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.
Shane Callanan, Electronic Engineer
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
When in I was in school I didn’t really have a definite career plan. However I did prefer the Science subjects in general over languages or Business type subjects. Along with the obligatory subjects, I continued with Physics, Chemistry and Honours Maths for my leaving certificate, not so much as a conscious career choice but because I liked them. However as it turned out these all helped me during my course, and they tied in with my career choice.
Jonathan Smyth, Library Assistant
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
I chose honours subjects in English, History, Geography, and Home Economics. Ordinary level subjects included Maths, Irish and French. I often regret not doing a science subject, but I do feel that a good command of English is essential. Other than that, an Irish subject is required for a job in the Public Library Service in Ireland.
Jonathan O’Reilly, Principal Social Worker
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
I know that these days there is a wider range of school subjects that might promote a social work career, in my day these didn’t exist. My strongest subjects were English (which has assisted in report writing and Court work) and Geography (which hasn’t really assisted at all), but it was the extra-curricular school activities that influenced my career path. Whereas I had entertained the idea of careers in journalism and drama, it was working with young tourists during the summer, and ‘Care Week’ in transition year that influenced me the most.