KINSALE COMMUNITY
SCHOOL
SUBJECT
INFORMATION
BOOKLET
January 2014
The following descriptions are not meant to be exhaustive and both
students and parents are encouraged to consult other sources of
information and to consult with specific subject teachers if they have
a question regarding any aspect of the subject.
ACCOUNTING
Accounting at LC is a continuation of the Junior Cert bookkeeping section of the
business course. Deals with the preparation, analysis, interpretation and use of
accounts, in all business contexts. Although not essential for entry to business
courses, it is obviously a great help to students and so it is useful for accounting,
banking, secretarial, hotel management, marketing, purchasing, stores, sales, taxation,
business law, advertising and computing.
What are the main topics/themes covered in the Leaving Cert Syllabus?
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Final accounts of Sole Traders & Companies
Manufacturing Accounts
Club, Service and Farm accounts
Cash Flow Statements
Interpretation of Accounts
Management Accounting
Assessment
3 hour written exam for Higher and Ordinary Level.
What other school subjects do you see it being linked to at Leaving Cert?
 Business
 Maths
What type of skills will it help develop?
 Bookkeeping skills
 Awareness of money management eg. Bank Reconciliation Statements.
What do students like about it?
It is logical and things either add up or not. It is practical. It is clear and follows a
formula. There is not a huge amount of theory, there obviously is some. Learning is
by doing and practicing questions rather than by rote learning. It is an advantage if
you are comfortable working with figures.
What do students find challenging about it?
Students should have Business Studies done in Junior Cert. It may take a while in Y5
to get into the format of how to do accounts but once mastered students usually like
the subject.
AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE
Leaving Certificate agricultural science involves the study of the science and
technology underlying the principles and practices of agriculture. It aims to develop
knowledge, skills and attitudes that promote the sustainability of agricultural
resources, and places emphasis on the managed use of these resources.
What are the main topics/themes covered in the Leaving Cert Syllabus?
Plants and animal types associated with agriculture are studied, and investigations are
undertaken into such aspects as soil, ecology, plant and animal physiology, farm
crops, farming practices, genetics and microbiology.
Assessment
Agricultural Science is assessed at two levels, Ordinary level and Higher level. The
examination consists of (a) a written examination (2.5hrs) and (b) an assessment of
the work of the candidate during the course, under the following headings
(1) Identification of plant and animal types associated with agriculture.
(2) Practical experience with crops, livestock, house and farmyard layouts.
(3) Investigations carried out relating to ecology, soil science, animal physiology,
plant physiology, genetics and microbiology.
What other school subjects might it being linked to at Leaving Cert?
Biology, Geography, Business.
What type of skills will it help develop?
Given that the Agri sector is one of the few sectors that is experiencing growth at
present, students will gain an understanding into the farming practices which are
necessary to succeed in the enterprise of farming. They will also develop time
management skills (planning and undertaking the project) along with presentation and
interview skills.
What do students like about it?
Those from a farming background have a natural interest in the subject which is very
beneficial as it lightens the workload somewhat. Students also enjoy the practical
nature of the course as well as getting out and about on the farm.
What do students find challenging about it?
The practical assessment (project) of the course needs to be worked on over 2 years
due to seasonality – students need to commence their project in fifth year and
continue working on it over the summer months of fifth year. This is a science subject
at heart, therefore a good aptitude for science is necessary in order to do well – it’s not
just about farming!
APPLIED MATHS
General introduction to the subject at Leaving Cert
Despite its name this subject is more like physics than maths. It deals with the
physical world and is useful for careers in engineering or in engineering related
disciplines.
What are the main topics covered in the Leaving Cert syllabus?
Vectors
Accelerated Linear Motion – e.g. cars travelling on a road collide so work out the
speed they collide at and where they end up
Newtons Laws and Connected Particles – e.g. pulleys, weights on slopes, working out
how fast a weight will drop and how much force is needed to move the weight
Projectiles
Relative Velocity – one object moving relative to another
Impacts and Collisions
Differential Equations
How is the subject examined at the end of the course?
Two and a half hour written paper for both Higher and Ordinary Level
Paper has 10 questions to do 6, so a large choice, and the paper is very predictable
year on year.
What other subjects might it be linked to at Leaving Cert?
