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.
Rory Fitzpatrick , CEO of the National Space Centre
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
I wouldn't have been what you would call a very studious student. When I was in school I was mainly playing rugby, and loved rugby, but didn't really like studying so much. But I did study Latin, maths, English, Irish, art, physics and history. Physics I was very interested in and it's the interest in physics right now that helps me with work, but it wasn't something I excelled at in school.
I had very good science teachers in school, and my interest in physics probably has pushed me in some way. With this industry you are learning every day; every day is a school day, you gotta learn stuff, you gotta read yourself a lot. I have to educate myself an awful lot on the technologies we're dealing with and what's going on in my sector, so it's self-education really more than anything.
Kathryn Reeves, Learning and Development Lead
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
I don't think the subjects that I studied at school or university have turned out to be especially relevant or helpful for my career. Although the process of studying an arts subject did help. For example, the reviewing, planning, analysis that goes into writing essays, and the ability to be able to communicate your point concisely and persuasively in a class presentation, essay or exam.
These skills I use on a daily basis, so it has been more about the skill learned than the subject itself. While I've forgotten most of the maths I learned at school, I have found that percentages, ratios, the presentation of data, and the interpretation of graphs has featured in all roles that I've had.
Sarah Tenanty, Finance Operations
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
I studied the required subjects such as Maths, English, Irish and opted for Accounting, Business Studies, French and Home Economics. I really enjoyed working with numbers and Business Studies gave me a good foundation of what to expect in the working environment. Accounting and Maths were my favourite subjects and they had a big influence on my course choice.