1. Leaving Certificate (Traditional) Subject Choice Donncha Ó TreasaighPrincipal Áine Máire Ní UaithneGuidance Counsellor

2. Leaving Certificate is a 2 year programme. Full time commitment required over 2 years. 5th year is very important especially for those hoping to gain entry to high points courses. Usually a maximum of 7 subjects are taken for the Leaving Certificate. An extra (8 th ) subject? – need to think very carefully about this as each LC subject is extensive and requires a lot of work. Significant difference in standard from J.C. Other subjects could suffer if workload is too great. For points purposes best 6 subjects are counted. Almost all subjects are of equal importance. Extra points will be awarded in all universities and ITs for honours Mathematics in LC 2012 to 2015 Extra points are awarded in DT021 for honours in certain science subjects.

3. GradeHonoursOrdinary A110060 A29050 B18545 B28040 B37535 C17030 C26525 C36020 D15515 D25010 D3455

4. Highly Desirable Subjects Unless there is a substantial reason otherwise, all students should definitely consider choosing: 1.a modern language (NUI*) 2.a science subject. Subject Levels Higher and Ordinary level all subjects. Foundation level Mathematics. Particular care needs to be taken with Mathematics. Failure in this subject can be detrimental to overall L.C. LC subject selection Core subjects: English, Mathematics & Irish Optional subjects: Usually 3 other subjects are chosen Language: French or Spanish

5. BUSINESS Business SCIENCE Biology Physics Chemistry LANGUAGES Spanish APPLIED SCIENCES Home Economics Construction Studies Design and Communication Graphics SOCIAL STUDIES History Geography Music Art Information about LC subjects can be found on the college website: www.gcluimnigh.ie and the NCCA website: www.ncca.ie www.gcluimnigh.iewww.ncca.ie

7. When choosing Leaving Certificate subjects great care must be taken as the choices of subjects made now may determine 3rd level and career options in 2 years time. Why? Regardless of how many points you get in your LC, you will be ineligible to even apply for a course if you have not met its Course Entry Requirements Generally there are 2 sets of Entry Requirements which must be met before points can be considered. A)Minimum Entry Requirements Particular subjects and minimum no. of honours / passes in the L.C. required to apply to an individual college. B)Specific Course Requirements Particular subjects and/or levels required to gain entry to specific faculties or courses.

8. InstitutionMinimum gradesRequired subjects NUI Colleges: UCD, NUIM, NUIG, UCC. (RCSI, Shannon, Miltown) 2HC3 + 4OD3OD3 in English, Irish & Modern Language*. Trinity College Dublin3HC3 + 3OD3OD3 in Maths, English & another Language Dublin City University2HC3 + 4OD3OD3 in Maths, English or Irish University of Limerick2HC3 + 4OD3OD3 in Maths, English & Irish or another Lang. Dublin Institute of Technology 2HC3 + 4OD3 (H.D.) 5OD3 (O.D. or H.C.) OD3 in Maths, English or Irish Regional Institutes of Technology (DK*) 2HC3 + 4OD3 (H.D.) 5OD3 (O.D. or H.C.) OD3 in Maths, English or Irish

9. These requirements are in addition to Minimum Entry Requirements. They are specific L.C. subjects / grades required for entry to particular courses. They tend to be in the following subject areas: Science subjects Languages Mathematics E.g. Veterinary Medicine in UCD Entry Requirements: 2HC3 + 4OD3, OD3 in English, Irish, Modern Language & Mathematics, HC3 in Chemistry.

10. Irish Primary Teaching – HC3 Journalism & Irish (DCU) – HB1 Comp. Sc., Linguistics & Irish (TCD) – HB3 Gno & Gaeilge (DCU) – OA2/HC3 French Law with French Law – HB3 Commerce with French (UCD) – HC3 Law and French (TCD) – HC1 A Language Many courses require a language but may not specify a particular one: Film & Broadcasting with a language (DIT) – HC3 in Ir or Fr. Applied Languages (DCU) – HC3 in Fr, Ge, Ir or Sp. Speech and Language Therapy (TCD) – HC3 in En, Fr, Ge, Ir, It, Ru or Sp. Cadet School – OD3 in a modern Language.

11. Mathematics Honours Engineering – HC3 Business Studies (DCU) – OC3/HD3 Optometry (DIT) - OB3 Economics & Finance (UCD) – HC3 Business (TCD) – OC/HD Science (UCD) – OB3/HD3 Commerce (UCD) – OB3/HD3 Law and Accounting (UL) – OC3/HD3 Science Particular care needs to be taken with science subjects. Many courses require any one science subject Some courses require 2 science subjects, particularly TCD and UCC. UCAS courses Nursing – OD3 in a Lab. Sc. Medical/Para medical courses Chemistry Pharmacy*, Human Nutrition, Veterinary Medicine, Medicine & Dentistry (UCC) – HC3

13. Unlikely that 3rd/TY students will know exactly, which courses/careers they wish to pursue at this stage. But from looking at their interests, abilities and aptitudes they may be able to identify broad areas of interest and hence check potential course entry requirements. Course Entry Requirements can be accessed: a) In the colleges prospectuses b) On the colleges websites c) Directory of LC Entry Requirements d) www.qualifax.ie – Subject Requirements www.qualifax.ie It is only when all course entry requirements are met that students are qualified to apply for a course.

14. If a student is not really sure what he/she wants to do in the future: Pick a broad range of subjects in order to keep options open Many students will change their minds about their future a number of times in the next 2 years E.g. one language one science one business one humanities / applied science. This combination would allow access into a broad range of courses/careers.

15. A wise choice of subjects requires: RESEARCH DISCUSSION REFLECTION DECISION Subject Teachers, Guidance Classes, TY Programme L.C. Books, Publications, Other Students Guidance Counsellors, Current Teachers Family, Friends Consider all the information, views and opinions Then, ultimately each student must make up their own mind.

16. Key Questions for you the pupil 1. What subjects is the College offering? 2. If interested in a particular course/career area, what subjects are essential? ( Course Entry Requirements) 3. If not essential, what subjects would be useful/helpful for this course/career area? 4. What subjects do I like? (motivation) (not the teacher) 5. What subjects am I relatively good at? (DATs) (JC)

17. DCG/Construction Studies are not needed to do Engineering. Maths and Physics are more important. Art is generally not needed for Art and Design courses. A portfolio is however. For Business courses, Maths is generally a requirement rather than Business subjects. No subjects are gender specific. Every student is unique (interests, abilities and aptitudes), hence they should choose subjects based on these and not current friendships or the opinions of others. Students should be careful to try pick a balance between learning and understanding subjects. Students should be aware of balancing subjects which help maximise points vs. subjects which may be of benefit to them in the future.

18. 1. February 2 nd – Parents Night. 2. February – Class presentations continue 3. February 18 th – Deadline for submission of application forms for TY. 4. March 4th – Deadline for final subject choices for current TYs 5. March 15 th - Deadline for final subject choices for current third years 6. April 1st – Generation of classes begins.