Subject Choice in Senior Cycle – 2021/2022Students take 7 exam subjects, three compulsory - Irish, English and Maths, and four optional.

OPTIONAL SUBJECTS:

Business Group – Business, Accounting, Economics Language Group - French & German Practical Group - Engineering, Design Communications & Graphics,

Construction Studies. Scientific Group – Biology, Chemistry, Physics & Agricultural Science. Social Group- Home Economics Humanities Group - Geography & History Artistic Group – Art, Craft & Design & Music

When it comes to making Subject choices, it is important to get advice and to choose wisely. From the Leaving Cert subjects options available in our School you must choose your subjects with the following in mind:

1) There are certain subjects that are essential for entry into courses, colleges, and careers.

2) Points for third –level courses are calculated on your best 6 subjects.

3) In terms of entry to third level colleges almost all subjects count equally for points except for Higher Level Maths. All Universities and I.Ts are awarding a bonus of 25 points to students who achieve a grade H6 or above in higher level maths in the Leaving Cert.

4) It is important to realise that choosing your subject options, you are not locked into specific careers or eliminated from others.

5) The various third level colleges all give the subjects requirements necessary for entry into their colleges and courses in their prospectus.

6) Pick subjects that you have enjoyed to date, subjects that you have got good results and ask your subject Teacher for advice on the course content.

7) Never pick a subject because, your friends are doing that subject, be true to your interests in choosing your subject options and do not hesitate to ask for advice.

The National Framework of Qualifications

Summary of Points System A student’s points is calculated from his /her six best subjects. Points are calculated from one sitting of The Leaving Cert only, in other words you

cannot combing Leaving Certs for the calculation of points. All subjects give equal points, except for Higher Level Maths where bonus points are

awarded for all courses in the Higher Education Institutions. It is important to remember that it is possible to obtain high points in Ordinary Level

papers. The link modules score can be substituted as one of a student’s best six subjects.

They are not added in addition to the best six subjects.LCVP GRADESDistinction = 66Merit = 46Pass = 28

How to research subjects and courses on careersportal website:

www.careersportal.ie

To research subjects:Make sure you are on the home pageClick on www.careersportal.ie Click on ‘Students’Click on ‘Leaving Cert. Subject Choice’You will find lots of relevant information here on subject choice. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click the link for ‘Leaving Cert Subjects’ and you will get a briefing on each subject.

To research courses:

Make sure you are on the home page.Click on ‘Courses’ and press ‘search’.The course details, entry requirements, further progression etc. will appear.You can refine your search as you like.

How to research courses on the Qualifax website:

www.qualifax.ie

To research courses:

Make sure you are on the home pageClick on the green icon with a magnifying glass pictureIn the course title/keyword box enter the course you wish to searchIn the course type box - scroll down to higher education CAOScroll down and click searchA list will appear with college, qualification level and points shownClick on the course name to find out more information.

Subject choice information www.qualifax.ie On the homepage, click ‘StudentsClick ‘Subject Choice’Click ‘Subject Choice Requirement Module’Click ‘Leaving Cert Subjects’

Subject Matters – A Guide to L. Cert. Subjects

ENGLISH

Almost all universities, colleges and employers require a pass in Ordinary level English. Higher Level English is essential for a variety of courses for example Journalism D.C.U, New Media U.L and Primary Teaching Maynooth University.

English is useful for careers in:Acting, Advertising, Accountant, Broadcasting, Civil Servant, Librarian, Marketing, Personnel Officer, Politician, Public Relations Officer, Solicitor, Barrister, Speech Therapist, Teacher, Receptionist, Typist, Computer Programmer, Flight Attendant, Printer, Copy Writer, Proof Reader, Sales Representative, Translator, Interpreter, Secretary.

