Cnoc Mhuire Subject Choice 2015 Ms Megan Comaskey

Further Study Options Junior Certificate Transition Year FETAC Courses Traditional Leaving Certificate With or without Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP) Institutes of Technology Higher Certs. Ord. Degrees Hons. Degrees University Honours Degrees

Subject Choices Irish English Maths ? ? ) ) ) 3 Core Subjects 4 Options

OPTIONAL SUBJECTS 2012 BUSINESS APPLIED SCIENCES Business Home Economics Accountancy Construction Studies SCIENCE Biology Physics Chemistry Ag Science LANGUAGES French Spanish Design and Communication Graphics SOCIAL STUDIES History Geography Music Art Home Economics

Information on Subjects Websites. www. ncca. ie www. careersportal. ie www. qualifax. ie Teachers.

Choose Wisely : Why is this important? Access to courses and Colleges. To maximise potential To prevent boredom! Keep in mind the following:

College Requirements • • • Entry Requirements. Course Requirements. Points Requirements.

Minimum Entry Requirements Institution Minimum grades NUI Colleges: UCD, NUIM, 2 HC 3 + 4 OD 3 NUIG, UCC. (RCSI, Shannon, NCAD) Required subjects OD 3 in English, Irish & Language. Trinity College Dublin 3 HC 3 + 3 OD 3 in Maths, English & another Language Dublin City University 2 HC 3 + 4 OD 3 in Maths, English or Irish University of Limerick 2 HC 3 + 4 OD 3 in Maths, English & Irish or another Lang. Institutes of Technology 2 HC 3 + 4 OD 3 in Maths, English or Irish (H. Degree) 5 OD 3 (O. Degree. or Higher Cert)

Colleges of Further Education ◦ Cavan Institute …………. and other FETAC Colleges around the country. Entry Requirements ◦ 5 OD 3 in Leaving Certificate. Progression routes to IT’s and Universities. ◦ Note some courses have subject requirements e. g. Biology necessary for Beauty Therapy.

Examples of NUI Third Language Exceptions • • • In UCD a European language is not required for Engineering, Science or Agricultural Science. In NCAD (National College of Art & Design) Art counts as the third language. It is regarded as a visual language.

Specific Subject Requirements In addition to the Minimum Entry Requirements, additional subjects and grades may be required to gain entry to specific courses. For Example: • Engineering Degree Courses: HC 3 Maths • Veterinary Medicine: HC 3 Chemistry • Primary Teaching: HC 3 Irish

Other Subject Requirements Mathematics Business Studies (DCU) – OC 3/HD 3 Optometry (DIT) - OB 3 Business (TCD) – OC/HD Check booklet on Subject Requirements. Science Many courses require any one science subject Some courses require 2 science subjects. Nursing – OD 3 in a Lab. Science. Chemistry Requirements Pharmacy, Human Nutrition, Veterinary Medicine, Medicine & Dentistry (UCC) – HC 3

Useful Subjects You can study Business in College without having it as a Leaving Certificate Subject. • • • You can study Art in College without having Leaving Cert Art. However you do need a Portfolio. Students should consider useful subjects for future careers. The majority of courses do not have subject requirements.

Points Requirements The points system is used to select students for a course at college. Students must meet the College Requirements and subject Entry Requirements first. • Points are awarded for each Grade achieved in the Leaving Certificate. • A student’s points total is calculated from his/her six best subjects. • Maximum points is 600. (+25 Honours Maths) www. qualifax has updated details on requirements for each course. •

Points allocated for Leaving Cert Subjects

What should I do now? Research the course content and exam structure of subjects • Discuss options with parents/guardians. • Find out if the careers that I am interested in, have particular subject requirements. • Talk to subject teachers. • Keep in mind future career plans, but not essential at this stage! Career theorists estimate age 18 -19 years is the best age for career choice. ! • If unsure, keep options open. Choose a balanced range of subjects. ie a language, a science subject and 2 others.

What else can I do? Complete an interest test on Careers Portal or Qualifax. If I have no interest in Science I will never be a Scientist. !!!!!

Career and Subject Decisions. Consider the following: • • Ability Aptitude: Take time to analyse CAT 4 feedback handout • Interest • Personality

Decision Checklist Have I selected subjects that I like and enjoy? Have I chosen subjects that I have an aptitude for? Have I considered potential career options? Is this my decision and not my friends? Am I happy to study these subjects for 5 class periods for the next two years? Have I selected a balance of learning, reasoning and practical subjects that suit my personality, interests, abilities and aptitudes. ?

What Next ? First round of subject options will be completed in early February. Then 4 lines of options will be formed. This is set up to maximise student satisfaction.

A very small number of students will not get their first 4 choices. These Students will be offered their fifth choice. If in need of Guidance, then……….

Guidance Appointments Individual Appointments are offered to all students with the Guidance Counsellor as required. Make appoint via email see Support section on school website To discuss Course Choice. To discuss Subject Options. Thank You. Good Luck!