Senior Cycle - Subject Choice

30th April 2014

Subject Choice Talk Outline

• Senior Cycle – Core Subjects

• Senior Cycle – Optional Subjects

• Subject Choice – Decision Making

• The Points System

• General College Requirements

• Specific College Requirements

• Useful Tools

• Summary

Compulsory Senior Cycle Subjects

• English Most HEIs require English. Some accept Irish instead, e.g. DCU, DIT.

• Irish NUI Colleges and Colleges of Education require Irish, e.g. Higher level

required for Primary Teaching.

• Maths* OB3 in Maths required for many courses, e.g. Commerce. Higher Maths required for certain courses, e.g. Actuary, Engineering. *Bonus points (25) for Higher Level Maths.

Students then select another 4/5 subjects to study from the options.

Optional Subjects for Senior Cycle 2014/2015

Language Group Business Group Lab Science Group

French Accounting Agricultural Science

German Business Biology

Latin Economics Chemistry

Spanish Physics

Social Studies Group Artistic Group Applied Subject Group

Geography Art Applied Maths

History Music Construction Studies

Religious Education Design & Communication Graphics

Home Economics

Language Subject Group

Modern Languages: French, German, Spanish

• Modern languages require students to be proficient in the following skills: Oral/Speaking, Written, Aural/Listening, Reading.

• A wide variety of themes are covered, e.g. Family, School, Hobbies, Sport, Current Affairs.

• Grammar and Cultural Awareness are essential elements of these courses.

• At Third Level:

- Can be combined with Computers, Business, Law.

- OD3 required for entry to NUI Colleges (some exceptions).

- Usually HC required in most language/language combined

third level courses.

Booklet Pages: 4,5, 6, 7

Language Subject GroupClassical Language: Latin

• Course focuses on written composition and comprehension of Latin texts. Poetry, historical records and Roman legends are studied in detail as well as Roman history, architecture and culture.

• What kind of student might Latin suit?- 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 English and

other European languages.- Students who enjoyed and got good grades in Junior Cert Latin.

• At Third Level:- Students aiming to work in medicine, zoology or botany, where Latin is

widely used to classify species and body parts.- Satisfies language requirement for entry to TCD, UCD. Booklet Page: 8, 9

Laboratory Science Subject Group

• A Snapshot of Science Requirements at Third Level:

• OD in a science subject is required for many third level courses. A HB or HC is required for some courses.

• 2 sciences are required for Medicine, Dentistry, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy and Human Genetics in TCD.

• Chemistry is essential for Veterinary (UCD), for Pharmacy (TCD) and for Medicine and Dentistry (UCC).

• It may be wise to consider choosing a science subject for Senior Cycle unless your son is struggling with science at Junior Cycle.

Booklet Page: 14

Laboratory Science Subject GroupAgricultural Science

• Agricultural Science is the study of the science and technology underlying the principles and practices of agriculture.

• Subject content includes soils, general structure and function of plants, farm crops, trees and shelter, structure and function of the animal body, farm buildings, farm-house environment.

• LC examination consists of:

a) Written Paper (75%)

b) Portfolio (25%)

• At Third Level:- Ag. Science is an accepted Laboratory Science subject for university

matriculation. - *May not present Ag. Science as one of the two req. science subjects for

Dental Science (TCD) from 2016. Booklet Page: 15

Laboratory Science Subject Group

Biology

• Biology is the study of human life and living organisms, e.g. Cloning, Bioethics, DNA finger printing, Stem Cell Research.

• The syllabus:

- 70% biological knowledge, understanding and skills;

- 30% deals with the technological, political, social and

economic aspects of biology.

• At Third Level:- Requirement for entry into a number of third level courses, e.g. Genetics

in UCC and Human Health and Disease in TCD.

Booklet Page: 16

Laboratory Science Subject Group

Chemistry

• Chemistry deals with the study of substances that make up our environment and the changes these substances undergo.

• Course includes 28 mandatory practical experiments, as well as a written

paper including questions on the experiments and examining the theory and applications of chemistry.

