Ardscoil Rís Senior Options Information Night 19 th March 2015

Agenda Introduction The Leaving Certificate and LCVP Transition Year

Who and What Do I Want to Be?

Which One Do We Know??

What We Are Doing Parents Information Evening Co-Ordinator’s Presentation on TY Presentation available for download from school website com Teachers and Guidance Counsellor’s Advice Actions

Senior Options Including LCVP Seven Subjects Leaving Certificate Broad experience Self development Alternative learning Transition Year

Leaving Cert Established  Core Subjects  Examined (3)  Irish  English  Mathematics  Non Exam  RE including RSE  Careers Option Subjects (4)  Choose from 14 Subjects  Option form.  Total of 7 subjects examined at Leaving Certificate plus LCVP if eligible.

Optional Subjects  Fourteen choices  Choose six, do four from:  French  Spanish  History  Geography  Business  Accounting  Economics  Music  Construction Studies  Design and Communications Graphics  Biology  Physics  Chemistry  Phys/Chem

Choosing Options  Think ahead to the next step  Keep options open for 3 rd level  College entry : Points + Entry Requirements

The Points System  Six best subjects  All worth the same except:  H.L. Maths  LCVP

General Entry Requirements Level 8 Courses 6 Subjects: 2HC3 + 4 OD3 Trinity 3HC3 + 3OD3 IT’s Level 6/ 7 courses 5OD3 Post Leaving Cert Courses Pass Leaving Cert + Interview

Specific Subject Requirements  Science: One or two science subjects depending on the course or university. Biology, Chemistry, Physics (sometimes accept Maths)  Engineering: Honours Maths for Universities (Special Maths exam)  Primary Teaching: C in Higher Level Irish  Veterinary medicine /Dietetics/Pharmacy/Dentistry : Chemistry  Medicine : HPAT + Chemistry + one science depending on location  Trinity: Paramedical/science  2 Science Subjects  Medical Sciences :1/2 science subjects  Many of these courses also have specific grade requirements e.g. HB3 etc College information is subject to change and should be verified on the college website

Languages A Pass in a European Language is required for entry to most courses in NUI colleges e.g. UCC, UCD, NUIM, NUIG, RCSI,NCAD, St. Angela’s Sligo, Milltown Institute, Institute of Public Administration  – the main exceptions are  (a) NCAD which will accept Art instead of a language  (b) Some Science, Nursing and Engineering courses  UL, Trinity, DCU, DIT and all Institutes of Technology English, Maths and ANOTHER language which can be Irish  Irish Exemptions carry through if OFFICAL exemptions  Gardaí, Army cadetships, Primary Teaching  exemptions do not apply All college information is subject to change and should always be verified on the college website

Choose subjects the student:  Likes  Has achieved well in  Needs for their future  Is prepared to work at Link talents to subjects Talk to teachers, siblings, cousins Look at senior cycle text books Choose a good mix of subjects to keep college and career options open

Not sure? Safe option  English, Irish and Maths  Take at least one science subject  Keep your modern language  Take 2 other subjects that you are good at, or that you enjoy and will do well at. N.B. - Points restrict entry to many courses more than subjects do.

Resources  Syllabus for LC Subjects  Look at past exam papers  entry requirements   College websites  Guidance Counsellor  Teachers

Next Steps Research Complete Options Form Deadline: Friday 27 th March

The Form

Summary Key Points 2 Choices: TY and LC Courses: Keep Options Open Interests and ability Research and Advice School Website

Deciding on Subjects Subject Information

Choosing a language  Choosing French or Spanish builds on the knowledge acquired for the Junior certificate  Would suit students with an interest in French/Spanish culture and who have an aptitude for the language  Important choice as many 3 rd level courses have a language requirement 21

Choosing a language  French/Spanish would be of benefit to many careers including teaching, translation, interpreting, journalism media, engineering, finance, tourism, hospitality, food and wine, sales and marketing 22

