St. Brendan’s College Guidance Counselling Service
Dear students and parent(s)/guardian(s),
At the end of the Junior Certificate year students must decide what subjects they will study for the Senior Cycle/Leaving Certificate programme. Apart from the core subjects, English, Irish and Mathematics, there are many optional subjects from which they can choose from. This booklet should provide some information which may be helpful to students and parents in making these choices. It can also be used as a resource when making career choices at a later date.
Should students or parents/guardians which to discuss any of the implications of these choices do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours sincerely,
__________________________
Brídín Kearney
Guidance Counsellor
The information in this booklet applies only to subject choice in St. Brendan’s College, Killarney and refers only to the subjects on offer in this school.
While every effort will be made to accommodate students’ choice of subjects we cannot guarantee any particular combination of subjects. The final choices offered are a reflection of student preferences they are not predetermined.
In choosing to study for an academic Leaving Certificate you are accepting responsibility for the severe demands the programme requires for success.
Success depends on:
(1) Attendance, (2) Homework, (3) Revision, (4) Reflective Subject Choice
Daily recommended time for Homework:
5th year:
3-4 hours weekday
6-8 hours weekend
6th year:
4-5 hours weekday
8-10 hours weekend
Homework/Study (The Road To Future Success)
St. Brendan’s College provides a highly effective and professional system of after school study that aims to ensure students receive the maximum support and encouragement to complete both their homework and study.
We endeavour that each student has clear goals and targets in relations to their school work, in-house exams, state exams and future educational goals. There is an emphasis on making students aware of how to focus on short term and long term study plans through consistent revision.
Supervised Study (Monday-Friday):
Session 1:
Students may use the study facilities in any combination of sessions. A record of attendance is kept and is sent home to parents on a monthly basis. Mr. Seamus Grealy is in charge of supervised study and any enquiries can be directed to him.
CONSIDERATIONS IN CHOOSING SUBJECTS
Choosing subjects requires research, discussion, reflection and decision.
When choosing subjects, consider the following:
ABILITY/INTEREST:
Ability and interest are very important considerations as you will work harder and achieve more in subjects which you enjoy and are good at.
CAREERS:
Some courses/careers have very specific subject entry requirements while others have very general entry requirements (discussed in more detail later).
RELEVANCE:
Remember, not every subject has to have a specific relevance or use other than your enjoyment of the subject.
KEEPING OPTIONS OPEN:
Keep your range of subjects as broad as possible – business, science, humanities etc. Remember that current career preference may not reflect future career preference. However, if you have a particular interest in a specific are then it might be wise to choose a second subject from this group.
SUBJECT CONTENT
SCIENCE:
Mathematics (Core), Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Agricultural Science
LANGUAGES:
Irish (Core), English (Core), French, German
BUSINESS:
Business, Accounting
APPLIED SCIENCES:
Design & Communication Graphics, Construction Studies
SOCIAL STUDIES:
History, Geography, Art, Music, Religious Education
Irish is compulsory for all students unless they have had an exemption from Irish at Junior Level (see below).
To study Irish at higher level it is recommended that students should have studied, sat and passed Higher Junior Certificate Irish.
Aim: that students…
Understand the spoken language
Understand the written language
Communicate in the spoken language
Communicate in the written language
Have an awareness of Irish culture and civilisation
Course Content:
- 5 poems common to Higher & Ordinary Level
- 4 Prose Poems
- 8 poems for Higher Level only
- 1 Short film
- Short notes on the history of the Irish Language
- 1 Autobiography
& Irish Literature
- Essay & Comprehension Work
- Aural (listening) and Oral (speaking) Work.
The oral is worth 25% (H & O) and the aural is worth 15% (H), 20% (O).
Students may also take Foundation Level but this will affect college entry so it is very important that all students check college and course requirements carefully.
Useful for:
Translator, Law, Journalism, Teaching, Broadcasting, Civil Service, Guards, Army, Acting, Politics.
A Higher C3 is needed for Primary Teaching.
