Subject choice overview 2017 Frank Farrell Guidance Counsellor

Subject choice overview 2017 Frank Farrell – Guidance Counsellor PCS 16/10/2021 Frank Farrell - Guidance Counsellor PCS - 2017

History • The syllabus breaks down into three main parts. • 1. Case study: There are three case studies in the prescribed topic and ne of these will be examined in the Leaving Cert exam. There is no choice of question. • 2. Students must study one other European and the wider world topic and two Irish topics. There is a choice of questions. • 3. A research topic. This is a question which is done by the students in their own time. The research topic must be completed and handed in by April prior to the LC exam. Both student and teacher must sign a form attesting it to be the student’s own work. 16/10/2021 Frank Farrell - Guidance Counsellor PCS - 2017

History – Exam structure • A research study report submitted prior to the LC examination which accounts for 20% of all marks. • An examination paper: 80% • At both levels the examination paper features a document-based question and three general questions. All questions are of equal value. • An interest in the subject is vital as is an ability to write analytically. • An interest in current affairs is beneficial. 16/10/2021 Frank Farrell - Guidance Counsellor PCS - 2017

Geography • Three core units: 1. Patterns and processes in the physical environment 2. Regional geography 3. Geographical investigation. • Two elective units: Patterns and processes in economic activities OR patterns and processes in the human environment. • Four optional units for HL students: • Global interdependence OR geoecology OR culture and identity OR the atmosphere-ocean environment. • The geographical investigation is completed in Year 2 of the LC programme and is worth 20% of the final grade. 16/10/2021 Frank Farrell - Guidance Counsellor PCS - 2017

Geography – exam structure • Written paper: • Part one – 80 marks. Answer 10 questions from 12. • Part two – You must attempt 4 questions as follows: Two questions from section 1 (core), one question from section 2 (electives) and one questions from section 3 (options). • High level students study all core units, one of the elective units and one of the optional units. 16/10/2021 Frank Farrell - Guidance Counsellor PCS - 2017

Modern languages: French/German/Spanish • All modern languages require students to be reasonably proficient in the following skills: Oral, written, aural and reading skills. • Marks allocation for the LC modern languages exam: • Speaking: 25% for HL and 20% for OL. • Listening: 20% for HL and 25% for OL. • Reading comprehension: 30 % for HL and 40% for OL. • Writing: 25% for HL and 15% for OL. The oral exam takes place in Late March/April and lasts approx. : 15 minutes 16/10/2021 Frank Farrell - Guidance Counsellor PCS - 2017

Modern languages continued • The aural exam lasts 40 minutes and takes place immediately after the written exam in June. • We welcome ad encourage students to study a foreign language for its own value and to increase cultural awareness. • Access It is also a requirement to many third level courses especially in NUI colleges (UCD, Maynooth, UCG, UCC, ). • There a great deal of employment opportunities in the EU which go unfilled as the majority of native English language speakers do not have any proficiency in a foreign language. 16/10/2021 Frank Farrell - Guidance Counsellor PCS - 2017

ART • An aptitude for easy writing, self-directed skills and a sound understanding of the design process is essential for senior art students. • There is no continuous project work in 6 th year. All exam based. • Pupils receive practical exam papers a week prior to sitting the exam. These exams are completed at the end of April/beginning of May. • The Art history exam is completed in June of the LC year. A gallery trip is compulsory as part of the course. • The subject can be taken up in 5 th year even where the student has never student art before. 16/10/2021 Frank Farrell - Guidance Counsellor PCS - 2017

Art – exam structure • Unlike the Junior Cert, the practical examination takes place over the course of a week in supervised sessions of up to five hours, during which students are to complete a project (such as a sketch or drawing) and submit it for evaluation. • The art course also features a written examination on History and Appreciation of Art, which counts for 37. 5% of the marks. • The exam is divided into three sections, one on Irish art, one on European art, and a final section on artistic appreciation. • Diagrams and illustrative sketches are encouraged in the exam. 16/10/2021 Frank Farrell - Guidance Counsellor PCS - 2017

Music • Subject Content • The course consists of three main components: (1) Composing 25% (2) Listening 25% (3) Performance 25% • Each component is examined as 25% of the course with higher level candidates nominating which component they wish to take an elective (extra 25%) in. • Exam Structure • Listening Paper Examined in June of 6 th year 90 minutes duration Four set works, Irish music and general listening skills. 16/10/2021 Frank Farrell - Guidance Counsellor PCS - 2017

