CBC Subject Choice 2014
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Help with Choosing Subject
Choice…
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Classes with Guidance Counsellor
Subject teachers speak to students in their
class
Presentation of all option subjects by Heads
of Subject Department
Students sat their DATS in December
Meeting Guidance Counsellor individually
regarding their DATS results and subject
choice
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Subject Choice - Guidelines
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Pick the subjects most interested in.
Maximise points.
Pick the essential subjects for course or career.
Achieve grades specified by college courses.
How not to choose….
Own research is essential!!!!
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Advice for your Son:
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Get your hands on the course books / past
papers to review the course content
Speak to current students / teachers about
the course
Consider elements such as class size, course
length, learning / revision ratio
Ask yourself: What kind of a learner am I?
Suited to essay style, project work, learning
factual information, solving problems etc.
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
DATS
Snapshot
Percentile
Links
with some subjects
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Your own research is essential!!!
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Check the relevant college/employer literature
 check the overall college requirements
 check the course requirement
 subject
 grades/level
Check the course content  this will highlight what subjects are predominant
Good websites include
 www.qualifax.ie; www.careersportal.ie
 www.skoool.ie; www.NCCA.ie
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
2 Important Things to Understand
when making Subject Choice:
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1. The Points System
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2. Matriculation and Subject Requirements
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Calculating CAO points
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
The Points System:
Selection system used in Irish 3rd Level Colleges is
POINTS SYSTEM
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Points are calculated from ONE sitting of the Leaving
Certificate only.
Points total is calculated from SIX best subjects
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
The Points System:
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Courses that are popular will generally have
high points
Points change EVERY year – rise and fall
depending on POPULARITY
Points have no bearing on the difficulty or
the value of any course.
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
10
CAO Points Table:
L C Grade:
Higher Level:
Ordinary Level:
A1
100
60
A2
90
50
B1
85
45
B2
80
40
B3
75
35
C1
70
30
C2
65
25
C3
60
20
D1
55
15
D2
50
10
D3
45
5
25 Bonus Points for each grade in HL
Maths
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Matriculation
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To matriculate for a college means to have
the basic requirements for entry. It has
nothing to do with points.
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
NUI Matriculation
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The minimum entry requirement for The
National Universities of Ireland
(UCD,UCC,NUIG,NUIM) is 6 subjects,
including English, Irish and a third
language.
In 2 of these subjects, students must have
achieved grade C at Higher Level.
NUI’s no longer required to have a third
language for entry into engineering, science
or nursing.
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Matriculation for IT’s
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Level 8 (Honours Degree) courses: students
generally require a minimum of grade C in 2
subjects at Higher Level and grade D in 4
other subjects, including maths and
Irish/English.
Levels 6 and 7 (Higher Certificate and
Ordinary Degree): students require 5 grade
Ds, including maths and Irish/English.
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Course Requirements:
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One of the most important things to
understand when picking Leaving Cert
subjects is the idea of COURSE
REQUIREMENTS
Besides matriculation requirements
for colleges there are also Minimum
Subject Requirements for certain
courses
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Examples of Course
Requirements:
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Engineering courses (degree)[Level 8]
 Honours Maths (HC3), 1 science subject
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Primary School Teaching [Colleges of Education]
HC3 in HL Irish
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Health and Performance UCD
 OD3 lab science
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Computer Science UCD
 B3 in ordinary level Maths/HD3 Maths
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Commerce UCD
 B3 in ordinary level Maths
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As we look at the individual subjects we will look at courses that
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
require them
Qualifax
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All students will be shown how to use the
Qualifax Minimum Subject Module
Very important to use this search engine before
make final subject choice
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Subject Choice:
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So what are the Subjects to choose from in
CBC?
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Core Subjects
Every student has to take:
 English
 Irish
 Maths
 French/German
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PLUS
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3 Option Subjects
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
14 Optional Subjects to Choose
from:
Business
History
Economics
Geography
Accounting
Latin
Physics
Religion
Chemistry
Music
Biology
Art
Home Ec
DCG
 Applied Maths can be taken as extra subject
Classical Studies can be taken as an extra subject
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
The Science Group
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Biology
Physics
Chemistry
Please Note that if your son struggled
to pass science at Junior Certificate
then maybe a science option is not for
him
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Examples of Courses which require
a Science subject:
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Health and Performance (Sports
Science)
Medicine
Pharmacy
Radiography
Physiotherapy
Occupational Therapy
Engineering in some universities
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Biology
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Biology is the science of life and living things.
