Student Information Session

Leaving Certificate Programme

Hansfield ETSS

8th March 2017

Focus of Presentation

Aims of the Leaving Certificate (Established)

Programme

Structure of the Programme

Particular information on optional subjects that

students may choose from

Aims of the Leaving Certificate

Hansfield ETSS is offering the Leaving Certificate

(Established) Programme in 2017/2018.

Two-year programme that aims to:

Provide learners with a broad, balanced education

Offer some specialisation towards a particular career

option.

Students are required to study at least five subjects one

of which must be Irish (unless exempted).

In general, students take seven subjects for

examination.

Structure of Leaving Certificate

Core Subjects

Examination

English

Irish

Mathematics

Modern Foreign Language

Non examination

Physical Education

S.P.H.E.

Ethical Education

Optional Subjects – choose 3

Technology subjects (Group of 4)

Science (Group of 3)

Business (Group of 3)

Home Economics

Art

Music

History

Geography

Optional Subjects

Optional subjects are addressed under:

Content and structure

Examination Format

Relationship to career

Note: Students are advised to choose subjects that they have an aptitude for, an interest in and have some relationship to a career they may wish to pursue.

T4 Technology Group

Engineering

Technology

Construction Studies

Design & Communication Graphics

(DCG)

Engineering

Students will:

• Work with metals and other

materials such as wood and

plastic.

• Study the properties of various

materials

• Use these materials to make

useful and interesting items to

a high degree of accuracy.

• Develop skills in shaping,

cutting and joining materials.

• Read and follow technical

drawings.

Curriculum Careers & Life Opportunity

Engineering, Architecture, Metal

Worker, Product Design,

Industrial Design, Education,

Construction, Craft Worker.

LC Exam

Practical Project: 25%

6 hour Practical Assessment: 25%

Written Assessment: 50%

.

Sample Leaving Cert

Engineering Projects

.

Race Car

.

Gantry Crane

Technology

• Learn about material properties and how best to work with them

• Use electronic components to build circuits for use in tasks and projects e.g. Running mechanical toys.

• Develop creative solutions to assigned project briefs and manufacture them in the workshop.

• communicate your ideas using sketches and design drawings

• learn about mechanisms such as gears and how they work.

Curriculum Careers & Life Opportunity

Engineering, Architecture, Product

Design, Industrial Design,

Education, Construction, Craft

Work

LC Exam:

Practical project: 40%

Written Assessment: 60%

.

Sample Leaving Cert

Technology Projects

.

Model Post

Van

Solar powered

vehicle

Construction Studies

Students will:

• Through theory and practical

projects; Be introduced to

knowledge and skills involved in

construction technology, materials

and practices.

• Develop pupils’ ability to

communicate ideas and

information by appropriate

methods.

• Learn how construction and

infrastructure can be

environmentally friendly and

sustainable.

• Develop understanding of the

construction industry on the

environment.

Curriculum Careers & Life Opportunity

Architecture, Designer, Product

Design, Industrial Design, Education,

Construction, Plumber, Electrician,

Carpenter, Craft Worker.

LC Exam

Practical Project: 16.7%

4 hour Practical Assessment: 16.7%

Written Assessment: 66.6%

.

Sample Leaving Cert

Construction Studies Projects

Design and Communication Graphics - DCG

• Problem solving and creative thinking skills are developed through the analysis and solution of both 2 and 3 dimensional graphics.

• Graphics and designs are communicated using freehand sketching skills, traditional draughting equipment and Computer Aided Drawing.

• Aims to develop the cognitive and practical skills associated with communication graphics, problem solving and critical thinking.

Curriculum Careers & Life Opportunity

Architecture, Engineering, Industrial

and Product Design, Air Traffic

Controller (Spatial Awareness

Ability)

LC Exam:Practical project: 40%

Written Assessment: 60%

.

Sample Leaving Cert

DCG Projects

Science Group

Chemistry

Biology

Physics

Chemistry

Careers & Life Opportunity

Dentistry, Human nutrition

and dietetics, Medicine,

Pharmacy, Veterinary

medicine

LC Exam:

Written Exam 100%

All mandatory experiments

must be written up

Students will study:

• Skills of observation, analysis,

evaluation, communication and

problem- solving

• Periodic Table and Atomic

Structure

• Chemical Bonding

• Stoichiometry, formulas,

equations

• Volumetric analysis

• Fuels, Heats, Rates of Reaction

• Organic Chemistry

• Chemical Equilibrium

• Water

Curriculum

Biology

Students will:

• Investigate the environment

plants and animals live in and

how they depend on each other

for survival.

