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.
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.
Sam Franklin, Earth Observation Specialist
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
I took science and geography options at GCSE level (up to 16), followed by geography, biology and psychology A-Levels (16-18). At A-level, I followed my interests, but with hindsight I wish I had pursued Maths and Physics. The UK system has changed now and you do a wider number of subjects between 16-18 which is a good thing. My lack of science at A-Level did hurt my career progression at university, which required me to get extremely high grades to demonstrate that I could take on the harder science topics at University. My advice is to study Maths (in addition to other things you’re interested in) for as long as possible. It’s like a VIP pass in your career. If you’ve got maths, then that takes you anywhere. I wish I had known this earlier on.
Kevin Moran, Insurance Administrator
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
As well as the mandatory Irish, English and Mathematics my leaving certificate subjects included French, Biology, Geography and Accounting.
This is a broad range of subjects covering everything from business to languages to science, this provided a broad base for me as it left a number of doors open for various university courses.