Leaving Certificate Subject Choices in Bandon GrammarSubject Choice TableContent-Based Subjects Understanding Subjects Skill/ Practical Based Subject

1. Geography2. History3. Biology4. Home Economics *5. Art*6. Agricultural Science7. Business Studies

8. Physics9. Home Economics *10.Chemistry11.Applied Maths12.Economics13.Accounting*

14.French15.Spanish16.German17.Music18.Art*19.DCG20.Accounting*21.Construction Studies22.LCVP

*These subjects appear in two categories

Subjects with Projects: Geography, History, Art, Ag Science, DCG, Construction Studies, Home Economics (journal)

ACCOUNTING

Students who enjoy the book-keeping part of Junior Certificate Business should consider taking

Accounting. At Leaving Certificate level, analysis and interpretation of accounts is the core activity.

For those with strong numeracy and reasoning skills this can be a very enjoyable and successful

subject. Very useful if considering Business courses at 3rd level.

What do students like about it?

It is logical and things either add up or not. It is practical. It is clear and follows a formula. There is not a huge amount of theory, there obviously is some. Learning is by doing and practicing questions rather than by rote learning. It is an advantage if you are comfortable working with figures.

For those who work hard at it, they do very well in this subject

What do students find challenging about it?

Students should have Business Studies done in Junior Cert. It may take a while in Y5 to get into the format of how to do accounts but once mastered students usually like the subject.

Relevant Careers: Accountancy, Actuary, Administration, Auditor, Banking, Business Studies

Teacher, Insurance, Marketing, Taxation Consultant, etc.

Agricultural Science

Agricultural science is the study of the science and technology underlying the principles and practices of agriculture. A farming background would be an advantage in

studying this subject. Students will study topics such as, plant science, animal physiology, fertilisers, livestock production and tillage crops, genetics, microbiology and soil

science. This course consists of a report on practical work (25%) and a terminal written paper (75%). Topics for the practical include; identification of plant and animal types

associated with agriculture, practical experience with crops, livestock, house and farmyard layouts.

What other school subjects might it being linked to at Leaving Cert?

Biology, Geography, Business.

What type of skills will it help develop?

Given that the Agri sector is one of the few sectors that is experiencing growth at present, students will gain an understanding into the farming practices which are necessary to succeed in the enterprise of farming. They will also develop time management skills (planning and undertaking the project) along with presentation and interview skills.

What do students like about it?

Those from a farming background have a natural interest in the subject which is very beneficial as it lightens the workload somewhat. Students also enjoy the practical nature of the course as well as getting out and about on the farm.

What do students find challenging about it?

The practical assessment (project) of the course needs to be worked on over 2 years due to seasonality – students need to commence their project in fifth year and continue working on it over the summer months of fifth year. This is a science subject at heart, therefore a good aptitude for science is necessary in order to do well – it’s not just about farming!

Relevant Careers: Agri-business, Farming, Food Production, Food Science, Horticulture, Heavy Duty Machinery Mechanics, Teaching, Teagasc.

ART

This course is 60% practical and 40% based on Art History. The Art History course is divided in three

parts: Irish Art History, European Art History and a third section which covers an array of topics from

the history of design and film studies. Students who take Art will be required to write Art history

essays once per week. The practical coursework has in it the following modules: 1. Life Drawing

(i.e. drawing people) 2. Craft i.e. pottery, puppet making, poster design etc… and 3D Drawing and

creative visualisation. The subject may be taken at higher and ordinary levels.

How might it help my future career?

All aspects of Art, Craft & Design, interior design, interior architecture, architecture, fashion design, film & television, industrial design. Extremely useful in the area of education, in particular primary school teaching, Montessori and secondary school art teaching.

What do students like about art?