• At Third Level:- Requirement for entry into a number of third level courses, e.g. Dentistry

(UCC), Medicine (UCC), Pharmacy (UCC)(TCD), Human Nutrition and Dietetics (DIT).

Booklet Page: 17

Laboratory Science Subject Group

Physics

• Physics is the study of the laws and forces governing natural phenomena including heat, light, electricity and magnetism.

• Leaving Cert topics include: light, sounds, mechanics, electricity, atomic physics, nuclear physics.

• Course includes 28 mandatory experiments.• Strong grades in Junior Certificate Higher Level Maths and Science

recommended to study Physics.

• At Third Level:- Beneficial for courses in Engineering, Computer Science, Electronics

and Science.- Requirement for entry into Theoretical Physics (TCD).

Booklet Pages: 18, 19

Department of Materials Technology and Graphics

Construction Studies

Booklet Page: 21

Course Content

• Part 1 – Construction Theory and Drawing

• Part 2 – Practical skills

• Part 3 – Course work and projects

Part 1 – Construction Theory & Drawing

•Historical Development of Building

•Planning Process

•Environmental impact assessments

•Construction Details and Regulations

•Services

•Building Science

Construction Details & Regulations

Services

Indirect Hot-water supply

Building Sciences

• Light

• Sound

• Heat

Part 2 – Practical Skills

• Woodworking Techniques

• Health and Safety

• Surface preparation and finishing

• Preparation of cutting lists and working drawings

• Selection and use of glues, fixings and fixtures

• Design and use of gigs

• Design Process

Part 3 – Course Work and Projects

Assessment

• A three hour theory paper comprising written and drawing questions (50% of the examination marks)

• A four hour woodwork practical test (25% of the examination marks)

• Course work and project assessment (25% of the examination marks)

Sample Practical Exam

4hr duration

Construction Studies

• Construction Studies will further develop the practical skills attained

by students of Materials Technology Wood (MTW) at Junior Cert

Level .

• However, not having MTW will not preclude students from taking

Construction Studies to Leaving Certificate.

Construction Studies

Requires the following aptitudes:

• spatial perception

• independent thinking and self-motivation

• mathematical reasoning

• mechanical reasoning

• Sciences

Career Options

• Civil/Structural Engineering

• Architecture

• Building Services

• Teacher Training

• Furniture Design and Manufacture

• Apprenticeships

• A night class in Construction Studies is provided for those interested in taking it as an extra subject.

Construction Studies

Design and Communication Graphics

Booklet Page: 22

AssembliesGeologic

GeometrySurface

Geometry

Structural forms

Dynamic Mechanisms

Options (Select any 2)

The Core

(All sections are compulsory)

(B) Communication of Design and Computer Graphics

Freehand

Drawing

Communication of Design

Graphics in Design and

Communication

Information and Communication

Technologies

(A)Plane and Descriptive

GeometryIntersection and Development of

surfaces

Plane Geometry

Conic Sections

Projection

Systems

Descriptive Geometry of lines

and planes

Core A Projection Systems

Core A Plane Geometry

Core A

Intersection & Development of Surfaces

Core B

• Graphics in design and communication

• Communication of design

• Freehand drawing

• Information and communication technologies

Five optional areas – Study Two

• Surface Geometry

• Structural Forms

• Geologic Geometry

• Dynamic Mechanisms

• Assemblies

Optional Area Surface Geometry

Structural forms

Assessment

• There are two assessment components for the Leaving Cert;

• A terminal examination paper (60% of the examination marks).

• A student assignment (40% of the examination marks of which CAD will be a significant and compulsory component).

Design and Communication Graphics

• Design and Communication Graphics aims to develop the student’s

cognitive and practical skills attained while studying Technical Graphics

at Junior Cert level.

• DCG will include additional skills such as creative problem solving,

improved visualisation and spatial abilities, design capabilities,

computer graphics and CAD modelling.

• Not having studied Technical Graphics will not preclude students from

taking Design and Communication Graphics to Leaving Certificate.

