SUBJECT CHOICE 2013

1. SUBJECT CHOICE 2013 LEAVING CERTIFICATE VOCATIONAL PROGRAMME

2. GUIDELINES FOR SUBJECT CHOICE • 3 Core subjects: Irish, English, Maths • 4 option subjects: • Choose subjects in order of preference plus 2 reserve subjects • LVCP( dependant on Subject Combination)

3. STEPS TO SUCCESSFUL SUBJECT CHOICE • Don’t pick subjects that friends are doing. • Pick subjects that are relevant to your choice of career. • No subjects are specifically designed for boys or girls. • Keep options open when selecting. If unsure of career choice – select one subject from a broad balanced range of subjects. If sure, select subjects which are specific to career choice. • There should be continuity from Junior Certificate to Senior Certificate. • Check out subject requirements for 3rd level.

4. STEPS FOR SUCCESSFUL SUBJECT CHOICE CONT. • Remaining subjects should be selected from those which will maximise students’ points and in which students have an interest. • Students should enjoy and participate fully in the subjects they have chosen. • Speak to subject teachers who will explain about course structure and content. • Talk to fellow senior students- borrow some notes and textbooks to see what lies ahead!

5. THIRD LEVEL EDUCATION ENTRY REQUIREMENTS APPLICATION THROUGH CAO Four main categories for entry purposes: • MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: • All colleges set down minimum entry requirements for their courses. These normally include passing certain subjects and achieving specific grades. In most cases these specify requirements in English and Maths. However in addition, all constituent and recognised colleges of the NUI require a pass in Irish and a further language ( there are exceptions to this). From 2014 UCC require min 4HC3 & 2OD3.

6. SPECIFIC COURSE REQUIREMENTS • In addition to minimum entry requirements college faculties and courses require specific grades in subjects that they feel are most relevant to their particular course. • POINTS SYSTEM • Where demand exceeds the number of places on a course, most colleges operate a points system. • APTITUDE/ OTHER SELECTION TESTS • Restricted application courses require applicants in addition to Leaving Cert results to present for aptitude test, audition and interview.

7. CORE GROUPIRISH • Required for all N.U.I. Universities, Nursing at N.U.I. Universities, Gardai (FC3), Civil Service, Army. • Higher B3: DCU: Gaeilge agus Iriseoireacht. NUIG: Gaeilge agus Leann an Aistriuchain. • Higher C3: DCU: Gno agus Gaeilge. NUIG: Na Dana Cumarsaid/ Riarachan Gno. GMIT: Gno agus Cumarsaid. S.P.C.T: Education, Irish and Religion. TCD: Irish Studies. WIT: Business with Irish. • Higher C3: Needed for all Primary Ed Courses. • Can be used to satisfy the modern language requirement for entry to T.C.D., U.L. and D.C.U. • New Course: Higher/ Ordinary Level: 40% Oral/ 10% Aural/ 50 % Written- 2 papers • Foundation course: 40% Oral 20% Aural Written 40%- 1 paper

8. ENGLISH • Essential for everything including all Uni’s, I.T.’s and all job areas. • Higher B3: UL: Journalism and New Media • Higher C3: DCU: Journalism, Communications, Media Studies DIT: Communications, Journalism, Media studies, Visual and Critical Studies, Creative Industries TCD: Clinical Speech, English/ English Studies, Deaf Studies Dundalk IT: Public Relations OA2/ HC3 ITB: Creative Digital Media DIADT: Media Studies • The Institutes of Technology, D.C.U., U.L., T.C.D will accept English and or Irish for entry purposes. • Leaving Certificate Exam: Higher/ Ordinary- two papers

9. MATHS • Needed for everything including Universities, I.T.S., Apprenticeships, Nursing and Gardai(FB3). • Every Job requires some amount of Numeric Skill. • Higher B1: UCD: Actuarial and Financial Studies NUIM: Theoretical Physics and Mathematics • Higher B3: DCU: Actuary Studies TCD: Theoretical Physics, Mathematics Higher C3: TCD: Computer Science, Chemistry and Molecular Modelling, Nanoscience, Business Computing OA2/ HC3. NUIG: Mathematics Education/ Maths Science OA2/ HC3 Sligo IT: Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying UL: Financial Maths/ Maths Sciences/ Maths and Physics • Higher C3: Needed for all Level 8 Engineering Courses (exception CIT OA2 CR500) • Higher Maths can be substituted for a second science subject in T.C.D. • New Course: Project Maths: New Syllabus: Two Papers in Exam

