1. Fourth Year Subject Choice

2. Introduction Matriculation Essential Subjects Ideal Subjects Points Choosing Subjects

3. Matriculation General Entry Requirements vary from institution to institution NUI Matriculation: Six subjects, minimum of two HCs; pass in English, Irish and a third language essential for all faculties. Maths essential for all faculties except law, social science and arts.

4. Matriculation Continued Trinity College: Six subjects, minimum of three HCs; pass in English; pass in Maths and another language. D.I.T. and D.C.U. six subjects, minimum of two HCs pass in Maths and English or Irish essential.

5. Essential Subjects Essential Subjects are that are needed in order to do a degree. Honours Engineering Degrees require Honours Mathematics. An Honour in Honours Irish is required for Primary Teaching. Science Subjects are required for science degrees and medical courses.

6. Courses that need a science subject SCIENCE ENGINEERING* MEDICINE* DENTISTRY* VETERINARY* PHARMACY* PHYSIOTHERAPY RADIOGRAPHY NURSING NAVAL CADETS ARCHITECTURE OCCUP. THERAPY SPEECH THERAPY SPORTS SCIENCE MED LAB SCIENCE DIETETICS OPTOMETRY PRODUCTION MGT. INDUSTRIAL DESIGN INFO. TECH.

7. Ideal Subjects Just because subjects are not required does not mean that they are not ideal.

8. Points The points of the students best six subjects are added together. The C.A.O. points are a reflection of supply and demand. They are not… A reflection of how hard a course is. A measure of a courses quality. To be spent.

9. Subject Choice Students are aiming to choose a meaningful, manageable package of subjects 3 decisions total number of subjects actual subjects levels at which each subject is to be taken Thought, planning, research and accurate information are pre-requisites.

10. Steps in decision making 4 th years are studying the subjects already in TY, attend Careers classes and receive the booklet. Educational testing - Differential Aptitude Tests (DATs) are administered during second term. DATs highlight potential aptitudes. Individual appointments - Counsellor meets each 4 th year student to discuss results of tests and implications Work Experience Subjects are banded - students select from bands.

11. Guidelines Irish, English, Maths, third language are core subjects for most pupils. 4 subjects to be selected. Choose subjects that are of interest. Choose subjects that the pupil are good at. Career areas of interest.

12. Things to look out for. If a pupil has a definite career direction, a combination of appropriate subjects may enhance career/course prospects. If unclear, keep options open Science group Arts group group Business group Implications of taking up a new subject

13. 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.

14. 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?

15. Information Look to the school for information. www.qualifax.ie www.cao.ie www.careerdirections.ie www.careersworld.com