1

St. Mary’s Secondary SchoolSubject Choice for Senior Cycle 2019

● English● Irish ● Maths● French or German

AND

7 subjects are studied for the Leaving Certificate exams…

2

Choose 3 from the following….Biology, Chemistry, Physics

Accounting, Business, Economics

Art, Design & Communication Graphics (DCG), Music

Geography, History

Home Economics

P.E.

3

Subjects dropped in 1st year

May be taken up for the Leaving Cert

May be difficult to take up for L. Cert

May not be taken up for the Leaving Cert

Art Art

Business Studies Business Studies / Economics

Accounting

Home Economics Home Economics

Science Biology / Physics Chemistry

Technical Graphics (TG)

Design & Communication Graphics (DCG)

Music Music4

● What subjects do you like?

● What subjects are you good at or do well in? Are you pleased with your results in the Junior Cert?

● What career area are you interested in? Does this career require certain subjects?

What subjects should you choose?

5

● What subjects are necessary for the career I might like to pursue?(Science subject for Nursing / paramedical courses such as Physiotherapy, Speech & Language Therapy etc.)

● What subjects might be useful for the career I might like to pursue?(Physics / DCG for Engineering, Computer ScienceDCG / Art for ArchitectureHistory / Economics for Law)

Points to note:

6

● Basic entry to all 3rd level courses - 6 subjects

● Most courses - English, Irish, Maths, a 3rd language

● Some courses have a specific entry requirement - usually a Science subject

e.g. Nursing, Engineering, Food Science, Architecture, Medicine, Physiotherapy etc.

Entry Requirements...

7

Quick Guide to Subjects History: 20% of final marks for research paper submitted before exams. 3 essays in final exam. Topics from 100 years studied. Good English skills, interest in reading.Geography: Geographic investigation worth 20% submitted in April before exams. For Science & Pharmacy courses in TCD Geography accepted as the 2nd Science subject!Home Ec.: 20% of marks for course journal submitted in Oct. of 6th yr. Food science is essential part of subject plus option of textiles, social studies, home design. Students who study Biology and Business will find some overlap in topics which can be useful! 8

Quick Guide to SubjectsPhysics: Strong maths element but H.L. maths is not required. Must maintain a lab book, learn formulae, perform 24 experiments.Chemistry: Chemical components of a series of prescribed experiments are learned. Required to present the elements of 4 such experiments in the L.C. exam. H.L. Maths not required but a student must have an interest in working with calculations.Biology: 24 mandatory experiments. Record these in a lab manual. Lots of theory to learn. Perceived as easier than other sciences but has high failure rate at Ordinary Level. 9

Quick Guide to SubjectsBusiness: Looks at how organisations are formed, financed and run. It explores the services that support businesses - insurance, banking, transport, public service bodies.Accounting: Students who enjoyed the bookkeeping part of Junior Cert business should consider accounting. Working with accounts is the core activity. For those with strong numeracy and reasoning skills. Economics: Economics has a mathematical slant as well as graphic and theoretical work. Examines international trade, the role of govt. & E.U. in controlling the economy. Looks at inner workings of companies. Good for analytical students.

10

Quick Guide to Subjects

Art: 40% is for written Art History paper, 60% for continuous assessment project work and a still life drawing completed in MayMusic: Usually a subject that is followed on from J.C. Music practical and theory work are main components.DCG: Graphics and design are communicated using freehand sketching skills, traditional draughting equipment and CAD. 2-D & 3-D graphics are analysed. Useful subject for Architecture, Engineering, Computers. 11

Quick Guide to Subjects

Physical Education: Suitable for students who have a strong interest in sports, physical fitness and or other physical activities. 50% for written paper with questions such as factors that affect participation and performance in physical activity. Project 20% (choose 1 of 6 activity categories and choose a role i.e. performer, coach/choreographer. Look at performance analysis, goals, training, reflection). Performance Assessment 30% record footage of chosen activity demonstrating techniques, skills and understanding of rules. 12

Points System

13

All Science courses require at least 1 Science subject - (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)

CK704- Midwifery

CK504- Nutritional Sciences

MH208- Biological & Biomedical Science

DC181- Biotechnology

DC215- General Nursing

TR052- Dental Science

LM152- Mental Health Nursing14

• Dentistry, Medicine (UCC, RCI, TCD)• Pharmacy (TCD, UCC)• Dentistry, Medicine (TCD, UCC)• Physiotherapy, Genetics (TCD)• Science (TCD)• Medicinal Chemistry (TCD)

www.cao.ie Courses - (reference)

N.B. 2 Science subjects required for...