THE IRISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT
1.1. The basic requirement with regard to Irish
Candidates born in the
1.2. Exemption from Irish for candidates born in Northern Ireland/United Kingdom
Candidates from Northern Ireland/United Kingdom presenting GCE/GCSE qualifications will automatically be granted exemption from Irish. It is not necessary for them to apply to
1.3. Other exemptions from Irish
The following candidates may claim exemption from the requirement of presenting Irish for Matriculation Registration purposes:
(i) Candidates born outside the
Candidates (apart from those born in Northern Ireland/United Kingdom as referred to at 5.2) are required to submit a copy of their birth certificate to
(ii) Candidates born in the
• whose primary education up to the age of eleven years was outside the
• who resided outside the
• whose post-primary education in the three years immediately preceding their becoming eligible for Matriculation (see Section 1.3) took place outside of the Republic of Ireland (26 counties).
N.B. In all of these cases, a Declaration by the Head of the School attended must be lodged. The required Form of Declaration for this purpose may be obtained from the
from www.nui.ie/college.
(iii) Candidates submitting a Certificate of Exemption from Irish in accordance with the Department of Education revision of Rule 46 ‘Rules and Programmes for Secondary Schools’ in relation to exemption from Irish (Circular letter M10/94)
Any candidate who is granted exemption from Irish on this ground and who intends applying for a place in a
1.4 It should be noted that:
• Candidates who are exempted from Irish may present, as their sixth subject, any other subject accepted for Matriculation Registration purposes.
• Candidates from outside the European Union presenting the results of examinations other than those of the European Union countries may substitute another recognised subject for Irish.
• Candidates born outside the
• Candidates presenting the International Baccalaureate Diploma for Matriculation, and whose primary and post-primary education has been in the
Source: www.nui.ie
English is compulsory for all students. To study English at Higher Level it is recommended that students have obtained a D or higher in Junior Certificate Higher English.
Course Content:
Useful for:
Journalism, Communications, Translator, Acting, Teaching, Broadcasting, Law, Marketing, Speech Therapy, Receptionist, Public Relations, Secretary, Librarian, Solicitor, Barrister, Medicine, Nursing etc.
Check College and Course requirements carefully.
THE ENGLISH REQUIREMENT WHERE ENGLISH IS NOT THE FIRST LANGUAGE:
For universities all candidates are required to satisfy the English language requirement. Candidates whose first language is not English may satisfy the requirement through any of the following:
2.1
English at Level 4 or above, before 1985; at Level D or above, in or after 1985
2.2
(currently awarded at Shannon College of Hotel Management)
2.3 Leaving Certificate
English at Grade D Ordinary Level or above
2.4
English Composition (not English Literature) at Pass Level or above
2.5
• GCE O Level English Language at Grade C or above
• GCSE English Language at Grade C or above
• GCSE English Literature at Grade C or above
• CSE Grade 1 Pass in English
The following standard in English Language examinations set by certain Examination Boards – any one of:
• Assessments and Qualifications
•
• Edexcel Foundation C or above
•
2.6 EU Countries’ Matriculation Examination
Matriculation Examinations from European Union Countries where
English is presented as a subject and an acceptable level is achieved
2.7 Norwegian Certificate of Upper Secondary Education
A score of 4 or higher in English in the First Part
2.8
• Hong Kong Certificate of Education, English Language Syllabus B
Grade C or better
•
Grade C or better
Maths is compulsory for all students. It is offered at higher, ordinary and foundation level. As it is so important to pass Maths in the Leaving Certificate we strongly recommend that all students follow the recommendation of their teachers. If during the course of senior cycle a student, after consultation with their teacher, wishes to change from higher to ordinary level he must complete a “Change of Level” form which must be signed by the Guidance Counsellor, Parents/Guardians, Teachers concerned, Principal/Vice Principal.
Course Content:
Ordinary Level:
Everyday arithmetic; Algebra; Geometry; Complex Numbers; Statistics; Choices & Probability; Trigonometry; Calculus; Sequences & Series; Binomial Expansion.
Higher
All of the above at a more advance level and in greater depth
+
Vectors; Integration; Applications
Higher Level is needed for most Engineering, Mathematical, Physics and Actuarial courses in University. Check with individual colleges, search engines and guidance counsellor for confirmation.
Foundation Maths:
The Gardaí will accept a B. However, foundation level Maths is
not accepted by all colleges for entry. Therefore it is essential that students check that doing Foundation Level Maths will not have an adverse effect on their choice of 3rd level programme or career. Speak to the Guidance Counsellor before making any decision.