IRISH

Irish is required for all faculties in the National University of Ireland (UCC, UCD, UCG, NUI Maynooth, NCAD) but you can be exempt from it under certain conditions e.g. being born outside Ireland or having a specific learning difficulty (dyslexia). Irish satisfies the requirement of a Modern Language for TCD and the Language other than English requirement for UL and DCU. Higher Level Irish is an essential requirement for:Education and Psychology Mary Immaculate College.Primary Education courses in all Teacher Training Colleges.Law & Irish U.C.C

Irish is useful for careers in: Acting, Administration, Flight Attendant, Archivist, Army, Civil Service, Broadcasting, Journalist, Local Government, Politics, Printing, Publishing, Teaching, School Secretary.

MATHS

Employers tend to expect applicants to have numeric skills and look for at least a pass in Ordinary level Maths. Likewise, the Institutes of Technology usually require ordinary level for entry to their courses; however foundation maths is acceptable in some Institutes of Technology. Foundation Level Mathematics is accepted by the Guards and P.L.C courses.

Higher Level Maths is an essential requirement for: Actuary Courses, Computer Science (T.C.D), Design & Manufacture (U.L), Financial Mathematics & Economics N.U.I Galway and all Level 8 Engineering courses in University.

Maths is useful for careers in: Accountancy, Actuary, Architecture, Astronomy, Banking, Biologist, Computer Operator, Data Input Operator, Economist, Engineer, Engineering

Technician, Geologist, Insurance, Laboratory Technician, Maths Teacher, Marketing, Medical Laboratory Technician, Meteorologist, Physicist, Psychologist, Programmer, Quantity Surveyor, Scientist, Sociologist, Statistician, Systems Analyst, Tax Officer, Trades.

Business Group

ACCOUNTINGIf I want to study Accounting in my Leaving Certificate, what aptitudes do I need?

Problem solving skills Good time management Good attention to detail Good organisational skills Like figures and numbers - NB: you do not have to do higher level maths to do accounting

Leaving Certificate Accounting V’s Junior Certificate Business:Follows on from the basic book-keeping and accounting elements of Junior Certificate.

Assessment:Written Exam

Accounting can be useful for careers in the following areas: Accountancy, Administration, Advertising, Anybody Self Employed, Auditing, Banking, Book-keeping, Building Society Work, Business, Business Law, Business Teacher, Cashier, Clerical Work, Farming, Hotel Management, Insurance, Marketing, Market Research, Production Management, Purchasing Work, Quantity Surveyor, Receptionist, Sales Representative, Store Management, Taxation Work, Tourism, etc.

BUSINESSIf I want to study Business for my Leaving Certificate, what aptitudes do I need?

Have an interest in Business and Enterprise. Be able to analyse and interpret data. Be able to write discursive essays.

Leaving Certificate Business V’s Junior Certificate Business:At Leaving Certificate you will look in more detail at issues like people involved in Business, Enterprise, Industrial Relations and Marketing.

Assessment:Written Exam

Business can be useful for careers in the following areas:

Accounting, Administration, Banking, Book-keeping, Business, Clerical work, Company Secretary, Economics, Hotel Management, Industry, Insurance, Law, Management, Marketing, Purchasing, Sales, Taxation, etc.

 

Economics

If I want to study Economics for Leaving Cert, what aptitudes do I need? Have an interest in the economy Have an interest in current affairs Be able to analyse and interpret information

Leaving Certificate Economics V’s Junior Certificate Business:It follows on from the basic foundations set down in Junior Certificate Business Studies What is Economics?Economics is a social science; it is the study of human behaviour in relation to peoples aims and the resources available to them. Economics is divided into two sections:Micro-economics is the study of individual markets i.e. buyers and sellers agree on a price.

The price helps decide who gets the goods and services and what factors of production are employed.

Macro-economics is the study of economic issues at national & international level. You will study: national income, role of government, money & banking, inflation, unemployment, population, economic development, international trade etc.

 Assessment: Written Exam - 2½ hours   Economics can be useful for careers in the following areas: Accounting, Administration, Banking, Business, Business Teaching, Commerce, Economics, Engineering, Financial Services, Government, IT, Journalism, Management, Marketing, Politics, Social Work, Stock broking, Trade Unions, etc.

