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.
Haleigh Joyce, Scientific and Technical Officer (Marine)
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
In secondary school, for my Leaving Certificate I chose Biology as one of my optional subjects, and that’s the one that really stood to me for my career, along with the compulsory subjects like English and Maths. Looking back, I think Agricultural Science would also have been a good choice because it overlaps with what I do now. If I had the chance again, I’d also consider Computer Science, because a lot of statistical software involves coding, or Geography, which links closely with the environmental work I do. These subjects would all have been very relevant for the type of job I have today.
Ejiro O'Hare Stratton, Clinical Nurse Manager 2
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
Economics, English, Maths, History, Biology, Art, BK, were the subjects I took. Biology stood to me for nursing but Economics and History also proved useful when I did my course in Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations.
Fergal Donnelly, European Commission
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
It's understandable not to have clear subject choices at a young age. The best advice is to go for what you're good at and to chuck what you don't like. Only vague ambitions at this stage are appropriate. The rest will follow in due course.