Science Group:
BIOLOGY
means ‘The Study of Life’ is all its variety of forms. The human race shares this planet with one and half million species of animals and plants, many of which are essential for our survival as a species. It follows, therefore, that knowledge of the science of biology is essential for an understanding of human life and the living environment around us.
The Leaving Certificate Biology course covers 10 major units, which include human biology, genetics, microbiology and ecology as well as systematic investigations of many other plant and animal groups.
Students undertake a range of practical work, laboratory work and fieldwork. Yet Biology is very much a theoretical subject whereby 100% of the subject is examined in the terminal written exam in June.
Useful for:
Biology as a life science is a ground level subject which leads directly to many ‘Bio’ orientated 3rd level courses: Medicine, Nursing, Paramedics, Veterinary Science, Food Science, Dentistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Food Technology, Nursing, PE teaching, Physiotherapy.
PHYSICS , as a subject, is an adventure! It can be challenging but it can also be rewarding. Understanding a little more about the often-surprising ways of the physical world, far from detracting from your appreciation of nature, can make the world seem a more fascinating and complex place.
How does the electric motor work? What evidence do we have that the Universe is expanding (the Big Bang)? Why is it that sound can go around corners but light cannot? How can we measure the power of an athlete? The answer to these questions and many more can be found in the study of Physics.
These are the main areas of study including some of the applications covered:
Career Areas: Some of the career areas in which Physics can be particularly useful are medical; optician; technical; engineering and architectural; electronic; communications; information technology and scientific; aviation.
Physics is essential for: Dentistry UCC (Physics or Biology); Theoretical Physics (HB3); some Applied Physics courses or courses that are physics related.
Note:
Higher level Mathematics is not a requirement for Leaving Certificate Physics topics – however it is better suited to students with mathematical inclination.
The study of
CHEMISTRY
is desirable not only for those who wish to pursue a career in science or in careers allied to science, but also for those who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Chemistry is very much the central foundation science subject, which makes it ideal to pair with Physics and Applied Maths. Students of third level Medical courses are advised to choose both Physics and Biology to partner their Chemistry choice.
The Chemistry syllabus features assessment of practical work and industrial case studies with a particular emphasis on environmental control. Topics include: the Periodic Table; Atomic Structure; Stoichiometry; Formulae and Equation; Chemical Equilibrium; Electrochemistry; Volumetric analysis etc.
Usefulness: Not only is the place of chemistry central to most courses in Natural Sciences offered in third level education, but it is also an essential element in the study of Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Physiotherapy, Engineering, Agricultural Science, Nursing, Pharmacy, Medical Laboratory Technology and numerous technician courses.
Assessment:
100% terminal exam.
Useful skills:
commitment to hard work; mathematical ability; interest in environmental and pharmaceutical issues.
Note:
A ‘C’ grade in higher level Chemistry is required for Human Nutrition & Dietetics degree in
AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE
is a biology based course. Topics covered include: Zoology, Animal Physiology, Genetics, Microbiology, Botany, Plant Physiology, Animal and Plant Husbandry and Ecology. It is hoped that the student would develop an understanding of the main areas of the course and then develop an understanding of how these areas apply to agriculture and the environment.
Useful Skills:
organisational and time management skills for project work and experience on a farm is a great help!
Assessment:
75% written work, 25% project work.
Courses/careers for which agricultural science is useful:
Farming, Environmental Science, Veterinary Science, Medicine, Nursing, Agricultural Science, Food Science, Food Technology, Geology, Botany, Horticulture, Forestry, Zoology.
COURSES REQUIRING TWO HIGHER LEVEL SCIENCE SUBJECTS
as a minimum entry requirement
:
Essential for:
Level/Grade:
Medicine (TCD)
HB3+HC3 in 2 of P/C/B/AS
Dentistry (TCD)
HB3+HC3 in 2 of P/C/B/AS
Physiotherapy (TCD)
2HC3 from M/P/C/B/AS
Pharmacy (TCD)
HC3 (Chem)+HC3 M/P/B/G/AS
Science (TCD)
2HC3 from M/P/C/B/G/AS
Human Genetics (TCD)
2HC3 from P/C/B/M
Human Health & Disease (TCD)
HC3 Biology + HC3 P/C/AS
Dentistry (UCC)
HC3 (Chem) + HC3 (P/B)
Medicine (UCC)
HC3 (Chem) + HC3 (P/B)
Pharmacy (UCC)
HC3 (Chem) + HC3 (P/B)
* This list is not exhaustive.