• Learn about their genetic code,

evolution, and how plants and

animals obtain their energy.

• Dissect and learn about various

types of living things and their

systems (reproduction, nervous

system, respiration, any many

more).

Curriculum Careers & Life Opportunity

Doctor, Nurse, Vet,

Physiotherapist, Sports &

Health Related Careers,

Laboratory Technician, Food

Industry, Genetics, Beauty

Therapy

LC Exam:Written Exam 100%

Short answers

Multiple choice questions

Physics

Careers & Life Opportunity

Engineering, Science, Mathematics

fields, Research

LC Exam

100% Written Exam

3 hours

2 Sections

Students will study:

• Application of Physics to everyday

life

• Nature of properties, matter and

energy

• Mechanics, heat, light, sound,

electricity, magnetism, structure of

atoms

Curriculum

Skills Observe, think logically and

communicate effectively

Mathematical skills

Apply principles to solving

problems

Use Experimental data and

results

What Science Subject(s) Should

I Take?

1 3

Biology Mathematics

Biology Horticulture

Agriculture Marine Biology

Chemistry Physics

Chemistry Biochemistry

Chem. Engineering Medicinal Chem.

Physics Chemistry

Physics Astronomy

Electronics Computing

Mathematics Chemistry

Civil Mechanical

Aeronautical Electrical

Chemistry Physics

Pharmacy Nursing

Opthalmic Optics Nutrition

Chemistry Biology

Medicine Dentistry

Vet. Medicine British Association for the Advancement of Science

MEDICAL SCIENCES Biology

MEDICINE / DENTISTRY Physics

PHYSICAL SCIENCES Mathematics

ENGINEERING Physics

BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES Chemistry

CHEMICAL SCIENCES Mathematics

Leaving Certificate Science Subjects

COLLEGE SUBJECTS in order of importance to college subject

2

Modern Languages

French

Spanish

German

Student typically continue the language

taken to Junior Cycle.

• Expanding on existing knowledge to build on practical language skills for use in the TL

country

• Discussing social issues through the TL e.g. looking at climate change, equality,

homelessness

• Debating topical issues through the TL

• Examining newspaper articles, drama, and prose in the TL

• Studying a novel in the TL

* TL = Target Language

Modern Foreign Languages

Assessment consists of an exam on

listening, reading and writing along with an

oral exam

Most colleges include a language among their entry requirements

Many colleges offer the opportunity to spend a year studying abroad if taking a language as part of your

studies

Popular courses studied at college in combination with a language include – Law, Business, Engineering,

Economics, Arts

Having a language is a valuable key skill to add to your CV which makes you very employable both at home

and abroad

Art &

Desig

nStudents will:

• Learn and develop drawing skills,

painting skills and craft/3D and

design skills.

• Carry out creative projects and

research using a range of

approaches.

• Learn new techniques and develop

creative thinking and problem solving

skills.

• Learn about the work of artists and

the history and appreciation of art,

craft and design.

• Visit art exhibitions/ galleries as part

of Art History component.

Art & Design Curriculum

Careers & Life Opportunities:

Artist, Graphic/ Fashion/ Product or

Interior Designer, Education,

Animation or Games Development,

Web Design and Digital Skills,

Photographer, Architect, Film, Visual

Effects and Media, Theatre,

Make-Up Artistry, Galleries and

Museums.

LC Exam:

Practical & Project

Work:

Written:

62.5%

37.5%

62.5%

37.5%

Higher Ord

Geography

• You don’t need a love of Science to enjoy Geography, but a bit of spatial intelligence helps-there’s plenty of map reading and interpretation of photos involved in the core areas.

