction studies teacher
Design & Communications • Taken the place of technical drawing • End of year drawing exam worth 60% and an assignment worth 40% • Traditional technical drawing element, freehand sketching • Each student has access to a PC to practice & develop their skills • Useful for careers in: Architecture, Civil & Mechanical Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Graphic Design, Interior Design, all trades carpentry, electrician
Art • • 66% Practical Exam 34% History & Appreciation of Art Requires hard work & concentration Not necessary to study art at LC to progress at third level • Portfolio is required for all art courses • Useful for careers in: Architecture, Graphic Design, Printing, Publishing, Teaching Interior Design
History • History improves students critical thinking while studying topics from both Irish history & the history of Europe & the wider world. • Course is quite large & requires constant attention throughout the year. • Advantage research project 20% • Final Exam 80% • Useful for careers in: - Law , Archaeology, Journalism, Politics, Librarian, Tourism
Geography • Study of people & their environment • 20% geographical investigation 80% final exam • TCD accepts geography as a science subject for entry to both science & pharmacy faculty • Useful for careers in: - Town Planning, Geologist, Architecture, Construction, Marine Officer Environmental Science, Travel & Tourism
Home Economics Social & Scientific • Wide range of topics from food studies, resource management, consumer studies & social studies • 20% of final exam • Useful for careers in: Hotel, Catering & Tourism, Chef Culinary Arts, Hospitality/Bar Management, Fashion Design, Nutrition & Food Science Child Care, Sociology, Social Care, Home Ec Teaching
Career oriented subject choice • Guide! • Choose subjects that suit you best!
Science • Biology/chemistry/physics • Geography • Favourite subject
Dentistry • Chemistry (Necessary) • Physics/biology (Option second science) • Favourite subject
Veterinary • Chemistry (Necessary) • Biology (not required, strongly recommended) • Favourite subject
Architecture • Design & Communications • Art • Physics
Law • History • Business • Favourite subject
Psychology • Biology • Business • Favourite subject
Physiotherapy • • One Science subject necessary Biology Chemistry/physics Favourite subject
Pharmacy • Chemistry • Biology or Physics (second science subject required) • Favourite Subject
Medicine • Chemistry (necessary) • Biology/physics (second science subject) • Favourite Subject
Nursing • • One Science Subject required Biology Chemistry Home Economics/Favourite Subject
Hotel Management • Business • Home Economics • Favourite Subject
Business • Accounting • Favourite Subject
Social Sciences • Geography • Home Economics • Favourite Subject
Engineering • • Physics Engineering Design & Communications Chemistry
Computer Science • Physics • Design & Communication Graphics • Favourite Subject
Are there any subjects that are easier than others? • • Common misconception! No such thing as an ‘easy honour’ Depends entirely on the student; Flair for Maths Flair for English Flair for practical subjects Each subject requires time, dedication & consistent attention for two years
If I don’t know what to study at third level, what subjects should I chose? • Take a good mixture of subjects • A science subject is important so options are not limited when it comes to the CAO However • In order to maximise points you should chose subjects you are interested in and enjoy studying
Keep in mind! • Some subjects can contain an overlap with other subjects • E. g. Home Economics and Biology • Help lighten the workload!
GENERAL ADVICE Many students have an idea of their direction re. subject choice SCIENTIFIC If students are really not sure what they want to do in the future: Pick a broad range of subjects in order to keep options open ARTISTIC / CREATIVE • e. g. PRACTICAL – one science SOCIAL / HEALTH – one business HUMANITIES – one humanities / practical BUSINESS Making very acceptable combinations of choices Many students will change their minds about their future a number of times in the next 2 years 59 • This combination would allow access into a broad range of courses/careers.
Must have subjects! (Requirement) • Maths, English: all courses (usually min. OL) • Irish: many courses, primary teaching (HL) • French: (a 3 rd language) for many courses in UCC e. g. all teaching courses, social science, medicine, dentistry, speech therapy, all business & law and Cadetships in the Army & Aircorps • Science Subject: nursing, science courses, engineering • Chemistry: & another science subject Medicine/Veterinary/Dentistry/Pharmacy/Dietician
Nice to have subjects (Helpful) • Maths: for all courses (especially computing, game design, engineering, apprenticeships, science based courses) • English: for all courses • Physics: engineering • Biology: nursing, sports courses • Business/Accounting: commerce, hotel management • Geography: environmental science, town planning • History: law, politics • Home Economics: social work, youth work, gardai • Chemistry: pharmaceutical industry, nutrition • Engineering: ……………. . • Construction: …………… • DCG: …………… • Art: …………. .
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 your 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
Useful website • Setting Targets/Points • Parents Role: - Monitor & Encourage
Summary • Read the booklet • List of websites • Discuss with your son/daughter about what subjects would suit them • Speak to people who might be of help • Input preferences by clicking on vsware tab on school website homepage stpeters. ie – login using username and password – On left hand side click on student options – List 1 -5 in order of preference – Sign Out
• Computer will generate option blocks based on the highest preference choices of students.
Any Questions?
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