Leaving Cert Subjects
Leaving Cert | Leaving Cert Applied (LCA)
Practical Group
These subjects are 'hands-on' and involve working with tools and machinery on physical things like wood, metals and plastic. They may involve designing, planning and building things.
Science Group
These subjects demonstrate how to explore nature using carefully planned methods, and teach the basic methods and findings of scientific investigation.
Artistic & Creative Group
These subjects involve developing creativity and the appreciation of the work of others. This involves learning the methods and techniques of the subject and producing your own work using these skills.
Humanities Group
These subjects explore the ways in which humans live and communicate in the world. Human life is examined by looking at our past, our present and into our future. These subjects help people to express themselves clearly and develop their reasoning ability.
Social Group
These subjects explore common issues faced by all people living in society. They develop the skills and knowledge used to manage personal resources and guide human behaviour.
Sharon Carty, Opera Singer
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
My advice if you're uncertain about choosing subjects is to choose things you're interested in, rather than what you think will be good for your career. A broad education will serve you really well not only in terms of college options, but also can enrich your life outside of school and work. I have a huge interest in astronomy and loved studying physics in school, and although I'd never have had the talent in Maths to study it at 3rd level or have a career in it, it meant I can really enjoy reading popular science books and keep up with what's going on in space exploration, as a hobby. For Leaving Certificate I studied English, Irish, Maths, Physics, Music, Biology, German and Classical Studies. Looking back, the subjects I did (specifically English, Music, Classics and German) meant that I was well-equipped with a lot of background knowledge that was helpful in my career as a singer, in terms of literature, language and musical training. Without having studied Music at 2nd level, with the wonderful teacher I had, I am 100% certain I wouldn't be a singer today.
Semin Soher Power, Senior Inflation Trader
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
I enjoyed studying macroeconomics and political science. Still enjoy reading about both, on and off work. But it is not a prerequisite to have a background in economics and finance. Many people in Investments have different backgrounds from physics to engineering, history and arts. We welcome diversity and believe different points of view contribute to a better decision making as a team.
Nicole McGuire, Freelance Tour Guide
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
In secondary school when it came to choosing subjects, I was fully convinced I'd be a nutritionist or a herbalist. I picked Chemistry, Biology, Home Economics and French. I loved all the subjects but I was very studious. When I look back I wish I didn't put so much pressure on myself and at the end of the day I've realised I should have picked subjects that I enjoyed thay would allow me to get the most points for e.g I was very good at art. The college system in Ireland is point based. I picked a science course originally (dropped out) and I realised the first year of college is getting everyone up to scratch so we all do chemistry, physics and biology so we are on the same page for 2nd year. Therefore there was no need to do all that heavy material for my leaving cert I could have afforded to pick a more light hearted topic.
I took a year out and I found that important to get some money under my belt for college to be comfortable also it allowed me to mature that bit more. I picked a college that would have had lectures max like 60 people I knew I wasn't a person that would be able to attend lectures with 100's of people.
Also there is so many back roads to where you want to go. When I got to first year there were people there who did PLC's to get into it. I just wish I didn't put so much stress on myself and enjoyed those years a little more.