In addition most science based courses in the
Abbreviations:
M=Maths, P=Physics, C=Chemistry, B=Biology, G=Geography, AS=Agricultural Science
Note:
that while only a small number of courses require two Science subjects, it is advisable to choose two Science subjects if one is seriously interested in a Science based course.
French , German
The general educational aims of a foreign language teaching are:
The Leaving Certificate examination at both higher and ordinary levels consists of:
1. an oral examination
2. a listening comprehension test
3. reading comprehension tests
4. various tests of written production, including letter writing.
A foreign language is useful for: Air Traffic Controller; Piloting; International Marketing; Translator; Travel Agent; Journalist; Hotel Manager; Dept. of Foreign Affairs; Librarian; Interpreter; Au Pair; Chef Courier; Tourism.
THE THIRD LANGUAGE REQUIRMENT
N.B. Students may be exempt from the Third Language on the grounds of a Specific Learning Difficulty such as dyslexia. However, in order to be granted this exemption for college a student would need to present (i) a School Record Form completed by the Head of the School and (ii) a Certification Form completed by a qualified professional accompanied by a psychological assessment
no more than 3 years old. Forms are available from the
Accounting, Business
ACCOUNTING
is a subject that suits the organised methodical person who likes definite answers.
Students of accounting will be able to see and understand published company accounts, make comparison of performance between companies, be able to take care of the basic accounting needs of a small business, club, farm or service firm (cash flows, final accounts, budgeting etc.), study the production of information needed for management decision-making etc.
There are no prerequisites for the study of accounting – just an interest in working with figures. However, it is useful that all students in St. Brendan’s College will have studied Business Studies for the Junior Certificate.
Useful Skills:
Being comfortable with numbers; being able to record, organise and present financial information; an ability to think logically and clearly.
Assessment:
is based entirely on the terminal written examination.
Courses/Careers for which Accountancy is useful:
Accountancy, Finance, Management, Business, Banking, Teaching, Computer Systems, Marketing, Taxation, Insurance.
BUSINESS
is an exciting, practical and vocationally-oriented course that introduces students in simple and logical steps to the world of business.
The course aims to create an awareness of the importance of enterprise and to generate a positive and ethical attitude in both business and personal life.
The syllabus if broken up into 3 broad areas:
Business Studies, though not essential, forms an intricate part of any 3rd level business course and is also relevant to numerous career opportunities such as: Clerical work, Customs and Excise, Law, Teaching, Sales, Management, Insurance, Taxation, Marketing.
Assessment:
is based entirely on the terminal written exam in June.
Construction Studies, Design & Communication Graphics
CONSTRUCTION STUDIES is the study of the construction of buildings and why they are made the way they are. The main focus of the course is on the domestic house but it also ranges from the construction of sports arena to skyscrapers. It is a practical course in which the student is given the opportunity to achieve 50% of their Leaving Certificate exam result during their Leaving Certificate year in a project and a practical exam. The other 50% is assessed in a written exam during the normal Leaving Certificate exams.
In class a student studies:
· How sound, light and heat affect the design of buildings.
· How to install electricity and plumb your home.
· How to build an extension.
· Calculate a U-value.
· How to buy your own house.
· How to get planning permission.
· How to survey a piece of land for construction.
· How to convert your attic.
Construction Studies is useful for: Architecture, Auctioneering, Building Construction, Teaching, Carpentry, Bricklaying, Civil and Structural Engineering, Environmental Design, Electrician, Town Planning, Quantity Surveyor, Firefighter, Plasterer, Painter/Decorator, Housing.
DESIGN & COMMUNICATION GRAPHICS (DCG) is the graphic language of Technology. When Architects, Engineers and Interior Designers, for example, want to communicate their ideas or designs, they use Graphics. It has its own set of rules and regulations that govern how it is to be used, which are common throughout the world. DCG is an educational experience in the broadest sense as it provides students with a body of knowledge and develops their intellect and creative abilities in topics that are appropriate and meaningful in a technological world.
