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.
Keith Hayes, Ambulance / Paramedic
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
In school there was very poor attention given to, or ‘guidance’ towards suitable careers. I was lucky I knew what I wanted to do. This, looking back was disappointing because I had no drive to go to third level college. I knew all I needed to be a Paramedic was the Leaving Cert.
In the Leaving Cert I took English, Irish, Maths, French, Biology, Chemistry and History pretty much the standard, they didn’t really have much influence on my career choice. That said, Biology and Chemistry are a great foundation for studying medicine as a Paramedic.
Colm Daly, Hotel Manager
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
In school, I studied a mix of practical and academic subjects, including Home Economics, Technical Drawing, Woodwork, LCVP, Science, Irish, French, English, and Maths. Each of these has influenced my career in different ways:
• Technical Drawing helped me develop spatial awareness and attention to detail, which I now use when looking at hotel layouts, elevations, and fire plans.
• Home Economics gave me a strong foundation in food safety, kitchen management, and practical organisation, which has been invaluable in food & beverage operations.
• Business-related subjects, including LCVP, Maths, and Science, developed my analytical thinking, problem-solving, and management skills, which are key in running a hotel successfully.
• Languages and communication subjects like English, Irish, and French have helped me communicate effectively with teams and guests from diverse backgrounds. All of these subjects combined to give me a broad skill set that prepared me for a career in hospitality management, where I use practical, analytical, and people skills every day.
Brian O'Connor, Analytical Chemist
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
Because I didn’t do my leaving certificate in Ireland I didn’t have to make big choices earlier on in my life. It was when I went to college that I chose the subjects that I wanted to do. I chose to major in Chemistry and to minor in Biology as a Pre Medical School student. In America you have to complete a degree first before you are accepted into medical school. By my third year of college I fell in love with chemistry and no longer wished to go to med school. It is funny how it all worked out but I have no regrets about it. I really enjoy being a chemist.