Junior Certificate Subject Choice

St Paul’s Monasterevin

Aim

For students to give themselves a package of subjects and levels which:

They can manage

Will give a sense of career direction

Important Considerations

Interest in the subject

Ability in the subject

Future career aspirations

Stress-free 4 more years in ISK

Junior Certificate Exam Subjects

Mandatory:• Irish • English• Maths• History• Geography• French• CSPE• Business• Religion

Optional (Choose 2)

Technical DrawingWood TechnologyScienceHome EconomicsArt, Craft and Design

Applied Sciences – Usefulness:

Technical Graphics: Useful for careers in Engineering, Information Technology, Architecture, Printing, Aviation, Army and Air Corps, Design, Construction Industry etc.

Wood Technology: Useful for Architecture, Building Construction, Carpentry, Engineering, Design, Town Planning, Quantity Surveyor, Plasterer, Housing etc.

Career Advantage

Art Advertising, Marketing, Printing, Architecture, Fashion Designer, Primary Teacher, Media, Fashion Design.A portfolio is often a requirement for Art courses

Home Economics Home Ec Teaching, Dietician, Chef, Food Science,

Nursing, Childcare etc.

Choosing Subjects

How do students choose?

ResearchDiscussReflect Decide

Research

Subject Websites – www.scoilnet.ie www.education.ie www.skoool.ie

Career Websites –www.qualifax.iewww.careersportal.iewww.careerdirections.ie www.nui.iewww.cao.ie

Junior Certificate course books.

Discuss

Subject Teachers.Current Pupils.Parents/GuardiansOlder Brothers & Sisters.Guidance Counsellor.

Ask….

Do I like this subject? Am I good at it? How have I performed up to now?Is there a chance I might need it for further study/career?Am I keeping my options open?Is Level important?

Decide

We do not have a crystal ball to see into the consequences

of our decisions but we tend to be happier and more at ease with our decisions when we

have done our work!

Level – Higher, Ordinary

→ If students are willing to put in the study over the next two years then they should start all subjects at Honours level.

→ It is easier to drop to a lower level if the student themselves, you as parents, and teachers agree that it is the right move, than to find that the Ordinary level class is too easy and then needing to move to Honours.

→ Sometimes movement is restricted between Ordinary and Honours classes simply because there is no place available.

So the advise is start at the Higher level and keep the head down.

The Points System

How can it go wrong?

Subjects chosen are too difficult and they do not like them.No thought given to future can lead to disappointment.Picking traditional subjects and so limiting options.Following friend’s selections or teacher reputation.Not fully informed about subject, especially if informed by only one source.

Summary

Subjects should be chosen based on:- Ability & Interest- Career Aspirations- College Entry Requirements.

Q. What subjects will you enjoy and do best in??

Useful websites

Qualifax

CareersPortal

CareerDirections

Questions?

Contact Ms. Garrett for more information