Music continued • Composition Paper Examined in June of 6 th year 90 minutes duration Melody writing and harmony • Performance Examined in April of 6 th year Candidates may perform as a soloist or as part of a group or both. Higher Level: 3 pieces on one instrument and one unprepared test OR 2 pieces on each of two instruments and one unprepared test. 16/10/2021 Frank Farrell - Guidance Counsellor PCS - 2017

Music continued • HL level students must choose one of the above components (listening, composition, performance) to secure the remaining 25% of LC marks. 16/10/2021 Frank Farrell - Guidance Counsellor PCS - 2017

Business • There are 7 core units covering the following topics: Introduction to people in business; Enterprise; Managing 1 & 2; Business in action; Domestic Environment and International Environment. • There is a common syllabus covering Higher and Ordinary level, which will fulfil the aims and objectives of the course. • A flexibility of design that caters for present day Irish business education and yet is capable of adaptation to future developments in a structured and efficient way. • It assists students to develop their education for adult and working life including the creation of positive attitudes towards self-employment. • From time to time there may be field trips or guest speakers where the course allows. These are not a compulsory part of the course and are organized at the teachers’ discretion. 16/10/2021 Frank Farrell - Guidance Counsellor PCS - 2017

Business - continued • Exam Structure • Higher & Ordinary Level • Higher Level – 3 hour paper (400 marks); 3 sections. Section 1 – Short questions (8/10) 80 marks. Section 2 – Applied Business Question – 80 marks (compulsory). Section 3 – Long Questions (60 marks per question (4/7)) • Ordinary Level – 2. 5 hour paper (400 marks); 2 sections. Section 1 – Short Question (10/15) 100 marks. Section 2 – Long Questions (75 marks per question (4/8)). • Comments • The subject is suited to students who are willing to work hard and caters for all abilities. • It is not necessary for students to have studied Junior Certificate Business Studies, but this would be a help. • The course content is factual and requires a lot of learning, containing only a few mathematical elements. • Ideally, students would have an interest in business and current affairs and would have an up to date knowledge of economic environment. 16/10/2021 Frank Farrell - Guidance Counsellor PCS - 2017

Accountancy • Subject Content • Accounting is a business studies option within the Leaving Certificate programme. It covers aspects of business and social life which are not dealt with in any other subject in that programme. • It is concerned with the preparation, recording, extraction, presentation and analysis of financial information for the purpose of making economic decisions. The course also involves a Management Accounting section where the student will learn how to analyse business costs and how to prepare budgets. • Topics covered include: Financial Statements Preparation, Farm Accounts, Club Accounts, Company Accounts, Manufacturing Accounts, Financial Statements Analysis and Interpretation, Budgeting, Break-even Analysis, Cost Classification, Accounting Theory and Principles. 16/10/2021 Frank Farrell - Guidance Counsellor PCS - 2017

Accountancy - continued • Exam Structure • The subject is examined at higher and ordinary level. Both levels involve one exam of three hours duration. The exam paper is made up of three sections, the first two are based on the Financial Accounting section of the course and the third covers the Management Accounting section. Questions must be answered from all sections of the exam paper. • The course is numerically based but theory and procedures must be learned also. While the student needs to be comfortable with numbers he or she will do well in this subject area without excelling in Maths. Accountancy is not an abstract or mathematical subject likes physics or chemistry. 16/10/2021 Frank Farrell - Guidance Counsellor PCS - 2017

Economics • Subject content • The subject is concerned with understanding the workings of a modern economy from both Macro and Micro level. The main topics covered are Demand, Supply, Consumer, Cost of Production, Elasticity, Market Structures, Perfect Competition, Monopoly, Price Discrimination, Imperfect Competition and Oligopoly and Factors of Production – Land, Labour, Capital and Enterprise. Macro consists of Money & Banking, National Income, Government & Economy, International Trade, Economic Growth & Development and History of economic Thought. • There are no projects, practical aspects, field trips, etc. Teacher may include project work but it is not a requirement of the syllabus. • There is a common syllabus covering Higher and Ordinary level, which will fulfil the aims and objectives. • It helps students to develop a clear understanding of the role of economics, to encourage the development of appropriate learning skills, and to generate in students a positive and ethical attitude to economics in personal, business and public life 16/10/2021 Frank Farrell - Guidance Counsellor PCS - 2017