It is linked to physics and to maths. A student taking on Applied Maths would be
expected to be completing and sitting the Higher Level Maths paper for the Leaving
Cert. If the student was studying physics it would be a bonus but is not necessary.
What skills does it help develop?
Like physics it aids in the use of logic to solve problems. It helps to challenge and
improve math skills and deductive reasoning. Graph plotting. Understanding the
concepts and laws of physics and the physical world.
What do students like about it?
It is logical and follows certain formulas and equations. It helps students develop
problem solving skills.
What do you students find challenging about it?
It is a totally new subject for them so it may take them a while to get used to the
various concepts.
ART
Covers art history (Ireland and Europe) as well as practical art work in areas of
design, craft, life sketching and still life. Preparation of a portfolio for art college is
very important and is essential for most courses and “Art” as a subject can be required
for some art courses.
Useful for careers in art, fashion, craft, catering, apprenticeships, architecture (more
than technical drawing), photography, national teaching, printing, TV, theatre,
cosmetics, textiles, antiques, floristry and design (graphic, industrial, fashion, interior,
etc.)
The Leaving Cert Art course is slightly different from the Junior Cert. course in that
you do not have to do a project throughout the year. Instead you have 4 sections; 3 of
which are completed in May. The final section, Art History (which is not part of the
Junior Cert course) is completed in the form of a written exam in June.
Many of the skills learned in Junior Cert Art, Craft and Design are built on and
expanded for Leaving Cert Art. It is not mandatory to have done Art, Craft and
Design to Junior Cert but an interest in art and general creativity would be desirable.
EXAMINATION/ASSESSMENT:
You are given the exam papers 3 weeks before the exam to allow you to prepare.
The examination comprises of 4 sections:
*Design/Craft
*Imaginative Composition/Still Life
*Life Sketching
*Art History
100 marks
100 marks
50 marks
50 marks
Design/Craft: You have a choice to take either Design or Craft. For Design/Craft, you
choose 1 of the following: Poster, Clay Modelling, Pottery, Batik, Puppetry, Lino
Printing, Calligraphy, Stage Set Design, embroidery, weaving.
Design: here you design your piece through drawings but do not make it.
Craft: is a 5 hour exam. Here you make a finished art piece.
In Kinsale students take the Craft option.
Imaginative composition/still life: You are given a written composition and you
must make a drawing based on imagery/objects described in the text.
Life Sketching: Draw 2 sketches of a live model, 1 standing pose and 1 seated pose
For the seated pose you may sketch the whole figure or a close-up of the
head/shoulders.
Art History:
Answer 3 questions in essay form and illustrate with sketches:
Section One
Section Two
Art in Ireland
European Art
Section Three
Appreciation (discuss topics based on every-day visual
experiences)
Subject links: English, History, Music, Home Economics
What kind of skills will it help me develop?
Problem solving skills, creativity, develop logic and attention to detail, research skills,
motor skills, spatial awareness, project development skills, essay writing skills.
How might it help my future career?
All aspects of Art, Craft & Design, interior design, interior architecture, architecture,
fashion design, film & television, industrial design. Extremely useful in the area of
education, in particular primary school teaching, Montessori and secondary school art
teaching.
What do students like about art?
It’s relaxing, a break from academic learning and there is a sense of freedom and the
opportunity to decide for yourself what practical course-work you would like to
pursue. Students like the variety within the course. The majority of the exam is
finished in May. 5 - 10% of the marks awarded in Art History are for sketches. It
develops an appreciation and awareness of artistic merits in other aspects of everyday
life.
What might students find challenging about it?
Some students who find essay writing difficult may dislike this
aspect of Art History.
BIOLOGY
General introduction to this subject at Leaving Cert.
Deals with the study of life and living things (plant, animal and human). Very
desirable for nursing, beauty therapy and home economics teaching. Useful for
agriculture, botany, conservation work, dentistry, dietician, farming, food science,
zoology, forestry, fisheries and many science/ medical careers.
Similarities/difference between Junior and Senior Cycle.
It is similar but broader and much more detailed. The new course introduced in 2004
includes genetic screening, DNA profiling, IVF, biotechnology and the cause,
prevention and cure of diseases like osteoporosis.
What are the main topics covered in the Leaving Cert syllabus?