It’s relaxing, a break from academic learning and there is a sense of freedom and the opportunity to decide for yourself what practical course-work you

would like to pursue. Students like the variety within the course. The majority of the exam is finished in May. 10%-20 % of the marks awarded in Art History are for sketches. It develops an appreciation and awareness of artistic merits in other aspects of everyday life.

What might students find challenging about it?

Some students who find essay writing difficult may dislike this

aspect of Art History.

Relevant Careers: Architecture, Art Teacher, Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Interior Design,

Printing, Photography, Product Design, Publishing, TV and film production etc.

BIOLOGY

Practical element of the course is important and includes 22 mandatory experiments which are

examined on the written paper. Biology is often perceived as an easier subject than Physics and

Chemistry, but this is not so, as shown by the high national failure rates, particularly at ordinary

level. Students need to be aware that due to the length of the course and detail involved, achieving

a high-grade requires a lot of work. The payoff is that most students find the material very

interesting and topical. Higher Biology is a requirement for Genetics course at UCC and Human

Health and Disease course in TCD.

What do students like about it?

Students like the experiments. It is of personal interest because a large element of the course is about the human body. It gives opportunities to discuss ethical issues in science such as stem-cell research.

What do students find challenging about it?

There is a lot of learning. There is a Botany (plants) section which does not appeal to some students. It is strongly recommended that a student has JC science if considering biology as it builds on JC science and not having this completed will put a student at a disadvantage – students would concur with this.

Sciences in general need careful consideration. Most Third Level courses and careers in the areas of Science, Engineering, Medical , Paramedical, Technology, and Nursing, require one or two science subjects (without specifying). There are exceptions however and students interested in science should look at individual prospectuses of colleges/courses in which they may be interested. If interested in Science, most students would be well advised to do at least one science subject and consider doing two. (2 science subjects are required for some science based courses e.g. Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Medicine, Dental, Genetics, Science (all TCD) and Medicine and Dentistry (UCC). Be careful not to fall in to the trap of taking science to “keep options open”- this is only true for students who have no problems with science and really like science. The reason it is required for Third Level is because it forms a large part of the study, so if you don’t like science at school, it will be unbearable at Third Level.

Relevant Careers: Beauty Therapy, Biology Teacher, Biotechnology, Dentistry, Food Science, Genetic

Engineer, Laboratory Scientist, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Veterinary Science etc.

BUSINESS

The subject involves learning and writing about the theory of Business. It covers a broad range of

business topics; tax, finance, insurance, industrial relations, marketing etc. A useful subject for LCVP.

It is a very interesting subject, but requires constant attention to the business pages of the quality

newspapers. The subject looks at how organisations are formed, financed and run. It also explores

the services that support businesses such as insurance, banking, transport, marketing and public

service bodies. Advisable to have this subject at Leaving Cert. level if interested in any Business

course at 3rd level.

What do students like about it?

Students willing to work hard can do very well in it. There are some interesting topics which students can relate to everyday living.

What might students find challenging about it?

There is a lot of learning involved in the subject.

Relevant Careers: Administration, Banking, Book-keeping, Business Studies Teacher, Insurance,

Marketing, Office Work, Sales etc

CHEMISTRY

Practical element of the course is very important. 28 mandatory experiments on the course. 3 full

questions based on these experiments on the written paper in the Leaving Cert exam. Strongly

advised to take Chemistry if considering medical/health courses, as higher-level Chemistry is a

requirement for some universities in areas of medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, as

well as human nutrition and dietetics.

How might it help my future career?

Chemistry is a compulsory subject for some Third Level Courses. It would be useful in many areas e.g. Science/Engineering/Paramedical/Food Science/Medical Laboratory Science. It is compulsory for Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Veterinary Science and Human Nutrition. It is also worth noting the expanding chemical industries in the Cork region. Many multi-national companies e.g. Pfizer, Eli Lilly and GlaxoSmithKline are based in Cork.

What do students like about it?

Practical work and its application to daily life.

In the exam the answers tend to be concise and exact.

What do students find challenging about it?