The Language Group

Career Note:You must have a foreign language for entry to all colleges of the National University of Ireland i.e. UCC, UCD, NUI Galway and Maynooth. (However, recently these colleges have dropped that requirement for many of their engineering, nursing, science, agricultural and food science programmes.) You also need a foreign language to become a Cadet in the Army or Air Corps. Certain Industries and employers think very highly of candidates with foreign language skills.

German or French can be useful for careers in the following areas: Language assistant, interpreter, teacher, TEFL teacher, executive/administration officer in civil service, overseas sales executive, hotel manager, travel agent, tourism, diplomat, international business relations, customer support, publishing, marketing executive, bilingual secretary, human resources, work in the department of foreign affairs and more.

GERMANIf I want to study German for my Leaving Certificate, what aptitudes do I need?

Be able and willing to develop oral, aural, writing and reading skills in German so that you can develop confidence in a foreign language.

Have an interest in the German culture. Be able to learn independently.

Assessment:Oral Exam - 25% in Higher Level, 20% in Ordinary LevelAural Exam - 20% in Higher Level, 25% in Ordinary LevelWritten Exam on reading comprehension and writing ability - 55%

FRENCH  If I want to study French for my Leaving Certificate, what aptitudes do I need?

Be able and willing to develop oral, aural, writing and reading skills in French so that you

can develop confidence in a foreign language Have an interest in the French culture Be able to learn independently

 Assessment: Oral Exam - 25% in Higher Level, 20% in Ordinary Level Aural Exam - 20% in Higher Level, 25% in Ordinary Level Written Exam on reading comprehension and writing ability - 55%

 

The Practical Group  

CONSTRUCTION STUDIES This subject replaces Junior Cert Woodwork. Construction Studies is a broad-based course that introduces students to the knowledge and skills in construction technology, materials and practices. The main focus of the course is primarily on the domestic house, but it also ranges from the construction of commercial buildings. The course covers the historical development of buildings in addition to other relevant topics such as planning applications, house design and purchase. Assessment of Construction Studies: 1. Project. 25% 2. Practical – 25% 3. Written Examination. 50%Construction Studies is useful for careers in:Building Management, Quantity Surveying, Town Planning, Construction Trades, Civil Engineering, Housing Management, Education, Architecture, Environmental Designer, Heating & Ventilation Technician etc.DESIGN, COMMUNICATION & GRAPHICS (DCG)The course includes the study of design, freehand drawing, elevation and plans, problem solving, 3D drawing, perspective drawing, computer 3D drawings, Computer Aided Design (CAD), model-making and engineering drawing. The main change from the old course is the use of computers to draw in 3D and the introduction of an assignment. The course is assessed in two main areas: an end-of-year drawing exam and an assignment. The assignment involves design, freehand drawing presentation and the use of CAD and ICT. Assessment of DCG A course assignment (40% of marks, of which CAD will form a significant and compulsory component)State examination paper 60% DCG is useful for careers in:Engineering, Aircraft Technician, Architecture, Industrial Design, Printing, Industrial Engineer, Engineering Trades, Education, Landscaping, Design & Manufacture Careers etc.ENGINEERING This subject replaces Junior Cert Metalwork. It involves the study of a wide range of mechanical engineering processes, materials and technological applications along with the development of practical skills, resourcefulness and creativity. The course has both practical and theory bases with the presentation of a project as part of the Leaving Certificate.Assessment of Engineering:Project 25%Practical 25%State Examination paper 50% Engineering is useful for careers in: Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Education, Army, Air Corps, Aircraft Technician, Engineering Trades, Mechanics, Technical Sales etc.

The Artistic Group

ART, CRAFT & DESIGN If I want to study Art for my Leaving Cert, what aptitudes do I need?