The syllabus covers: Ecology, Human Systems, Plants, Genetics (which includes
DNA Profiling and Genetic Screening). There are 22 mandatory experiments to be
completed.
How is the subject examined at the end of the course?
A three hour written exam. Mandatory experiments must be available for inspection.
What other school subjects might it be linked to at Leaving Cert level?
Social & Scientific (but only to a minor degree) and Agricultural Science, RE (ethical
issues) and Geography (ecology).
What kind of skills will it help develop?
It develops the skill of interpreting facts and the ability to predict the probable effect
of a change in a factor or situation, using the knowledge gained.
What do students like about it?
Students like the experiments. It is of personal interest because a large element of the
course is about the human body. It gives opportunities to discuss ethical issues in
science such as stem-cell research.
What do students find challenging about it?
There is a lot of learning. There is a Botany (plants) section which does not appeal to
some students. It is strongly recommended that a student has JC science if considering
biology as it builds on JC science and not having this completed will put a student at a
disadvantage – students would concur with this.
Sciences in general need careful consideration. Most Third Level courses and careers in
the areas of Science, Engineering, Medical , Paramedical, Technology, and Nursing,
require one or two science subjects (without specifying). There are exceptions however
and students interested in science should look at individual prospectuses of
colleges/courses in which they may be interested. If interested in Science, most
students would be well advised to do at least one science subject and consider doing two.
(2 science subjects are required for some science based courses e.g. Pharmacy,
Physiotherapy, Medicine, Dental, Genetics, Science (all TCD) and Medicine and Dentistry
(UCC). Be careful not to fall in to the trap of taking science to “keep options open”- this
is only true for students who have no problems with science and really like science. The
reason it is required for Third Level is because it forms a large part of the study, so if
you don’t like science at school, it will be unbearable at Third Level.
BUSINESS
General introduction to this subject at Leaving Cert.
Deals with the formation, running and financing of business and relevant legislation,
as well as services like banking, transport, taxation and semi-state organisations. An
excellent foundation for a business aspect to careers. Useful for business, banking,
secretarial, accounting, hotel management, purchasing, sales, marketing, taxation law,
administration and stock-broking.
Similarities/differences between Junior & Senior Cycle.
Similarities: Topics such as Insurance, Banking, Marketing are continued in more
detail.
Differences: No accounting except for financial ratio analysis.
What are the main topics/themes covered in the Leaving Cert syllabus?
Enterprise Management, Starting a Business, Government legislation which affects
consumers and employees, European Union, Marketing, Finance, Human Resource
Management, International Trade, Business and the Economy, Business
Organisations. There is a mathematical element e.g. taxation, calculations/graphs.
How is the subject examined at the end of the course?
Higher Level: 3 hour written paper.
Ordinary Level: 2.5 hour written paper.
What other school subject is it linked to at Leaving Cert?
Accounting, and to a lesser degree Home Economics and Geography
What type of skills will it help develop?
Communication skills, financial skills, planning skills and enterprise skills
What do students like about it?
Students willing to work hard can do very well in it. There are some interesting topics
which students can relate to everyday living.
What might students find challenging about it?
There is a lot of learning involved in the subject.
CHEMISTRY
Deals with the composition of all matter and substances, their changes and their
relevance to each other. It involves everything we eat, wear, use, etc. including
plastics, medicines, preservatives and many more. Of the science subjects chemistry is
probably the most useful for future career choice as it keeps open more options.
Useful for pharmacy, lab sciences, chemical engineering, medical labs, agriculture,
nursing, medicine, aviation and in cosmetics, glass, brewing, fuel, plastics, textiles
and pharmaceutical areas. At Senior Cycle, Chemistry goes into far more detail than
JC Science and a number of new topics are introduced. There is some emphasis on
practical work and on the social & applied aspects of chemistry (everyday use). For
LC Chemistry, Maths is important and it is desirable that a student would have
undertaken the Higher Level course and obtained an honour in Junior Cert Maths.
Main topics
Detailed study of atomic structure and chemical bonding
Properties of gases
Volumetric analysis
Rates of reaction
Organic chemistry
Water and environmental chemistry
Assessment
3 hour written paper
Practical work is examined on the examination paper. However students must write
up all practicals which may be checked by a Department Inspector.
Links
Maths, Physics, Biology. Students may find Honours Chemistry difficult if they are
not comfortable with Maths.