There are a small number of core concepts that need to be grasped early on in the course in order to have a good understanding of the subject. It is a very long course so students must be prepared to work from the beginning of Fifth Year.

Relevant Careers: Chemist, Chemistry Teacher, Chemical Engineering, Dentistry, Food Science,

Laboratory Scientist, Medicine, all Paramedical Science, Pharmacy etc

CONSTRUCTION STUDIES

This subject involves learning about how a house is built from a green field site to a finished house(a

little of everything). In leaving cert. the marks are awarded as follows: Higher level;Project 25%,

Practical 25%, Theory 50%. Ordinary level; Project 30%, Practical 30%, Theory 40%. Those that

have done Materials Technology wood for junior cert. have a definite advantage when it comes to

practical/project areas.

What students like about the subject

More freedom in class whilst doing practical work. Students very much relate to the content of the course.

What students may find challenging about the subject

The time pressure for the practical work and designing projects may prove more difficult for some students.

Relevant Careers: Apprenticeships, Architecture, Carpentry, Civil Engineering, Construction Studies

teacher, Construction Worker, Electrician, Plumbing, Quantity Surveying, Site Clerk etc.

DESIGN & COMMUNICATIONS GRAPHICS (DCG)

Formerly known as Technical Drawing – New course introduced in 2007. Desirable to have studied

Technical Graphics for Junior Cert if opting for DCG. A good aptitude for problem solving/Maths and

spatial ability is an advantage. Leaving cert exam consists of 3 hour written paper (60%) and Project

work (40%) submitted on disc and hard copy to the State Examinations Commission.

What skills are needed for this subject?

A basic knowledge of graphics covered in the Junior Cert. Spatial awareness is very important for pupils to be able to solve problems. A pupil having the ability to sketch well is also very important.

What do students like about the subject?

They enjoy designing devices which they have an interest in such as mobile phones, iPods, game consoles. The drawing part of the course relates to what pupils can see around them (for example road geometry deals with the building of roads and machine cams deals with drawings of parts of machines in industry.

The project part allows students great freedom to express their creativity.

What might students find challenging about this subject?

Those who do not have strong spatial awareness will find it hard to visualise concepts and solutions to the problems at hand.

Relevant Careers: Architecture, Cartographer, Civil and Mechanical Engineering, Construction

Trades, Computers, Designer, Draughtsperson Engineering Trades, Graphic Design, Quantity

Surveyor, Toolmaker etc

ECONOMICS

This subject involves learning and writing about different theories and underpin the way our

domestic and different international economies work. Economics has a mathematical slant and

contains a lot of graphic and theoretical work. The subject involves learning and writing about

Economic theory.. A good subject for the analytical student. It is desirable to have studied Business

Studies for Junior Cert if opting for Economics. There is a lot of choice on the Leaving Cert. paper, a

choice of 6 out of 9 short questions and a choice of 4 out of 8 long questions.

Relevant Careers: Accountancy, Banking, Civil Service, Insurance, Marketing, Management Research,

Planning and Stock-broking etc.

GEOGRAPHY

All students will be familiar with Geography as it is a core subject for Junior Cert. The Leaving Cert.

course has a strong practical element, where students have the opportunity to do a geographic

investigation, which is allocated 20% of their overall marks and is submitted by the end of April in 6th

year. The remaining 80% is awarded for the written exam in June.

What do Students like about Leaving Certificate Geography:

Most of the course seems familiar, being closely linked to the Junior Cert. It is very relevant to the world around us. A good command of the English language is necessary. Fieldwork is interesting to do. There is a great choice of questions on the exam paper.

What do students find challenging about it?

The course is very long and broad. A lot of learning is required. Many maps, charts, diagrams to understand and interpret. Students might find it hard to adjust to having 5 periods a week, often doubles, instead of three periods at junior cycle. Students often find it difficult to appreciate that for Leaving certificate a greater in-depth knowledge and detail is required.

