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Mercy Secondary School,Kilbeggan

Senior Cycle Options Information Evening

Welcome

Mary Ruane

Guidance Counsellor

The Senior Cycle Leaving Certificate

2 year programme

Students study 7 or 8 subjects (best 6 for points)

Irish, English, Maths,

4 optional subjects

May also study L.C.V.P

Importance of Subject Choice

Certain entry requirements for 3rd level courses.

•H4 Irish for primary teaching•H4 Maths for some Engineering

(Engineering courses are also available at Level 6 & 7, OL Maths accepted)

Maximise points, enjoyment, engagement

Get advice from subject teachers & guidance counsellor

Useful Websites: www.cao.ie www.qualifax.ie www.careersportal.ie

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Subject Options

Accounting

Agricultural Science

Applied Maths

Art

Biology

Business

Chemistry

Construction Studies

DCG

Engineering

French

Geography

German

Home Economics

History

Music

Physical Education

Physics

National Framework of Qualifications

Entry requirements 1: Languages

3rd language required by NUI colleges:

NUIM, NUIG, UCD, UCC

Cadets, Navy, RCSI ...

Language requirement dropped for Science, Nursing & Engineering courses, not required for IOT

Entry requirements 2: Science options

Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Agricultural Science

• Min 1 science subject required:

Nursing, Medicine, Science, Engineering

HL Chemistry: Veterinary, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Dietetics

Biology: Genetics

Physics: Theoretical Physics

• Some require 2 Science subjects e.g. TCD

Students should…

Focus on what they enjoy- students will put effort into subjects they enjoy

Consider subjects they are good at and subjects they may not have studied before, but may take up at senior cycle

Take note of entry requirements for specific courses, aim to maximise points

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Leaving Certificate Grading Systemmax 625

Subject Choice Information Booklet Next step

Students return ranking of subjects - preferred top 5

Thank you

email: ruanem@mercykilbeggan.ie

L.C.P.E

Study Physical Education for Certification

A ‘Full Subject’ Assessed as part of the Leaving

Certificate

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Aims

- Develop learner capacity to become an informed, skilled,

self-directed and reflective performer in Physical Education

and physical activity in Senior Cycle and in future life

- Learning through, and about physical activity

- Opportunity for learners to prepare for future study in areas of teaching,

coaching, healthcare, sports science etc.

- Knowledge, skills and understanding to support lifelong informed

participation and/or pursuit of excellence in physical activity pursuits

- Support learners self-direction, organisational skills and reflection

- Contribution to a commitment of life-long physical activity participation.

Explore physical activity beyond the school and act as advocate for physical

activity within communities

- Learners who have an interest in and commitment to physical activity and

sport are encouraged to study Leaving Certificate Physical Education

- Performance in physical activity is only one of the criteria for success

in assessment. Learners can also demonstrate skills and talents

in the non-playing roles

- Two Strands

- Strand 1: Learn about different theoretical perspectives that impact optimum

performance and how to apply this understanding to a range of activities

- Strand 2: Learn about contemporary issues in physical activity and how

different people experience physical activity and sport

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- Students learn about different theoretical perspectives through participation

in three different physical activities, selected from six distinct physical activity areas

- These three activities become the focus

- Learn about many factors that influence participation and performance

- Choose one of three chosen activities for performance assessment

- Taught over two years of Senior Cycle

- 3 class periods per week within your L.C.P.E class group

- 2 in classroom and 1 in Gym / Outdoors

- At times 1 in classroom and 2 in Gym / Outdoors

- 1 Additional class of recreational PE still provided (S.C.P.E)

- Performance analysis with ICT and using multi-media approaches

- Software tools used to collect, record, analyse and display information. May be

used by students in the preparation of videos, reports, graphics, concept-maps,

databases, and presentations for coursework

- ICT and its use within physical activity and sport to be explored

- ICT within media coverage of sport and its impact

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- Higher and Ordinary Level

- Differentiation at the point of assessment is reflected in the structure of the

examination tasks and in the nature of the challenges posed

- The performance assessment is assessed at a common level

- Learners to choose which activity to focus on for their project

- PE teacher and students will have pre-determined range of activity choices

- Can complete project as a performer or coach/choreographer

- 8 to 10 week period

- Apply learning from specification

- Completed in digital format

- Four Sections:

1. Performance Analysis

2. Identify four performance goals

3. Evidence of ongoing training/practice/reflection

4. Concluding analysis

- Choose one of the three physical activities being studied

- Demonstrate range of skills/techniques/elements

- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of principles of performance/rules

- Digitally captured by the learner

- Sessions designed to demonstrate learners best personal performance in fully

competitive settings

- Assessed by the State Examinations Commission at Common Level

- Based on aims, objectives and learning outcomes of L.C.P.E

- Knowledge and understanding of theoretical factors which affect participation

and performance in physical activity and their relationship

- Concept and process knowledge

- Learner engagement with a case study designed to ensure learners can apply

their learning in a physical activity scenario

Mercy Secondary School,

Kilbeggan

LCVP

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LCVP

❖ Taken as an extra subject

❖ Completely optional

❖ Timetabled in school week

❖ Two classes per week

❖ Those not taking LCVP study at these times

LCVP – Course Material

Two Main Modules

1. Preparation for the World of Work

2. Enterprise Education

LCVP - EXAMINATIONS

Two Main Assessments

1. Written Examination – 40%

(After Easter)

