1. Subject Choice Junior Cycle 2018/2019
Pat O’Brien
Questions and Answers

2. Junior Cycle Timetable
In first year all students are timetabled for all subjects.(19)
No choice required on entering first year.
This allows students to experience all aspects of the curriculum.
Allows an informed decision to be made based on their experience of subjects.
Moving into Second Year choices must be made as students drop from 19 subjects to 13.(10 Exam and 3 Non-Exam)

3. Junior Cycle Timetable
1T – 1V – 1W – 1X – 1Y – 1Z
2A – 2B – 2C – 2D
3A – 3B – 3C – 3D
2E – 2F – 2G
3E – 3F – 3G
Moving from 1st year to 2nd/3rd year - a completely different timetable structure.

4. Junior Cycle Timetable (42)
CORE SUBJECTS
English (4)
Science (4)
Geography (3)
History (3)
Religion (3)
P.E. (2)
C.S.P.E. (1)
S.P.H.E. (1)
MATHEMATICS (5)
IRISH (4)
OPTIONAL SUBJECTS
Art (4)
Business (4)
French (4)
German (4)
Home Economics (4)
Music (4)
Technical Graphics (4)
Woodwork (4)
3 of the above optional subjects are chosen

5. Choosing Optional Subjects -Factors to be considered
Interest
This is one of the most important factors to be considered.
Students do much better in subjects that they enjoy.
Motivation is significantly increased when students enjoy their subjects.
Ability
Students should be reasonably comfortable with the subjects they are choosing.
If the student is struggling with a particular subject in 1st year then caution should be exercised here.
All subjects are available at Higher and Ordinary level.
Every subject in L.C. has an equal points value.(Maths).

6. Choosing Optional Subjects -Factors not to be considered
Friends
Each students interests, aptitudes and abilities are unique, so students should select subjects which reflect their own individual attributes.
Over the course of their Junior Certificate years and beyond friendship patterns can change.
21 out of the total weekly class periods (42) will not be in core class groups (different groups).
Teachers
We have no idea at this stage who will be teaching any subject.
Next year there may be new teachers or existing teachers could be gone.
Students should choose their subjects based on the subject itself and not who they think may be teaching it.

7. Important Issues Languages
It is recommended that students take a modern language as it is a requirement for the majority of courses in the NUI colleges – UCD, NUIM, NUIG, UCC and the RCSI.
However, if languages are a particular problem then it must be questioned as to whether it is wise for a student to take a modern language. TCD,DIT,UL and DCU.
L.C – 24.6% did not sit a modern language.
L.C – 24.4% did not sit a modern language.
French vs. German
Important to discuss this with language teachers
Which one do they prefer doing homework in?
Influence/assistance of brothers/sisters/parents
Practical use of the language

8. Important Issues
Is it necessary to do the subject in the Junior Certificate in order to do it in the Leaving Certificate?
Junior Certificate Leaving Certificate
Art Art
Business Accounting, Business, Economics
French French
German German
Home Economics Home Economics
Music Music
Technical Graphics Design/Communication Graphics
Woodwork Construction Studies

9. Leaving Certificate Subjects
English / Irish / Maths from 15
French
German
History
Geography
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Home Economics
Business
Economics
Accounting
DCG
Construction Studies
Art
Music

10. Critical Junior Cert Subjects
Maths
Irish
French/German
Science(Physics/Chemistry/Biology)

11. Less-Critical Junior Cert Subjects.
Art
Business
Home Economics
Music
Technical Graphics
Woodwork

12. Important Issues Timetabling 2017/2018 Final Subject Lines
Due to timetabling and staff constraints it may not be possible to accommodate every subject combination.
Core Subjects + 3 optional subjects from below.
2017/2018 Final Subject Lines
Group A/B/C/D
HEC - GER - TGR - FRE - BUS
GER - ART - BUS - FRE - WW
MUS - TGR - BUS – WW - ART
Group E/F/G
FRE - FRE - GER
HOM - BUS - TGR
ART - BUS – TGR

13. Choosing Subjects – Sequence
Important Issues
Choosing Subjects – Sequence
Students choose 3 subjects from list of 8 subjects.
Examine if chosen 3 subjects fit into subject lines.
If they do  subjects are recorded for student.
If they don’t (small minority) 
Another set of subjects which fit lines must be selected.
Original selection will be held on file and may be accommodated later when classes are being allocated, if possible. This will happen after March 2nd.

14. Breakdown 2017/2018 Subject Breakdown (154) Business 102=66%
French 96=62%
Technical Graphics 60=39%
German 53=34%
Art =34%
Home Economics 39=25%
Woodwork 37=24%
Music =14%

15. Timetable of Events 17/18 January–Presentations to 1st Years.
January 16th – Parents Information Evening: pm
January 18th – 1st Year Parent-Teacher Meeting: pm
January– Subject Choice Interviews begin.
March 2nd – Deadline for final subject choices.

16. Parent/Teacher Meeting
Theatre - Thursday 4.15 P.M.-6.45P.M.
Approximately 40 teachers sitting in alphabetical order.
N.B. Bring Christmas Report which lists the 19 teachers your child has.
Prioritise who you need to see.
Timing. Parents/guardians split list.

17. What can I do to assist my son / daughter?
Discuss subjects with your child.
Discuss subjects with your child’s teachers at the parent / teacher meeting.
Discuss subjects with other students who are currently doing or have already done these subjects.
It is important that students do not neglect the subjects that they are not continuing on with.
Written confirmation of any changes.

18. NEWBRIDGE COLLEGE
Newbridge Co. Kildare
Telephone: 045 –
Fax: 045 –
Website:
Roll No: 61680T
Dear Parent/Guardian,
Your son/daughter has chosen the following three choice subjects for 2nd Year 2018/2019.
If you are in agreement with the choices below - please sign and return to me by Friday 2nd March.
Regards,
Pat O’Brien
Principal
NAME: _________________________________ CLASS: ____________
ART
BUSINESS
FRENCH
GERMAN
HOME ECONOMICS
MUSIC
TECHNICAL GRAPHICS
WOODWORK
N.B. Not all combinations may be possible due to timetabling constraints.
_____________________________ ______________
Parent/Guardian Date

19. “Children Nowadays”
Children nowadays love luxury, have bad manners, contempt for authority, disrespect for elders, contradict their parents, chatter in front of company, gobble up their food, cross their legs and tyrannise their teachers.
Socrates B.C.