Skills it will help develop
Analytical/Practical. Encourages one to develop logic and attention to detail.
How might it help my future career?
Chemistry is a compulsory subject for some Third Level Courses. It would be useful
in many areas e.g. Science/Engineering/Paramedical/Food Science/Medical
Laboratory Science. It is compulsory for Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Veterinary
Science and Human Nutrition. It is also worth noting the expanding chemical
industries in the Cork region. Many multi-national companies e.g. Pfizer, Eli Lilly
and GlaxoSmithKline are based in Cork.
What do students like about it?
Practical work and its application to daily life. The text-book is well presented and
therefore it is easy to learn from it. In the exam the answers tend to be concise and
exact.
What do students find challenging about it?
There are a small number of core concepts that need to be grasped early on in the
course in order to have a good understanding of the subject. It is a very long course so
students must be prepared to work from the beginning of Fifth Year.
CONSTRUCTION STUDIES
General introduction to the subject at Leaving Cert
Involves practical skills (project) as well as knowledge in construction technology,
materials and practices, relating primarily (but not exclusively) to domestic building
and includes purchases, mortgages and history of buildings. Useful for careers in
construction, trades, carpentry, civil/structural engineering, design, quantitysurveying, property economics, town planning, housing management, fire fighting
and insurance.
Similarities and Differences between Junior Cert and Leaving Cert
Much more theory work compared to the Junior Cert. A lot of time is still allocated to
practical work but it is worth less marks. The majority of the content in the course
deals with building a house from planning stage to finishing.
Main topics covered by the course in Leaving Cert syllabus
Planning
Foundations
Roofing
Plumbing
Electrical Work
Drainage
Health and Safety
How is the course assessed?
Theory exam worth 50%
Practical project and portfolio worth 25%
Four hour practical exam in May of Y6 worth 25%
What skills are needed for this subject?
Junior Cert woodwork would benefit a student but is not necessary though it will
make the subject more difficult not having the practical skills. If a pupil is willing to
work hard the subject may be taken up for the Leaving Cert but this is a decision for
the teacher. A general knowledge of the workings of different tools is necessary.
What students like about the subject
More freedom in class whilst doing practical work. Students very much relate to the
content of the course.
What students may find challenging about the subject
The time pressure for the practical work and designing projects may prove more
difficult for some students.
DESIGN AND COMMUNICATION GRAPHICS
General introduction to the subject at Leaving Cert
It is very much a continuation from JC Technical Graphics but there are new aspects
to the course which deal with design. Covers geometry as well as engineering and
building drawings and develops dexterity as well as problem solving skills. Highly
desirable in technical courses. Useful for careers in all engineering areas, army, air
corps apprenticeships, cartography, construction and engineering trades, industrial
design, technical sales, maintenance, town planning and draughtsmanship, computer
programming and product design.
What are the main topics covered by the Leaving Cert syllabus?
Perspective Drawing
Solids in Contact Drawing
Mining Geometry
Road Geometry
Assemblies
Machine Cams
Solids in Contact
Computer Aided Design (CAD) – Solid Works
How is the course assessed for Leaving Cert?
3 hour exam worth 60%
A design project done using CAD to be handed up in January in Y6
What skills are needed for this subject?
A basic knowledge of graphics covered in the Junior Cert. Spatial awareness is very
important for pupils to be able to solve problems. A pupil having the ability to sketch
well is also very important.
What do students like about the subject?
They enjoy designing devices which they have an interest in such as mobile phones,
iPods, game consoles. The drawing part of the course relates to what pupils can see
around them (for example road geometry deals with the building of roads and
machine cams deals with drawings of parts of machines in industry.
The project part allows students great freedom to express their creativity.
What might students find challenging about this subject?
Those who do not have strong spatial awareness will find it hard to visualise concepts
and solutions to the problems at hand.
ENGINEERING
General introduction to the subject at Leaving Cert.
Involves a practical workshop element (project) as well as a written/theoretical
section. All materials technology is covered (i.e. plastics and metals), across a wide
range of processes and applications. Useful for careers in construction, all
engineering disciplines (civil, electrical, electronic, mechanical and structural
engineering, etc.), mechanics, trade apprenticeships (such as fitter, turner, welder),
technical and operative work. Leaving Cert Engineering offers a progression from
Junior Cert technological subjects and provides a platform for further studies in the
area.
