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.
Fiona Keyes, Chef
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
In secondary school, although I knew what I wanted to do, I opted not to take home economics for my leaving certificate, which tends to shock most who ask. I chose to do this as it was not a practical enough subject for me. I love to work with my hands, and the theoretical side of that subject just didn’t suit me. I chose to undertake construction studies instead and was very successful in this subject. I don’t think these choices had a huge influence on my career but were defiantly the right decisions for me at the time. I think its important to study subjects that you enjoy, as if you enjoy them you will be okay with giving them more time and thus be more successful in them.
Jonathan Faull, Space Social Media and Communications
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
Engineering, Construction Studies, Biology and Maths were probably the main ones that influenced my career path, but I have used some part of every subject I have studied in my job at some point.
Karen O'Flaherty, Science Communicator
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
In secondary school I studied mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology, as well as English, Irish, French, and History. I planned to study science at University with a view to going into the chemical industry. It just happened that I was better at physics and found myself drawn towards a degree in that subject.