Senior Cycle Options in Confey College January 2017

Senior Cycle Options in Confey College January 2017 Ms O’Byrne & Ms Logan 1

Senior Cycle Options • Traditional Leaving Certificate ( which may include Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme LCVP) • Transition Year • Leaving Certificate Applied 2

LCVP • LCVP students must take a minimum of five Leaving Certificate Subjects • (at Higher, Ordinary or Foundation Level) including Irish • two of the above must be selected from one of the designated Vocational Subject Groupings • they must study the two Link Modules, namely Preparation for the World of Work and Enterprise Education • students are required to follow a recognised course in a Modern European Language (other than Irish or English). 3

How do I choose? You choose the senior cycle option which is best for you by considering • Your age • Your intentions after school • Your aptitudes and interests 4

Subject Choices for the Traditional Leaving Certificate 5

How do I choose my subjects? You need to consider • Your strengths • Your interests • Your skills or aptitudes • Your plans for the future, i. e. do I plan to go to college, what would I like to do? 6

when choosing subjects: • Students should research what the study of each subject entails on websites such as www. careersportal. ie • Students should research entry requirements for 3 rd level courses on the website • www. qualifax. ie • www. careersportal. ie 7

How can we help? • Presentation to students • Presentation to parents • Individual teachers can advise on their subject • Guidance Counsellor can advise about course requirements • Email queries to cobyrne@confeycollege. org • jlogan@confeycollege. org 8

Subjects Available in Confey College Core Subjects: • Irish -Higher, Ordinary and Alternative Level • English-Higher and Ordinary Level • Maths -Higher, Ordinary and Alternative Level 9

Option Subjects Available at Higher and Ordinary Level only and according to demand expressed by students • Languages -French and German • Sciences -Biology -Chemistry -Physics - Agricultural Science 10

Option Subjects 2 • Business - Accounting - Economics • Social Studies -History • -Geography -Politics & Society • Artistic & Creative -Art -Music 11

Subject Options 3 • Applied Sciences - Home Economics - Engineering - Construction Studies - Design & Communication Graphics (DCG) - Applied Maths 12

How many subjects do I choose? Each student has 3 core subjects, i. e. Irish, English and Maths. You then choose 4 other subjects 13

Choosing a Language • Choosing French or German builds on the knowledge acquired for the Junior certificate • Would suit students with an interest in French/German culture and who have an aptitude for the language • Important choice as many 3 rd level courses have a language requirement 14

Choosing a Language • French/German would be of benefit to many careers including teaching, translation, interpreting, journalism media, engineering, finance, tourism, hospitality, food and wine, sales and marketing 15

Choosing Business • Business provides students with a learning experience for a wide range of careers in business, marketing, law enterprise and management • Would suit students who have an organised mind and who like to answer questions in bullet points not in long essay format 16

Choosing Business • Students don’t have to have studied business at Junior certificate level • Business is not an essential subject for any courses in the CAO system 17

Choosing Economics • Economics provides students with a learning foundation for a wide range of careers in business, economics, finance, enterprise and management • Ideally students should have a general interest in how the economy works and be interested in current affairs 18

Choosing Economics • Economics is not an essential requirement for any courses in the CAO system • The study of Economics is concerned with the workings of a modern economy at both macro and micro level • It suits students who are willing to work hard and caters for all abilities 19

Choosing Accounting, • Accounting develops students numeracy skills within the context of business and enterprise • Strongly recommended when Accountancy is the career path you want to follow although not required for any course at third level • Students needs to be comfortable with numbers but do not need to be higher level maths students s 20

Choosing History • History suits students who enjoy history and who are willing to commit a lot of time to study and research • Students who have strong English language skills • It is not required for any CAO courses • Useful for careers in education, law, media, politics, research etc. 21

Choosing Geography • Suits students considering further study in areas such as geography, economics, environmental science • Not an essential requirement for any course in the CAO system • TCD accepts Geography as a science subject into science and pharmacy. • UCD accepts Geography as a science subject into science. 22

Choosing Art • Suits students who have shown an aptitude for art • Suits students who are considering a career in a creative disciplines such as Architecture, Marketing, Film and Entertainment, Web Design, Fashion, Game Design or Advertising • For most 3 rd level Art and Design courses, a portfolio is required as 23 well as Leaving Cert art

