SubjectOptionsSeniorCycle

Luttrellstown Community College March 12th, 2014

GettingIntoCollege

• There are three hurdles to College entry:

• Matriculation Requirements (booklet page 8)• Subject Requirements (booklet page 9)• Points

• Always check the college websites.

ExampleofSubjectRequirements

• Entry into NUI requires a Third Language – some exceptions to this –see page 8 booklet.

• If you are considering Medicine, Nursing, Science or Engineering courses you should select a science subject (or two for some courses) e.g.• Medicine/Dentistry – TCD: Higher Level Grade B3 and Higher Level Grade C3

in two laboratory sciences.• Medicine – UCD: Ordinary Level D3 any laboratory Science Subject (Higher

Level C3 Chemistry for consideration for 5 year course only)• Medicine – Royal College of surgeons: Higher Level Grade B3 in laboratory

science (Physics/Chemistry/Biology/Agricultural Science) or Mathematics• Pharmacy – TCD Higher Level Grade C3 in Chemistry• Human Nutrition – TCD Higher Level Grade C3 in Chemistry• Veterinary Medicine – UCD: Higher Level Grade C3 in Chemistry• Human Nutrition – DIT: Higher Level Grade C3 in Chemistry

• This list is not an exhaustive list – please consult college websites.

THE POINTS SYSTEMGrade Band % Higher Ordinary Honours Maths 

Bonus

A1 90-100 100 60 125

A2 85-89 90 50 115

B1 80-84 85 45 110

B2 75-79 80 40 105

B3 70-74 75 35 100

C1 65-69 70 30 95

C2 60-65 65 25 90

C3 55-59 60 20 85

D1 50-54 55 15 80

D2 45-49 50 10 75

D3 40-44 45 5 70

E 25-39 0 0

ThePointsSystem

• Points are allocated to the six best grades of an applicant• These grades must be achieved in one sitting of the Leaving Certificate Examination

• All subjects carry equal points (Maths is the exception)• Entry to a course which is competitive will be granted to those

holding the highest number of points.• The number of points required for any course in any year is

not pre-set by any college.• Entry requirements for Third Level courses vary from course to

course, so you must refer now to the relevant literature of to the university website.

SubjectsatSeniorLevel• Most students will take seven subjects

• 4 Core Subjects• English• Irish• Mathematics• Third Language – French/Spanish

• 3 Option Subjects

SubjectOptions• Accounting• Art• Biology• Business Studies• Chemistry• Design Computer Graphics• Economics• Geography• History• Home Economics• Music• Physics• Religion

HowtoChooseyoursubjects• Ask yourself the following questions

• What subject am I most interested in?• What subject am I likely to do best at?• What subject will I need?

• Make a list of career areas and Third Level Courses you are interested in – check out the requirements on www.qualifax.ie

• Keep a balanced choice.• Do not overspecialise – you may change your mind about possible careers many times in the next two years.

Donotchoosesubjectsonthebasisof:

• What teacher may be teaching it• Whether your friend is taking the subjects • Your older sibling liked or disliked the subject • Influence from rumours

• This subject is very difficult – what is difficult for some may not be so difficult for others.

• There is a lot of work in this subject.

Options FormName: ______________________________________Class Group: ____________________List from 1 to 8 the OPTION SUBJECTS you would most like to study for Leaving Certificate:

1.______________________________

2.______________________________

3.______________________________

4.______________________________

5.______________________________

6.______________________________

7. ______________________________

8._______________________________

L.C.V.P.andL.C.A.• Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme will be offered to

students next year.• Leaving Certificate Applied Programme will be offered next

year.• A meeting in relation to the above two programmes will take

place on April 29th.

•Listening 25%

•Composing 25%

•Performing 25%

•Option 25%

Three main areas: Set Works, Irish music, Aural Skills

Set works – 4 separate genres of music.

Classical: Mozart – Piano Concerto No.21 Romantic: Berlioz – Symphonie Fantastique Modern Irish: Deane – Seachanges Popular Music: The Beatles – Sergeant

Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band

• 16 bar Melody writing including modulation

• Harmony question-adding chords and a bass line to a piece of music

• Performing on an instrument of your choice 

• Students prepare 4‐6 pieces.

• You also complete a short unprepared test such as sight reading, clapping exercise or singing exercise.