Assessment:
60% Examination
Plane & Solid Geometry
Engineering Applications
Building Applications
40% Project on Computer Design Autocad
Subject Content:
Orthographic Projection, Solids in Contact, Developments/Envelopments – Label Design, Auxiliary Projection, Loci – Spirals, Interpenetration, Engineering Structures, Fabricaiton e.g. Roof Trusses etc., Mechanisms i.e. Cams, Gears etc., Autocad – Computer Drawing.
OR
Surveying & Mining i.e.
Careers: D&CG may be contributory towards a variety of careers, which might include: all engineering; interior design; architecture; building services; construction industry; teaching; town planning; army and air corps; apprenticeships; printing.
Art, History, Geography, Music, Religious Education
ART:
The art course is comprised of Art Appreciation and History of Art, incorporating topics such as history, imaginative composition, still life, design, life sketching, 2 dimensional work, craft (pottery, screen and lino printing) and ceramic sculpture.
Art, craft and design education develops a number of important personal qualities, particularly those of initiative, perseverance, sensibility and self-reliance. It also develops a visual awareness and an appreciation of art, architecture and the environment. It is a broad-ranging course, giving students an appreciation of the aesthetic values of life.
Art is a highly versatile subject, which prepares pupils for a wide range of careers such as marketing and design in the industrial, commercial and advertising areas; media work in T.V. and video design production; fashion design and industry; craft businesses; product design.
Assessment:
All the practical work (2/3rds) of the paper is completed in May; the remaining 1/3rd (History of Art) is completed in June.
Note:
An art portfolio is required for entry to all third level art and design courses.
HISTORY:
A revised syllabus was introduced in 2004. History is now examined by means of a terminal written examination (80%) and a report on a research study (20%). The terminal examination will include compulsory documents-based elements. The report on a research study will be submitted in advance of the terminal written exam. This Research Study can be about any aspect of history, in any period. The teacher will help and oversee this work but the choice of subject matter is that of the student. As this replaces the “special essay” which was examined in the old Leaving Certificate paper, less time is required for the exam, which has been reduced from a marathon of 3 hours 20 minutes to 2 hours 50 minutes. Ordinary level students follow an identical course, with a different emphasis in the way questions are asked on exam papers.
The study of history at Leaving Certificate fulfils many of the general aims and principles of the Leaving Certificate programmes.
Career Opportunities:
An interest in, and knowledge of history are relevant to any career related to current affairs – journalism, local and national radio and TV. History is valuable as a background to studies in law, town planning, architecture, politics, economics, sociology, music, art, museum and library work. History is a good training for administration, management and the world of business in general. History is a good all round education.
In the simplest terms GEOGRAPHY is the study of where places are, what they are like, what life is like in them, and how and why they are changing. It can help you to: read and use maps, atlases and diagrams; gain knowledge of the world and understand current events; appreciate different cultures in this country and abroad; become aware of the physical and human environments. In addition, knowledge, skills and attitudes learned in Geography can help you to understand topics in other subjects.
Geography provides an effective method for asking questions about: places, the natural environment and the capacity of the earth to support human life. It involves a pattern of enquiry that begins with two essential questions: why are such things located in those particular places and how do those particular places affect our lives?
Content of Course:
The geography course consists of a range of core (Physical, Regional, Geographical Investigation), Elective (Economic, Social) and Optional (Global Interdependence, Geoecology, Culture and Identity, The Atmosphere-Ocean Environment) units. The Geographical Investigation (Fieldwork) is
mandatory and is worth 20% (H) or 25% (O). The report on the Geographical Investigation will be submitted in advance of the terminal exam. Therefore the terminal exam is worth 80% (H) or 75% (O).
Geography as a preparation for a career: You are not alone if you do not yet know what you want to do in life. Geography gives you a wide foundation from which you may choose many options. It provides excellent preparation for fields such as environmental science, engineering, surveying, mapping, remote sensing, geology, hydrology, meteorology, land use planning, managing economic development at home and abroad. It is closely allied to business in the areas of industrial locations, transport networks, markets at home and throughout the world. Geographers are important to banks and other investment firms.
MUSIC is, in its own right, a way of “knowing” and a form of knowledge and it also encourages the cognitive processes used in other subject areas. It is an immensely useful subject.
