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.
Maria O'Neill, Civil Engineer
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
In hindsight, I am happy to say I wouldn't have done anything differently to date! In my Junior Cert I did 9 subjects ; Maths, Irish, English, History, Geography, Science, Business Studies, French and Tech Graphics. I liked Languages and history the least. I won't lie, Maths, Geography, and Tech Graphics were the ones I enjoyed the most.
When I was choosing for my leaving Cert I still hadn't decided what I would do when I was finished. I was thinking of Engineering, Teaching or Physiotherapy. I wanted to leave my options open. To do physio you need a language (to get in to UCD) and 2 science subjects. I decided to do Maths, Irish, English, French, Geography, Physics and Chemistry for my leaving. That left all the options open.
I was good at Business Studies, but after looking at courses in college, I discovered you don't usually need a business subject to get into a business course. This is not the case for Science based courses. In 6th year I took up Applied Maths. Since I was doing Physics and Maths I had a good background for the subject. Twenty classes and just homework, and I got an honour. If anyone was to ask me if they should do it, if you like maths, its a great subject!
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.
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.