• Students can also complete a performance, listening or composing elective.

• For Technology:• Students work with a music technology programme such as Sibelius or Muse score.

• Students input a four part, 16 bar melody.

• Students are required to make three music edits.

• Students complete their practical 

and music technology exam in 

April of leaving certificate year.

• The written exams take place in 

June. 

• Listening paper (1 ½ Hours)

• Composing paper (1 ½ hours)

• Applicants with a well‐rounded education are more likely to be successful in this competitive age. 

• Music builds confidence• Music is useful for media work or studies, teaching, sound engineering, public relations, library work, communications, performance and music at third level. 

Leaving Certificate Geography

Rationale• The study of people and their environment

• Develop understanding of physical and human surroundings

• Examine changing interrelationships between physical and human worlds

• Develop geographical skills

Why pick geography?• Interest

• Aptitude

• Post-Leaving Certificate study

• Career path

Careers associated with geography

Syllabus Structure• Core Units - Physical, Regional, Skills and Investigation

• Elective Units - Patterns and Processes in either Economic or Human Environment

• Optional Units - Higher Level only

Assessment• Terminal Examination 80% of total marks (June 2016)

• Geographical Investigation 20% of total marks

• Weighting of marks same for HL & OL

Why pick geography?• Interest

• Aptitude

• Post-Leaving Certificate study

• Career path

IntroductiontoLeavingCertificateReligiousEducation

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Why study Leaving Certificate R.E?

• It is a follow through from Junior Certificate

• It has a practical component that will aid weaker students

• The techniques for coursework are similar to third level work. Therefore it is good preparation for third level study

•There are life issues that students can explore

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Aims of Leaving Cert Religious Education

•To identify how understandings of God and religious traditions, have contributed to the culture in which we live and continue to have an impact on personal lifestyle and relationships between individuals

•To appreciate the richness of religious traditions and to acknowledge the non-religious interpretation of life

• To contribute to the spiritual and moral development of the student

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Leaving Certificate Religious Education

Syllabus StructureUNIT 1

Section A: The Search for Meaning and Values (Compulsory)

UNIT 2 (any 2 sections from UNIT 2)

Section B: Christianity: origins and contemporary expressions

Section C: World Religions

Section D: Moral Decision-Making

UNIT 3 (Any 1 of the following)

Section E: Religion and Gender

Section F: Issues of Justice and Peace

Section G: Worship, Prayer and Ritual

Section H: The Bible: Literature and Sacred Text

Section I: Religion: The Irish Experience

Section J: Religion and Science

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What is assessed in LCRE?

‘Assessment of religious education in the Leaving Certificate examination will be based on the aims, objectives, and outcomes of each section of the course. Students’ personal faith commitment and / or affiliation to a particular religious grouping will not be subject to assessment for examination for national certification’

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Assessment of LCRE

Two Components:

Coursework

(1,000 – 1,500 words)

&

Terminal written paper

Marks for coursework and written examination will be combined to constitute the final grade awarded

Maximum marks in total for LCRE:

Terminal examination: 320 - 80%

Coursework: 80 - 20%

Total: 400

BiologyBiology is the study of living things

TopicsCoveredinL.C.The syllabus consists of three units:

• UNIT ONE: BIOLOGY ‐ THE STUDY OF LIFE • The Scientific Method• The Characteristics of Life• Nutrition• General Principles of Ecology• A Study of an Ecosystem• UNIT TWO: THE CELL• Cell Structure• Cell Metabolism• Cell Continuity• Cell Diversity• Genetics• UNIT THREE: THE ORGANISM• Diversity of Organisms• Organisation and the Vascular Structures• Transport and Nutrition• Breathing System and Excretion• Responses to Stimuli• Reproduction and Growth

Syllabus

• 70% of the syllabus is composed of science for the enquiring mind or pure science.

• 30% of the syllabus is based technological, political, social and economic aspects of biology.

• There are 22 mandatory practical activities. An ecology portfolio has also to be completed.

• There is a strong emphasis on social and applied aspects (e.g. when studying the breathing system a breathing disorder is studied).

WhattypeofstudentmightBiologysuit?

• Students who enjoyed Science in the Junior Certificate might wish to consider studying Biology at Senior Cycle.

• The course is a continuation of what was studied at Junior Cycle but in more detail. • It is particularly suited to students who enjoy investigation, problem solving &

those who have a keen interest in nature & living things.• 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.