Design and Communication Graphics

Requires the following aptitudes:

• Spatial perception

• Independent thinking and self-motivation

• Mathematical reasoning

• Mechanical reasoning

Career Options

• Architecture,

• Building services,

• Geomatics,

• Production Design,

• Civil and Structural Engineering,

• Planning

• Animation,

• Graphic Design,

• Landscape Architecture,

• Education,

• Web Design

• Chemical Engineering

Applied Subject Group

Applied Mathematics

• Analyses problems and applies relevant theoretical principles to problems.

• Uses Mathematics as a tool to obtain solutions.

• A or B grade in Junior Cert Higher Level Maths required.

• At Third Level:- Not an essential requirement for any courses in the CAO system. It is

worth noting that TCD accepts Applied Maths as a science subject for entry into both the science and pharmacy faculty. 

- Useful for careers such as Engineering, Physics, Construction and Architecture.

Booklet Page: 20

Applied Subject Group

Home Economics Social & Scientific

• A student must study 3 core elements:

1) Food Studies

2) Resource & Consumer Management

3) Social Studies• One further elective to be chosen – Home Design and Management or

Textiles, Fashion and Design or Social Studies.• Exam Structure: 20% for submission of project work and 80% written

exam paper.

• At Third Level:- Not a specific course requirement for any CAO course.- Beneficial for teaching, fashion, social science based third level courses.

Booklet Page: 23

Artistic Subject Group

Art • LC course is divided into:

1) History & Appreciation of Art Written work 37.5%

2) Design 25%

3) Imaginative Composition/Still Life 25%

4) Life Drawing 12.5%

• Art History section of the paper covers a period of 4000 years looking at architecture, painting and design.

• At Third Level:- For most art and design courses, a portfolio is required. Portfolios take a

lot of time to complete so it is best to research what is required and start early.

- Useful for careers like Animation, Art Teaching, Computer Design, Fashion Design, Photography.

Booklet Page: 24

Artistic Subject Group

Music

• The structure of the Music syllabus follows the Junior Cert outline with 3 essential activities in:

1) Performing (25% for Higher Level)

2) Composing (25% for Higher Level)

3) Listening (25% for Higher Level)

4) + 1 Higher Level Elective 25%

• At Third Level:- Not an essential requirement for any course in the CAO system.- For most music courses, LC results are not the only factor considered

for entry. Different colleges have different requirements.  E.g. to study Music in UCD an entrance test is given to all candidates and in NUIM applicants must sit an entrance exam, an interview and an audition. 

Booklet Page: 25

Social Studies Subject Group

Geography

• Involves the study of the interaction between man and his environment.

• The revised syllabus in Geography is examined by:

1) Field Study Report (20% of the marks) which

will be submitted in April/May of LC year.

2) The LC written examination (80% of the marks).

Booklet Page: 26

Geography Continued

The LC Geography paper is divided into:• Section A - Based on short questions from units 1, 2 and the field study.• Section B - Based on Core Unit 1 Physical.• Core Unit 2 – Regional.• Elective- Economic, i.e. GNP/CAP.- Human, i.e. Population/Migration.• Option - Global interdependence, e.g. Third World, Culture/Identity and Soils.- Atmosphere, Ocean and Environment.

• At Third Level:- Not an essential requirement for any course in the CAO system.- However, it is worth noting that TCD accepts Geography as a Science

subject for entry into both the Science and Pharmacy faculty.

Booklet Page: 26

Social Studies Subject Group

History• Studies the world of politics, economics, religion and philosophy (1889 –

1993).• Wide choice – 4 topics from a list of 24.• Syllabus has 3 parts:

- Part 1 – Irish History to 1993.

- Part 2 – History of wider world to 1990.

- Part 3 – Research document worth 20%• Strong English language and writing skills recommended.

• At Third Level:- Not an essential requirement for any course in the CAO system.- The study of History develops research skills and the ability to think

independently. These skills are beneficial for studying at third level.- Useful for careers like Journalism, Tourism, Government, Teaching.

Booklet Page: 27

Social Studies Subject Group

Religious Education

• Explores issues such as Christianity, the meaning and value of life, the nature of morality and the development and diversity of other belief systems.

• It is a study of religious beliefs not the examination of one’s individual faith.