Choosing Music • Music involves three core areasperforming, composing and listening • Suits students considering a career in a creative discipline such as singing , playing in a band, music production and performance technology and management • Most music courses require an interview and an audition along with Leaving cert results 24

Choosing Home Economics • Suits students who enjoy practical work such making things, doing things and knowing how things work • Much of the course is theory based and includes in-depth study of Nutrition, Resource Management Consumer studies and aspects of sociology 25

Choosing Home Economics • Suits students interested in careers in food, textiles, science, design, social studies and tourism • Not essential requirement for any course in the CAO system but useful if seeking entry to study Home Economics at third level 26

Choosing Biology • Suits students who had a good understanding and interest in junior cert science at higher level • Suits students who have excellent memories and attention to detail • Many CAO courses require at least one science subject • Choosing biology will be a huge benefit when studying Medicine, Nursing and related courses 27

Choosing Chemistry • Suits students who have done well in Mathematics and Science at junior cert level • Chemistry is an essential element in the study of careers including Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Physiotherapy, Nursing, Pharmacy and Medical Laboratory Technology 28

Choosing Chemistry • Chemistry is an essential requirement for study of Dentistry, Medicine, Pharmacy (UCC), Pharmacy (TCD), Human Nutrition & Dietetics (DIT), Public Health Nutrition (DIT), Veterinary Medicine (UCD) 29

Choosing Physics • Suits students who have an interest in science at junior cert level and those who enjoy learning about how things work • Students who are interested in the following careers would be advised to study physics: electrician, optician, doctor, dentist, engineer, computer technician and programmer 30

Choosing Physics • Physics is a requirement for entry into a number of CAO courses including Theoretical Physics in TCD and UCD 31

Choosing Engineering • Suits students who have an aptitude and interest for design and practical work and an interest in the study of mechanical engineering • Suits students who have an interest in careers in Mechanical Engineering and Manufacturing, Space Science and Technology, Computers and Software. 32

Choosing Engineering • Suits students interested in careers in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Art, Craft and Design, Building, Construction & Property • Engineering is not an essential requirement for any course in the CAO system 33

Choosing Construction • Suits students with an interest in buildings and the built environment • Students should have an aptitude and interest for design and practical work • Suits students interested in Building, Construction & Property • Not an essential subject for any courses in the CAO system 34

Choosing Design & Communication Graphics • Suits students who have an interest in the practical aspects of engineering and construction and who have taken Tech Graphics to Junior Cert level • Suits students who have an interest in careers in Building, Construction & Property, Computers & Software, Art, Craft & Design 35

Choosing Design, Communication & Graphics • Suits students interested in careers in Mechanical Engineering & Manufacturing and Medical Devices • DCG is not an essential requirement for any courses in the CAO system. 36

POLITICS and SOCIETY - NEW SUBJECT!!! 37

Choosing Agricultural Science • Study of the science and technology underlying the principles and practices of agriculture. • Plants and animal types associated with agriculture are studied investigations are undertaken into soil, ecology, plant and animal physiology, farm crops, farming practices, genetics and microbiology. • Written exam and project 38

Entry requirements 3 rd level • Remember choose 4 subjects that you are genuinely interested in, have an aptitude for and subjects that fulfill entry requirements for third level courses that you may wish to pursue after Leaving Certificate • Check entry requirements for all third level courses on www. qualifax. ie 39

NEW LEAVING CERT GRADING SYSTEM NEW GRADES FROM 2017 • H 1/O 1 90 -100 A 1 • H 2/O 2 80<90 A 2/B 1 • H 3/O 3 70<80 B 2/B 3 • H 4/O 4 60<70 C 1/C 2 • H 5/O 5 50<60 C 3/D 1 • H 6/O 6 40<50 D 2/D 3 • H 7/O 7 30<40 E • H 8/O 8 0<30 E/NG 40

Revised Points Scale from 2017 HIGHER ORDINARY GRADE POINTS H 1 H 2 H 3 100 88 77 H 4 66 H 5 H 6 H 7 56 46 37 O 1 O 2 O 3 56 46 37 H 8 0 O 4 O 5 O 6 O 7 08 28 20 12 0 0 Lcvp link modules Distinction = 66 Merit = 46 Pass = 28

