SENIOR CYCLE OPTIONS2016/2017

Senior Cycle Options1. Transition Year

This is an optional one-year programme for students who have

completed the Junior Cert.

2. Established Leaving Certificate

There are two two-year programmes for Leaving Cert. students.

a) Established Leaving Certificate

b) Established Leaving Certificate plus Leaving Certificate

Vocational Programme (L.C.V.P.).

3. Leaving Certificate Applied

A two-year Leaving Certificate programme aimed at preparing

students for adult and working life.

3rd Year Students

• Students in 3rd year can opt for 1 of the below:

• a) Established Leaving Cert (Level 5)

• b) Established Leaving Cert with LCVP (Level 5)

• c) TY – Transition Year

• d) Leaving Cert Applied (Level 4)

TY Students

• Students in TY can opt for 1 of the below:

• a) Established Leaving Cert (Level 5)

• b) Established Leaving Cert with LCVP (Level 5)

• c) Leaving Cert Applied (Level 4)

Coláiste na SceilgeTransition Year optionInformation Evening

2016-17

Subjects

Core Options TY Specific

Maths Home Economics European Studies

English Construction Gaisce

Irish Solidworks Drama

Careers Music Youth for Justice

SPHE Business

P.E. Home Ec.

Religion Art

Computers Biology

Physics

Chemistry

French

German

Spanish

History

Geography

Why Choose TYStudents who do Transition Year at second level get up to 40-45 more CAO points on average than those who do not, and they are also more likely to go on to third level education, a study by the Economic and Social Research Institute has indicated.

Students who have completed the Transition Year perform particularly strongly in subjects such as Maths and English.

Transition year students are also hanging in longer at third level than those who spend only five years in the senior cycle.

Transition Year students do better.

T.Y. will challenge you in different ways, if you meet with these challenges you will be well equipped for your Leaving Certificate and the LIFE ahead.

Dublin

Croke Park

Life Saving First Aid

Uden – Exchange Programme

Arrival Night –

All Anxious and

worried about

what they have let

themselves in

for!!!

Departure Night – All

Sad yet looking

forward to meeting

their new friends in a

few weeks time

Work Experience

Youth for Justice

Coláiste na SceilgeTransition Year optionInformation Evening

2016-17

What is TY

• A break from the stress and pressure of state exams, studying, projects orals etc.

• A time to think of what career path you would like to take and at the end (this time next year) be in a better position to choose the best subjects for your career/college course

• A year for fun, new adventures, learning and thinking outside the box• A year to test yourselves in unfamiliar water, self motivated

projects/competitions• A year to make new friends, Uden exchange programme, friends of a similar

mind-set that you didn’t know before• A year to get to know the teachers on a more personal level, a great help

going forward to be mature to approach us for help in Leaving Certificate• Develop your maturity• Learn to cook, start a business, new experiences • Gain an insight in to most subjects on offer for L.C. especially ones not done

for J.C. which may be needed to college course

Expectations of the T.Y. Student

• Reap the benefits for yourself

• Take part in all activities & Project work

• Remember you get out of TY what you put in to it

Investment• This year the cost is €750

– Deposit and 3 instalments

• What you Get

– Dublin Trip

– Life Saving First Aid

– Cappanalea

– Transport to and from all the events during the year

– Entry to various events during the year

– Homeopathy

– A young adult ready for what life throws at you

Leaving CertificateAt Leaving Cert. examination level, students study seven subjects.

3 Core Subjects:

• Irish (unless exemption granted)

• English

• Maths

4 more Options

Total Subjects = 7 (including LCVP = 8)

Best 6 only counted for CAO Points

What is Subject Choice?• Subject choice involves the choosing of a

meaningful and manageable selection of subjectsfor the Leaving Certificate examination

• It is a very important matter in that it may decidecareer choices / options available on leaving school

• Particular subjects at Leaving Cert required foraccess into certain colleges/courses.

• What Subjects….but Why? Know the Reason youare picking particular Subjects.

Future Career?Selecting subjects can be difficult if you areunsure about any further education or careerssteps you wish to take in the future

Useful websites:

www.cao.ie www.careersportal.ie

www.qualifax.ie www.education.ie

www.careersnews.ie (sign up for newsletter)

College Entry Requirements

1. Minimum Entry Requirements

These are particular subjects and numbers of honours/passesrequired for entry to an individual college or university

e.g. UCC: 2 HC3 + 4 OD3 (2017 onwards 2 H5 + 4 O6/H7 grades)Eng/Irish/Lang + 3 other subjects

UL: 2 HC3 + 4 OD3 (2017 onwards 2 H5 + 4 O6/H7 grades)

Eng/Maths/Irish or Lang + 3 other

ITT: Level 6 & 7 = 5 OD3 (2017 onwards 5 O6/H7 grades)

Maths/ Eng or Irish + 3 other subjects

Level 8 = 2 HC3 + 4 OD3 (2017 onwards 2 H5 + 4 O6/H7 grades)

1. Minimum Entry Requirements

2. Specific Entry Requirements

2. Specific Course RequirementsAdditional subjects may be required to gain entry to specific courses

Science Teaching

UL: Irish, English, Mathematics (OB3 / HD3), a laboratory science subject (OC3 / HD3), + 2 other subjects, Garda Vetting.