Economics - continued • Exam Structure • Higher Level & Ordinary Level • One Paper – 2. 5 hour paper. • Section A – 9 Q’s do 6 (100 marks) • Section B – 8 Q’s do 4 (75 each. 300 in total). Large element of choice here. 16/10/2021 Frank Farrell - Guidance Counsellor PCS - 2017

Home Economics, Social and Scientific Subject Content The syllabus consists of Core Areas and Three Electives: The Core Areas 1. Food Studies - 45% 2. Resource Management and Consumer Studies - 25% 3. Social Studies - 10% • Electives • 1. Home Design and Management - 20% or 2. Textiles, Fashion and Design - 20% or 3. Social Studies - 20% • Students opt for one Elective area only. Those choosing the Textiles, Fashion and Design elective must produce a garment which will be inspected and graded. • • • 16/10/2021 Frank Farrell - Guidance Counsellor PCS - 2017

Home Economics – Exam structure • Exam Structure • The Leaving Certificate Home Economics (Social and Scientific) revised syllabus is examined as follows: • 1. Written Exam paper – 80% The written examination consists of three sections: • Section A 12 short questions – Students answer 10. These deal mainly with all the core areas of practice. (60 marks allocated) • Section B 5 questions - Students are to answer Question 1 (Food Science and Nutrition) and any other 2 questions (from the other Core Areas). (180 marks allocated) • Section C 3 questions - Students are to answer 1. Elective question, based on which Elective was chosen to do in class. (80 marks allocated) • 2. Practical Coursework - 20% • This is worth 20% of the final mark – as stated already; this is submitted in journal form earlier in the Leaving Certificate year. 16/10/2021 Frank Farrell - Guidance Counsellor PCS - 2017

Biology • • Biology Subject Content The course is divided into three units Unit 1 The study of life( ecology and food science) Unit 2 The Cell ( Genetics, photosynthesis, respiration and enzymes) Unit 3 The organism ( a study of body systems, plant biology and microbiology) There are 22 mandatory practical activities. Three of these are examined each year, two of which have to be answered. A laboratory record of these activities has to be kept and available for inspection by The Department of Education and Science. An ecology portfolio has also to be completed. This is usually done in fifth year. As of yet no marks are awarded for the laboratory notebook or the portfolio. On this relatively new course there is a strong emphasis on social and applied aspects e. g. when studying the breathing system a breathing disorder is studied. 16/10/2021 Frank Farrell - Guidance Counsellor PCS - 2017

Biology • Exam Structure • The examination at higher and ordinary level is three hours duration. The exam paper is divided into three units. • Section A Six short questions (answer five) 100 marks. • Section B Three questions on practical activities (answer two) 60 marks. • Section C Six long questions (answer four) 240 marks. 16/10/2021 Frank Farrell - Guidance Counsellor PCS - 2017

Chemistry • Subject content • Leaving Cert. Chemistry is comprised of all the essential and relevant topics within general chemistry. The major topics involved include the following: 1. Atomic structure 2. Volumetric analysis 3. Organic chemistry 4. Water chemistry 5. Reaction mechanisms. • There also is an option to be taken as part of the course which involves the study of atmospheric and industrial chemistry or the study of materials and electrochemistry. • Experimental investigations are an essential part of the leaving certificate course. Each student must complete at least 28 experiments over the duration of the course. • Experimental work is examined as part of the leaving cert exam and forms the basis for a minimum of three questions on the exam paper. 16/10/2021 Frank Farrell - Guidance Counsellor PCS - 2017

Chemistry – Exam structure • Exam Structure • The leaving cert exam is three hours in duration. Each candidate must answer at least two questions from Section A (experimental section) and a maximum of six questions from Section B. • There are eleven questions in total on the exam paper, each carrying fifty marks. There is no element of continuous assessment but experimental copies must be available for inspection by the State Examinations Commission. 16/10/2021 Frank Farrell - Guidance Counsellor PCS - 2017

Physics • Subject Content • The physics syllabus aims to give students both an understanding of the fundamental principles of physics and their application to everyday life. • It offers a general education in physics for all students, enabling them to develop an understanding of the scientific method and their ability to observe, to think logically, and to communicate effectively. Science, technology and society (STS) is an integral part of the syllabus so that students can be aware of the principles of the applications of physics in the everyday world. The physics studied is broken into eight topics; (a) six compulsory (b) two option sections (one to be done) 16/10/2021 Frank Farrell - Guidance Counsellor PCS - 2017