• Format:

- 20% for Project Work to be submitted in April/May of LC year.

- 80% for 4 questions on the written paper.

• At Third Level:- Not an essential requirement for any course in the CAO system.- Useful for careers like Law, Journalism, Education, Social work.- Develops inquiry, thinking and problem solving skills which are essential at

third level.

Booklet Page: 28

Subject Choice - Decision Making

INTEREST

APTITUDE

THIRD LEVEL

REQUIREMENTSSPECIFIC COURSE

REQUIREMENTS

KEEP

OPTIONS O

PEN

Please consult the

Subject Choice for Senior Cycle 2014/2015 Booklet

for a detailed description of each optional

Senior Cycle Subject.

The Points System

• System used in 3rd level selection process.

• Cannot combine Leaving Cert points from different years.

• Can combine college and course requirements (except for medicine).

• Points total is calculated from 6 best subjects.

• 25 bonus points for HL Maths. Only counted if Maths is among the top

six subjects.

Booklet Page: 33

The Points System – Grading Bands

PERCENTAGES GRADE HIGHER ORDINARY

90 – 100 A1 100 60

85 – 89 A2 90 50

80 – 84 B1 85 45

75 – 79 B2 80 40

70 – 74 B3 75 35

65 – 69 C1 70 30

60 – 64 C2 65 25

55 – 59 C3 60 20

50 – 54 D1 55 15

45 – 49 D2 50 10

40 – 44 D3 45 5

25 – 39 E - -

10 – 24 F - -

0 – 9 NG - -

Matriculation

• To matriculate for a college means to have the basic

requirements for entry.

• Matriculation has nothing to do with points.

Booklet Page: 29

NUI Matriculation

• UCD, NUIM, NUIG, UCC, RCSI, Shannon College of Hotel Management.

• 6 subjects including a pass in English, Irish, Maths + Third Language.

• 2HC3 + 4OD3

• UCC requires 4HC3s from 2014.

• A third language is required except for entry into Engineering, Science,

Computer Science or Nursing courses.

Trinity College Dublin Matriculation

• Min. 6 subjects including a pass in English, Maths + another

language.

• 3HC3 + 3OD3

Dublin City University Matriculation

• Min. 6 subjects including a pass in Maths + English or Irish.

• 2HC3 + 4OD3

University of Limerick• Min. 6 subjects including a pass in Maths + English + Irish or another

language. • 2HC3 + 4OD3

Booklet Pages: 29

Teaching Colleges Matriculation

• Min. 6 subjects including a pass in Maths, English + Irish.

• 3HC3 + 3OD3

• HC3 Irish for all Primary Teaching courses.

Matriculation for I.Ts

• Min. 6 subjects including a pass in Maths + English or Irish.

• Level 8 Hons. Degree courses: 2HC3 + 4OD3.

• Level 6 Higher Certificate & Level 7 Ord. Degree courses: 5OD3s.

Booklet Pages: 30

Specific Course Requirements

• Aside from matriculation requirements for colleges, there are also

Minimum Subject Requirements for certain courses.

• Examples:

- Primary School Teaching – Irish HC3.

- Engineering Level 8 Degrees – Maths HC3.

- Science (UCD) – Lab Science OB3/HD3.

Booklet Page: 30, 31

Examples of Courses which require a Science Subject

• Medicine

• Nursing

• Pharmacy

• Radiography

• Physiotherapy

• Occupational Therapy

• Engineering (in some universities)

Useful Tool

• www.qualifax.ie

• Search Minimum Subject Requirements

Useful Websites

• Course/Career Choice:

- www.qualifax.ie

- www.careersportal.ie

- www.careernews.ie

• Study:

- www.mocks.ie

- www.skoool.ie

• Support:

- www.spunout.ie

- www.npcpp.ie/helpline.html

Useful Websites Continued…

• Access/Disability:

- www.ahead.ie

- www.accesscollege.ie

• Finance:

- www.studentfinance.ie

• Study Abroad:

- www.eunicas.ie

- www.intstudy.com

• Qualifications:

- www.nfq.ie

- www.qqi.ie

cmcgee@blackrockcollege.com