The new syllabus - first examined in 1999 - continues to emphasise the integration of the three activity areas introduced at Junior Certificate level:
1. Performance (25%) : Students may perform individually or as a group (Senior choir, band etc). The standard required is that of a student who has been performing in a school context for 5 years.
2. Listening (25%) - includes: (a) Four prescribed works of different historical context; (b) Irish music; (c) General aural skills, i.e. rhythm, melody, vocal & instrumental timbres
3. Composition (25%) - includes: melodic & harmonic composition, melody writing, adding chord symbols (e.g. guitar chords) to melody, adding bass notes (base line) to melody, exploring various styles of writing from popular to ‘classical’.
4. Remaining 25%: Students may undertake any one of the above activities as a “higher elective” e.g. performance could total 50 % of total.
The syllabus structure has been adopted to provide a fully balanced musical experience central to which is the development of musicality.
Career Areas: applicants with a well-rounded education are more likely to be successful in this competitive age. Music is useful for media work or studies, teaching, music therapy, music technology, sound engineering, public relations, library work, communications, performance and music at third level.
Note: it is possible to begin this syllabus with little knowledge of music theory or history but a working knowledge of a musical instrument (piano, guitar, voice etc.) is desirable.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION is one of the most important forces shaping history, culture, and personal experience. To understand religion is to understand--and develop a stance towards--the most pressing concerns in life. The approach to this study stresses critical reading and writing skills, a broad base of global understanding, and reflection on ethical issues.
Given the importance of moral, social, aesthetic, and other value questions in our lives, religion will expand your educational horizons. It will give you insight into the human condition as well as an international understanding of this and other cultures.
Course Content: The course consists of three units:
Unit One:
The search for meaning and values
Unit Two:
Any two of: Christianity: origins and contemporary expressions ; World religions; Moral decision-making
Unit Three:
Any one of the following (excluding the two sections designated for coursework):
Religion and gender; Issues of justice and peace; Worship, prayer, and ritual; The Bible: literature and sacred text; Religion: the Irish experience; Religion and science.
Assessment:
For the Leaving Certificate examination, the assessment procedure shall have two elements:1. Coursework (20%)
, 2.Terminal written paper (80%).
About LCVP:
LCVP is an intervention designed to enhance the vocational dimension of the Leaving Certificate (established). The programme was introduced in 1994 in response to the challenge placed on
The primary goal of the
LCVP is to prepare young people for adult life by ensuring that they are educated in the broadest sense, with an ability to cope and thrive in an environment of rapid change. Participants in the programme are encouraged to develop skills and competencies fundamental to both academic and vocational success.
Throughout the programme students are encouraged to:
These skills and qualities are equally relevant to the needs of those preparing for further education, seeking employment or planning to start their own business.
The strong vocational focus of the
LCVP is achieved by arranging Leaving Certificate subjects into Vocational Subject Groupings (VSGs) and through the provision of additional courses of study in work preparation and enterprise known as the Link Modules.
Vocational Subject Groupings (VSGs)
Two subjects
are selected from one of the Vocational Subject Groupings. These subjects provide students with a focus for developing vocational skills and exploring their career options.
The Specialist Groupings consist of subjects which complement one another naturally. The Services Groupings comprise subjects which complement one another in a commercial context.
|
Vocational Subject Groupings (VSGs) 2008/2009 |
|
Specialist Groupings |
|
1. Construction Studies; Engineering; Design and Communication Graphics; Technology (new subject) - Any Two |
|
Services Groupings |
|
10. Engineering or Technology and Accounting or Business or Economics |
The Link Modules
Link Module I – Preparation for the World of Work
Students will research and investigate local employment opportunities, develop job seeking skills such as letter writing, CV presentation, interview techniques; gain valuable practical experience of the world of work; interview and work shadow a person in a career area that interests them.
Link Module II –
Students will be involved in organising visits to local business and community enterprises; meet and interview enterprising people on site and in the classroom; plan and undertake interesting activities that will build self–confidence, creativity and initiative and develop teamwork, communication and computer skills.
Information and Communications Technology
Students taking the
LCVP will have an opportunity to develop and apply their IT skills. Students should also have an opportunity to use audio-visual equipment and computer presentation packages for recording and presentation purposes. During the course of the programme students will develop skills to:
Assessment of the Link Modules
LCVP
students follow the same subject syllabi and are assessed in the same way as their peers in the Leaving Certificate. For the Link Modules they are assessed by Written Examination (40%) and by Portfolio of Coursework (60%).