2. Portfolio Coursework – 60%

(Assembled over two years)

NO EXAM IN JUNE

LCVP - Restrictions

❖ Only Students taking certain groupings of subjects may

take LCVP (e.g. Social & Scientific and Business)

❖ There are 16 such groupings

❖ Never pick subjects solely for this reason

❖ Always pick your best subjects

LCVP - Marking

❖Distinction - 80% to 100%

❖Merit - 65% to 79%

❖Pass - 50% to 64%

LCVP and the Points System

LC Grade Higher Lower Common

H1(90-100) 100 56

H2(80-89.99) 88 46

H3(70-79.99) 77 37

H4(60-69.99) 66 28

H5(50-59.99) 56 20

H6(40-49.99) 46 12

H7(30-39.99) 37 0

H8(<30) 0 0

LCVP

DIstinction

66

LCVP Merit 46

LCVP Pass 28

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LCVP - Points

❖Distinction = 66

❖Merit = 46

❖Pass = 28

LCVP – Who Should Do It?

❖LCVP is generally the 8th subject

❖NO EXAM IN JUNE

❖Rule of Thumb - anyone starting out doing 5 honours or less should definitely consider doing LCVP - if they have the right subject groupings

LCVP – School Statistics?

❖Generally 60% of Students who take

LCVP use it for points

❖Roughly 90% of these are in the 0 – 5

honours category

TRANSITION YEAR PROGRAMME

Mercy Secondary School Kilbeggan2020/2021

What is Transition Year ?

One Year Between 3rd and 5th Year – “4th Year”

• A Bridge Between the dependant learning of the Junior Cycle to the more independent self-

directed learning required for the Senior Cycle

Why Opt for Transition Year ?

• Time to mature

• Develop new skills

• Informed subject choice

• Independent self-directed learning

• Build confidence and self-esteem

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Why opt for Transition Year?

The longitudinal Survey, Do schools Differ, Commission on the Points System Report, ESRI Report

Main findings

Students who do TY get 26 more points in their Leaving cert

TY students do more higher level subjects

TY students follow a degree course rather than a certificate or Diploma

TY students finish 3rd Level

What Do You Do In Transition Year ?

• Core School Subjects

• Rotation/Taster Subjects

• Work Experience - 2 weeks(October, March)

• Guest Speakers

• Day Trips

• Foreign Trip

• Subject Excursions

TY Core Subjects 2020/2021

• Irish: Oral work, Novel, Poetry, Pros.

• English: Novels, Poetry and Drama.

• Maths: Projects, Build-Up Programme, Mathseyes.

• History: Key personalities and the main events of The Civil Rights Movement.

• Geography: Physical, Economic and Human Geography

• Science: Biology / Chemistry / Physics / Ag. Science

TY Rotation/Taster Subjects 2020/2021

• DCG: Explore 3D design modelling through SolidWorks.

• Business Studies: Research an entrepreneur and make presentation

• Minicompany: Set up and run their own business.

• Metalwork: Use a range of materials to create a unique project.

• Woodwork: Develop your woodwork hand skills making a small project.

TY Subjects Rotation/Taster 2020/2021

• PE: Variety of sports/ adventure trips / nutrition and fitness

• MFL - French/German: Modules based on Culture/ Music / film / Food

• Religion: To awaken the Students understanding of life issues in the 21Century

• Career Guidance: Subject Choice, Career Options

• Computer Studies: Microsoft Office Specialist Exams

TY Rotation/Taster Subjects 2020/2021

• Junk Kouture: Outfits are designed and made from Re-cycled materials.

• Life Skills: practical life skills like wiring a plug, hanging a shelf, house design, mixing concrete

• Classical Studies: Study of Philosophy, Ancient Sport and Greek and Roman Civilisation

• Speech & Drama: Effective Communication Exam.

• Art: Crafts, Painting Landscapes and Portraits

• Music: Listening, Performing and Composing

• Home Economics: Focus on Basic Culinary Skills.

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Guest Speakers

Young SVDP

Project One Sky

Youth Suicide Prevention

Beat the Blues

Holocaust Education Trust Ireland

Student Enterprise Board

Bank of Ireland

Face the Pheonix

Day Trips/Subject Workshops

Drumming Workshop English Comedy Show

First Aid Swimming

Lough Boora GAA Coaching

Skiing/Ice Skating Gaisce

Galway Cathedral Trip

Law Days

Movie Magic

Bray to Greystones Walk

Forensic Science

Colaiste Uisce

Young Scientist/Scifest

Croagh Patrick Climb

Transition Year Companion Operation Scheme (TYCOS)

‘The programme endeavours to build bridges between students attached to our ASD classes and their Transition Year mentors – encouraging both friendships and awareness’.

TY students will have the opportunity to volunteer within the programme from September 2020.

Invaluable experience.

Volunteer work will be linked to Gaisce awards fulfilling an essential element of the programme.

Cost of Transition Year 2020/2021

• Activities throughout year €450

• Foreign Trip €450

• Administration € 40

• Insurance € 10

• Total € 950

How Do I Apply ?

• Fill in an application Form

• Return to Ms. Clarke by Friday 20th

March 2020 with €100 towards TY Costs

• Only Applications with €100 will be considered

• Once accepted a second deposit of €150 is due Friday 22nd May 2020

RSA Road Safety Day

Outdoor pursuits

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Drumming Workshop

First Aid Course

Make-up Course

Learning to cook

Computers

Debating

Junk

Kouture

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