Welcome Senior Cycle Subject Choice

Don’t Stress!! Exciting opportunities Important decision, we are happy to help; -@guidegoddess -shylandloreto@gmail.com -8-9am, 1-1.50pm, 4-4.30pm Hints and tips to avoid choosing an unsuitable subject ‘FAMEOUS FIVE’

Subject Choice in Loreto College Mullingar The curriculum available in Loreto College Mullingar is unrivalled. Core subjects - some students have exemptions - seven subjects is most common A common formula, many student’s selection looks like the following; Core subjects + language + science subject + any two other Core subjects + language + two science subjects + any other subject I RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CHANGE MY MIND!!!! THE PERSON I AM TODAY IS NOT THE PERSON I WILL BECOME IN TIME Keep choices broad and leave opportunities available Students must consider points and entry requirements Laboratory science subjects are a common requirement (Chemistry for Veterinary, dietetics, pharmacy etc) Language for humanities in NUI Business / History and Geography not a requirement Music / Art portfolio or audition based with Grade exams

Humanities Home Economics Geography Religion History Arts Music Art and Craft Options Link Chinese Choir Development Education PE for leisure GCSE PE * Applied Maths** LCVP ** Core Subjects English Irish Maths Languages French German Spanish Sciences Agricultural Science Physics Biology Chemistry Business subjects Business Studies Accounting Economics

Vocational Subject Groupings (VSGs) 2017/2018 Specialist Groupings 1 Construction Studies; Engineering; Design and Communication Graphics; Technology  -  Any Two  2 Physics and Construction Studies or Engineering or Technology or Design & Communication Graphics 3 Agricultural Science and Construction Studies or Engineering or Technology or Design & Communication Graphics 4 Agricultural Science and Chemistry or Physics or Physics/Chemistry  5 Home Economics; Agricultural Science; Biology - Any Two 6 Home Economics and Art - Design Option or Craft Option 7 Accounting; Business; Economics - Any two   8 Physics and Chemistry 9 Biology and Chemistry or Physics or Physics/Chemistry 10 Biology and Agricultural Science 11 Art - Design Option or Craft Option and Design & Communication Graphics Services Groupings 12 Engineering or Technology or Construction Studies or Design & Communication Graphics and Accounting or Business orEconomics 13 Home Economics and Accounting or Business or Economics 14 Agricultural Science and Accounting or Business or Economics 15 Art  Design or Craftwork Option and Accounting or Business or Economics 16 Music and Accounting or Business or Economics

As a result of the new Leaving Certificate grades, revised basic matriculation requirements will also be introduced, as follows: Where the requirements are currently 2 higher level C3 grades and 4 ordinary level D3 grades, in 2017 these will become 2 H5 and 4 O6/H7 grades. Where the requirements are currently 5 ordinary level D3 grades, in 2017 these will become 5 O6/H7 grades. Where the requirements are currently 3 higher level C3 grades and 3 ordinary level D3 grades, in 2017 these will become 3 H5 and 3 O6/H7 grades. LCVP Points 2017 Distinction 66 Merit 46 Pass 28

Websites and Resources Subject departments - Each of the subject departments in Loreto Mullingar have developed information sheets that outline the content of the curriculum for senior cycle and the layout of the final exam at both higher and ordinary levels. Senior students will also be speaking about their subject choices and how they find each subject at senior level. https://www.myworldofwork.co.uk/my-career-options/choosing-my-subjects - This link offers help and advice as you begin your research into the link between subjects and college courses. This resource also highlights many of the errors students make when selecting their subjects. https://www.whatcareerisrightforme.com/career-aptitude-test.php - This link offers an aptitude test that will help you to identify your strengths and weaknesses as a student. Many subjects are appealing to students with aptitudes and strengths in particular disciplines. For example, a student with strong numerical and logical reasoning may enjoy accounting or applied maths. http://www.irishtimes.com/news/education/the-essential-guide-to-choosing-your-leaving-cert-subjects-1.560657 - A guide by Brian Mooney in the Irish Times http://www.independent.ie/life/family/learning/how-to-pick-the-right-subjects-for-your-career-path-29917088.html - A guide by Aoife Walsh in the Independant

Research ESRI Reports Senior Students Subject Teachers Textbooks / Notes DES Curriculum Skoool.ie Scoilnet.ie College Prospectus Jan 16th week of events

This week, (Monday 16-1-17) there are a number of events planned to help your daughter in making her subject choice decision. Members of the guidance team will be available each morning 8-9am, each lunchtime 1-1.50pm and each day after school to answer questions and support your daughter,individual appointmetns are also available You may ask questions and read articles related to guidance and subject choice on the schools’ guidance twitter (@guidegoddess) or instagram accounts (guidegoddess). You may also email the guidance team on shylandloreto@gmail.com - Monday- Assembly with all third year students -Tuesday – Meeting with individual classes and parents information night -Wednesday - Careers Interest Inventory -Thursday – Leaving Certificate speakers’ Q and A session -Friday – Careers’ Fair Day for subject choice

Trends VS Passions Study what you enjoy Follow your passions Remember, 40 years is a long time!! Can I make a living from this?

Following Friends Don’t follow your friends, their subject choice may not suit your strengths!

Avoiding Teachers I’m not taking …….. in case I get ……… Remember to follow your passions and strengths

What Level? I’m doing ……… I only need … points This is my extra subject so I’ll do the ordinary level paper Consultation with teachers is vital Change of level form

Let the discussion begin!! Look over past reports Ask about your daughter’s friends

@guidance goddess guidegoddess shylandloreto@gmail.com Drop - In service and individual appts available