It forms a knowledge base for hundreds of
careers ranging from oceanography and
ecology to medicine and biotechnology
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Biology:
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Leaving cert Biology is the most popular of
all leaving certificate science subjects and
many students pick this as their one science
subject.
However, don't fall into the trap of thinking
Biology is the "easy" science subject. 9.7%
of students failed Biology in 2012.
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Biology:
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The leaving cert Biology course is really diverse
and covers everything from Cell Biology to the
Human Body to Ecology and Plants. There is a lot
of learning to be done in this subject and with all
the new terms it can sometimes seem like you are
learning a new language!
Makes sure you know your definitions when
studying Biology. They can often make up 25% of
the questions on the exam.
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Topics studied in LC Biology:
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Bacteria,Viruses,Fungi & Yeast
Blood & Circulatory System
Breathing System
Cell Division
Cell Metabolism & Enzymes
Cell Structure
Digestive System
Ecology & Ecosystems
Excretion
Experiment Questions
Eye/Ear & Nervous system
Food & Food tests
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Topics in LC Biology:
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Genetics, DNA & Evolution
Hormonal System
Human Reproduction
Immune system
Musculoskeletal System
Photosynthesis
Plant Reproduction & Transport
Plant Responses & Seed growth
Plant Structure
Respiration
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
LC Biology Exam:
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An exam paper at higher and ordinary level.
You are required to keep a record of your
practical work (experiments) over the two
years of the course and there will be
experiment questions on the written paper.
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Courses which specifically
require Biology
 Genetics
in UCC
 Human and Health Disease in TCD
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Chemistry
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Chemistry deals with the composition of
matter, the laws of chemical change and the
relationship between the properties and
composition of substances.
Students must have an ability in Maths to do
Chemistry. The majority of students that
choose Chemistry would be doing HL
Maths
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
LC Chemistry:
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Leaving cert Chemistry builds on the foundations of the
Chemistry section of Junior cert Science, so if you found
that tough think carefully about taking leaving cert
Chemistry.
The course includes 28 mandatory practical experiments
which must be completed in the lab, as well as a written
paper including questions on these experiments and
examining the theory and applications of chemistry.
It's really important that you learn your definitions and
mandatory experiments as these make up a lot of the
marks in the exam. Take note: definitions must be learned
word for word.
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Topics in LC Chemistry
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Acids, Bases & PH calculations
Atomic Structure
Chemical Equilibrium
Electron Arrangement
Experiment Questions
Fuels & Thermochemistry
Gas Laws, moles & Gas Properties
Instrumentation & Chromatography
Ionic & Covalent Bonding
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Topics in LC Chemistry:
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Option: Atmospheric Chemistry
Option: Industrial Chemistry
Option: Materials & Polymers
Option: Metals
Organic Chemistry
Oxidation & Reduction
Periodic Table
Radioactivity
Rates of Reaction
Stoichiometry, Formulae & Equations
Water & Water Analysis
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
LC Chemistry Exam:
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The leaving cert exam is three hours in
duration.
There is no element of continuous
assessment in Chemistry, but students will
have to memorize the chemical components
of a series of prescribed experiments.
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
7 Courses specifically require
Chemistry:
 Human
Nutrition and Dietetics in
DIT
 Pharmacy in TCD
 Public Health Nutrition DIT
 Veterinary Science in UCD
 Dentistry, medicine and
Pharmacy in UCC and a second
science subject.
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Physics
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This subject aims to give students an
understanding of the fundamental principles of
physics and their application to everyday life.
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Leaving cert Physics is the most mathematical of
the sciences, with many exam questions requiring
you to solve a problem using learnt formulas.
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Topics studied in LC Physics:
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Acceleration
Applied Electricity
Circular Motion
Circular Motion
Current & Charge
Electric Circuits
Electric Circuits
Electric Circuits
Electric Circuits
Electromagnetic Induction
Experiment Questions
Force,Mass & Momentum
Heat & Heat Transfer
Light
Magnets and Magnetic Fields
Nuclear Energy
Particle Physics
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Topics studied in LC Physics:
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Potential Difference & Capacitance
Pressure, Gravity & Moments
Reflection & Mirrors
Refraction & Lenses
Resistance
Semiconductors
Simple Harmonic Motion
Speed,Displacement, Velocity
Static Electricity
Temperature & Thermometers
The Atom, Nucleus & Radioactivity
The Electron
Vectors & Scalars
Vibration & Sound
Waves & Wave Motion
Work,Energy & Power
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Physics
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Complete 24 mandatory practicals of which
majority are done in Fifth Year
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30% of final written exam is based on the
mandatory practicals
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
LC Physics Exam:
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100% of your mark goes for one 3 hour exam but you
are required to keep a record of your practical work over
the two years of the course.
