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.
Donna-Marie Cooney, Reservations Manager - The Heritage Hotel
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
I did Business in secondary school and I loved it, and I think it really helped me with my career choice. I studied in Athlone Institute of Technology (now TUS Athlone) and have a bachelor’s degree in Hotel and Leisure Management. We have many modules throughout the 3-Year course but the most relevant for my career path would have been Human Resource, Information Technology, Accounting, Marketing, & Customer Relationship Management.
Karen O'Flaherty, Science Communicator
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
In secondary school I studied mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology, as well as English, Irish, French, and History. I planned to study science at University with a view to going into the chemical industry. It just happened that I was better at physics and found myself drawn towards a degree in that subject.
Stephen Cronin, Pastry Chef at Cush Midleton
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
I did the core English Irish and Maths and then selected Music French Geography and Technology for the leaving cert.Irish was probably my favourite subject out of these, that's a credit to the teachers I had throughout the years. None of these would really set you on a direct path into the world of food. Luckily I had my mind pretty much made up from when I was small that I wanted to be involved in food to some capacity. Even going back as far as primary school I would have always had an interest in baking/cooking. I Put down my1st choice on the CAO form as Culinary Arts in MTU Cork and thankfully I acquired my place there. This course gave an insight into numerous aspects of the food and hospitality sector from modules like product development to event management.