What are the main topics/themes covered in the Leaving Cert syllabus?
Health and Safety, Manufacturing Techniques and Technology, Material Science,
Drawing and Design, Computer Aided Processes, Power and Energy, Electronics and
Mechanisms.
How is the subject assessed?
Theory Exam worth 50%
A Project and Portfolio (completed by March of Y6) worth 25%
A six hour practical exam worth 25%
What other school subjects do you see it being linked to at Leaving Cert level?
Maths, Physics, Design and Communication Graphics, Construction Studies
What skills might it help develop?
At Junior Cycle level students have been introduced to certain skills such as linguistic,
bodily/kinaesthetic, logical/mathematical and spatial. At Senior Cycle these skills are
expanded to include understanding appropriate concepts and processes, understanding
skills of design and realisation and the ability of applying knowledge and skills by
thinking and acting confidently, imaginatively and creatively. It also helps to evaluate
critically and constructively technological activities, artefacts and systems.
What do students like about the subject?
The freedom to express their own individual personalities and ideas by using their
own creativity and imagination to solve design problems through project work. They
also like the sense of achievement and confidence they get from designing and
manufacturing their own individual projects from design to manufacture, getting
projects to work and being able to take these projects home.
What might students find challenging about this subject?
Combining their practical and intellectual skills to come up with a creative,
imaginative, and innovative solution to various design briefs.
Using various IT and Computer Numerically controlled technologies to complete
projects and project portfolios.
GEOGRAPHY
It is concerned with the interrelationships between human activities and the physical
world. This covers physical, socio-economic and European geography as well as map
work and field studies. Regarded as a science related subject. Useful for careers in
construction, civil engineering, marine/navy, aviation, agriculture, geology, tourism
and many more. Similar to Junior Cert but a lot more detail required for Leaving Cert.
What are the main topics/themes covered in the leaving cert. syllabus?
There are three sections in the core:
Regional geography: Studying various regions in Ireland, Europe and the world.
Physical geography: Studying plate tectonics, rocks and landforms, Earthquakes,
Volcanos, Weathering and Erosion
Field work: Involving a field trip and writing up the results of the investigation in a
report booklet (20% of Leaving Cert marks and completed in advance of the LC).
In the remaining areas of the course students study Economic Geography involving
studying the EU, its Policies and its implications for Ireland, as well as Colonisation,
Globalisation, MNC’s, Trade Patterns and Sustainability.
Higher Level students also do Geoecology—Soils and Biomes (Ecosystems)
Assessment
2 hours and 50 minutes exam
What other school subjects is it linked to at Leaving Cert?
Biology, History, Home Economics, Business and Maths
What type of skills will it help develop?
Presentation skills, interpretation of maps, photographs, charts, diagrams, graphs,
interpretation and analysis of data, use of geographical equipment (e.g. clinometer)
for fieldwork.
What do students like about it?
Most parts of the course seem familiar, being closely linked to Junior Cert. It is very
relevant to the world around us, thus making it interesting. Answers are not required
to be essay style, with the exception of Geoecology which is for HL student only. A
good command of the English language is an advantage. Fieldwork is interesting to
do. There is great choice with regard to the selection of questions to do in the LC
examination.
What might students find challenging about it?
A lot of learning. Many charts, maps and diagrams to understand. Students might find
it hard to adjust to having five periods a week, often doubles, instead of three periods
as in JC. Students often find it difficult to appreciate that for LC Geography there is a
greater in-depth knowledge and detail required.
HISTORY
At Leaving Certificate, History requires a much greater depth of information and
improved essay-writing skills at Higher Level. The dates of the course are far more
limited than in Junior Cert. Useful for careers in law, politics, journalism, media,
archaeology, civil service, broadcasting, teaching, gardaí, tourism and social work.
The skills acquired are useful in many areas of work e.g. the world of business where
presentation of reports is very important and in the legal world where large volumes
of material have to be gathered and analysed.