10. Pilot Scheme for Bonus Points for Higher Level Maths • Bonus Points for Higher Maths: Pilot scheme being implemented by the 7 Universities, DIT and the RCSI. A bonus of 25 points will be allocated to students who achieve a grade D3 or above in HL Maths. • A1= 125 A2= 115 B1= 110 B2= 105 B3= 100 C1= 95 C2= 90 C3= 85 D1= 80 D2= 75 D3= 70 • This Scheme will run from 2012- 2015 inclusive with a review in 2014. The aim of the scheme to increase participation levels at Higher Level Maths.

11. FOUNDATION LEVEL MATHS • AIT: Design, Social Care, Childcare Supervisory Mgt, Society and Communications • ALL HALLOWS: All courses • CARLOW COLLEGE: All courses • CARLOW IT: Early Childcare Ed, Social Studies, Social and Community Courses, Art, Media and PR, Sport and Exercise • CORK IT: Music, Art, Drama, Early Childhood Ed, Visual Comm., Culinary/ Hospitality Studies, Bar Supervision. • UCC: Arts, Social Science, Early Childhood Studies, Drama, P.E., Law, Applied Psychology, Music. • DUNDALK IT: All L6/L7 courses except engineering courses. • DBS: Film Literature and Drama, Arts, Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies. • DCU: Gno agus Gaeilge DIT: Planning and Enviro Studies, Film and Broadcasting, Visual Communications, Fine Art, Journalism, Creative Industries, Visual Merchandising and Display DLIADT: Animation, Design, English and Media, Photography, Film and TV Production • GRIFFITH COLLEGE: Law, Journalism, Photographic Media • IT TALLAGHT: All course except Engineering

12. ITB All Courses except Engineering and Computing Courses • IBT: All Courses • MATER DEI: All courses • MILLTOWN INSTITUTE: All courses • NCAD: Core Art Course • TCD: Arts/ Social Courses • UCD: Law, Arts courses • GMIT: All courses except Construction, Engineering, Nursing Courses. • NUIG: Arts courses, Civil Law • LETTERKENNY IT: All Level 6/7 courses except Construction, Engineering and Nursing • LIT: Law and Taxation, Art, Business and Social Studies • MARY I: BA in Early Childhood Studies • UL: Arts courses, PE, Architecture, Sport and Exercise Science, Physiotherapy • NUI MAYNOOTH: Arts courses, Law • PONTIFICAL,MAYNOOTH: All courses • ST PATRICKS, THURLES: All courses • SLIGO IT: FB2 for all courses except Construction, Engineering • ST ANGELA’S SLIGO: Health and Disability Studies. • TRALEE IT: Early Childcare Studies, Performing Arts, Folk Studies, L6 courses in Business and Science • WIT: Culinary Arts, Hospitality Studies, Business Tourism

13. FRENCH • Useful subject for many careers including Translations, Teaching, International Relations, Law, Tourism, Journalism, etc • Needed for UCC, UCD, NUIG, NUIM, Milltown Institute, R.C.S.I., St. Angela’s Sligo, Shannon College of Hotel and Catering and for the Cadetships in the Army and the Air Corps. • Arts/ Law/ Languages/ Business/ Health Care/ Medicine/ Psychology/ Social Science/ Veterinary Medicine courses at the NUI Colleges all require language at LC Level. • Higher C1/ B3: Specific entry requirement if taking a Language to Degree Level. • Higher C3: Speech and Language Therapy (UCC)

14. LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS • A continental language is Not needed for T.C.D.,U.L.,D.C.U.,D.I.T., and all the Institutes of Technology- unless the course includes the study of a language. However student’s must then present Irish at Ordinary level to satisfy the language requirement for TCD, UL and DCU. • Nurse training does not require a language for entry. • Primary teacher training colleges do not require a language for entry • NCAD will accept Art or Language as a requirement. • UCD, UCC, NUIG, NUIM have removed the languagerequirement for Engineering and Science courses • LC French : Oral 25% Aural 20% Written exam 55%