15

Chemistry is required for● Veterinary at UCD H5 min.● Human Nutrition at DIT H4 min.● Dentistry, Medicine at UCC H4 min.● Pharmacy (UCC,TCD, RCSI) H4 min.

Chemistry is recommended for● Medicine at UCD

http://www.careersportal.ie/school/lc_subject_choice.php#.WG6A5yOLRhA

16

● Arts● Language Degree/Degree with a language● Journalism● Commerce● Law● Medicine● Occupational Therapy● Social Science● Speech and Language Therapy at UCC● Clinical Speech/ language studies (Trinity)

English or Third language

Language Requirements...

17

25 extra points are added to a Higher Level Maths student’s score in the Leaving Cert for grades between H1-H6

example: L.C. Grade H1 at Higher level = 100 points L.C. Grade H1 in Maths H.L. = 125 points

Maths Grade H4 at H.L. (60%/70% 66 points) +25 bonus points = 91 points

Higher Level Maths

18

● Most Engineering courses in University (H4)

● Degrees for which Maths is a core component of the

course

● Computer Science (TCD)

● Theoretical Physics (TCD)

● Actuarial & Financial Studies (UCD)

● Economics & Finance (UCD)

Higher Level Maths is required for...

19

The Maths Question

● A pass in ordinary level maths is essential

for entry to the majority of courses

● Failing to secure O6 (D grade) @ O.L. will put

you in a difficult position!

● Don’t neglect your studies in Maths!!!!

20

● Subject teachers speaking to classes about their particular subject

● Meeting with the guidance counsellor to explore– Likes and dislikes– Aptitudes and abilities– Careers of interest– Subjects that would be useful for these careers– Requirements for these career areas

Choosing the right subjects for you!

21

What is the easiest subject and what’s the hardest?

● There are no ‘soft’ subjects

● By studying something you are reallygood at, it will seem easier!

● As a result, you will probably get higher marks in your favourite subjects = more points!!

22

Top 6 in order of preference1. ________2. ________3. ________ Deadline 1st Feb.4. ________5. ________6. ________

Choices are entered into the computerComputer generates an options timetable based on demand for subjects

The Subject Choice Process...

23

● Subjects for which there is little or no demand will run at the same time

● Subjects for which there is little demand may not be available and students will make another choice from what is available

24

Unfortunately not all students will get their top 3 choices

● Not enough students want to do the subject to make it viable for a class

● Two subjects that your daughter wants to do might be on at the same time

● A class might be oversubscribed- was their application in on time?- the preference rating of the subject- significance of the subject to the student- student behaviour/record in the subject - random selection

25

School Policy is to enter a student into L.C.V.P. when her subject choices fall into specific groupings

● L.C.V.P. is an extra subject (can use for points)● Most of work is in 5th year - Portfolio work● Written exam in May of 6th year● Portfolio 60% Exam 40%

Distinction(80-100%) 66 pointsMerit(65%-79%) 46 pointsPass (50-64%) 28 points

Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP)

26

● Home Economics & Biology● Home Economics & Art● Physics & DCG● Biology & Physics or Chemistry● Physics & Chemistry● Home Economics & Business or Accounting or Econom● Any 2 Business subject (Acc/Econ/Bus)● Art & Business or Accounting or Economics● Art & DCG● DCG & Business or Accounting or Economics

L.C.V.P. Subject Combinations

27

www.careersportal.ie www.studyclix.ie www.cao.ie

Colleges & Universities websites e.g.www.wit.ie www.ucc.ie

How to search for courses & requirements

28

● Individual meetings with Guidance Counsellor

● Subject choice has been examined and explored in S.P.H.E. class

● 3rd Year students have received DATs scores highlighting areas of greatest aptitude

● T.Y. students are currently being assisted with subject choice queries

Guidance and Counselling at St. Mary’s...

29

● Closing Date for Subject Choice is

February 1st, 2019

● Subject Choice booklet available to download on:

www.stmarysnewross.org https://careersportal.ie/school/subjectexplorer.php

30

31

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bipTWWHya8Ahttps://www.rte.ie/player/ie/show/nurses-3

0003644/10542572/?ap=1