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.
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.
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.
Abbie Rice, Associate Accountant/IFS Apprentice
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
As well as core subjects, I took Biology, Chemistry & Geography, none of which were even remotely related to the career path I've chosen. I never studied business or economics, although I had always had an interest in maths but never thought I'd end up working in the finance sector.