15. Construction Studies • Ideal subject for students considering Apprenticeships, Architecture, Construction professions or Engineering Courses. • Suitable for students who are practical, enjoy making and designing things • Satisfies Specific Entry Requirements for the following colleges/ courses: DIT: Manufacturing Engineering, Common Entry Engineering, Physics Technology. NCAD: Industrial Design GMIT: Design and Technology Education( HC3) UL: Production Mgt., Wood Science and Technology, Product Design and Technology, Construction Management and Engineering, Mobile Communications and Security, Science Education, Materials Technology and Architectural/ Engineering Education • Construction Studies: Higher Level: 25% project 25% practical exam 50% written exam Ordinary Level:30% project 30% practical exam 40% written exam

16. Design & Communications Graphics • Ideal subject for careers in Technology, Computer Science, Architecture, Product Design, Engineering etc • Satisfies Specific Entry Requirement for the following colleges/ courses: DIT: Physics Technology, Science with Nanoscience, Physics with Medical Physics and Bioengineering (HC3) Griffith College: Industrial Design/ Fashion Design (OD3). GMIT: Design and Technology Education (HC3) NCAD: Industrial Design (OC3) NUIM: Product Design (OD3) UL: All Science and Engineering courses except Maths/ Physics, Physiotherapy, Nursing • DCG Syllabus: 40% Design based project with emphasis on use of CAD and Technology 60% 3 Hr Geometry Drawing Exam

17. Engineering • Ideal subject for careers in Engineering, Mechanical trades, Aircraft Technician, Technology based careers etc • Suitable for subjects who are practical, enjoy making and designing things from metal • Satisfies specific entry requirement for the following colleges/ courses: DIT: Manufacturing Engineering, Common Entry Engineering, Physics Technology, Science with Nanoscience, Clinical Measurement( HC3) NUIM: Product Design (OD3) UL: All Science and Engineering courses except Nursing, Physiotherapy, Sport and Exercise Science. • Engineering: Higher/ Ordinary Level: Project: 25% Practical 25% Written 50%

18. Business • Business is concerned with how organisations are formed, financed and run. • It is an ideal subject for entry into any business course. • Business Courses at third level are often taken with Computer Studies, Language Studies, Law and Technology/ Engineering. • Useful for such careers as Sales, Marketing, HRM, Advertising, Corporate law, Insurance etc • LC Business Syllabus: Theory based 100% exam

19. Geography • Geography is concerned with the interrelationships between human activities and the physical environment. • Very useful for careers in Environmental Planning, Town Planning, Civil Engineering, Development work, Conservation, Teaching etc • Usually studied through Art Faculties in the 7 Universities (language requirement in NUI Colleges), GMIT, Mary I, St Patrick’s Collegebut can be studied through science at TCD. • T.C.D, Geography is accepted as a Higher Grade C Science Subject. • LC Geography: 20% Field Report: 80% exam

20. Social GroupHome Economics (Social and Scientific) • Ideal subject for students considering careers in Hotel and Catering, Dietetics, Child Care, Nursing, Social Studies, Food Industry, Fashion Design etc. • Leaving Certificate Exam: Journal 20% Written Exam 80% • Teacher Training Courses at St. Angela’s Sligo have a language requirement for entry purposes and a Lab Science subject if taking Biology as an elective.

21. Art/Craft and Design • Important for entry into Art Colleges where Portfolios are required. • Useful for Art and Design Based work, Architecture, Graphic Design, Art Administration, etc • A Portfolio is required for the following courses: AIT: Design( Communications) Carlow IT: Art CIT: Fine Art and Ceramics, Visual Communications DIT: Photography, Design- Visual Merchandising and Display DLIADT: All Art based courses NCAD All Courses Griffith: Fashion Design, Interior Design (OD3) LIT: Art and Design Sligo IT: Fine Art • Art is a specific requirement for: Graphic Design (Letterkenny IT- OD3), Visual Arts (WIT- OB3). • LC H/O 37.5% Art History: 62.5% practical (May- Papers given in advance) • Practical: Divided into three areas • Design or Craft: Imaginative Composition or Still Life: Life Drawing

22. Music • Students must be able to read music and have the ability to play a musical instrument or sing. • Junior Certificate music is not necessary to study music at Leaving Certificate. However it is recommended that students take a music lesson outside school tuition in their chosen instrument. • Higher Grade C or equivalent is required for Music at NUIM while CIT, UCC, DCU, DIT, Mater Dei, TCD and WIT require all intending students to take an Entrance Exam. • LC Music Syllabus: • 50% practical ( 50% playing instrument or singing: or • 25% technology/ 25% playing instrument or singing • 50% exam

