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.
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.
Laura Neill, Event and Engagement Manager
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
I studied business in college because I wanted to build a strong foundation and broaden my knowledge across different areas. I always knew I wanted to work in events. The business degree gave me valuable insights into marketing, finance, and project management, all of which have been incredibly useful in my career as an event manager. It was a strategic choice that supported the path I knew I was passionate about.
Ciaran MacSamhrain, Engineer - Transport Infrastructure Ireland
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
Irish, English, French, Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Latin (I failed Latin(!) but only concentrated on 6 subjects because, at least at that time, all colleges only counted up to 6 subjects when calculating entry points). I stayed in Honours Maths and choose Physics in order to not rule out opting for engineering. I would not have done anything differently in hindsight.