The structure of the Written Examination is as follows:
Section A Audio Visual Presentation
Section B Case Study (received in advance by students)
Section C General Questions (4 out of 6)
|
LINK MODULES - PORTFOLIO OF COURSEWORK |
|
CORE ITEMS |
|
Curriculum Vitae OPTIONAL ITEMS (any two)
Diary of Work Experience |
Certification
LCVP
students receive the same certificate as other Leaving Certificate students but their Certificate includes an additional statement of the results of the Link Modules.
Grades for the Link Modules are as follows:
|
Grade |
Per cent |
|
|
80% – 100% |
The Link Modules are recognised for points purposes by the Institutes of Technology and the Universities. The points are allocated as follows:
|
Grade |
Universities and Institutes of Technology Award |
|
|
70 points 50 points 30 points |
AN ALTERNATIVE LEAVING CERTIFICATE PROGRAMME
The Leaving Certificate Applied is a distinct, self-contained two-year programme aimed at preparing students for adult and working life. The programme puts an emphasis on forms of achievement and excellence, which the Established Leaving Certificate has not recognised in the past.
The Leaving Certificate Applied was introduced to recognise the talents of all students and provide opportunities for development in terms of responsibility, self-esteem and self-knowledge. It is an innovative programme in the way students learn, in what they learn and in the way their achievements are assessed
.
The Leaving Certificate Applied is intended to meet the needs of those students who are not adequately catered for by other Leaving Certificate programmes or who choose not to opt for such programmes.
What is the advantage of the Leaving Certificate
Applied?
The advantage of Leaving Certificate Applied is that it focuses on the talents of each individual student and helps students apply what they learn in the real world. The two-year programme consists of four half-year blocks called Sessions and achievements are credited in each of these Sessions.
What courses/modules are offered?
Do students have a choice within the Leaving Certificate Applied?
Each course consists of a number of modules. A module generally represents a half-year’s work and there is provision for some choice of modules. Choice also exists in relation to Vocational Specialisms. Two courses are selected from the following:
Four elective modules must be chosen from course areas where extra modules are available. Two courses, Religious Education and Science also offer modules that can be taken as electives. It is not allowable to choose elective modules from Vocational Specialisms already being taken.
Do Leaving Certificate Applied students receive a Leaving Certificate?
Yes. Students who successfully complete the programme will receive a Leaving Certificate from the State Examinations Commission. All credits awarded will be recorded on the Leaving Certificate Applied parchment.
This certificate will be awarded at three levels:
|
Certificate Levels |
||
|
Award
|
Result
|
Credits
|
|
Pass |
60-69 % |
(120 – 139 credits) |
|
Merit |
70-84 % |
(140 – 169 credits) |
|
Distinction |
85-100 % |
(170 – 200 credits) |
Candidates who acquire less than 120 credits will receive a Record of Experience. This will also apply to those who leave before the end of the programme.
At the end of each Session a student is credited on satisfactory completion of the appropriate modules.
Student Tasks are assessed by external examiners appointed by the Department of Education and Science. These Tasks may be in a variety of formats – written, audio, video, artefact etc. Each student is also required to produce a report on the process of completing the Task. This report may be incorporated in the evidence of task performance.
The written examinations will generally be held in the same period as the other Leaving Certificate examinations.
Oral examinations, as well as written/aural examinations, will be held in the case of all the languages including English and Communications.
Past examination papers, practical examination assignment briefs, marking schemes and Chief Examiner Reports are available to download from the website of the State Examinations Commission at
www.examinations.ie
The Leaving Certificate Applied has a strong vocational dimension which equips students with skills for the world of work and life-long learning.
Students wishing to further their education can do so by progressing into Post Leaving Certificate (
Graduates of the Leaving Certificate Applied who progress to an approved further education award (e.g.
More information on
Career Directions offers an A-Z of career Discriptions and enry routes
www.careerdirections.ie
. Check out
www.careersportal.ie
, an exciting new careers website providing information on a range of careers. You can also complete a self-assessment test and watch video clips where people talk about their jobs.
Other progression routes include:
www.publicjobs.ie
www.dublinbus.ie
For more information on LCA go to
www.lca.ie