MAIN TOPICS
IRISH HISTORY 1815—1993 Students do two of the following topics:
Ireland and the Union, 1815—1870
Movements for political and social reform, 1870 –1914
The pursuit of sovereignty and the impact of partition, 1912– 1949
The Irish Diaspora, 1840—1966
Politics and society in Northern Ireland, 1949—1993
Government, economy and society in the Republic of Ireland 1949—1989
HISTORY OF EUROPE AND THE WIDER WORLD 1815– 1992 Students do
two of the following topics:
Nationalism and state formation in Europe, 1815—1871
Nation states and international tensions, 1871—1920
Dictatorship and democracy, 1920—1945
Division and realignment in Europe 1945—1992
European retreat from empire and the aftermath 1945-1990 (Prescribed documents for
2011 and 2012)
The United States and the world, 1945—1989
Assessment
There will be two assessment components:
A report on the research study worth 20% (submitted April prior to Leaving Cert.)
A terminal examination worth 80%
At Ordinary Level the emphasis is more on paragraph, rather than essay writing.
At Higher Level the student must complete three essays and answer one document
based question, in which they can score highly.
Subject links
As the answers are written in essay style it would be an advantage to have a flair for
English. Also links with Exam RE.
What skills will it help develop?
Research skills e.g. information-gathering/analysis/
Summarisation/presentation.
Attention to detail & logic are also important skills.
What do students like about it?
Its relevance to current affairs. Interesting class discussions on historical issues.
Helps their essay writing skills for other subjects. The fact that students submit before
their written exam a research study in which they can score highly means they can
obtain a very good grade in the subject.
What might they find challenging about it?
As there is a lot of material to be learned it is necessary to work hard from the start. It
can be difficult to learn the skill of essay-writing, as in Junior Cert. students are only
required to write paragraphs
HOME ECONOMICS SOCIAL & SCIENTIFIC
General introduction to this subject at Leaving Cert.
Home Economics is arguably one subject with most relevance to everyday life. This is
reflected in the wide range of career options that it opens up for students and who
have gone on to study and enjoy courses in catering, chefing, dietician, fashion,
beauty therapy, food sciences, health inspection, hotel management, nursing, child
care, national school teaching, home economics teaching, parenthood and social work.
Similarities/differences between Junior and Senior Cycle.
There is a big difference with regard to the amount of detail expected, much more
scientific information is required. New Areas: Irish Food Industry, Food processing,
Irish diet, Food Legislation, HACCP. Expect more theory in Leaving Cert but there
will still be an element of practical work.
What are the main topics covered in the Leaving Cert syllabus?
The course covers: Nutrition, Diets and understanding meal planning, Food Safety
HACCP, Food Chemistry, Microbiology, Preservation, Resource Management,
Consumer Studies and Sociology. There are 3 electives to choose from: Home
Design and Management or Textiles, Fashion and Design or Social Studies. In
Kinsale students do the Social Studies elective.
How is the subject examined at the end of the course?
80% of mark awarded from written exam in June.
The exam is 2 hours 30 minutes long
Exam layout is as follows:
12 short questions—answer 10
Q1 is compulsory and answer 2 from Questions 2, 3, 4 and 5 and an elective question.
Topics are integrated from one area to another, for example, food choices, health,
menu design and budgeting.
Practical Food Studies Journal is worth 20% of overall mark. This must be completed
by each individual student, journals are sent to the Department of Education for
correction at the end of October in Y6. Five practical cooking assignments to be
completed in Fifth Year.
What other school subjects do you see it being linked to at Leaving Cert level?
Biology, Business, Geography, Physics, English
What kind of skills will it help develop?
Knowledge of food and nutrition and awareness of spending, budgeting and consumer
studies. Awareness of health, health related issues. Resource management. Writing
reports, analysis of information and decision making skills.
What do students like about it?
Interesting as it is relevant to life and opens up a wide range of career options. It is a
student-friendly course, as is the exam. No huge technical knowledge required for the
subject or to do well in the subject.
What might they find challenging about it?
A high standard required in the journal writing of the five assignments to get a very
good mark. Some scientific information required. The course is broad and students
must be prepared to work from the start of Fifth Year.
LCVP
LCVP is more properly called Link Modules. In order to qualify to register for these
link modules a number of conditions must be met
Programme Requirements for students taking Leaving Certificate Examination from
2004 onwards
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At least five Leaving Certificate subjects plus the Link Modules, one of which
must be Irish
Two of the above subjects must be selected from one of the designated
Vocational Subject Groupings
Two Link Modules: Preparation for the World of Work and Enterprise
Education
A recognised course in a Modern European Language other than Irish or
English:
What is a recognised Modern European language course for LCVP students?