Engineering:

UL: Irish, English, Mathematics (HC3), a laboratory science subject / Engineering /DCG + 2 other subjects.

UCC: Irish, English, 2 X HC3 grades in Maths/ Applied Maths, a laboratory science subject + 1 other subject.

Law:

UCC: Irish, English, French/German + 3 other subjects

Cover All Angles

Grade Honours Ordinary

A1 100 60

A2 90 50

B1 85 45

B2 80 40

B3 75 35

C1 70 30

C2 65 25

C3 60 20

D1 55 15

D2 50 10

D3 45 5

LCVP Points

Distinction 70

Merit 50

Pass 30

Points Allocation For CAO

25 Higher Level

Maths Bonus

Points

6 subjects:Max 625 points

NEW Grade System from 2017 onwards

NEW LCVP Points

Distinction 66

Merit 46

Pass 28

Points Allocation For CAO 2017 onwards

25 Higher Level

Maths Bonus

Points

6 subjects:Max 625 points

Therefore

THOUGHT, PLANNING, RESEARCH &

ACCURATE INFORMATION ARE

NECESSARY

CORE SUBJECTS

• IRISH Higher/Ordinary/Foundation

Oral 40%

• ENGLISH Higher/Ordinary

• MATHS Higher/Ordinary/Foundation

25 CAO Bonus points for Honours Maths

STUDENTS MUST

CHOOSE

FOUR

OTHER SUBJECTS

Consider one of these a Language

• More options for college

• Study abroad as part of studies at 3rd level

• Enhanced Employment Prospects

• Travel

SUBJECTS ON OFFER

• Geography

• History

• French

• German

• Biology

• Chemistry

• Physics

• Agricultural Science

• Applied Maths

• Design& Communication Graphics

• Art

• Music

• Engineering

• Construction Studies

• Business

• Accounting

• Home Economics

Subject to demand

Factors to be considered • Interest in the subject matter

• Individual ability/aptitude – what subjects are the students goodat?

• What career areas are of interest to them?

• Are the subjects relevant to the career choice?

• What are the subject requirements needed for the courses?

• Is their choice of subjects too restrictive?

• Seek advice from subject teachers about subject

• Be aware of misconceptions – easy versus difficult subjects

What should you do if you are not sure which subjects to choose?

•Keep your options open, by selecting a range of

subjects from the different groupings

•It may be a mistake not to choose a science

subject. Virtually all scientific, medical,

pharmaceutical and engineering courses require at

least one science subject.

•If you are considering a new subject – it is

recommended that you talk to the subject teacher

involved.

Main Points – SUMMARY

All students take SEVEN subjects

THREE Core subjects:

Irish

English

Maths

FOUR Optional Subjects must be chosen

Consider the following:

European language

Science subject

Practical subject

Favourite subject

LCVP if student qualifies (8 subjects)

GEOGRAPHY

Geography includes the study of population, farming,

industry, environmental issues, statistics, resources,

landscapes, map reading and communications,

globalisation & world trade and cultural identity &

differences

There is a geographical project worth 20%

It is useful for careers in Tourism , Air Steward ,

Geography teacher ,Travel Agency, Market Research,

Civil Engineering, Construction.

HISTORY

History focuses on the world of politics, religion,

economics and social history

Irish, European and American history

There is a project worth 20%

There is a compulsory documents based question worth

20% - know 2 years in advance

Useful for careers in Journalism, History teacher, Media,

Tourism, Law, Civil Service, Archaeology, Politics.

FRENCH /GERMAN

It is necessary for courses in NUI colleges – UCC,UCD,NUI

Galway, NUI Maynooth

However, some of the following courses in NUI do not

require a third language: Engineering, Science and Computer

courses and Nursing

Current Economic Climate – if opting out check course

doesn’t require a language

Useful for Receptionist/Travel Agency/Hotel Industry

Journalism/Business/Marketing/Secretary/Translator

French / German oral exam– HL 25% ; OL 20%

BIOLOGY

Biology is the science of life and living things

It is both theoretical (85%) and practical (15%)

Useful for Nursing, Science, Medical Laboratory

Technician, Medical and Paramedical Courses,

Horticulture, Chiropodist, Beautician

CHEMISTRY

Chemistry involves the study of everything we use, wear and

eat, including medicines and plastics

50% of exam based on Practical experiments

Essential requirement for Dentistry (UCC) Medicine

(UCC)Pharmacy(UCC),Veterinary (UCD),Human Nutrition and

Dietetics(DIT)

Highly recommended for Science, Nursing

PHYSICS

Physics deals with the laws and forces governing heat, light,

electricity, mechanics and magnetism.