Minimum Requirements NUI Colleges require: • Irish, English and a third language* • 3 other subjects • At least 2 H 5’s • Maths for all courses except Arts, Law and Social Science • Science, except for Arts, Law, Social Science and Commerce * For entry to a small number of Engineering Courses in Maynooth a 3 rd language is not required another recognised subject can be substituted. A 3 rd language will not be required for entry to Engineering or Agricultural Science Degrees in UCD. Another recognised subject may be substituted. Students entering Nursing may substitute any other recognised subject for the 3 rd. Language Students entering the NCAD may present Art in place of the 42 3 rd. Language.

Minimum Requirements cont. TCD requires: • English, Maths and another language (Irish, French, German or other) • 3 other subjects • At least 3 H 5’S DCU requires • Maths and English or Irish • 4 other subjects • At least 2 H 5’S 43

Minimum requirements cont. DIT and other IT requirements: • English or Irish and Maths • 4 other subjects – for Level 8 courses • 3 other subjects – for Level 7 courses • At least 2 H 5’s – for Level 8 courses 44

Course or Essential Requirements Many college courses and faculties have requirements in addition to the minimum requirements outlined. These must be checked with the college brochures or websites Examples: - Medicine may require honours Chemistry - Level 8 Engineering may require honours Maths - Art and Design courses require a portfolio of students’s own art work. 45

College Courses • All college courses are listed as Level 6, 7 or 8 for students with Leaving Cert, which is Level 5. • Level 6 courses are usually 2 years and the Qualification gained is a Higher Certificate. • Level 7 courses are usually 3 years and are called Ordinary Degrees • Level 8 courses are 3/4 or more years and are called Honours Degrees. 46

NATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORK 47

Colleges in Ireland Type of College Name of College University Maynooth (NUIM). Pontifical University, Maynooth. Trinity College (TCD). Galway (NUIG). Cork (UCC). Dublin (UCD). Limerick (UL). Dublin City University (DCU). Length of Course Level Entry of Qual Requirements Minimum 3 years Level 8 4 or more for many courses 4 or more honours in LC 48

Colleges in Ireland continued Type of College Name of College Length of Course Institutes of Dublin (DIT) 2 years Technology Blanchardstown, Tallaght, Carlow, Athlone, Dundalk, 3 Years Galway/Mayo, Cork, Waterford, Letterkenny, Limerick, Tralee, Sligo 3/4 + years Level of Qual Entry Requirements Level 6 2 + Honours Level 7 2 -3 + Honours Level 8 4+ Honours 49

Colleges in Ireland continued Type of college Name of College Length of Course Level of Qual Entry requirements Miscellaneous State Funded Colleges --National College of Ireland(NCI) 2 years Level 6 2+ Hons -National College of Art and Design (NCAD) 3 Years Level 7 -Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology(DLIADT) 3/4 Years Level 8 -Royal College of + Surgeons (RCSI) -Shannon College of Hotel Management -Carlow College 3/4 + Hons 4+ Hons 50

Colleges in Ireland continued Type of college Name of College Length of Level of Course Qual Entry requirements Primary Teaching St. Patrick’s, 3/4 Years Level 7 Drumcondra or 8 (DCU) Coláiste Mhuire, Marino (DCU) Froebel NUIM Church of Ireland College, Rathmines Mary Immaculate College, Limerick 4+ Honours Home Economics St. Angela’s, Sligo 4 Years Level 8 4+ Honours Teacher of Religion Mater Dei, Drumcondra St Patricks Pontifical 4 Years Level 8 3/4 + Honours 3 years Level 8 51

Colleges in Ireland continued Type of college Name of College Length of Course Private Colleges -American 1 – 4 College Years -Dublin Business School -Griffith College -Portobello College Level of Qual Entry requirements Level 6 Level 7 Level 8 Pass Leaving Cert + N. B. Large Tuition Fees are payable at Private Colleges – Ranging from € 4, 000 upwards per annum. 52

To Keep Your Options Open If you are not sure at all, or have only a vague idea of what you would like to do after you leave school then – • Take at least one science subject • Keep your modern language • Take 2 other subjects that you are good at, or that you enjoy and will do well at. N. B. - Points restrict entry to many courses more than subjects do. 53

