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.
Cally O’Leary, AIB Branch Retail Manager
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
My leaving cert subjects included Business, Biology, Home Ecc, German then Irish English and Maths.
I chose subjects that I enjoyed the most. Business definitely helped me in the role I am in today. At the time I didn’t really know what I wanted to do so I went with what I enjoyed most. I don’t think I would have changed any of my subject choices or done anything differently.
Stephen Cronin, Pastry Chef at Cush Midleton
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
I did the core English Irish and Maths and then selected Music French Geography and Technology for the leaving cert.Irish was probably my favourite subject out of these, that's a credit to the teachers I had throughout the years. None of these would really set you on a direct path into the world of food. Luckily I had my mind pretty much made up from when I was small that I wanted to be involved in food to some capacity. Even going back as far as primary school I would have always had an interest in baking/cooking. I Put down my1st choice on the CAO form as Culinary Arts in MTU Cork and thankfully I acquired my place there. This course gave an insight into numerous aspects of the food and hospitality sector from modules like product development to event management.
Kieran Magee, Farm Manager - Dry Stock
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
All the subjects I choose had a practical aspect to them,e.g. Woodwork, Metalwork, Technical graphics and of course the usuals. I suppose looking back on it I was always working with my hands and that's what I enjoyed.
The likes of Woodwork and Metalwork are skills which are used every day when out in the yard or down the back of a field fixing a broken machine. If I went back to pick better subjects I probably would have added Agricultural Science into the bunch, but other than that I'd stick with the same.