Has a strong Maths element

Useful for those wishing to study Radiography or

Physiotherapy or a career in Electronics

Exam Paper: 70% = Theory based

30% = Based on experiments

AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE

Study of soils, plants and their function, farm crops /trees,

farm animals and buildings, animal anatomy, genetics and

environmental issues

A project worth 25% must be submitted as part of course

Useful for: Agricultural Engineering, Food science, Farming,

Lab Tech, Ag Sc Teaching, Horticulture

Applied Maths

• Enhances Students’ problem solving skills.

• Used in Engineering, Business, Finance, Physics, Biology. Economics, Enviromental Studies, political studies, medicine etc.

HOME ECONOMICSSocial & Scientific

Home Economics covers topics such as food nutrients,

microbiology, food preservation, consumerism and social

issues.

There are practical cookery assignments worth 20% of

the exam.

Useful for following careers, Home Economics

teaching, Catering, Chef Fashion Design, Childcare,

Hotel Management, Beauty Therapy Hairdressing, Social

Work, Nursing.

Design & Communication Graphics (D.C.G.)

This course consists of three areas of study: Plane and

Descriptive Geometry, Communication of Design, Computer

Graphics and Applied Graphics.

There is a student project worth 40% of which CAD/Solid

Works is a significant and compulsory component, and a

three hour written exam worth 60%

Useful for the following careers Architecture , Architectural

Technician, Apprenticeships, Engineering, Design, Animation.

Technical Graphics at J.C. is a pre requisite

Art (Revised Course)

The course covers, Design, Craft, Imaginative Composition,

Still life, Life Sketching and Art History.

More student friendly: less exam focus - project element now

A Portfolio is an essential requirement for most 3rd level art

courses.

Art is useful for the following careers: Graphic Design, Art

Teacher, Craft Work, Architecture, Fashion Design, Painter,

Museum Work, Primary School Teacher

MUSIC

This Leaving Certificate Programme has three components

Composing (25%)

Listening (25%)

Practical/Performance (50%)

For the practical students must present one or two of the

following activities:

Singing (Solo or group)

Playing an instrument

Music Technology

Useful for a career in the Performing Arts, Primary Teaching

ENGINEERING This is a theoretical and practical subject which involves the

study of mechanical and technological processes.

The course is examined in three sections: an engineering project

worth 25%, a 6 hour practical exam worth 25% and a three hour

written paper worth 50%

Metalwork to J.C. a pre requisite

Useful for:

Mechanics/Technician/Engineering/Fitter/ Material science

teaching UL/Industrial Design/ Mechanical/electrical/aeronautical

engineering /Turner/Welder/ All Trades

Construction Studies

• Introduction to the knowledge and skills of construction teachnology, materials and practice.

• Focus on theory of construction

• Project = 25%

• Written Paper = 50%

• Practical Exam = 25%

BUSINESS

The syllabus consists of three sections: People in

Business, Enterprise and Environment.

It useful for: Industry, Insurance, Marketing, Banking,

Business, Hospitality Industry and those going into self-

employment e.g. Trades / Hair & Beauty / Childcare

To be considered for those doing Sports courses

ACCOUNTING

Needs to enjoy bookkeeping

Links to health and leisure courses

Useful for careers in Accountancy Banking , Market

Research, Clerical Work

Leaving

Certificate

Applied

LCA

What is the Leaving Certificate Applied?

• It is a distinct, self-contained two-year Leaving Certificate programme aimed at preparing students for adult and working life

• It is a practical programme with a vocational focus.

Who would benefit most?

Students who are not adequately catered for by the traditional Leaving Certificate programme and want to stay in school.

Students who prefer practical work.

Students who prefer continuous assessment to final exams.

Students who want to gain skills from work experience that will help them in their future careers.

