Ardscoil Rís Senior Options Information Night

19th March 2015

Agenda

Who and What Do I Want to Be?

Which One Do We Know??

What We Are Doing

Senior Options

Leaving Cert Established

Core Subjects Examined (3)

Irish English Mathematics

Non Exam RE including RSE Careers

Option Subjects (4)Choose from 14 Subjects Option form.Total of 7 subjects

examined at Leaving Certificate plus LCVP if eligible.

Optional Subjects Fourteen choices Choose six, do four

from: French Spanish History Geography Business Accounting Economics Music

Construction Studies

Design and Communications Graphics

Biology Physics Chemistry Phys/Chem

Choosing Options Think ahead to the next step Keep options open for 3rd level

College entry : Points + Entry Requirements

The Points System Six best

subjects All worth the

same except: H.L.

Maths LCVP

General Entry Requirements

Level 8 Courses 6 Subjects: 2HC3 + 4 OD3Trinity 3HC3 + 3OD3

IT’s Level 6/ 7 courses5OD3

Post Leaving Cert Courses

Pass Leaving Cert + Interview

Specific Subject Requirements Science: One or two science subjects depending

on the course or university. Biology, Chemistry, Physics (sometimes accept Maths)

Engineering: Honours Maths for Universities (Special Maths exam)

Primary Teaching: C in Higher Level Irish Veterinary medicine /Dietetics/Pharmacy/Dentistry:

Chemistry Medicine: HPAT + Chemistry + one science

depending on location Trinity: Paramedical/science 2 Science Subjects Medical Sciences: 1/2 science subjects Many of these courses also have specific grade

requirements e.g. HB3 etcCollege information is subject to change and should be verified on the college website

Languages A Pass in a European Language is required for entry to most courses in NUI colleges e.g. UCC, UCD, NUIM, NUIG, RCSI,NCAD, St. Angela’s Sligo, Milltown Institute, Institute of Public Administration – the main exceptions are

(a) NCAD which will accept Art instead of a language (b) Some Science, Nursing and Engineering courses

UL, Trinity, DCU, DIT and all Institutes of Technology English, Maths and ANOTHER language which can be Irish Irish Exemptions carry through if OFFICAL exemptions Gardaí, Army cadetships, Primary Teaching exemptions

do not apply

All college information is subject to change and should always be verified on the college website

Choose subjects the student:

Likes

Has achieved well in

Needs for their future

Is prepared to work at Link talents to subjects Talk to teachers, siblings, cousins Look at senior cycle text books Choose a good mix of subjects to keep college and

career options open

Not sure? Safe option English, Irish and Maths 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.

Resources www.curriculumonline.ie Syllabus for LC

Subjects www.examinations.ie Look at past exam

papers www.qualifax.ie Check entry requirements www.careersportal.ie College websites Guidance Counsellor Teachers

Next Steps

The Form

Summary

Deciding on SubjectsSubject Information

Choosing a language Choosing French or Spanish builds on

the knowledge acquired for the Junior certificate

Would suit students with an interest in French/Spanish culture and who have an aptitude for the language

Important choice as many 3rd level courses have a language requirement

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Choosing a language French/Spanish would be of benefit to

many careers including teaching, translation, interpreting, journalism media, engineering, finance, tourism, hospitality, food and wine, sales and marketing

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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

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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

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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

25

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

s26

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

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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.

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Choosing Music Music involves three core areas-

performing, 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

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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

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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

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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)

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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

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Choosing physics Physics is a requirement for entry into a

number of CAO courses including Theoretical Physics in TCD and UCD

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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

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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

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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.

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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 subjectKeep your modern languageTake 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.

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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.

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FinallyMost Employers want a good graduate,

but not of a particular typeKeep 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!