AssociatedCareers

The types of courses and careerswhere the study of Biology at second level might be helpful would include 

the following:

Medicine, Veterinary Science, Dentistry, Nursing (and associated careers), Agriculture, Applied Biology, 

Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Botany, Ecology, Earth Science and Environmental Science, Genetics, Marine 

Science and Aquaculture, Microbiology and Zoology, Psychology, Astronomy, Teaching and Research.

Subject Requirement for 3rd Level?It is counted as a science subject in any course which has a science subject as a requirement.

DCG

Design & Communication Graphics

Who does Subject Appeal To?Pupils who have an interest in the world and everyday

objects around them.Pupils who are inquisitive and like asking How / Why!!

A good Practical Student can….

- Be accurate and careful in drawings and tasks• Think logical and in sequence when approaching a task• Be creative when designing a solution to a problem• Be coordinated and skilful in carrying out their

assignments.

Students Must be :- Hard working, committed, motivated & focused

Design & Communication GraphicsSubject is Divided into 2 areas for marking in theLeaving Cert.

40 % for a Research/Design Project includingSolidworks (computer drawing package).

60 % Terminal Exam – 3hrsDrawing – basic skills of drawing, to describe and solve problems in the existing world.

Skills DevelopedThese skills include :

Graphic communicationCreative problem solving

Spatial abilities/visualisationDesign capabilitiesComputer graphics

andCAD modelling

Careers/Areas of Work Product DesignResearch & DevelopmentPlanning & EnvironmentalComputers & information TechnologyGraphic DesignCivil & Structural EngineeringAnimationEducation

PhysicsatLCC

12 March 2014 M.Mc Kenna

SubjectOverview• Follows directly from Junior Cert Science, and

covers more topics in greater depth• Science, technology and society (STS) is an

integral part of the syllabus so that students can be aware of the principles of the applications of physics in the everyday world.

• Develop an understanding of the scientific method and their ability to observe, to think logically, and to communicate effectively

• The course is heavily based around experiments 44

CourseContentSubjectcontentispresentedatOrdinarylevelandHigherlevelundertheheadings:

• Mechanics• Temperature• Heat• Waves• Vibrations and Sound• Light• Electricity• Modern Physics

Option 1: Particle Physics (HL only)Option 2: Applied Electricity (HL only)

• At Higher level, there is a deeper, more quantitative treatment of physics.• Students follow a course of practical work, with prescribed experiments in

each of the main sections of the syllabus. Students are required to keep a record of this work.

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WhattypeofstudentmightPhysicssuit?

• Students considering a career in any mathematical or scientific discipline, such as finance, statistics, engineering, physics, or computer science.

• Those who enjoy learning about how things work. • There are strands of physics which overlap with woodwork and construction

especially the electricity and heat sections.• While there is an element of maths in the physics course, honours maths is not

a requirement to do honours physics. Students should not avoid physics on the basis of not having honours maths. It is entirely possible to get on well in honours physics without honours maths.

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PhysicsandCareers

• Physics contributes to a student’s future career in many ways. It helps, in conjunction with the other Leaving Certificate subjects, to provide a broad, balanced education for any student.

• Physics teaches students to think logically and enables them to express their thoughts in a concise manner. The skills and knowledge developed through their study of physics can be useful in a wide variety of situations.

• Many careers benefit from the logical and numeracy skills developed by the study of physics. Many technical courses involve components of physics.

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PhysicsandCareers

Physics brings a broad perspective to any problem. Because they learn how to consider any problem they are not bound by context. This inventive thinking makes physicists desirable in any field. Physics is a great foundation for careers in:• Journalism• Law• Finance• Medicine• Engineering• Aviation• Shipping• Computer Science• Astronomy• Optician

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Assessment

• Leaving Certificate Physics is assessed by means of one terminal examination paper at each level. Students are required to keep a record of their practical work over the two years of the course. The Leaving Cert physics exam is three hours in duration.

• Section A:• Answer 3 out of 4 questions • Questions are based on experimental procedures and use of results

• Section B:• Answer 5 out of 8 questions • Questions are more broad and theory based

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Physics

• If you have a passion for understanding how things work and enjoy scientific experiments and mathematics, then you should study physics.