The school has the discretion in this case – there are various options open to students.
They can take a language at Junior Certificate level or they can follow one of the FETAC
language modules or the language teacher can devise a school programme in the language.
Students must take the language class for a minimum of one class period per week or
equivalent over the two years of the programme within school time.
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If a student is exempt from Irish for the Leaving Certificate they are
automatically exempt for the LCVP and students should replace Irish with
another subject.
Vocational Subject Groupings (VSGs) 2012/2013
Specialist Groupings
1 Construction Studies; Engineering; Design and Communication Graphics - Any Two
2 Physics and Construction Studies or Engineering or DCG
3 Agricultural Science and Construction Studies or Engineering or DCG
4 Agricultural Science and Chemistry or Physics
5 Home Economics; Agricultural Science; Biology - Any Two
6 Home Economics and Art - Design Option or Craft Option
7 Accounting; Business; Both together
8 Physics and Chemistry
9 Biology and Chemistry or Physics
10 Biology and Agricultural Science
11 Art - Design Option or Craft Option and Design & Communication Graphics
Services Groupings
12 Engineering or Construction Studies or DCG and Accounting or Business
13 Home Economics and Accounting or Business
14 Agricultural Science and Accounting or Business
15 Art Design or Craftwork Option and Accounting or Business
16 Music and Accounting or Business
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All subjects must be studied in same centre as Link Modules (i.e. in school)
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Link Module I – Preparation for the World of Work
Students will research and investigate local employment opportunities,
develop job seeking skills such as letter writing, CV presentation, interview
techniques; gain valuable practical experience of the world of work; interview
and work shadow a person in a career area that interests them.
Link Module II – Enterprise Education
Students will be involved in organising visits to local business and community
enterprises; meet and interview enterprising people on site and in the
classroom; plan and undertake interesting activities that will build self–
confidence, creativity, initiative and develop teamwork, communication and
computer skills.
As well as doing the two Link Modules in class, students undertake doing six
portfolio (project) items. These are:
Curriculum Vitae – Career Investigation – Enterprise/Action Plan – Summary Report
– Diary of Work Experience – Recorded Interview
Information and Communications Technology
Students taking the LCVP will have to type their portfolio items and while there will
be computer time in school, access to a computer outside of school is an advantage.
LCVP is an opportunity to develop and apply their IT skills.
Assessment of the Link Modules
LCVP students follow the same subject syllabi and are assessed in the same way as
their peers in the Leaving Certificate. For the Link Modules they are assessed by
Written Examination (40%) and by Portfolio of Coursework (60%). The written
examination takes place in May of the Leaving Certificate Year. The examination is
of two and a half hours duration and consists of three sections which are outline
below.
The structure of the Written Examination is as follows:
Section A Audio Visual Presentation
Section B Case Study (received in advance by students)
Section C General Questions (4 out of 6)
The Portfolio of Coursework accounts for 60% of total marks. Students assemble the
portfolio over the two years of the programme and it is assessed at the end of the final
year of the Leaving Certificate. The Portfolio and Written Examination are externally
assessed by the Department of Education & Science.
MUSIC
Concentrates on three main areas: - composition, listening and performance. Very
useful for courses in music as well as careers in entertainment, speech therapy, film,
radio, television, national school teaching, dance, acting and physical education.
There are many similarities between the Junior & Leaving Cert courses. Students
need not have completed JC Music but they do need to be able to read music
proficiently. Students very good at performing will have the added bonus of being
able to attain 50% of the marks for this area – this is a big difference from the JC
course.
There are 3 main areas:
Listening – General listening skills through set works, Irish music and a variety of
musical styles
Composing – Composing melodies and harmonies
Performing – (Group or solo) One activity of 6 pieces or two activities of 4 pieces
Student chooses his/her best area of the three above areas and doubles his/her mark in
this area, so assessment will be 25%, 25% and 50% in the selected area
Assessment
Two written papers: Listening/composing
Practical Exam (around Easter)
Subject links
Irish and Religion
What skills will it help develop?
Groupwork/Composing/Performing/Listening
What do students like about it?
