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Junior Cycle subject choice

Sacred Heart Secondary School

Junior Cycle 2018-21       Subject Choice

All Students take the following

Examination subjects

Irish, English, Maths, French or German,

 History, Geography

Students also study

Religion, Physical Education, Well being Social Personal and Health Education(SPHE)

Civi, Social and Political Education (CSPE)

Choose THREE of the following

Music

Art

Technology

Home Economics

Science

Business

Considerations when choosing subjects

 

Ability                        What am I good at?

 

Interests                   What do I enjoy?

 

Keep Options open      Choose a broad range of subjects

                                  Is my choice too restrictive?

 

Careers                      What careers am I interested in?

                                  Are there subject requirements for                    courses/colleges/careers?

  • Remember that current career preferences may not reflect future career preference.
  • Do not base decisions on friend’s choices
  1. www.curriculumonline.ie Junior cycle curriculum information
  2. www.careesportal.ie   Search subject choice (junior cycle)
  3. www.qualifax    Subject requirements for 3rd level education
Subject choice is very important please discuss your options with subject Teachers, Guidance Counsellor,Parents and be informed.
 

Art Craft & Design

This subject is designed to increase student’s awareness of the visual world and the environment in which they live. It helps them to “think outside the box”. They learn to express their personality and develop their creativity. Lateral creative thinking is developed which can be used in a variety of careers from entrepreneurial skills to design problem solving, to innovative solutions in business and industry.There is an appreciation of art, design, architecture and traditional crafts.

 

It is useful for courses and careers in architecture, graphic design, interior design, industrial design, craft work, studio pottery, photography, teaching, film and theatre work, occupational/art therapy, fashion design, artist etc

Presentation of a portfolio is necessary for many courses.

 

Home Economics

The mix of theory and practice helps to prepare the student for the world of living and provides a good basis for future roles in life. There is a focus on the basic human needs for food, clothing, shelter and personal relationships.

 

Related courses and careers are food science, food business, world development and food policy, health inspection, environmental officer, nutrition, dietician, chef and catering careers, management, social worker, childcare, journalism, psychology, beauty therapy, teacher, interior and fashion design etc.

 

German /French

A language offers the opportunity to study in a European university, work abroad and travel. The study of a foreign language offers cultural enrichment in many ways.

Many third-level courses, business, law, journalism, tourism, computing, interpreter, translator, teacher, marketing, telesales etc

A continental language is a requirement for entry to certain colleges and for specific courses in other colleges therefore highly recommended.

Most courses, especially business, science, computing and engineering, include the study of a language.

 

 

Music

This subject involves developing creativity and the appreciation of the work of others. This involves learning the methods and techniques of music. It instills confidence in students giving a heightened critical awareness and appreciation for elements of performance, listening and composition.

Associated courses and careers are performance, entertainment, occupational therapy, music therapy, communications, media, multimedia, teaching, leisure/health instructor, etc

 

Necessary for:

Many specific music courses

 

Technology

 

This subject is 'hands- on' and involves working with tools and machinery on physical things like wood, metals and plastic. It may involve designing, planning and building things. It is mainly about using a design process to solve technological problems. It contributes to student’s perspective for life by encouraging constructive and creative use of knowledge and skills in solving practical problems.

 

Associated courses and careers are engineering such as biomedical, structural, civil, environmental and technician careers, architecture, construction related careers, surveying, computing, teaching etc

 

Business

 Business covers the everyday business of living, contributing to an understanding of the world of business and encouraging a positive attitude to enterprise and developing appropriate skills. It is the study of how goods, services, people and money move from one place to another on a daily basis. It develops skills and knowledge that can be used in a wide range of careers

One or two of the following may be offered at senior cycle Accounting Business and/or Economics

Associated courses and careers are accountancy, insurance, taxation, stockbroking, law, management, marketing, clerical, computing finance etc

 

 

Science

We come across science in everyday things in the world around us, both living and non-living. Studying Science in school can help you to understand the importance of science in our lives and in the environment. It is vital to understand and appreciate the modern world, health, nutrition, pharmaceuticals, energy issues and climate change.

 

Science divides into Biology, Physics and Chemistry at senior cycle

Science is important and necessary for courses and careers in science, nursing, medical and paramedical careers, engineering, architecture, pilot, beauty therapy, agriculture, veterinary, electronics, teacher, etc

 

Most science-based courses require at least one science subject, some require two.

 

 

 

Guidance and counselling 2018