50Thank you

Social&ScientificforLeavingCert

WhattypeofstudentmightHomeEconomicssuit?The course is a continuation of what was studied at Junior Cycle but in more detail.

Home Economics is a subject that suits both the practical andacademically minded student.

A good Home Economics student will display interest in:• Nutrition, consumerism, family and social issues• Meal planning, cooking and getting value for money• Managing money & resources• Current affairs & social issues

StructureofthecourseThe Home Ec. course consists of three main areas:• 45% Food Studies• 25% Resource management & consumer studies• 10% social studies

There are three electives from which one will be chosen from to study:

• 20% Home Design & Management• 20% Textiles Fashion & Design• 20% Social Studies

AssessmentAssessment will be in the form of a terminal written examination and an assessment of practical work.

80% Terminal written exam at the end of the second year20% towards practical journal – Students will complete research on five

different topics in fifth year and carry out practical classes in conjunction with this research.

Students who decide to choose Home Economics as a leaving cert subject

must have an interest in the subject but they must also be;• Committed• Focused• Hard working

CareerOpportunities• Child Development and Guidance• Consumer Education• Family Living and Parenting Education• Individual and Family Health• Leadership Development• Family and Human Services• Fashion Design, Manufacturing, and Merchandising• Food Science, Dietetics and Nutrition• Food Service • Hospitality, Tourism, and Recreation• Interior Design, Furnishings, and Maintenance

Chemistry

Whatisit???• Chemistry exists everywhere not just in our laboratories. It is often

described as 'the central science‘ as everything in this world is made up of chemistry

• Chemistry is the study of the various forms of matter, their composition, structure, and properties, and how they combine with each other.

Chemistry also involves the interaction between atoms and molecules: how they are related to (and affected by) various forms of energy.

Skills Needed• It is recommended that a student undertaking the course

has a good understanding of Junior Cert Science at the higher level.

• Each student should have an aptitude and interest for laboratory work.

• A student would be expected to have a reasonable level of Junior Cert Maths, either at higher or ordinary level.

• To excel in chemistry students need to have a passion for science.

Students Must be :- Hard working, committed, motivated & focused

Breakdown of Course• The syllabus consists of approximately 70% pure chemistry;

the remaining 30% deals with the social and applied aspects of chemistry.

• It is assessed by means of a terminal examination paper at each level. Students are required to keep a record of their practical work over the two years of the course. (28 laboratory experiments)

Mark Distribution

Breakdown of Course• Option 1

1A: Additional Industrial Chemistry1B: Atmospheric ChemistryOption 22A: Materials2B: Additional Electrochemistry and the Extraction of Metals

• Periodic Table and Atomic Structure• Chemical Bonding• Stoichiometry, Formulas and Equations• Volumetric Analysis• Fuels and Heats of Reaction• Rates of Reaction• Organic Chemistry• Chemical Equilibrium• Environmental Chemistry: Water

Skills DevelopedAs well as the chemistry content and laboratory skills students will develop a

range of other very desirable skills.

These skills include :

Diagnosing problems

Critiquing experiments

Distinguishing alternatives

Planning investigations

researching conjectures

searching for information

debating with peers

forming coherent

arguments

Science skills

Careers/Areas of Work • Chemistry is an essential

element in the study of careers including: Medicine, Denistry, Veterinary Science, Physiotheraphy, Nursing, Pharmacy and Medical Laboratory Technology, Teacher, Pathology, Forensics……..

LeavingCertificateArtOrdinary&HigherLevel

•The exam is divided into four parts, three of which are practical and one written paper. Unlike the Junior Cert it is not project based. •The written paper is the History and Appreciation of Art.•There will be five periods of art each week and one of these will be used for the teaching of history of art.

CourseContent• The course is broadly based as it is at J.C. level and in many cases

builds upon the skills already gained.• Observational Studies (drawing directly from nature and

manmade environment) are a core part of the course and the students use a variety of media for this purpose.

• Many of these drawings are then used as the basis for design and craftwork.

• Some new crafts will be introduced also, such as calligraphy and there will be further development crafts already familiar to the students, ie ceramics.

• Students will continue to paint and may decide to explore different types of paint, ie oils or acrylics in 6th Yr.

