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.
Dr Katarina Timulakova, Senior Clinical Psychologist
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
In my secondary school I did psychology subject as an option. Biology, maths and English language were helpful in applying for undergraduate. In Ireland you do not have to apply, you need your points and usually no specific subject from the secondary school.
In undergraduate and postgraduate course I chose subject related to counselling psychology and clinical psychology – psychoanalysis, couple therapy, gestalt therapy, group interventions, psychodiagnostics, working with children, adults, older adults, people with disabilities. Research form the are relevant to clinical psychology is an advantage.
In training for clinical psychology qualification I have followed prescribed learning goals and objectives in academic area and on training placements.
I have done a number of psychotherapy trainings to support psychological intervention competencies, as I was interested to develop more this area.
Lara Mulvey, Senior Product Manager AIB
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
While in school I did a real mix of subjects, from Music to Accounting. I really enjoyed the problem solving side of Maths and Chemistry, but my real passion was for languages. German was definitely my favourite subject. Although my German is now pretty rusty, I like to think my ear for languages has helped shape my ability to translate some of the more technical language into meaningful business terminology.
My wide range of subjects in school showed early on that I liked to have a good mix topics to keep me engaged.
I went into Physio with having never studied Biology, and I remember other students at the time thinking I was crazy, but all in all there was no great downfall to that. I had to work a little harder in my first year, but I quickly got up to speed. It felt somewhat similar walking into Finance with no strong business background.
I really think that being adaptable is so important to whatever career path you’re thinking of pursuing.
No matter the subject, if you’re a rounded individual you’ll find that you’ve learned certain attributes which you can apply to any job.
Paul Galvan, Resource Teacher
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
For my Leaving Certificate I studied English, Irish, Maths, Physics, French, Geography and History. My favourite subjects were Geography, Physics, French and English. I knew that I would like to study a combination of these subjects in further education. I think as regards a career path it’s a good idea to study subjects you like and are good at.