Be able to give a personal response to experiences, ideas and pieces of art Be able to write a discursive essay Be able to work from memory, imagination and direct observation Be able to use and understand the art and design elements Be able to use a variety of topics, materials, media and equipment

Leaving Certificate Art V’s Junior Certificate Art: The main difference is the opportunity to study Art History and AppreciationPractical work expands & develops on from work undertaken in Junior CertDrawing skills are emphasised and developed to a more professional levelAssessment:Craft or Design exam: 100 Marks—25% - Exam taken in MayStill Life/Imaginative composition exam - 100 Marks 25% Exam in MayLife Drawing Exam - 50 Marks 12.5% exam taken in MayHistory and Appreciation of Art exam - 150 marks 37.5% Exam in JuneCareer Note:A portfolio will probably be needed for entry to a Third Level Art Course. Art is acceptable in place of the language requirement for students entering NCAD. Art is either necessary or useful for the following careers: Fine Artist, sculptor, ceramicist, fashion designer, milliner, painter, print maker, film maker, producer, creative designer, lighting/sound technician/director, illustrator, cartoonist, graphic designer, curator, art teacher, art tutor, art technician, craft artist, interior design, landscaping, architectural design, industrial design, photographer, animation, game design, 3D artist, jewellery design/maker, floral designer, games software engineer, pc and console, mobile games software design, web designer, and much more…... MUSIC If I want to study Music for my Leaving Certificate, what aptitudes do I need?· Be able to perform individually and in groups (instrumental/singing)· Have good listening skills· Be interested in learning how to compose, using notation and technology - you will compose your own pieces of music. Leaving Certificate Music V’s Junior Certificate Music:· The course follows on from the course at Junior Certificate level.· You may use Music Technology in your practical. Assessment:· Practical Exam - can be up to 50%· Listening and Written Exam - 50% Career Notes:Music is useful for careers in the following areas:Actor, Aerobics instructor, Arranger, Composer, Dancer, Disc Jockey, Entertainment, Film Studies, Folklore Studies, Instrument Maker, Library Work, Music Shop Sales, Sound Engineering, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapist, Primary/Secondary Teacher, Etc.

The Science GroupPHYSICS

If I want to study Physics for my Leaving Certificate, what aptitudes do I need? Be able to measure physical quantities. Be able to work safety in a lab. Be able to use a calculator properly. Be able to present information in a tabular, graphical, written and diagrammatical

form. Be able to learn experiments and use data appropriately. Be reasonably good at maths.

Leaving Certificate Physics V’s Junior Certificate Physics:More practical work, which makes the theory come alive.More focus on how physics relates to ordinary and familiar things. The Leaving Cert Physics course follows directly from Junior Cert Science and covers more topics in greater depth. Physics aims to enhance the student’s ability to think logically, observe and understand scientific method. The course is heavily based around experiments - students are required to complete and write reports of 24 practical experiments throughout the two years of Senior Cycle.

Assessment:Written Exam

Career Note:Physics is useful for careers in the following areas: Architecture, Biophysicist, Computer Careers, Dentist, Doctor, Engineering, Health Inspector, Marine Radio Operator, Medical Laboratory Technician, Meteorologist, Naval Service, Nurse, Pharmacist, Physicist, Physics Teacher, Photographic Technician, Pilot, Radiographer, Scientific Laboratory Technician, Scientific Research, etc.

Physics is an essential requirement for the following course: Theoretical Physics (T.C.D)

CHEMISTRYIf I want to study Chemistry for my Leaving Certificate, what aptitudes do I need?

Have adequate practical skills in order to carry out the mandatory experiments. Be able to work safely in the laboratory. Be able to draw graphs and diagrams. Familiarity with calculator use. Be able to learn and understand facts and terms. Be reasonably good at maths.