History&AppreciationofArt• Once a week we will do the history element of the course. • The course is interesting. It is all art based and closely related to the practical

classes. Much of it is already familiar to the students – ie the Renaissance.• It involves tours to a gallery or exhibition as students are expected to be

familiar with some of the more well known museums and galleries in their area.• Homework is weekly and usually involves writing an essay type answer.

• The course is divided into three components –Section 1   Art in Ireland (from Prehistoric times to the present) Section 2   European Art (from 1000 A.D. to the present)       Section 3   General Appreciation which is based on every‐day visualexperiences in the environment. 

• The written exam lasts for 2 ½ hours during which time students are required to answer three questions, one on each section.

TheArtExam• Four papers to be answered.

Marks• (a) Imaginative Composition / Still Life 2 ½ hours 100• (b) Craftwork 5 hours 100• ( c) Life Sketching 1 hour 50• (d) History & Appreciation of Art 2 ½ hours 150

______

TOTAL         400

WhyChooseArt?• Very relaxing and enjoyable – a break from more stressful subjects.• A good subject for many different career choices, not just for Art

College! (If you are thinking of going to Art College you need to start working on a portfolio straight away)

• A small sample of these are: architect, primary school teacher, photographer, textile designer, beautician, dress designer, web design artist, landscape gardener, tour guide, occupational therapist, careers in film and TV, etc.

BusinessSubjects‐SeniorCycle

EconomicsWhat is Economics?

• Microeconomics

• Macroeconomics

Topics

• Competition

• National Budget

• Inflation, Interest Rates and Exchange Rates

• Foreign Trade

• Markets

Isthissubjectforyou?

• Commitment & Consistency

• Analytical & working with numbers

• Current affairs & Economic Matters

• Future choices

Assessment• Examined at higher and ordinary level

• Exam format

• Questions must be answered from both the Micro & Macro sections of the course

Business• What is Business?

• 6 core units

Units in Business

1. People in Business

3. Managing

2. Enterprise

4. Business in Action

5. Domestic Environment

6. International Environment

Isthissubjectforyou?• Hard working and committed 

• Current issues

• Enterprise

• Junior Cert Business Studies

Assessment• Examined at higher and ordinary level

• Exam format

• Questions must be answered from all areas of the course

LeavingCertificateAccounting

What is Accounting?• Preparation, recording, extraction and analysis of financial information

Course based on:• Financial Accounting

• Management Accounting

SometopicsCovered

• Financial Statements • Club Accounts • Final Accounts • Manufacturing Accounts• Budgeting • Accounting Theory and Principles• Ratio Analysis

Isthissubjectforyou?• Working with numbers 

• Organised & Methodical

• Hard working & consistent

Assessment• Examined at higher and ordinary level

• Exam format

• Questions must be answered from both Financial & management sections of the course

Doyouseeyourselfworkinghere?

CareerPaths

• Entrepreneurship• Accountancy• Marketing• Taxation Consultancy• Insurance• Corporate Law• Receptionists • Auctioneering• Advertising• Merchandising

• Business Studies• Secretarial/Clerical work• Politics• Finance • Financial Maths & Economics

• Hotel Management• Journalism• Banking

Thereisnootherchoice!

HistoryatLeavingCertificate.1. Working with Evidence 20%2. Topics for Study – Later Modern 1815 – 1993

80%

WorkingwithEvidence• The student as historian

• Document based questions• Research Study Report – 20%

DictatorshipandDemocracyinEuropeDocumentQuestion1920‐1945• The Show Trials• The Nuremburg Rallies• The Jarrow March

MovementsforpoliticalandSocialReform,1870‐1914• Parnell as a leader• The Home Rule Crisis• The Land League• The Ulster Question – Unionism• The Cultural Revival• 1913 Lockout

SovereigntyandPartition1912‐1949• Home Rule• Easter 1916• War of Independence• Civil War• Anglo Irish Treaty• Eucharistic Congress 1932• Ireland during World War 2

TheUnitedStatesandtheWorld1945‐ 89• US Foreign Policy• The Cold War• Vietnam War• US Economic Boom• Civil Right Movement• Advances in Technology

FinalPoints• Stage 1 - March 18th - Advisory Session for Students.• Stage 2 – March 19th – Subject Option Form – 8 options to be

completed.• Stage 3 – March – Subject Lines will be formed.• Stage 4 – April – Deadline for return of final option choices.• Q & A.