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.
Kerri Martin, Training Development Officer
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
To be honest, in secondary school, I thought I was going to be a teacher so at that time social care wasn’t on my radar. We didn’t have CSPE or SPHE when I was in school. I think it was more life experience that influenced my career path.
Anne-Marie Kennedy, Chartered Sport Psychologist
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
What I didnt expect in my psychology degree was the level of maths and statistics that was required. I was poor at maths and struggled a bit with this aspect of my degree. I probably would have chosen biology for leaving cert in hindsight just to get a better insight into how the brain works.
I found honours English throughout secondary school did help as I was used to writing essays and critically analysing pros and poetry. There was a lot of philosophy in my degree which can be taxing if you havent been exposed to it before so if there was an option to do a philosophy subject I would recommend that.
Dr Alexis Carey , Health Psychologist
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
I did 7 honours subjects for my Leaving Certificate. Biology and Chemistry gave me a solid understanding of how our bodies and brains work, which is essential for psychology. Geography helped me think about environment and context. Maths was a key player in my career. I wouldn’t be where I am today without those skills for statistics and research, required for psychology. I also took English, Irish and French. Language subjects developed my communication and critical thinking skills, all of which support my holistic approach as a Health Psychologist.