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.
Liz Christy, Textile Design/Handweaver
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
The subjects I took at shool all influenced me in different ways. English is very necessary in how I represent myself, Maths is oh so important in so many ways from yarn calculations to understanding numeric’s in business.
Art was very influential in my career path. I was introduced to Impressionism and Monet who is a major inspiration in my current work and marketing mix.
I wish I was better at Irish and I would use it in my business marketing. History influenced how I relate to current affairs, Home Economics is vital in developing my needlecraft skills which is an important aspect of my business.
Biology, well I do enjoy gardening as a hobby and my husband is a student psychiatric nurse so a knowledge of biology has come in useful over the years.
Deirdre Kelleghan, Amateur Astronomer
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
When I was young, going on to third-level education was not something everyone did or could do – I had to go straight to work when I finished secondary school. This was difficult as I wanted to go to art college but could not. However, as I was working (in graphic design) I paid for myself to go to college at night and did a Diploma in Art in Industry and Commerce. To fulfill my needs I also did courses in life drawing at night in the National College of Art and Design which I totally loved. There is no hindsight worth pursuing, as what happened is in the past and I got on with my life in my own way, with my own drive.
Haleigh Joyce, Scientific and Technical Officer (Marine)
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
In secondary school, for my Leaving Certificate I chose Biology as one of my optional subjects, and that’s the one that really stood to me for my career, along with the compulsory subjects like English and Maths. Looking back, I think Agricultural Science would also have been a good choice because it overlaps with what I do now. If I had the chance again, I’d also consider Computer Science, because a lot of statistical software involves coding, or Geography, which links closely with the environmental work I do. These subjects would all have been very relevant for the type of job I have today.