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.
Niamh Cacciato, Solicitor
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
I chose two languages in school- French and German. I had the choice of German or Art and Music. Most people chose Art and Music and there was only one class out of six classes of first year doing two languages. I believe that doing two languages improved my proficiency in language in general and my ability to learn new vocabulary and grasp new concepts.
I realised I was good at working out how to express myself in French and German and I always wanted to learn new words and phrases and this led me to then choose languages as two of my three subjects for an Arts Degree at third level. I knew that I would like to do French at university and then when I learnt that Italian was on offer I thought why not try something new! I also knew that Italian was similar to French as they are both Latin-based languages and I could guess some of the Italian vocabulary from my knowledge of French.
Michael Bohane, QA Manager
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
My Leaving Cert subjects were Irish, English, Maths, French, Chemistry, Biology and Business Organisation. My main interest was science so I chose two science subjects and one business related subject to keep things interesting.
My subjects were appropriate for my University course except I was required to take Physics in the first year. This was quite challenging not having taken Physics to Leaving Cert but not impossible. I don't think I would do anything differently if I had to repeat the process.
Dr Katarina Timulakova, Senior Clinical Psychologist
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
In my secondary school I did psychology subject as an option. Biology, maths and English language were helpful in applying for undergraduate. In Ireland you do not have to apply, you need your points and usually no specific subject from the secondary school.
In undergraduate and postgraduate course I chose subject related to counselling psychology and clinical psychology – psychoanalysis, couple therapy, gestalt therapy, group interventions, psychodiagnostics, working with children, adults, older adults, people with disabilities. Research form the are relevant to clinical psychology is an advantage.
In training for clinical psychology qualification I have followed prescribed learning goals and objectives in academic area and on training placements.
I have done a number of psychotherapy trainings to support psychological intervention competencies, as I was interested to develop more this area.