Tips for choosing your Leaving Cert. subjects
Selecting the correct mix of subjects and levels for the Leaving Certificate is an important task that current 3rd year and T.Y. students will be doing in the coming weeks. Careful thought and consideration must be given to subject choice as it can have huge consequences in two years’ time. The wrong choice of subjects can block entry into certain courses and colleges. Do the research now to ensure that you choose subjects that will keep options open to you in the future in terms of further study and work.
The top tips to help you select the correct mix of subjects:
1. Pick subjects that you like – make sure to choose your favourite subjects. All students study English, Maths and Irish (unless you have an exemption) along with four other subjects for the Leaving Cert. Think of the subjects that you are currently studying. Think of the ones that you like and are interested in. These are the subjects that you probably don’t mind going to the class, doing the homework and studying for a test. It is important that the subjects you choose for Leaving Cert. are ones that you are interested in as it will make the following two years of study a lot easier and more manageable.
2. Choose subjects that you are good at – if you are good at a subject, it will come naturally to you and you will do very well in that subject. Everyone is different, some people enjoy practical subjects and may select subjects that complement this such as Construction and D.C.G. Other people may be interested in Science and so select Biology and Chemistry. While others enjoy a mix of theory and practical and may pick subjects such as, Business and Art. Think about yourself and ask yourself; What am I good at? What subject do I do well in? Would I like to study it for a further two years?
3. Do not pick a subject just because your friend is picking it – you are not your friend, and this is a time in your life when you must put your own needs first. You like things that your friend does not and vice versa. In two years’ time, you and your friends may be choosing completely different pathways and so, select the subjects that suit your interests, aptitude and personality. You will still be able to meet up with your friends at breaks and outside of school.
4. Be aware of minimum entry requirements to college – this is also known as Matriculation. All colleges specify minimum academic qualifications necessary to gain entry to that college. For example, to study in N.U.I.Galway, applicants must present 6 subjects, 2 at higher level with a minimum grade of H5 and 4 at ordinary level at minimum grade 06/ H7 or above. Another example, the minimum entry requirement to study in the Institutes of Technology is 5 subjects at 06/H7 grade or above. It is important to be aware of minimum entry requirements. More information on this can be found at www.qualifax.ie.
5. Be aware of subject specific entry requirements – this is another hurdle that students must pass to gain entry onto certain third level courses. Certain courses require certain subjects or levels at entry. For example, applicants must have a Science subject to enter a degree in Nursing, higher- level Irish at H4 or above is necessary to enter Primary School Teaching, and higher- level Maths is needed to gain entry to Hons. degrees in Engineering at University. It is important that you make yourself aware of these subject requirements so that you do not close off possible courses/ careers now that may interest you later. If you are unsure, check the college websites for further information.
6. Finally, if you are unsure about what you would like to do when you leave school, as many young people are at this stage, choose a broad range of subjects to keep as many doors open to you as possible. This include selecting one science and one language subject. Many colleges, not all, require students to have a language to gain entry. Also, many science- based courses require a science subject to gain entry. By selecting a Science and a Language subject, you are keeping as many options open to you as possible for when the time comes to selecting courses/ careers.
In the weeks ahead, research the various subjects. An excellent resource is www.careersportal.ie. This website has full descriptions of subject content and assessment so it will make you fully aware of what the subject is like at Leaving Cert. level. If you would like further information, advice and guidance on subject choice, contact McCullagh Careers at info@mccullaghcareers.ie or 0872120527.