Leaving Certificate Chemistry V’s Junior Certificate Chemistry:The Leaving Cert. course follows on directly from Junior Cert Science; and deals with more topics in a lot more depth. The course includes 28 mandatory practical experiments which

must be completed in the lab, as well as a written paper including questions on the experiments and examining the theory and applications of chemistryCareer Note:Chemistry can be useful or necessary for careers in the following area: Archaeologist, Brewing Technology, Chemistry Teacher, Cosmetic Science, Dairy Scientist, Dental Craftsperson, Dental Hygienist, Dentist, Doctor, Dietician, Engineer, Food Science Technology, Forensic Scientist, Forestry Inspector, Health Inspector, Industrial Chemist, Laboratory Work, Nurse, Optician, Pharmacist, Physiotherapist, Pilot, Radiographer, Speech Therapist, etc.

Chemistry is an essential requirement for the following courses.Dentistry (NUI Cork)Medicine (NUI Cork)Pharmacy (NUI Cork & R.C.S.I)Veterinary Medicine (NUI Dublin)Human Nutrition & Dietetics (T.U Dublin)Science- Medical & Health Science( NUI Cork)

BIOLOGYIf I want to study Biology for my Leaving Certificate, what aptitudes do I need?

Be able to learn and understand facts, terms, principles and ideas. A good command of English is useful. Be able to carry out practical work - Lab and fieldwork safely. Be able to record and interpret information. Be able to understand experimental techniques.

Leaving Certificate Biology V’s Junior Certificate Biology:The course is a continuation of what was studied at Junior Cycle but in more detail. Biology is the study of life. Through the study of biology students employ the processes of science to explore the diversity of life and the inter-relationships between organisms and their environment. They become more aware of the use of living organisms and their products to enhance human health and the environment.Career Note:Biology can be useful or necessary for careers in the following areas: Agriculture, Agriculture Research, Ambulance Driver, Beautician, Biologist, Biology Teacher, Catering, Conservation Worker, Cosmetic Consultant, Dairy Scientist, Dental Hygienist, Dental Technician, Dentist, Dietician, Doctor, Food Science Technician, Forester, Geneticist, Hairdresser, Health Inspector, Horticulturist, Laboratory Assistant, Marine Biologist, Medical Laboratory Assistant, Microbiologist, Mid-wife, Nurse, Occupational Therapist, Oceanographer, Optician, Pharmacist, Physiotherapist, Psychologist, Radiographer, Speech Therapist, Veterinary Surgeon, Zoologist etc.Biology is an essential requirement for the following courses: Genetics (NUI Cork)Health Science with Dietetics Studies (Letterkenny I.T)Health Science with Occupational Studies (Letterkenny I.T)Health Science with Physiotherapy Studies (Letterkenny I.T)Human Health and Disease (Trinity College Dublin)

AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE

If I want to study Agricultural Science for my Leaving Certificate, what aptitudes do I need?

Have an interest in animals. Have access to a farm. Be able to learn and understand terms.

Leaving Cert Agricultural Science V’s Junior Cert Science:This subject aims to develop knowledge, skills and attitudes concerning the factors that affect the long-term well-being of agricultural resources, and places emphasis on the managed use of these resources. It is recognised as a laboratory science subject for almost all 3rd level courses including nursing.

Assessment:Individual Investigative Study worth 25%Written Exam 75%

Career Note:Agricultural Science can be useful for careers in the following areas: Agri-journalism, Brewing Technology, Dairy Scientist, Dietician, Environmental Inspector, Farmer, Farm Manager, Food Science Technology, Forestry Inspector, Horticultural Work, Laboratory Work, Renewable Energy, Science Teacher, Veterinary Nurse, Veterinary Surgeon, etc.

The Social Group

HOME ECONOMICS - Social & Scientific

If I want to study Home Economics for my Leaving Cert what aptitudes do I need? Be able to research, record, study, analyse and interpret material. Be able and willing to learn Nutrition and Culinary skills & all aspects of course. Be able to communicate well. Be organised. Be able to discuss topics and work in teams.