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Only one courses requires LC
Physics for admission…
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Theoretical physics in TCD
HOWEVER,there is a high
physics content in most
engineering courses, along with
some paramedical careers such as
Radiography and Optometry
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
The Social Group
Home Economics
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Students do not have to have studied Home
Economics for the Junior Certificate to study
it at senior cycle.
There is no project or practical cookery
exam as is the case in the Junior Certificate
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Home Economics
The new Home Economics course introduced recently, is
divided into three sections
1.
Food studies (45% of the total mark)
Which includes topics such as food science, food
composition, microbiology and food safety, and special
diets.
2.
Resource management and consumer studies (25% of the
total mark)
This covers topics such as financial institutions, taxation,
insurance, and money management.
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Home Economics
3.
Sociology (10% of the total marks)
This includes the study of marriage and family
law
There is also an elective area comprising three
optional areas of study of which students choose
one (20% of the total mark)
a). Sociology b). Textiles c). Home Management
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Topics studied in LC Home EC:
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Consumer Studies
Diet & Health
Elective1: Energy & Emissions
Elective1: Heating, Water, Lighting..
Elective1: Interior Design
Elective1:Housing -Planning, building..
Elective2: Fabrics
Elective2: Patterns & Fashion
Elective3: (un)employment & Poverty
Elective3: Education in Ireland
Elective3:Family life & Leisure
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Topics studied in LC Home Ec:
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Food Industry & Packaging
Food Science & Nutrition
Food Spoilage & Food Safety
Foods: Meat, Fish, Cereal etc..
Household Appliances
Household Finances
Marriage & Family Law
Meal Planning & Preparation
Textiles
The Family
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Home Economics Exam:
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Practical Coursework - 20%
This is worth 20% of the final mark this is
submitted in journal form in sixth year – a lot of
the work is done in Fifth Year
Written Exam paper – 80%
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
The Business Group
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Business Studies
Accounting
Economics
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Business
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Leaving Certificate Business is a popular
subject and is very factual so requires you to do
a lot of learning. You should try and keep an eye
on business and current affairs in the news. The
Business exam gives you a lot of choice but is
marked quite strictly.
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Topics studied in LC Business:
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Business Accounts & Ratio Analysis
Communication & I.T. in Business
Consumer Protection & Legislation
Entrepreneurs & Enterprise
Ethics & the Environment in Business
Finance in Business
Human Resource Management
Industrial Relations & Contracts
Insurance
International Trade & Business
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Topics studied in LC Business:
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Management Skills & Activities
Marketing
Monitoring a Business
People In Business
Sectors: Primary, Secondary, Tertiary
Starting a Business/ Business Plans
Starting a Business/ Business Plans
Taxation
The EU: Institutions & policies
Types of Business: Sole Trader, etc.
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Business LC Exam
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This is a 3hr exam
Mixture of short questions, Applied Business
Question and four longer questions
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Economics
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Economics course is divided into
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Micro-economics
Macro-economics
Micro-economics is the study of the economic behaviour
of the individual firm and consumer. Mathematical tools
are used in this part of the course, such as graphs and
formulae
Macro-economics is the study of the main economic
indicators of the economy; employment, inflation, banking,
trade, growth and development. Students are encouraged
to take an interest in current economic trends
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Economics:
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Students who take Economics usually enjoyed Junior cert Business
Studies and are interested in current affairs. It's often described
as the most practical Business subject but less than 5,000
students take it per year.
Leaving cert Economics is concerned with
understanding the workings of a modern economy
from both Macro and Micro level. The course
looks at how we get our incomes, how we use
them, the supply of resources and the production
and exchange of goods and services.
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Topics studied in LC Economics:
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Demand & Supply
Economic Growth & Development
Economic Policies: Problems & Conflict
Economic Thinkers: Keynes, Marx, Smith..