Physics - continued • Exam Structure • Leaving Certificate Physics is assessed by means of one terminal examination paper at each level. Students are required to keep a record of their practical work over the two years of the course. The Leaving Cert physics exam is three hours in duration. • Section A: �Answer 3 out of 4 questions � 120 marks: 40 marks per question �Questions are based on experimental procedures and use of results • Section B: �Answer 5 out of 8 questions � 280 marks: 56 marks per question �Questions are more broad and theory based 16/10/2021 Frank Farrell - Guidance Counsellor PCS - 2017

Construction studies • Subject Content • The course is essentially about the study of buildings and the built environment. The theoretical part of the course examines all parts of building from the planning stages to the completed building. The course is studied under the following main headings. • Planning and Design Drawings and Documents Site Preliminaries and Foundations Walls, Partitions Floors, Roofs Fireplaces Windows and Doors Stairs Plastering and Painting Plumbing and Heating Services Drainage 16/10/2021 Frank Farrell - Guidance Counsellor PCS - 2017

Construction studies - continued • Exam Structure • The examination at higher and ordinary levels has three separate components. • Section A Three hour written paper worth 300 marks. The exam consists of 10 questions out of which five have to be attempted. Question 1 is a compulsory drawing question of a building detail. (50% of all marks). • Section B 4 hour practical woodwork exam where the student makes a small item out of timber under exam conditions. The exam normally takes place in May. This accounts for 150 marks. • Section C Building Project where the student makes a building detail, a scale model of a building or a craft piece. The student also produces a portfolio to accompany the project that they make. Ideally this project must be completed by Christmas. This accounts for 150 marks. 16/10/2021 Frank Farrell - Guidance Counsellor PCS - 2017

Applied Maths • 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. 16/10/2021 Frank Farrell - Guidance Counsellor PCS - 2017

Applied Maths – Exam structure • Higher Level Paper • This is a 2. 5 hour paper (150 minutes) and carries 300 marks. You are required to answer 6 out of 10 questions and each carry 50 marks. • Tip: Allow approx. 25 minutes per question in either paper. If you answer more than six questions, they will all be corrected and you will be given the marks for the best six 16/10/2021 Frank Farrell - Guidance Counsellor PCS - 2017

Design and communication graphics • Subject Content • Consists of a core section comprised of (a) plane and solid geometry and (b) communication computer graphics There is also an options section of applied graphics, two options are to be taken. • Exam Structure • One Terminal Exam Paper 60% Student Assignment 40% Terminal Exam: 3 hours duration. 16/10/2021 Frank Farrell - Guidance Counsellor PCS - 2017

Design and Communication Graphics • Comment • It is preferred that students would have undertaken Technical Graphics at Junior Cert. level. • Free-hand sketching is a main component of the core therefore Junior Cert art, materials technology wood and/or technology would serve as an advantage in this area. • A basic knowledge of ICT skills is also beneficial. • Students must also appreciate that work completed must conform to a high standard of neatness and draftsman-ship. 16/10/2021 Frank Farrell - Guidance Counsellor PCS - 2017

DCG Major emphasis on: 1. Elements of design 2. Communication graphics 3. Use of ICT’S in design 16/10/2021 Frank Farrell - Guidance Counsellor PCS - 2017

Engineering • Introduction: Engineering is the Leaving Certificate subject which continues from the Junior Certificate subject of metalwork. It has three elements to its examination: • (A) A twelve week design and make project in the final year which accounts for 25% of the total grade. • (B) A six hour examination in May of the final year which accounts for 25% of the total grade (C) A three hour theory examination in June of the final year which accounts for the remaining 50% of the total grade 16/10/2021 Frank Farrell - Guidance Counsellor PCS - 2017

Engineering - continued • The content of Engineering is split between a practical (hands on experience) element and a theory (written knowledge ) element. • Students who take Engineering will be expected, over a period of two years, to complete practical projects which include the use of hand tools and electrical machinery. • They will be required to fine-tune these skills to enable them to complete their exam project and six hour practical (assembly) exam. • Students will use machines such as: Drilling; Milling, Lathes, Band Saws, various welding procedures and computer aided machinery. 16/10/2021 Frank Farrell - Guidance Counsellor PCS - 2017

Questions? ? ? 16/10/2021 Frank Farrell - Guidance Counsellor PCS - 2017