Subject ChoiceJunior Cycle 2014/2015

1. Pat O’Brien

2. Questions and Answers

Junior Cycle Timetable In first year all students are timetabled for all

subjects.(19) No choice required on entering first year. This allows students to experience all

aspects of the curriculum. Allows an informed decision to be made

based on their experiences of subjects. Moving into Second Year choices must be

made as students drop from 19 subjects to 13.(11 Exam and 2 Non-Exam)

Junior Cycle Timetable

2A – 2B – 2C – 2D

3A – 3B – 3C – 3D

2E – 2F – 2G

3E – 3F – 3G

1T – 1V – 1W – 1X – 1Y – 1Z

Moving from 1st year to 2nd/3rd year - a completely different timetable structure.

Junior Cycle Timetable (43)

CORE SUBJECTS English (4) Science (4) Religion (3) History (2) Geography (2) C.S.P.E. (1) S.P.H.E. (1) P.E. (2)-----------------------------------------

- MATHEMATICS (5) IRISH (4)

OPTIONAL SUBJECTS Art (5) Business (5) French (5) German (5) Home Economics (5) Music (5) Technical Graphics (5) Woodwork (5)------------------------------------------

3 of the above optional subjects are chosen

Choosing Optional Subjects -Factors to be considered

Interest This is one of the most important factors to be considered. Students do much better in subjects that they enjoy. Motivation is significantly increased when students enjoy

their subjects.

Ability Students should be reasonably comfortable with the

subjects they are choosing. If the student is struggling with a particular subject in 1st

year then caution should be exercised here. All subjects are available at Higher and Ordinary level. Every subject in L.C. has an equal points value.(Maths).

Choosing Optional Subjects -Factors not to be considered

Friends Each students interests, aptitudes and abilities are unique, so

students should select subjects which reflect their own individual attributes.

Over the course of their Junior Certificate years and beyond friendship patterns can change.

24 out of the total weekly class periods (43) will not be in core class groups (different groups).

Teachers We have no idea at this stage who will be teaching any subject. Next year there may be new teachers or existing teachers could

be gone. Students should choose their subjects based on the subject itself

and not who they think may be teaching it.

Important Issues Languages

It is recommended that students take a modern language as it is a requirement for the majority of courses in the NUI colleges – UCD, NUIM, NUIG, UCC and the RCSI.

However, if languages are a particular problem then it must be questioned as to whether it is wise for a student to take a modern language.

L.C. 2013 – 26.4% did not sit a modern language. French vs. German

Important to discuss this with language teachers Which one do they prefer doing homework in? Influence/assistance of brothers/sisters/parents Practical use of the language

Important Issues

Junior Certificate Leaving Certificate

Art ArtBusiness Accounting, Business, EconomicsFrench FrenchGerman GermanHome Economics Home EconomicsMusic MusicTechnical Graphics Design/Communication GraphicsWoodwork Construction Studies

Is it necessary to do the subject in the Junior Certificate in order to do it in the Leaving Certificate?

Leaving Certificate Subjects

French German History Geography Physics Chemistry Biology Home Economics

Business Economics Accounting DCG Construction Studies Art Music

English / Irish / Maths + 4 from 15

Critical Junior Cert Subjects

Maths Irish French/German Science(Physics/Chemistry/Biology)

Non-Critical Junior Cert Subjects.

Art Business Home Economics Music Technical Graphics Woodwork

Important Issues Timetabling

Due to timetabling and staff constraints it may not be possible to accommodate every subject combination.

Core Subjects + 3 optional subjects from below.

2013/2014 Final Subject LinesGroup A/B/C/D

HEC - GER - TGR - FRE - WW

GER - ART - BUS - FRE

MUS - TGR - BUS - WW

Group E/F/G

FRE - FRE - GER

HOM - BUS - TGR

ART - BUS - TGR

Important Issues

Choosing Subjects – Sequence

1. Students choose 3 subjects from list of 8 subjects.

2. Examine if chosen 3 subjects fit into subject lines.

3. If they do subjects are recorded for student.

4. If they don’t (small minority) 1. Another set of subjects which fit lines must be selected.

2. Original selection will be held on file and may be accommodated later when classes are being allocated, if possible. This will happen after February 28th.

Breakdown 2013/2014

Subject Breakdown (152)

Business 86 French 82 Technical Graphics 78 German 68 Home Economics 41 Art 39 Woodwork 37 Music 25

Timetable of Events 13/14

1. November 25th–Presentation to 1st Years.2. December 2nd – Subject Choice

Interviews begin.3. January 7th – Parents Information

Evening: 7.45 - 8.45 pm4. January 9th – 1st Year Parent-Teacher

Meeting: 4.15 - 6.45 pm5. February 14th – Deadline for final subject

choices.

Parent/Teacher Meeting

Theatre - Thursday 4.15 P.M.-6.45P.M. Approximately 40 teachers sitting in

alphabetical order. N.B. Bring Christmas Report which lists

the 19 teachers your child has. Prioritise who you need to see. Timing. Parents/guardians split list.

What can I do to assist my son / daughter?

Discuss subjects with your child. Discuss subjects with your child’s teachers

at the parent / teacher meeting. Discuss subjects with other students who

are currently doing or have already done these subjects.

It is important that students do not neglect the subjects that they are not continuing on with.

Written confirmation of any changes.