Economics of Population
Factor Incomes: Rent, Profit, Wages..
Inflation
International trade & Payments
Money & Banking
National income
Price & Output: Competition & Monopolies
Production & Consumption
Taxes & Taxation
The Government in the economy
The Irish Economy
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Economics Exam:
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The Leaving Certificate Paper is 2 ½ hours long
and is divided into two sections
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Section A: short questions
Section B: four our of eight long questions
Economics forms the basis for all Business related
courses- Commerce, Business and Management,
Arts, Social Science, BESS, Auctioneering,
Valuation and Estate Agency etc
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Accounting
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Accounting concerns itself with the business of keeping
records (book-keeping but goes beyond that to analysing
and interpreting these). Examples of accounts completed
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Sole trader and Ltd company accounts
Farm and Club accounts
Leaving cert accounting is often described by
students as one of those subjects that you either love
or hate.
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Accounting:
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Accounting is a continuation of the Bookkeeping
element of the Junior Cycle Business Studies
course. It is very numerically based, and while it is
preferable to have done Business Studies to the
Junior Cert, a strong ability in mathematics will
suffice.
It is divided into two main areas: (a) financial
accounting (two thirds of the course) and (b)
management accounting (one third of the course)
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Topics studied in LC Accounting:
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The Conceptual framework of Accounting
The Regulatory Framework of Accounting (Higher Level
only)
Accounting Records
Double-entry bookkeeping
Bank reconciliation statement
Control Accounts
Suspense Accounts
Sole Traders
Company Accounting
Share Capital, Reserves and Loan Capital
Financial Statements of Limited Companies
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Topics studied in Accounting:
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Appreciation of Annual Reports of Public Limited Companies (Higher
Level only)
Specialised Accounts
Manufacturing Accounts
Stock
Club Accounts and the Accounts of Service firms
Departmental Accounts
Farm Accounts
Incomplete Records
Cash Flow Statements
Analysis and Interpretation of Financial Statements
Management Accounting
Information Technology and Computer Applications in Accounting
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Accounting
One course requires LC Accounting:
Accounting in NUIG
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H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
The Business Group
Please Note:
Students do not need to study any business
subject for entry to any Third Level Business
course in the Republic of Ireland.
HOWEVER……
 By studying one or more of these subjects the
student will be able to make an informed
decision in Sixth Year about whether a Business
Course is any area of interest
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H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Design and Communication
Graphics
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It expands and covers in greater depth
topics covered in Tech Graphics in JC
New topics are covered in Architecture,
Engineering and Technology
Useful for careers in architecture,
engineering, product design, technology,
surveying etc.
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
DCG Course Content:
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Projection Systems
Plane Geometry
Conic Sections
Geometry of Lines and Planes
Intersection and Development of Surfaces
Graphics
Communication of Design
Freehand Drawing
Information and Communication Technologies
Dynamic Mechanisms
Structural Forms
Geological Geometry
Surface Geometry
Assemblies
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
DCG
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Project: 40% (handed up mid-Feb)
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Exam: 60% (in June)
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
The Creative Group
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Art
Music
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Music
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Year after year, music is statistically the "easiest"
leaving cert student with a whopping 95% of
higher level students getting an honour.
However, it must be remembered that this statistic
probably reflects the fact that most students who
choose to do higher level music have been playing
music for a long time and so have a higher chance
of doing well.
50% of the marks are awarded by April
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Topics studied in LC Music:
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Adding A Countermelody/Descant & Chords
Adding Bass & Chords to a tune
Composing melody & Bass from chords
Composing to a given rhythm or meter
Continuation of a given opening
Listening - Aural Skills (Unheard)
Listening - Beriloz
Listening - Deane
Listening - Irish Music
Listening - Mozart
Listening - The Beatles
PRACTICALS
Setting Music to a given text
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Music
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The first exam which is held in March/April
comprises the following elements
Listening
 Composing
 Performing
 Music technology
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Students can choose one of these to form
50% of the total mark
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Music
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There are two exams in June- Listening
paper (25%) and Composing paper (25%)
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Music
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Music is useful for careers in entertainment,
orchestra, speech therapy, television and
radio production etc.
Leaving Cert Music is required for RE and
Music secondary teaching in Mater Dei
College of Education
UCC, DIT and WIT require all intending
students of music to take a special entrance
test
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Art
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Art involves being creative and interpreting
and appreciating the creative work of
others.