Relevant Careers: Cartography, Civil Engineering, Environmental Scientist, Geology, Environmental

Scientist, Meteorologist, Mineralogy, Surveying, Tourism, Urban Planning.

HISTORY

All students will be familiar with History as it is a core subject for Junior Cert. New course in Leaving

Cert History introduced in 2006. Students can now secure up to 20% of the overall marks by pre-

submitting a research study report on a historical subject of their own choice. The remaining 80%

is awarded for the written examination in June. There are 4 questions on the written exam, one of

which is a documents based question.

What do students like about it?

Its relevance to current affairs. Interesting class discussions on historical issues.

Helps their essay writing skills for other subjects. The fact that students submit before their written exam a research study in which they can score highly means they can obtain a very good grade in the subject.

Ordinary level students do not have to write long essays and so can do well.

What might they find challenging about it?

As there is a lot of material to be learned it is necessary to work hard from the start. It can be difficult to learn the skill of essay-writing, as in Junior Cert. students are only required to write paragraphs (Ordinary level subjects do not have to write long essays)

Relevant Careers: Archaeology, Barrister, Broadcaster, Civil Service, Journalism, Museum Work,

Researcher, Politics, Sociology, Teaching.

HOME ECONOMICS

A combination of cookery, Home Economics, some Biology and Business. A very interesting subject,

but not the easy honour that some imagine. 20% of the marks are awarded for coursework journal

completed within the normal class time and pre-submitted in October of 6th year. 80% of marks

awarded for written exam in June. The study of food science is a central part of this subject. The

course is very practical and offers students valuable life skills.

What do students like about it?

Interesting as it is relevant to life and opens up a wide range of career options. It is a student-friendly course, as is the exam. The practical assignments prepare students well for researching topics after secondary school

What might they find challenging about it?

A high standard required in the journal writing of the five assignments to get a very good mark. Some scientific information required. The course is broad and students must be prepared to work from the start of Fifth Year.

Relevant Careers: Chefs, Childcare, Dietetics, Fashion Design, Environmental Health Officer, Food

Technology, Home Economics Teacher, Hotel Management, Interior Design, Nutritionist, Tourism &

Catering.

LCVP

LCVP is more properly called Link Modules. In order to qualify to register for these link modules a number of conditions must be met

Programme Requirements for students taking Leaving Certificate Examination from 2004 onwards

At least five Leaving Certificate subjects plus the Link Modules, one of which must be Irish Two of the above subjects must be selected from one of the designated Vocational Subject Groupings Two Link Modules: Preparation for the World of Work and Enterprise Education A recognised course in a Modern European Language other than Irish or English:

What is a recognised Modern European language course for LCVP students?

The school has discretion in delivery of language (has to be recognised by DES)

They can take a language at Junior Certificate level or they can follow one of the FETAC language modules or the language teacher can devise a school programme in the language.

Students must take the language class for a minimum of one class period per week or equivalent over the two years of the programme within school time.

If a student is exempt from Irish for the Leaving Certificate they are automatically exempt for the LCVP and students should replace Irish with another subject.

Vocational Subject Groupings (VSGs) 2012/2013Specialist Groupings1 Construction Studies; Engineering; Design and Communication Graphics - Any Two 2 Physics and Construction Studies or Engineering or DCG3 Agricultural Science and Construction Studies or Engineering or DCG4 Agricultural Science and Chemistry or Physics 5 Home Economics; Agricultural Science; Biology - Any Two6 Home Economics and Art - Design Option or Craft Option

7 Accounting; Business; Both together 8 Physics and Chemistry9 Biology and Chemistry or Physics

10 Biology and Agricultural Science

11 Art - Design Option or Craft Option and Design & Communication Graphics

Services Groupings12 Engineering or Construction Studies or DCG and Accounting or Business 13 Home Economics and Accounting or Business 14 Agricultural Science and Accounting or Business 15 Art  Design or Craftwork Option and Accounting or Business 16 Music and Accounting or Business

All subjects must be studied in same centre as Link Modules (i.e. in school) 

Link Module I – Preparation for the World of Work Students will research and investigate local employment opportunities, develop job seeking skills such as letter writing, CV presentation,

interview techniques; gain valuable practical experience of the world of work; interview and work shadow a person in a career area that interests them.