23. SCIENCE GROUP For certain areas and courses you need a science subject. Should you apply to Engineering, Medical, Paramedical, or science areas at Universities, you will need to have a pass in at least one lab science subject. You also need to have a science subject for nursing. Two science subjects are required for: T.C.D.- Physiotherapy, Pharmacy, Medicine, Dental Science, Human Genetics, Human Health and Disease • U.C.C.- Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy • No science subject required L6/L7 science or engineering courses at Institutes of Technology. • Arts, Business Studies, Social Science, Law etc at Universities does not require a science subject at Leaving Certificate.

24. BIOLOGY • Important for Health related careers, Nursing, Medical, Paramedical Careers, Veterinary Nursing and Home Economics teaching if Biology is chosen as an elective. • Industrial careers including Biotechnology, Biomedical, Food Industry, Environmental science etc • HC3 in Biology specific requirement for • Human Health and Disease (TCD) Biology through Arts (NUIM) • Genetics HB1 (UCC) • LC Biology Syllabus: 100% exam Experiments must be written up as part of coursework

25. CHEMISTRY • Important for a wide range of career options within the scientific field ranging from Environmental Science, Food Science, Pharmaceutical and Med Lab Science. • Necessary for Healthcare Professions including Medicine, Nutritional science, Dentistry. • Higher Ca specific requirement for the following courses: • Human Nutrition and Dietetics (D.I.T.) • Pharmacy (T.C.D) • Medicine/ Dentistry/ Pharmacy (U.C.C.) • Veterinary Medicine (U.C.D.) • LC Chemistry syllabus: 100% exam • Experiments must be written up as part of coursework

26. Physics • Physics is of key importance in Technology and extremely useful for Engineering which has a high physics content. • Physics is a Specific requirement for the following course: Theoretical PhysicsHB3 (T.C.D.) • Some Paramedical Careers involve the study of Physics e.g. Clinical Measurement, Radiography, Physiotherapy. • LC Physics syllabus: 100% exam • Experiments must be written up as part of coursework

27. Agricultural Science • Useful for Agricultural Science, Biosystems Engineering, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Food Science, Forestry, Horticulture, etc • Satisfies theLab- Science Entry Requirement for most Third Level Science/ Engineering/ Technology/ Nursing courses. However there are someexceptions: UCC: Dentistry, Pharmacy, Medicine DIT: Forensics, Biomedical Science, Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Chemical Science and Molecular Chemistry TCD: Theoretical Physics, Radiation therapy, Chemistry with Molecular Modelling, Nanoscience UL: Mathematics and Physics • LC Ag Science syllabus: 25% project: 75% exam

28. LCVPLEAVING CERT VOCATIONAL PROGRAMME • An enhanced Leaving Certificate. • Requirements for the LCVP are as follows: • LCVP students must take a minimum of five Leaving Cert subjects including Irish • Two of the above must be selected from one of the designated Vocational Subject Groupings • Must study two Link Modules, namely Preparation for the World of Work and Enterprise Education • Students are required to follow a recognised course in a Modern European Language( other than Irish or English).

29. VOCATIONAL SUBJECT GROUPINGS • In order to qualify for LCVP, a student must have two linked subject combinations: • Construction Studies (C.S) or Engineering (ENG) or DCG (any two) • Physics and C.S or ENG • Ag Science and C.S or ENG • Ag Science and Chemistry or Physics • Home Economics and Ag Science or Biology • Home Economics and Art • Accounting and Business • Physics and Chemistry • Biology and Chemistry or Physics

30. VOCATIONAL SUBJECT GROUPINGS • ENG and Business or Accountancy • C.S. and Business or Accountancy • Home Economics and Business or Accountancy • Agricultural Science and Business or Accountancy • Art and Business or Accountancy • Music and Business or Accountancy

31. Assessment for LCVP • At a common level • Takes two forms: • Portfolio of Coursework(60%) • Terminal Examination Paper (40%) Points awarded for H.E.I. • 70 Distinction • 50 Merit • 30 Pass

32. Further Information • www.cao.ie • www.careersportal.ie • www.qualifax.ie • careers@portumnacs.com • www.ncca.ie/seniorcycle