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.
Caitriona Jackman, Planetary Scientist
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
For Leaving Certificate I did the usual English, Irish, Maths, then Physics which I loved, Chemistry which I wasn’t great at (kept breaking stuff in the practicals), French, Geography and Music as an extra. I really enjoyed English actually, and even though a lot of my job involves computer programming and some hard maths and physics, I still rely heavily on my writing skills.
As important as it is to have technical ability in my job, it is still crucial to be able to communicate any results I find. One of the main tasks for me is to write papers for scientific journals, and occasionally to write articles for a more general audience.
My French is also useful because I collaborate with several people from a lab in Paris and they like if I make an effort to speak a bit of French, even though my accent is very embarrassing!
Sophie Gough, Tourism, Events & Marketing Officer
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
I don't think any secondary school subjects were influential on my career, perhaps History to some extent. My undergraduate degree was in Tourism Management and I enjoyed learning about tourism policy and planning and I see the importance and presence of that in my current role by working with the likes of Failte Ireland, Dublin City Council etc.
Shane Carter, Center Parcs Spa Manager
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
My biggest takeaway from school was maths. Having a solid understanding of maths and being confident with numbers has really supported me in becoming the business manager I am today. If I could do things again, I’d go back and study Excel more deeply. It’s such a valuable tool, not only in management but in life. I planned and managed our wedding using my basic Excel Skills.