Link Module II – Enterprise Education Students will be involved in organising visits to local business and community enterprises; meet and interview enterprising people on site

and in the classroom; plan and undertake interesting activities that will build self–confidence, creativity, initiative and develop teamwork, communication and computer skills.

As well as doing the two Link Modules in class, students undertake doing six portfolio (project) items. These are:

Curriculum Vitae – Career Investigation – Enterprise/Action Plan – Summary Report – Diary of Work Experience – Recorded Interview

Information and Communications Technology

Students taking the LCVP will have to type their portfolio items and while there will be computer time in school, access to a computer outside of school is an advantage. LCVP is an opportunity to develop and apply their IT skills.

Assessment of the Link Modules

LCVP students follow the same subject syllabi and are assessed in the same way as their peers in the Leaving Certificate. For the Link Modules they are assessed by Written Examination (40%) and by Portfolio of Coursework (60%).  The written examination takes place in May of the Leaving Certificate Year.  The examination is of two and a half hours duration and consists of three sections which are outline below.

The structure of the Written Examination is as follows:

Section A Audio Visual PresentationSection B Case Study (received in advance by students)Section C General Questions (4 out of 6)

The Portfolio of Coursework accounts for 60% of total marks. Students assemble the portfolio over the two years of the programme and it is assessed at the end of the final year of the Leaving Certificate.  The Portfolio and Written Examination are externally assessed by the Department of Education & Science.

MUSIC

Practical element of the course is very important.

Structure :

The leaving certificate music syllabus contains the following three essential activites; Performing, Composing and Listening.

- Performing :[ solo or group] One activity of 6 pieces or two activities of 4 pieces (technology can be included here)

- Composing: Melody and Harmony.

- Listening : General listening skills through set works, Irish music and a variety of musical genres.

Students choose his/her best area of the 3 mentioned above and doubles up in one, so assessment will be 25%, 25% and 50% in the selected area.

Students who take Music for the Junior Cert have a major advantage.

What do students like about the music course?

- The element of choice in relation to one’s strengths. The variety within the subject i.e. all genres of music are permissible from Classical to Irish to Rock and Pop.

- Emphasis on practical element as up to 50% of the final mark can be achieved prior to the written exam in June.

Very enjoyable to those who like it.

What might students find challenging?

- Students need to be able to read music.

- students need to have a good ear.

- students need to be able to play an instrument or sing.

Relevant Careers: Arts Administration, Composing, Event & Arts Management, Music Publishing,

Performance Arts, Sound Engineering, Theatre, Teaching, etc

PHYSICS

Practical element of the course is very important. 24 mandatory experiments on the course. 30%

of written exam based on these experiments. A good aptitude for problem solving and Maths is

advisable if considering Physics. It develops students’ understanding of many of the ordinary things

that surround us such as heat, light, electricity and magnetism.

What do students like about it?

The use of Maths to solve equations. Lots of hands-on practical work as there are 24 mandatory experiments to complete.

What might they find challenging about it?

Students that are not willing to work hard will find that they will lose interest and find the subject boring. Some parts require the learning of equations and definitions, which some pupils find difficult. If you are weak at Maths and obtained a B or less in Ordinary Level at Junior Cert you are advised to think very carefully about selecting Physics.

Relevant Careers: Architecture, Astronomy, Electronic/Electrical Engineering, Electrician, Geologist,

Information Technology, Lab Technician, Meteorologist, Physicist, Physiotherapy, Radiography etc