Leaving Cert Home Economics V’s Junior Cert Home Economics:Practical cookery assessed through a course work journal (20%)Textile Electives—Textiles, Social Studies, Home Design and ManagementIn-depth Study of Food Studies, Nutrition, Resource Management and Consumer Studies & social studies

Assessment:Written exam (80%)Practical course work, journal (20%)

Career Note:Home Economics is useful for careers in the following areas: Nutritionist, dietician, food technician, Food technologist, product developer, food technician, Environmental health officer, microbiologist, public analyst, Chef, waiter Farmer, fisherman, horticulturist, butcher/abattoir worker, baker/ confectioner/ cheesemaker, retailer, Food Promotion, Designer, Social Worker, Education etc.

The Humanities GroupHISTORY

If I want to study History for my Leaving Cert, what aptitudes do I need? Be able to analyse & interpret facts/opinions & use them to support your views. Be able to discuss a statement taking into account arguments “for and against”. Be able to learn facts, statistics and legal clauses /acts. Be able to learn how to extract information from primary documents/ maps. Be able to write a concise, clear, logical and interesting argument.

History aims to record and analyse things which have happened in the past, with an emphasis on both how and why events occurred. It deals with human experience and involves an investigation of the surviving evidence relating to such experience. History brings students into contact with human experiences that are often very different from their own and fosters their developing understanding of the human condition and human motivation.

Assessment:

A Project on a special topic will be completed and returned to the Department before students sit their final exam worth 20%Written Exam (80%)

Career Note:History is useful for careers in the following areas: Archaeology, Barrister, Broadcaster, Civil Service, English Teacher, Garda, History Teacher, Historian, Journalism, Judge, Law, Librarian, Museum Work, Researcher, Politics, Prison service, Sociology, Tourism, Trade Union Official, University Professor, Writer, etc.

GEOGRAPHY

If I want to study Geography for my Leaving Certificate, what aptitudes do I need? Be able to develop geographical and vocational skills. Be interested in active citizenship. Be able to use information and communications technology.

Leaving Cert Georgraphy V’s Junior Cert Geography:Geography is the study of people, their environment, and the interaction between the two. The course follows from Junior Cert Geography, and covers very similar topics (such as rocks, soils, oceans, population movements, map-reading, and economic activities) in a lot more detail. There are a large number of optional sections on the course, allowing students to focus on the sections of the course which they like.

Assessment:Written exam –80%20% for report on Geographical Investigation.

Career Note:Geography is presently accepted as a second Science subject at Trinity College Dublin for both Science and Pharmacy.

Geography is useful for careers in the following areas: Agriculture, Air Traffic Controller, Anthropologist, Architecture, Archaeology, Cartographer, Civil Engineering, Construction, Conservation Work, Courier, Development Work Abroad, Estate Agent, Forestry, Geologist, Geography Teacher, Guide, Horticulture, International Driver, Market Research, Marine Officer, Meteorology, Mineralogy, Pilot, Statistics, Surveying, Town and County Planning, etc.

LCVP—Link Modules

Requirements for the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme, which is of two years’ duration, are as follows:

Students take 7 Leaving Certificate subjects, including Irish. Two of Leaving Certificate subjects must be selected from one of the

designated Vocational Subject Groupings—these are groups of Leaving Certificate subjects which link naturally together.

Students must follow a recognised course in a Modern European Language, other than English or Irish.

Students must study two additional Link Modules, Preparation for the World of Work and Enterprise Education.

Preparation for the World of Work: Research and investigate local employment opportunities; develop your

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 you.

Enterprise Education: Organise study 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, initiative and develop your teamwork communication and computer skills.

Assessment:Written Examination in May (40%)Portfolio of Coursework (60%)

Career Note:

The Link Modules are activity-based units of study which are designed to help students make connections between school and community, study and future career, enterprise and the business of making a living. They are recognised in points terms by Institutes of Technology and Universities:Grade: PointsDistinction 66Merit 46Pass 28

HOW DO I QUALIFY FOR LCVP?

