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!
Lara Mulvey, Senior Product Manager AIB
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
While in school I did a real mix of subjects, from Music to Accounting. I really enjoyed the problem solving side of Maths and Chemistry, but my real passion was for languages. German was definitely my favourite subject. Although my German is now pretty rusty, I like to think my ear for languages has helped shape my ability to translate some of the more technical language into meaningful business terminology.
My wide range of subjects in school showed early on that I liked to have a good mix topics to keep me engaged.
I went into Physio with having never studied Biology, and I remember other students at the time thinking I was crazy, but all in all there was no great downfall to that. I had to work a little harder in my first year, but I quickly got up to speed. It felt somewhat similar walking into Finance with no strong business background.
I really think that being adaptable is so important to whatever career path you’re thinking of pursuing.
No matter the subject, if you’re a rounded individual you’ll find that you’ve learned certain attributes which you can apply to any job.
Louise Mc Donald, Private (Line)
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
I always knew I wanted to join the army as a recruit. Therfore my subjects in school did not influence my career. However I completed my Leaving Cert as it is important to have in case things did not go to plan. I also focused a lot on sports, I played Ladies gaelic for my local G.A.A and camogie. I had to keep a standard of fitness as that is one of the main requirements for the army.