5th year is very important especially for those hoping to gain entry to high points courses.
Usually a maximum of 7 subjects are taken for the Leaving Certificate.
An extra (8th) subject? – need to think very carefully about this as each LC subject is extensive and requires a lot of work. Big jump in standard from Junior Cert.
Other subjects could suffer if workload is too great.
For points purposes best 6 subjects are counted.
Almost all subjects are of equal importance.
Extra points are awarded in all courses in the University from for Honours maths
Matriculation refers to the minimum requirements for entry to the University. Before you can be considered for admission you must meet these minimum standards. Matriculation has nothing to do with points
Important: A Modern Language is essential to gain entry to a number of courses in the NUI universities with the exception of Science, Agriculture, Nursing and Engineering courses. A modern language or Art is required for entry to all courses in NCAD
Trinity College Dublin (TCD)
O6 -> English, Maths & Another Language (can be Irish)
Multiple Intelligences Tests & Interest Assessment- to see what types of careers may suit your interests.
Leaving Cert text books and college prospectuses to research
5th Year Subjects
English
Irish
Mathematics
French or German or Spanish
Are the CORE SUBJECTS which all students must study
3 additional choice subjects
Religion, PE, SPHE, Choral work and career classes
Students also have the option to study LCVP
Subject Options for Leaving Cert 2018
Art
Music
Home Economics
History
Geography
Business
Accounting
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Agricultural Science
Technology
Japanese
LCVP
Students are being asked to pick subject choice of subject bands. One from each line.
Core Subjects
Offered at both higher and ordinary level
Big step up from Junior Cert Standard
Recommendation is that a students who achieved a B grade in Junior Cert higher level is a suitable candidate for Leaving Cert higher level.
Course contents for each core subject is different at higher and ordinary level.
Time and effort are determining factors for sticking with higher level.
Courses and Core subjects
Irish: Higher level H5 for primary school teaching
English: Higher level H5 or H3 is required for some Journalism courses
Maths: Higher level H5 is required for some Engineering course, Financial Maths, Physics and some Computer Science Courses.
Language: Higher level H5 is required in courses which involve this language at third level e.g. International Languages or Business and a Language
Optional Subjects
Businessand Accountancy
Not essential (but recommended) for business at third level
Accountancy Course covers preparation, recording, presentation and analysis of financial information (figures). Honours maths is not essential. Students wishing to study accountancy at third level must obtain a H5 or above from some courses.
Business Information on role of enterprise and develop critical understanding of the overall environment in which a business functions (facts).
All of the above are in part one of the course (80%)
A choice of social skills, textile design or home design (20%)
Written and practical examination
Students complete a journal of work, during 5th year. It is the practical component of the Home Ec.
Art
Art History and appreciation (38%)
Practical Art includes: (62%). Students complete a life drawing exam and will also develop a 10 week project based on a set theme. This is done in 6th year and will replace the traditional practical exam.
Essential for some photography, craft, media, architecture and design courses. (fine art etc)
NCAD/DLIAD and other art colleges require portfolios for specific courses
Music
Includes; listening 25%, performing 25%, composing 25% and either listening/ performing/composing for final 25%
Students can do a music technology piece to make up 50%.
Essential for music courses (Most music degrees will require an audition etc). Students may also choose music within Arts Degrees
Geography
Geography is the study of people, their environment, and the interaction between the two.
The course follows from Junior Cert Geography, and covers very similar topics but in a lot more detail.
There are a large number of optional sections on the course.
Written Examination (80%)
Geographical Investigation Report (20%)
History
Late Modern(1815-1993)
Not a required subject for any specific courses
Good preparation for third level as it trains you in extracting relevant facts and presenting them
Could be helpful for careers in area such as journalism or law
Written examination paper (80%). Essay style questions.
Research topics (20%): 1,500 words or 4 typed pages on an area of history which interests you. It is submitted in April of your exam year.
Science Subjects Physics
The Leaving Cert physics course follows directly from Junior Cert Science, and covers more topics in greater depth. Physics is often referred to as the maths side of science. Physics aims to enhance student's ability to think logically, observe and understand scientific method
Includes forms of energy, light and wave motion, current electricity, electronics, mechanics etc
Important to have a good understanding of maths
Required in most engineering and electronics courses
Chemistry
The course includes 28 mandatory practical experiments which must be completed in the lab, as well as a written paper including questions on the experiments and examining the theory and applications of chemistry
Chemistry is an essential element in the study of careers including: Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Physiotherapy, Nursing, Pharmacy and Medical Laboratory Technology.
This subject is a requirement for entry into a number of third level courses and a higher level H5 grade is now needed for some scientific degrees. Examples include: Dentistry, Medicine, Pharmacy, Human Nutrition and Dietetics in DIT.
Biology
Study of plants, living things and animals, Human physiology, microbiology and genetics
Relevant for medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, physiotherapy, health care work etc
It is recommended that a student taking Leaving Certificate Biology has a good understanding of Junior Science at higher level.
Each student must have an aptitude and interest for laboratory work.
A considerable amount of learning and study is necessary to do well in this subject.
Agricultural science is the study of the science and technology underlying the principles and practices of agriculture.
It is recognised as a laboratory science subject for almost all 3rd level courses including nursing. It can be a good study to subject with Biology and/or Geography due to the overlap in course content. Some experience of farming would be desirable.
The examination in Agricultural Science consist of (a) a terminal examination paper and (b) an assessment of the work (25%)
LCVP – Link Modules
This two-year programme’s primary goal is to prepare young people for working life.
LCVP is considered an 8th subject.
Students complete topics in relation to work preparation, interview and employment skills
Students complete 1 weeks work experience as part of the programme
LCVP is assessed by Written Examination (40%) and by Portfolio of Coursework (60%).
LCVP Programme Requirements
LCVP Programme Requirements
Minimum of 5 Leaving Cert Subjects
2 subjects from Subject Groupings below
Modern European Language
Good standard of English
An aptitude for Business
LCVP Vocational Subject Groupings:
Students must have a combination of the subjects below to qualify for LCVP
LCVP students receive the same certificate as other Leaving Certificate students but their Certificate includes an additional statement of the results of the Link Modules.
The Link Modules are recognised for points purposes by the Institutes of Technology and the Universities. The points are allocated as follows:
Distinction 66 points (80-100%)
Merit 45 points (65-79%)
Pass 28 points (50-64%)
General Advice
If a student is not really sure what she wants to do in the future:
Pick a broad range of subjects in order to keep options open
Many students will change their minds about their future a number of times in the next 2 years
E.g.
one language
one science
one business
one humanities / applied science.
This combination would allow access into a broad range of courses/careers.
