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.
Naoise Pye, Social Care Worker
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
I didn't know what I wanted to do when I left school so actually my choice of subjects only reflected my interests (Art, History, French and Classical Studies).
So if I were to do my Leaving cert again I might choose to do home-economics or biology to increase my medical knowledge as well as my cooking and domestic skills!
Rachel Berry, Pharmacist
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
For GCSE I studied Maths, Additional Maths, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Geography, English Language and Literature and German.
For A-Level I took Maths, Chemistry and Biology. I chose these subjects primarily because I was good at them and also because I enjoyed them. The school I attended was very academic and I always knew my future career would involve science of some description so the choices I made were logical.
I do regret not continuing on with art, although at the time I wasn't sure I could spare the time to commit to an extra subject that wasn't really going to come in useful. I guess you just have to weigh up costs and benefits. I found it very helpful to have a good grasp of statistics and pure maths as these topics came up quite alot during the pharmacy degree.
If you are thinking of taking a degree in pharmacy make sure you look at the admission requirements in good time as they can be quite specific and I know the grades are increasing every year so you need to be sure you are capable of making the grades.
Catherine O'Grady Powers, Owner Gleenkeen Farms
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
I loved Business Organisation and French, these 2 subjects have really helped me in my business. My Business Org teacher, Carmel Featherston was very influential in my path on the business route, she really believed in me and even took time out after school to take me over to GMIT Castlebar to a talk on a career in Business! This really inspired me and made me feel empowered on choosing route in Business. I also took a typing course which, I use every day and am most thankful for!
I am now taking tin whistle lessons to broaden my skills in the business and I think it would be really nice to play some nice tunes for our guests on an adhoc basis or perhaps out in the field on a nice day after I deliver the Sheepherding experience for them. My motto has always been ‘Under promise, Over deliver’ this leaves your customers with lasting memories.