In order to qualify for LCVP two subjects must be selected from one of the Vocational Subject Groupings below:

Specialist Groupings1. Construction Studies; Engineering; Design and Communication

Graphics; Technology - Any Two 2. Physics and Construction Studies or Engineering or Technology or Design

& Communication Graphics3. Agricultural Science and Construction

Studies or Engineering or Technology or Design & Communication Graphics

4. Agricultural Science and Chemistry or Physics or Physics/Chemistry 5. Home Economics; Agricultural Science; Biology - Any Two6. Home Economics and Art - Design Option or Craft Option7. Accounting; Business; Economics - Any two 8. Physics and Chemistry9. Biology and Chemistry or Physics or Physics/Chemistry10.Biology and Agricultural Science11.Art - Design Option or Craft Option and DCG

Service Groupings1. Engineering or Technology or Construction Studies or Design &

Communication Graphics and Accounting or Business or Economics2. Home Economics and Accounting or Business or Economics3. Agricultural Science and Accounting or Business or Economics4. Art Design or Craftwork Option and Accounting or Business or Economics5. Music and Accounting or Business or Economics

Some Benefits of LCVP

Develop computer skills Report Writing Skills Career Investigation Job Seeking Skills Work placement / Shadow Enterprise Portfolio AssessmentLeaving Certificate CAO points

Leaving Certificate Applied Mathematics

Applied Mathematics is the use of the language of mathematics to study and solve real-world problems. Mathematic modelling is the process through which applied mathematicians use mathematics to represent, analyse, make predictions, and provide insight into real-world problems. Used in a variety of scientific disciplines such as theoretical physics, bioinformatics, robotics, image processing, chemistry, economics, engineering, and finance, models are abstractions of reality that respect reality. These abstractions can lead to scientific advances and be the foundations of new discoveries.

Leaving Certificate applied mathematics introduces modelling through exploration of real problems in the physical, natural, and economic worlds. Modelling requires students to turn authentic situations into mathematical structures. They then operate on those mathematical structures and generate a solution or a strategy to address the situation. This will result in the learner moving beyond calculating procedures and gaining experience in asking the appropriate questions and interpreting and verifying results.

Applied Mathematics builds a solid foundation for students who wish to move on to further study and training in specialised areas such as engineering, technology-related jobs, computer science, education, mathematics, science, business and finance. In addition, applied mathematics incorporates a broad range of transferable problem-solving skills and techniques, including logical thinking, creative design, synthesis, and evaluation. Applied mathematics will help young people to use mathematics to better understand the world they live in.

There are four strands in the Leaving Certificate Applied Mathematics:

1. Mathematical modelling.2. Mathematical modelling with network and graphs.3. Mathematically modelling the physical world.4. Mathematically modelling a changing world.

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Students will encounter authentic problems that cross disciplines. For example, from an engineering context: can we accelerate a car to 1000 kph? In a business context: where do you build a distribution centre to minimise a company’s transport costs? From a medical point of view: how can we minimise the spread of a disease such as SARS? Students will use and design mathematical models to address these type of authentic problems from the real world and use numerical methods to solve them, whilst at the same time grasping the essence of the real-world context and the mathematics that they use to solve the problems.

The Applied mathematics course is designed for 180 hours of class contact time.

Assessment of Leaving Certificate Mathematics will be based on the learning outcomes in the specification and will comprise a written component and a modelling project. The written exam will have a weighting of 80% and the modelling component will have a weighting of 20%. The modelling project will be based on a brief issued annually by the State Examinations Commission (SEC) and will be completed in sixth year and submitted to the SEC for assessment. The written examination will consist of a range of question types. These questions will require students to demonstrate knowledge and understanding, and an ability to apply, analyse and evaluate. The written exam will be two and a half hours in duration.

USEFUL WEBSITES:

www.qualifax.ie www.careersportal.ie www.cao.ie www.nfq.ie www.careers-ireland.ie www.ncca.ie www.nui.ie www.gmit.ie www.picktourism.ie www.military.ie www.t4.ie

And any of the college websites.

If you have any further queries, please contact:

Ms. Mc DonaghMs. Mc GrathMs. Keane