• Develops a range of new skills

• Promotes communication and decision making

skills

• Recognises talents of all pupils

• Prepares students for adult and working life

Subjects studiedVocational

Preparation

Vocational

Education

General Education

Work

Experience

Mathematical

applications

Art

Enterprise Information

Technology

Languages

Guidance Vocational

Specialisms(I.C.T. & Construction /

Hotel & Catering)

Social

Education

English &

Communication

Leisure & Recreation

Electives (Religion &

Horticulture)

Assessment

Credits Percentages

Satisfactory completion of Modules 62 31 %

7 Student tasks 70 35 %

Final examinations 68 34 %

Total 200 100 %

Certificate awarded at three levels:

Pass 120 - 139 credits 60 % - 69 %

Merit 140 - 169 credits 70 % - 84 %

Distinction 170 - 200 credits 85 % - 100 %

Credits for Module Completion

90 % attendance is mandatory.

Evidence of key assignments.

School sends the information to the Dept.

Results sent to the school twice a year.

Total 62 credits 31 %

Work Experience

• One day per week: Friday

• 4 placements over 2 years

• Encouraged to change placements

• September to February and February to June

• Work experience is linked to class learning

Opening up New Options

The Leaving Certificate Applied Route Map

Leaving

Certificate

Applied

(F.E.T.A.C. Level 4)

Further

Education

(F.E.T.A.C.

Level 5)

The O’

Connell

Centre

SOLAS

Apprenticeships

Further

&Higher

Education

Careers

Points to Consider

1. Do I have a good attendance?

2. What level will I take subjects in the leaving?

3. Do I really want to stay in school?

LCA Versus Leaving Certificate

• Less emphasis on final exams

• Less homework

• Work experience

• Less subjects

• Project based

• 90% attendance

• Assessment over two years

• Importance of class work

• Student commitment is important

• Project base

• F.E.T.A.C. Level 4

Leaving Certificate

Vocational Programme

L.C.V.P.

What is L.C.V.P?

• LCVP combines the academic strengths of the leaving certificate with a new focus on self directed learning, enterprise, work and the community.

• LCVP goal is to prepare students for adult life encouraging them to develop skills and competencies fundamental to both academic and vocational success.

• Throughout the programme students are encouraged to

be innovative and enterprising

work with others as part of a team

investigate and plan career options & participate in a work placement

use information and communications technologies

investigate local business and community enterprises

• These skills are relevant to the needs of those preparing for further education, seeking employment or planning to start their own business.

•Two years' duration.

•Take a minimum of five Leaving Certificate Subjects (Higher, Ordinary or Foundation Level) including Irish.

•Two of the above must be selected from one of the designated Vocational Subject Groupings.

•Study the two Link Modules 1.Preparation for the World of Work 2. Enterprise Education.

•Students will be required to follow a recognised course in a Modern European Language (other than Irish or English).

Requirements for the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme

• LCVP in effect gives you an additional subject for your Leaving Certificate called Link Modules

• This subject requires just three periods per week of school time in both 5th and 6th Year.

– 2 periods of Link Modules

– 1 period of Computing

Importance of L.C.V.P.

• C.A.O. points awarded in Leaving Certificate for L.C.V.P. candidates:

Points

Distinction 66

Merit 46

Pass 28

Importance of L.C.V.P.

1. Construction Studies; Engineering; DCG; Technology - any two

2. Physics and Construction Studies or Engineering or DCG or Technology

3. Agricultural Science and Construction Studies or Engineering or DCG or Technology

4. Agricultural Science and Chemistry or Physics or Physics/Chemistry (Combined Subject).

5. Home Economics; Agricultural Science; Biology – any two.

Specialist subject Groupings

6. Home Economics and Art

7. Accounting or Business or Economics (any two)

8. Physics and Chemistry

9. Biology and Chemistry or Physics or Physics and Chemistry (Combined)

10. Biology & Agricultural Science

11. Art and DCG

Specialist subject Groupings

12. Engineering or Technology or Construction or DCG and Business or Accounting

13. Home. Ec. and Accounting or Business

14. Agricultural Science and Accounting or Business

15. Art and Business or Accounting

16. Music and Accounting or Business

Specialist subject Groupings

LCVP Structure

2 Link Modules

Modern

European

Language

Vocational

Subject 1

Vocational

Subject 2

Irish

Other LC

Subjects

Most LCVP Students take seven Leaving

Certificate Subjects plus the Link

Modules

Irish H A2/H2 88 √

English H A2/H2 88 √

Maths O B3/O3 37 √

French H C1/H4 66 √

Biology H B1/H2 88 √

Geography O A1/O1 56 √

Business O B3/O3 37

Irish H A2/H2 88 √

English H A2/H2 88 √

Maths O B3/O3 37

French H C1/H4 66 √

Biology H B1/H2 88 √

Home Ec. O A1/O1 56 √

Business O B3/O2 37

L.C.V.P. L DIS 66 √Total 423

Total 452

Student A Student B

CAO Points calculated at Leaving Cert.

Leaving Cert. Vocational Programme

• http://www.pdst.ie

• https://www.examinations.ie