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Students will need a portfolio for art courses
which requires a lot of work in and out of
school- Fine Art, Architecture, Interior
Design, Photography, Film and Television
Production, etc.
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Art
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Involves many of the areas studied at the Junior
Certificate but in greater depth- for example
drawing, painting, design and craftwork.
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Unlike the Junior Certificate there is no project
work in the senior cycle. Instead the paper
consists of 4 exams held in May and June of sixth
year.
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Exam 1: Still life or Imaginative composition
(drawing)- 100 marks,
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Art
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Exam 2: Life drawing- 2 poses- 50 marks, 1
hour
Exam 3: Craft work-100 marks and 5 hours
long- students get exam paper with themes
one week in advance
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Art
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Exam 4: History and Appreciation of ArtIrish and European appreciation- 150 marks,
2 ½ hours long- written paper with 3
questions
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The Art History exam is worth 37.5 %
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
2 Courses require LC Art
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Arts Visual in WIT
Design Visual Communication in WIT
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
The Humanities
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History
Geography
Religion
Latin
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
History
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History is a subject which encourages students to
think on their feet, to write, speak and think with
clarity
History offers the student an opportunity for wide
reading, information gathering, cogent reasoning
and sustained argument, clear essay writing, and
research
Choosing History for the leaving cert because you
thought it was easy at Junior cert is a dangerous
move - Leaving cert History is a challenging
course and requires essay style answers.
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
History:
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Late Modern History (1815-1993) for the
Leaving cert is divided into six Irish topics
and six European topics.
Good English skills, the ability to do
research and an interest in History are all
important if you do this subject. Up to 20%
of your final result will be based on your
research project done before the exam.
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Topics studied in LC History:
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Irish History (1815-1993)
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Ireland the Union
Movements for political and social reform
The pursuit of sovereignty
The Irish Diaspora
Politics and society in Northern Ireland
Government society and the economy in Ireland (1949-1989)
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History of Europe and the Wider World 1815-1993
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Nationalism and State Formation
Nation states and international tensions
Dictatorship and democracy
Division and realignment in Europe
European retreat from Empire and the aftermath
The US and the World.
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H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
History Exam:
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The Research Study which must be
completed by students must be submitted in
April before the actual exam, and is worth
20% of the total grade.
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
History Exam:
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The exam is worth 80%
Students have to write three essays and one
prescribed document which is known in
advance in under 2hrs and 50 minutes.
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Courses that require LC History:
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No Third Level course requires LC History
HOWEVER….
The skills learnt are transferable to almost any
Third Level Course by enabling students to
condense a large volume of work into a smaller
more specific, solid unit.
Involvement in research is an integral part of the
course which offers itself to a wide variety of
Third Level Courses including Law
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Geography:
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Leaving cert Geography is a big course and
covers a diverse range of topics from
Volcanoes to the European Union. The
exam is essay-based, so you will find
Geography easier if you are comfortable
writing essay style answers.
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With seven or more essays to be written,
timing is crucial in the written exam.
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Geography
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Geography is useful for careers in civil
engineering, town planning, architecture,
geology, pilot, teacher, auctioneering,
anthropology, quantity surveying etc.
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Geography
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Aerial photos
Earthquakes & Volcanoes
Economic - Developing Economies
Economic - Energy
Economic - Enviromental impact
Economic - European Union
Economic - Multinationals & Globalisation
Elective - Economic
Elective - Human
Glaciation
Mapwork
Option - Atmosphere & Ocean
Option - Culture & Identity
Option - Geoecology
Option - Global Interdependence
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Topics in Geography:
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Plate Tectonics
PROJECT - Investigation
Regions - Continental
Regions - European
Regions – Ireland
Human - Population
Human - Urban Geography
Karst Regions
Rivers
Rocks, Weathering & Mass Movement
The Sea
Urban Land uses
Weather & Climate
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Geography Exam:
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Assessment of Geography in the Leaving
Cert will consist of
A terminal written examination- 80% of total
2. A report on a geographical investigation- 20% of
total (April)
1.
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Courses that require Geography:
No 3rd level course requires LC Geography
However………..
 For both Science, Pharmacy, Medicinal
Chemistry and Earth Sciences (TCD) it is
accepted as a SECOND science subject
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From 2014 Geography will be accepted as a
Science for matriculation purposes for
Science (DN200) in UCD only
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Latin:
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Leaving Cert Latin focuses on written composition
and comprehension of Latin texts.
