Subject Choice Information For Parents and Guardians2014

CONTENTSIntroduction

Advice To Aid Transition (Primary to Secondary)

Subject Choice

Third Level Requirement

The Role of the Guidance Counsellor

Moving up

Core SubjectsEnglishHistoryIrishGeography

MathsReligionScienceCSPESPHE

Choice SubjectsFrench/GermanBusiness StudiesTech GraphicsArtMetalworkMaterials Tech (Wood)MusicHome EconomicsStudy Skills*

Subject BenefitsEven though there are many benefits to each subject it is important that the students interests and how they learn are taken into consideration when making these choices.

Home Economics

Materials Technology (Wood)

Technical Graphics

Metal Work

Note on Cross Curricular LinksSome topics in Metalwork overlap with Materials Technology Wood.

Many of the practical skills learned in Metalwork are similar to those learned in Wood.

Technical Graphics will help you to understand drawings and diagrams that you will be using in Metalwork.

Art

Music

Business Studies

Study SkillsThis is offered for students who may find it difficult in taking on three choice subjects.

This focuses on Maths and English.

It is on the same band as the Languages, hence it is not possible to do a Language and Study Skills.

Languages (French & German)

Third Language Requirement Some Colleges require that students have a third language to gain entry.(English & Irish are the first two)

Other colleges do not, however if a language is part of your chosen degree then that language will be a requirement to gain entry to that course.

For Example:

Trinity College Dublin does not require a third language, however, if you choose to study French and Law you must have taken French for your Leaving Cert.

Colleges that require a third languageMaynooth UniversityNUI Galway (NUIG)University College Cork (UCC)University College Dublin (UCD)Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland (RCSI)St. Angelas College, SligoNational College of Art & Design (NCAD)Shannon College of Hotel & CateringCadets & Defence Forces

Courses that are the exceptions to the ruleEngineering & Agricultural courses at UCD.

Engineering and Science courses at Maynooth University.

Engineering and Science courses in NUI Galway.

Colleges that do NOT requirea third languageUniversity of Limerick (UL): Will accept English & another language.

Trinity College Dublin (TCD): Will accept a language other than English e.g. Irish

Institutes of Technology (e.g. AIT, DIT, LIT etc): Will accept English or Irish for entry purposes

Dublin City University (DCU)

Points Difference:We encourage students to work hard from the beginning and try and stick with higher level subjects where possible.*25 Bonus points for students who sit Honours Maths at Leaving Cert level.

So, how do you choose?Research, Discuss & Reflect

ResearchHave a look through some of the Junior Certificate course books and see what you think.

It may also help to look up the NCCA website for a fact sheet to accompany each subject. (Click the link below)

NCCA Subject Fact Sheets

Qualifax Demo

DiscussDiscuss your thoughts with:Subject TeachersGuidance CounsellorsCurrent PupilsParents/Guardians, Older Siblings

ReflectThink about your Son/Daughters interests and how they learn.

Have them ask themselves the following questions:

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?

SupportsPartnership between home and school is vital. An open honest dialogue with the school is essential. If there are any difficulties please let us know.

You can speak to:Senior ManagementYear HeadGuidance CounsellorTutor

JUNIOR CYCLE OPTIONAL SUBJECTSART, CRAFT AND DESIGN METALWORKBUSINESS STUDIES MUSICFRENCH STUDY SKILLSGERMAN TECHNICAL GRAPHICSHOME ECONOMICS MATERIALS TECHNOLOGY (WOOD)PLEASE SELECT, IN ORDER OF YOUR PREFERENCE THE OPTIONAL SUBJECTS WHICH YOU WISH TO STUDY FOR THE JUNIOR CERT. EACH STUDENT SHOULD INDICATE 4 SUBJECTS, FROM WHICH THEY WILL BE ALLOCATED 3. EVERYEFFORT WILL BE MADE TO ACCOMODATE STUDENTS, THOUGH NO PARTICULARCOMBINATION OF SUBJECTS CAN BE GUARANTEED.STUDENTS NAME: _______________________________________CLASS: _______ TUTOR: ________________________________1ST CHOICE: ____________________________________________2ND CHOICE: ____________________________________________3RD CHOICE: ____________________________________________4TH CHOICE: ____________________________________________IF YOUR 3RD AND 4TH CHOICES ARE EQUALLY ACCEPTABLE TO YOU, PLEASE INDICATE BY TICKING HERE ________STUDENT SIGNATURE: ____________________________________PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE: _______________________________

Subject Choice Form:Order of PreferenceYour son/daughter must list their subject choices in order of preference.

The one they would like/want to do the most must be put down as Number 1.

4 subjects are chosen from the list and each student will be assigned to 3 of those subjects.

Students have the option to tick a box to indicate whether or not they are flexible around their 3rd/4th preference. If students are flexible it is important that they tick this box to ensure that we can accommodate all students to the best of our ability.

Subject Choice RestrictionsSubjects are grouped differently on the timetable and as a result some subjects may clash at certain times. For this reason the following limitations must be placed to prevent timetable clashes.

Only ONE language may be chosen. Students must choose either French OR German.