Essential Subjects Many courses, especially at Level 8 will require you to have a particular subject and sometimes even to Honours level. For example: Engineering – you may require Honours Maths and often a Science subject also Medicine and other Paramedical courses – one or two science subjects (Chemistry very important)54

Essential Subjects cont. Nursing – must have a science subject – not necessarily Biology Primary Teaching – Must have Honours Irish to get straight into Teacher Training Languages – for all NUI Colleges you must have a modern language (except for a small number of courses). For all courses that includes the study of a language. Business & Accounting – not essential for any course but would make college life easier if you intend to choose this type of career/course 55

EXEMPTIONS FROM IRISH 56

Exemptions from Irish • A number of universities require students to have a pass grade in Irish in order to meet the matriculation requirements. These institutions include: • University College Dublin (UCD) • University College Cork (UCC), • NUI Maynooth and • NUI Galway. • Trinity College Dublin (TCD) requires students to pass a language other than English. • The University of Limerick (UL) requires students to pass English and another language 57

Language exemption NUI Colleges • These must be completed and signed by the school principal. Completed forms should be sent to the NUI offices on Merrion Square, Dublin, and not to the individual institutions. There is no need for the candidate to contact the CAO or institutions directly as this will be done on their behalf if their application is successful. TCD • Applicants to TCD who may not meet the language requirement may apply to the university's admission office for a similar exemption. University of Limerick If a student with a learning difficulty or hearing impairment wishes to apply to UL and does not study Irish or a European language they may apply for a language exemption by providing evidence of their disability and a copy of their certificate of exemption from Irish to UL admissions office. 58

Language Exemption DCU • Dublin City University (DCU) requires students to have passed Maths and English for matriculation. Institutes of Technology • The Institutes of Technology also require students to have passed Maths and English. Therefore it is not necessary to apply for a language exemption from any of these institutions. 59

Language Exemption • Students who do not take Irish and/or a European language will have difficulty meeting the minimum requirements for these colleges. However, if candidates hold an exemption from Irish from the Department of Education they may apply to the institutions for an exemption from language-related entry requirements. NUI Colleges In order to apply for an exemption from the NUI institutions, candidates should first go to nui. ie and go to the 'entry requirements' section of 'going to college. ' Here they will find PDF forms to be used to apply for a third language or Irish exemption. 60

Alternative routes Remember that there are many ways to reach the career of your choice. If you do not get the points you would need to do a Level 8 course, then you could start at Level 6 and work your way up. This is true for many careers and courses, but not all. 61

Post Leaving Cert Courses (PLC) are available in many colleges in Dublin and around the country. There are courses in almost everything you could wish for. Entry to these courses is based on an application to the college and an interview. Not on Points! They can be used to improve your prospects of entry to 3 rd. Level Colleges, or to gain a qualification and go directly into employment Courses are from 1 – 2 years, with qualification from Level 5 to Level 6. 62

SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS • Monday 23 rd January: Parents Information Session: Introduction to Senior Cycle Options in Confey College@ 7 pm: Mr O’Byrne (Principal) • Tuesday 24 th January: Subject Options Talks to 3 rd Yr & TY students in Assembly Hall (911. 20) • Tuesday 24 th January (7 PM)- Feedback to Parents/Students of 3 A 1, 3 A 2 & 3 a 5 (half of class) on Cambridge and Eirquest • Wednesday 25 th January (7 PM)- Feedback to parents/students of 3 a 3, 3 a 4 and 3 a 5 (second half) on Cambridge and Eirquest 63

Schedule of Meetings • Wednesday February 1 st: (7 pm): Feedback to Parents/students of TY on Cambridge Profile & Eirquest • Monday February 6 th: (pm): Information meeting for parents on TY and LCA programmes • Wednesday February 15 th: Closing Date for Applications for 5 th Yr/TY/LCA Options. 64

Finally • Most Employers want a good graduate, but not of a particular type • Keep your options open as long as possible – keep your science and language if possible • Students should work as hard as they can now to get the best grades in their Junior Cert as this can often affect at what level they take a subject for the Leaving Cert. • If they are unsure, ask a teacher or the Guidance Counsellor for help Good luck with your decisions! 65