Poetry, historical records, and Roman legends are
studied in detail, as well as Roman history
(military and political), architecture, and culture.
The language itself is very rigid and structured,
making it less fluid than most other languages
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
What kind of student might Latin
suit?
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Students who enjoyed and got good grades in
Junior Cert Latin are likely to continue enjoying
the subject at Leaving Cert.
Students aiming to work in medicine, zoology or
botany, where Latin is widely used to classify
species and body parts.
Anyone with an interest in ancient Roman history
and culture, and its influences on modern society.
Students who would like to gain a deeper
understanding of the English language (as well as
any other European languages they may be
studying), particularly relating to etymology (word
origins).
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Religion:
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Religious education in the Leaving Certificate
programme calls for the exploration of issues such
as meaning and value, the nature of morality, the
development of diversity and belief, the principles
of a just society, and the implications of scientific
progress. It has a particular role to play in the
curriculum in the promotion of tolerance and
mutual understanding.
It seeks to develop in students the skills needed to
engage in meaningful dialogue with those of other
or of no religious traditions.
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Religion:
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The subject consists of one core obligatory
section, The Search for Meaning and Values and a
choice of two other core sections from a list of
three, Christianity: origins and contemporary
expressions, World Religions, and Moral Decision
Making.
There is one optional section also from a list of six
which gives the students the opportunity to
explore a topic of their own liking.
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Religion:
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Assessment of Religion in the Leaving Cert
will consist of
A terminal written examination- 80% of total
2. An extended essay on a topic -20% of total (April)
1.
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The RE syllabus supports the development
of the enquiry, thinking, and problem
solving skills central to the Leaving Cert
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Extra subjects:
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Applied Maths and Classical Studies are
offered as an EIGTH subject –therefore
students still pick 3 options from the list
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Applied Maths:
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Applied Maths is, as its name suggests, the
study of practical applications of
mathematics to the real world and physical
problems.
It is typically associated with engineering
and physics, but also finds use in
economics, finance, business, environmental
studies, and even chemistry and medicine.
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Applied Maths:
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The course essentially covers the mathematics
behind the behaviour of objects when placed in
various situations, such as being thrown as
projectiles, bounced off walls or other objects,
immersed in fluids, or swung around on a rope.
There are 10 questions on the exam paper, each
covering one of these topics in detail. However,
the exam only requires the student to complete six
questions, so it is not uncommon for teachers to
focus on six or seven topics, which makes the
course and workload more manageable.
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Why Might you Choose Applied
Maths:
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If you are getting A or B grades in Maths and Physics, you
should be capable of getting similar grades in Applied
Maths thus enabling you to increase your points in the
Leaving Cert.
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There is overlap between some parts of the Leaving Cert
Physics course and the Applied Maths course, such as
Linear Motion, Newton’s Laws, and Circular Motion. Thus
it will also help you have a deeper understanding of these
topics in Physics.
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As there is a high Maths content in the course it will also
give you a better understanding of some parts of the
Honours Maths course – especially Trigonometry, Calculus
(Differentiation and Integration) and Vectors.
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Applied Maths:
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It is ideal for students who may be weak at
other subjects (such as languages) and good
at Maths as they can do honours Applied
Maths to increase their points .
If you are considering studying any kind of
engineering in college, Applied Maths is
very important – all engineering students
have to study Applied Maths in first year in
college and you will have a head start if you
have the Leaving Cert course done.
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Classical Studies:
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Classical Studies is concerned with the
civilizations of ancient Greece and Rome in
all their manifestations and with their
continuing influence on the modern world.
It includes history, literature, art and
architecture, drama and philosophy.
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Classical Studies:
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Classical studies remains a choice for a very small
proportion of students with less than 1,000
students sitting the paper every year.
Classical Studies will appeal to those interested in
history and those who enjoy reading and writing
about the ancient world.
It can be taken by itself as a Leaving Cert. subject
which will broaden the student’s outlook and
knowledge, as well as gaining points for University
entrance. However, students are not allowed to
take classical studies with Latin or ancient Greek.