Choosing Business  Business provides students with a learning experience for a wide range of careers in business, marketing, law enterprise and management  Would suit students who have an organised mind and who like to answer questions in bullet points not in long essay format 23

Choosing Economics  Economics provides students with a learning foundation for a wide range of careers in business, economics, finance, enterprise and management  Ideally students should have a general interest in how the economy works and be interested in current affairs 24

Choosing Economics  Economics is not an essential requirement for any courses in the CAO system  The study of Economics is concerned with the workings of a modern economy at both macro and micro level  It suits students who are willing to work hard and caters for all abilities 25

Choosing Accounting,  Accounting develops students numeracy skills within the context of business and enterprise  Strongly recommended when Accountancy is the career path you want to follow although not required for any course at third level  Students needs to be comfortable with numbers but do not need to be higher level maths students s26

Choosing Geography  Suits students considering further study in areas such as geography, economics, environmental science  Not an essential requirement for any course in the CAO system  TCD accepts Geography as a science subject into science and pharmacy  UCD accepts Geography as a science subject into science 27

Choosing History  History suits students who enjoy history and who are willing to commit a lot of time to study and research  Students who have strong English language skills  It is not required for any CAO courses  Useful for careers in education, law, media, politics, research etc. 28

Choosing Music  Music involves three core areas- performing, composing and listening  Suits students considering a career in a creative discipline such as singing, playing in a band, music production and performance technology and management  Most music courses require an interview and an audition along with Leaving cert results 29

Choosing Biology  Suits students who had a good understanding and interest in junior cert science at higher level  Suits students who have excellent memories and attention to detail  Many CAO courses require at least one science subject  Choosing biology will be a huge benefit when studying Medicine, Nursing and related courses 30

Choosing Chemistry  Suits students who have done well in Mathematics and Science at junior cert level  Chemistry is an essential element in the study of careers including Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Physiotherapy, Nursing, Pharmacy and Medical Laboratory Technology 31

Choosing Chemistry  Chemistry is an essential requirement for study of Dentistry, Medicine, Pharmacy (UCC), Pharmacy (TCD), Human Nutrition & Dietetics (DIT), Public Health Nutrition (DIT), Veterinary Medicine (UCD) 32

Choosing Physics  Suits students who have an interest in science at junior cert level and those who enjoy learning about how things work  Students who are interested in the following careers would be advised to study physics: electrician, optician, doctor, dentist, engineer, computer technician and programmer 33

Choosing physics  Physics is a requirement for entry into a number of CAO courses including Theoretical Physics in TCD and UCD 34

Choosing Construction  Suits students with an interest in buildings and the built environment  Students should have an aptitude and interest for design and practical work  Suits students interested in Building, Construction & Property  Not an essential subject for any courses in the CAO system 35

Choosing Design & Communication Graphics  Suits students who have an interest in the practical aspects of engineering and construction and who have taken Tech Graphics to Junior Cert level  Suits students who have an interest in careers in Building, Construction & Property, Computers & Software, Art, Craft & Design 36

Choosing Design, Communication & Graphics  Suits students interested in careers in Mechanical Engineering & Manufacturing and Medical Devices  DCG is not an essential requirement for any courses in the CAO system. 37

38 To Keep Your Options Open If you are not sure at all, or have only a vague idea of what you would like to do after you leave school then –  Take at least one science subject  Keep your modern language  Take 2 other subjects that you are good at, or that you enjoy and will do well at. N.B. - Points restrict entry to many courses more than subjects do.

39 Alternative routes Remember that there are many ways to reach the career of your choice. If you do not get the points you would need to do a Level 8 course, then you could start at Level 6 and work your way up. This is true for many careers and courses, but not all.

40 Finally  Most Employers want a good graduate, but not of a particular type  Keep your options open as long as possible – keep your science and language if possible  Students should work as hard as they can now to get the best grades in their Junior Cert as this can often affect at what level they take a subject for the Leaving Cert.  If they are unsure, ask a teacher or the Guidance Counsellor for help  Good luck with your decisions!