The element of choice in relation to one’s strengths. The variety within the subject i.e.
all genres of music are permissible from classical to Irish to Rock and Pop.
Emphasis on practical element as up to 50% of the final mark can be achieved prior to
written exam in June. Enjoyable and relaxing for those who like it.
What might students find challenging about it?
They definitely need to be able to read music, treble and bass clef. Will be difficult if
a student does not have a good musical ear to pick out instruments and keys and key
changes.
PHYSICS
General introduction to this subject at Leaving Cert.
Deals with the physical world – heat, light, sound, electricity, atomics and magnetism.
It is of key importance in engineering, radiography, physiotherapy and medicine and
also useful for aviation, geology, meteorology, metallurgy, navy, oceanography,
electrical and electronics areas, computers, telecommunications and all science
courses.
Similarities/differences between Junior & Senior Cycle
Similarities: Topics are the same as in Junior Cert. Some of the same formulas are
used
Differences: Degree of difficulty increases. New topics include Semiconductors,
Radioactivity and Light (to a more difficult level), Modern Atomics. More
applications to everyday science, technology and society.
What are the main topics/themes covered in the Leaving Cert syllabus?
Light: Concave/convex, wave nature
Mechanics: Velocity, acceleration, force, pressure
Electricity: Current & Static
Radioactivity: Nuclear fusion/fission/atomics
Semiconductors: Transistors, diodes, rectifiers
Waves and Sound: Echoes & Vibrations
How is the subject examined at the end of the course?
3 Hour Exam
Section A: 3 questions on 4 of the 24 mandatory experiments
Section B: Answer 5 questions out of 8 on theory, experiments and applications.
What other school subjects do you see it being linked to at Leaving Cert level?
Strong link with Maths, it used to be recommended that students taking Physics
should be studying honours maths but this is no longer the case as the degree of
difficulty of the maths type questions has been reduced. Some overlap with
Chemistry.
What type of skills will it help develop?
Use of logic to solve problems. Skills involving experiments and deducing
conclusions from experiments. Graph plotting. Understanding the concepts behind
devices.
What do students like about it?
The use of Maths to solve equations. Lots of hands-on practical work as there are 24
mandatory experiments to complete.
What might they find challenging about it?
Students that are not willing to work hard will find that they will lose interest and find
the subject boring. Some parts require the learning of equations and definitions, which
some pupils find difficult. If you are weak at Maths and obtained a B or less in
Ordinary Level at Junior Cert you are advised to think very carefully about selecting
Physics.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Similarities with JC: Much of the same material is covered in LC RE, but in much
greater depth and detail.
Differences with JC: There are a wider range of Religious topics covered. Much
more essay writing is required than at Junior Cert level.
Topics and themes:
Unit 1: (compulsory section)
A: The search for meaning and values
Unit 2: (any two of)
B: Christianity: origins and contemporary expressions
C: World religions
D: Moral decision making
Unit 3: (any one of)
E: Religion and gender
F: Issues of justice and peace
G: Worship, prayer and ritual
H: The Bible: literature and sacred text
I: Religion: the Irish experience
J: Religion and science
Each student is required to submit a research booklet report on a substantial piece of
research on a religious topic prescribed by the DES. This booklet accounts for 20% of
students’ final assessment. The terminal exam is 80% and is a 2 and a half hour paper.
Skills required: Students who take Leaving Certificate Religious Education can be
from any faith-background and none. Exam religion is taught from an objective and
neutral standpoint. Students who take should have a high degree of literacy, as the
exam is an essay-based assessment. Students should be able to think in abstract terms
and be able to empathise with other cultures and viewpoints. Students who are good at
English and History find Religious Education approachable.
Skills developed: Students will develop skills related to essay writing, independent
research, project work, philosophical thinking, moral thinking and cultural
understanding.
Career: Religious Education can feed into many careers in areas such as: Teaching at
all levels of the education system, Journalism and writing generally, Law, Social
work, Politics, Chaplaincy and Religious Life
What students like about this subject at Leaving Cert: Interesting, relevant to
contemporary society, develops skills of social criticism and they like the challenge of
thinking in abstract and philosophical terms. It helps them to come to an
understanding of why people are spiritual and religious.
What students might find challenging about the subject: The large amount of
material which has to be covered in the course and the lack of choice on the exam
paper.