1. SUBJECT CHOICE

2. Subject Choice
Irish )
English ) 3 Core Subjects
Maths ) ?
? Options

3. Optional Subjects PRACTICAL Construction Studies Engineering
25/04/2017
Optional Subjects
PRACTICAL
Construction Studies
Engineering
Technology
ARTISTIC
Design and Communication Graphics
Art
Music
Humanities
History
Geography
French
Spanish.
BUSINESS
Business
Accountancy
SCIENCE
Biology
Physics
Chemistry
Ag Science
Applied Maths
SOCIAL
Home Economics
Religious Education
History. This year is the first time students will be examined in the new curriculum. The balance of the course has moved away from a predominant political emphasis, to encompass both social and cultural history. The identification of evidence and primary sources is central to studying history. Students can now secure up to 20% of the overall marks by pre-submitting a research paper on a selected topic, from a range set out by the State Examinations Commission. Essay writing is central to the programme. Students have to present three essays in their Higher Leaving Certificate paper, plus a documents question. Ordinary level students should benefit from the opportunity to prepare a research question under the revised curriculum.
Geography. This subject studies the interrelationship between human activity and the physical environment. It is an extremely wide curriculum, with students having the opportunity to undertake a geographic investigation, which is allocated 20% of the overall marks in the final examination, and is pre-submitted by the end of April in the year of the students leaving certificate. For both Science and Pharmacy at TCD, geography is accepted as a science subject for entry requirements.
Continental Languages. The three main elements of the study of modern languages are comprehension, oral and written presentation. Be mindful of the Aural and Oral requirements. There is a strong emphasis now is on the ability to comprehend and converse in the language studied, and this is reflected in the fact, that a third of the final marks awarded, are for Aural and Oral work. Studying a continental language today requires you to culturally immerse yourself in the spoken, written world of its users.
Applied Math’s. A very suitable subject for the student taking higher-level Math’s and Physics.
Physics. Physics has a strong Maths element and requires the learning off of many formulae. It develops students understanding of many of the ordinary things that surround us such as heat, light, electricity and magnetism. Students must maintain a laboratory book, as there are twenty-seven mandatory experiments, of which four are offered on the leaving certificate paper, with three to be presented.
Chemistry Students taking Chemistry, have to learn off the chemical components of a series of prescribed experiments. They will be required to present the elements of four such experiments in their examination. Again, students studying chemistry, develop an understanding of key elements of the world we live in, such as water as well as everything we use wear or consume.
Biology Students studying Biology explore the world of all living things from micro-organisms to humans. As with the other science subjects, students undertake twenty-four mandatory experiments, the details of which they record in their laboratory book. It is often perceived as an easier subject than Physics and chemistry, but this is not so, as shown by the high failure rates at ordinary level.
Social & Scientific. A combination of Cooking, Home Economics some Biology and a bit of Business. A very interesting subject, but not the easy honours that some imagine. Twenty percent of the marks are awarded for a course work journal, done within normal class time, and pre-submitted in October of 6th year, prior to the written examination. The study of Food Science is a central part of this subject. Students also have the option of studying one of Social Studies, Textiles or Home Design.

4. Information on Subjects and Course Requirements.
Teachers.
Websites.
Guidance Corner on School Website.

5. Choose Wisely : Why is this important? Access to courses and Colleges.
To maximise potential
To prevent boredom!
Keep in mind the
following:

6. College Requirements
Entry Requirements.
Course Requirements.

7. Entry Requirements Institution Minimum grades Required subjects
NUI Colleges: UCD, NUIM, NUIG, UCC. (RCSI, Shannon,NCAD)
2HC3 + 4OD3
Maths F,O or H level.
Pass in Ordinary level English, Irish & third Language.French or Spanish.
Trinity College Dublin
3HC3 + 3OD3
Maths.F,O or H
Ordinary level English & another Language
Dublin City University
O level English or Irish
University of Limerick
Maths. F,O or H
O level English & Irish or another Language
Institutes of Technology
Degree level
Ordinary level English or Irish

8. Examples of NUI Third Language Exceptions
In UCD a European language is not required for Engineering, Sciences or Nursing.
In NCAD , National College of Art & Design,
Art counts as the third language.
See for other NUI exceptions.

9. Subject Requirements for Courses
Subjects and Grades may be required for some Courses.
For Example:
Engineering Degree Courses: HC3 Maths
Veterinary Medicine: HC3 Chemistry

10. Other Subject Requirements
Science
Many courses require any one science subject
Some courses require 2 science subjects.
Nursing – OD3 in a Lab. Science.
Chemistry
Pharmacy, Human Nutrition,Veterinary Medicine, Medicine & Dentistry (UCC) – HC3
Mathematics
Global Business (DCU) – OC3/HD3
Optometry (DIT) - OB3
Check booklet on Subject
Requirements.

11. Useful Subjects
You can study Business in College without sitting it at Leaving Certificate
You can study Art in College without having Leaving Cert Art. However you do need a Portfolio.
Consider useful subjects for future careers.

12. Colleges of Further Education
Cavan Institute
………….and other FETAC Colleges around the country.
Entry Requirements
Pass standard in Leaving Certificate.
Possible Progression to Institutes of Technology and Universities.

13. Research the course content and exam structure of subjects
What should I do now?
Research the course content and exam structure of subjects
Discuss options with parents/guardians.
Find out if the careers that I am interested in, have particular subject requirements.
Talk to subject teachers.
Keep in mind future career plans, but not essential at this stage.
If unsure, keep options open. Choose a balanced range of subjects.ie a language,a science subject and two others.

14. Decision Checklist Have I selected subjects that I like and enjoy?
Have I chosen subjects that I have an aptitude for?
Have I considered potential career options?
Is this my decision and not my friends?
Am I happy to study these subjects for 5 class periods for the next two years?
Have I selected a balance of learning, reasoning and practical subjects that suit my personality, interests, abilities and aptitudes.?

15. Subject Choice Survey
A very small number of students will not get their first 4 choices.
These Students will usually be offered their fifth choice.
If in need of Guidance, then……….

16. Guidance Appointments
Individual Appointments are offered to all students with the Guidance Counsellor if a student is undecided and requires guidance
1.To discuss Course Choice.
2.To discuss Subject Options.