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Topics studied are:
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1. Ancient Epic (The Odyssey; Homer and
The Aeneid; Virgil)
2. Roman Art and Architecture ( Buildings,
Sculpture and Paintings from Rome and the
Empire)
3. Alexander the Great ( based on the
accounts of Arrian and Plutarch)
4. Greek Drama ( Oedipus the King:
Sophocles and Medea; Euripedes
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Classical Studies:
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All the textbooks are in English/Irish, so
knowledge of Latin or Greek is not
necessary and there is no need to have done
Classical Studies at Junior Cert.
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Classics LC Exam:
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There is no coursework / project work in
this subject and final assessment consists of
one essay-based three hour examination.
Owing to the nature of the exam, and the
material to be studied, it is likely that pupils
who are strong in English and History
might find themselves best suited to this
subject.
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Subjects that have a project /
practical component:
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DESIGN & COMMUNICATION
GRAPHICS(40%)
ART (62.5%)
GEOGRAPHY (20%)
HOME ECONOMICS (20%)
MUSIC (50%)
HISTORY (20%)
RELIGION (20%)
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Things to Note:
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163 courses on the CAO require a Science subject
161 courses on the CAO require a 3rd language eg.
French or German
24 courses require HL Irish
No course require
Since 2012 the majority of Higher Institutions award 25
bonus points for each grade at HL Maths.
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Procedure for Subject Choice:
Individual appointment with Ms.Fitzpatrick
to discuss option
 Own research using Qualifax and
Careersportal
 Completion of Options Form :
Students indicate their preferences
 As far as is possible, we try to accommodate
these choices.
 Forms to be handed in by the 21st of March
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H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Example:Psychology UCD (505)
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Entry Requirements
English • Irish • A third language • Three other recognised subjects
Leaving Certificate
Passes in six subjects including those shown above, of which two must be minimum
HC3
Minimum entry requirements:
To matriculate on the results of the Leaving Certificate, a student must present at least
six subjects selected according to programme requirements (see Entry Requirements for
each programme) and must obtain grade C3, or better, in two recognised subjects on
Higher Papers, and grade D3, or better, in the remaining four subjects on Ordinary or
Higher Papers.
It is essential to have passed these six subjects. The two grade C3s, or better, on Higher
Papers may be obtained in any of the recognised matriculation subjects. One grade E on
a Higher Course at Leaving Certificate will be accepted if the candidate has, among their
other subjects, grade C3 or higher on three Higher Papers, or at least one grade B3 and
one grade C3 on Higher Papers. (This compensation rule does not currently apply to
matriculation for Nursing programmes).
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Example:Sport Science
DCU(485)
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Course Requirements
Leaving Certificate
OC3 or HD3 Mathematics and OC3 or HD3 in one of
Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics with Chemistry or
Agricultural Science
General Entry Requirements
Grade C3 in two Higher Level subjects and Grade D3
in four Ordinary or Higher Level subjects including
mathematics and either English or Irish.
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Law with Social Justice(UCD 500)
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Entry Requirements
English • Irish • A third language • Three other recognised subjects
Leaving Certificate
Passes in six subjects including those shown above, of which two must be
minimum HC3
Minimum entry requirements:
To matriculate on the results of the Leaving Certificate, a student must
present at least six subjects selected according to programme requirements
(see Entry Requirements for each programme) and must obtain grade C3, or
better, in two recognised subjects on Higher Papers, and grade D3, or better,
in the remaining four subjects on Ordinary or Higher Papers.
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Summary:
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Maximise your options for college:
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Maths, English, Irish, a modern European Language,
1 science subject.
Remember to research
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appropriate careers websites
college/employer websites/literature
Important to check the grade/level required.
 Pick the subjects you are most interested in or
have an aptitude for!
 Remember a lot of courses do not require
any special subjects!
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H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Useful websites for Subject Choice

www.careersportal.ie (Careerfile/Course Search/Subject Choice)
www.qualifax.ie (Minimum Subject Module)
http://www.qualifax.ie/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=26
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www.NCCA.ie (Overview of all LC subjects)
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www.examinations.ie (Access to past Leaving Cert exam papers)
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www.careerdirections.ie (A-Z Career Database with description of
different jobs)
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www.gotocollege.ie (Overview of many careers in the Careerpath section)
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www.steps.ie (Overview of courses and careers in engineering)
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014
Thank you for Coming!
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If you have any further enquiries please
email me: cbcguidance@gmail.com
H.Fitzpatrick: Subject Choice 2014