What Subjects to Take
Choosing which subjects to study occurs in both Junior Cycle and Senior Cycle. The choices made should reflect the interests and abilities of your child, and take into consideration the possible career aspirations they may have.
In general, the Irish education system is not geared towards specific occupations or career pathways (the exception being the Leaving Cert Applied) - its aims are to provide a fuller rounded education. Therefore, for the most part, students can choose anything from the curriculum in order to gain a respectable and internationally recognised qualification.
This is particularly so for the Junior Cycle - which is very general in nature. Although, it is normal to follow through with similar subjects from Junior Cert to Leaving Cert, it is not necessarily so - you can, for example, take up Business or a Science subject in Leaving Cert without having studied it for the Junior Cert.
If your child is in Junior Cycle, see the subject options available HERE.
If your child is in, or entering, Senior Cycle, then follow our discussion in the Senior Cycle Choices section.- Ability & Aptitudes: All students have different strengths. Consider their abilities in different subjects and choose subjects in which they are likely to get good grades.
- Interest: Choosing subjects that your child has a genuine interest in means they are much more likely to study it and do well.
- Career: There are some subjects that are essential for some college courses and careers. It is important to check out these subject requirements with a guidance counsellor or the course provider.
