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.
Tomas Flanagan, Occupational Therapist
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
In school we had to choose our Leaving Cert subjects just before the Junior Cert. At this stage I had no idea what I wanted to do as a profession but I knew I wanted to go to College.
In order to keep my options open I chose a mix of subjects to include one language, one science subject and one business subject. In addition to the obligatory English, Irish & Maths I therefore studied French, Biology, Geography & Accounting. I chose these particular subjects as I had an interest in them at Junior Cert level.
I suppose Biology was the most relevant of my subjects when I started college as there was some overlap with Anatomy and Physiology. We also studied research and statistics in college which were Maths related.
Catherine O'Grady Powers, Owner Gleenkeen Farms
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
I loved Business Organisation and French, these 2 subjects have really helped me in my business. My Business Org teacher, Carmel Featherston was very influential in my path on the business route, she really believed in me and even took time out after school to take me over to GMIT Castlebar to a talk on a career in Business! This really inspired me and made me feel empowered on choosing route in Business. I also took a typing course which, I use every day and am most thankful for!
I am now taking tin whistle lessons to broaden my skills in the business and I think it would be really nice to play some nice tunes for our guests on an adhoc basis or perhaps out in the field on a nice day after I deliver the Sheepherding experience for them. My motto has always been ‘Under promise, Over deliver’ this leaves your customers with lasting memories.
Kevin Moran, Insurance Administrator
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
As well as the mandatory Irish, English and Mathematics my leaving certificate subjects included French, Biology, Geography and Accounting.
This is a broad range of subjects covering everything from business to languages to science, this provided a broad base for me as it left a number of doors open for various university courses.