• 3 core units and 2 electives

Core Unit One - Patterns and Processes in the Physical Environment

e.g. The Tectonic Cycle; Rock Cycle; Landform Development

Core Unit Two - Regional Geography

e.g. climatic, complexity of regions, compare two regions

Core Unit Three - Geographical Investigation and Skills

Elective Unit 4 - Economic Activities

• Economic Development, The Global Economy, Ireland and the E.U., The Environmental Impact of Economic Activities

Elective Unit 5 - Human Environment

• Dynamics of Population, Dynamics of Settlement

Higher Level Optional Units 6 – 9

Global Interdependence, Geo-ecology, Culture and Identity, The Atmosphere/ Ocean Environment The Exam

Written paper – 2.50 minutes20% of final mark before sitting examination -fieldwork project

Students who are interested in current affairs

tend to get a lot out of Geography

Migration patterns

Gender roles

Fair trade

Deforestation

Global economics

Multinational corporations

Ireland and the EU

Global Warming

Read!!!!!!!

If Geography’s on your wish list for next year, get reading. Newspapers and current affairs magazines will cover a lot of the subjects you’ll be studying for the Leaving Cert.

If you’re not dreaming of a career in cartography, where can Geography take

you?

Agriculture

Cartography

Climatology

Community Development

Conservation

Construction

Development Analysis

Engineering

Environmental Consultancy

Environmental Management

Environmental Science

Foreign Affairs

Forestry

Geology

GIS

Horticulture

Journalism

Land Surveying

Law

Leisure and Tourism

Logistics

Meteorology

Mining

Overseas development

Park Ranger

Pilot

Recycling Management

Risk Analysis

Teaching

Transportation Management

Urban Planning

Leaving Cert History is very

different from the Junior Cycle

What Careers is History

Useful for?Some areas that those who study history pursue

The Legal Profession

Politics

Journalism and Media

Education

Archaeology

Conflict Resolution and International Relations

However the skills that are learned are useful in every

aspect of life or career

Aims and Areas of Study

Records and analyses things that happened in

the past, with an emphasis on both how and

why events occurred.

Develops important life-long skills - self-

discipline and critical think.

Often studied out of personal interest

History and Current Affairs

History plays a key political role in today's Europe.

Contribute to greater understanding, tolerance

and confidence between individuals and between

the peoples of Europe - OR it can be a force for

division, violence and intolerance

Through studying history students are exposed to

events in the past and the impact it has on today

What Skills are used in the

study of History?

Critiquing evidence keeping in mind factors

such as bias and propaganda.

Using evidence to develop a more balanced

and grounded judgement.

Research skills to interpret and explore a

variety of evidence (such as maps, public

records, political cartoons, and memoirs)

Developing focused, logical, and supported

arguments.

The Research Topic allows students

to…

Work independently

Choose a subject of personal interest

Work in the area of local history subjects

Gain 20% of the overall mark before sitting

the terminal exam.

Written paper – 2.50 minutes20% of final mark before sitting examination through Research Topic

The Exam

The Usefulness of History

“If people could learn from history, what lessons it might

teach us!”

(Samuel Coleridge Taylor (1772–1834), a British poet).

“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to

repeat it”

(George Santayana, The Life of Reason (1905), Santayana

was an American philosopher).

“History repeats itself because nobody listens”

(Laurence Peter, a Professor of Education at the University

of California).

Business at Leaving Cert

incorporates:

1. Business Studies

2. Accounting

3. Economics

Business Studies

Course Overview Creates an awareness of the importance of business

activity

Develops a positive and ethical attitude towards

enterprise.

Assessment-One exam at the end of 6th year.

Why study it? Develops critical thinking

Promotes creative and organizational skills

Explored real-life examples

Provides a learning foundation for a wide range of

careers in business, marketing, law, enterprise and

management

Job Prospects Banking, Finance, Administration, Law, Insurance,

Management and Marketing among others

Accounting

Course Overview Provides students with knowledge, understanding

and skills in accounting and financial management

Develops knowledge and skills to manage personal

and basic company accounts.

Assessment-One exam at the end of 6th year.

Why study it? Develops organisational, logical thinking, planning

and problem-solving skills.

Develops numeracy skills within the context of

business and enterprise.

Job Prospects Accountant, Marketing, Management.

Helpful in starting your own business

Economics

Course Overview Provides knowledge and skills necessary for

understanding how the Irish and global economy

functions.

Assessment-One exam at the end of 6th year.

Why study it? Develops critical thinking, problem solving, decision-

making and numeracy skills.

Provides a learning foundation for a wide range of

careers in business, economics, finance, enterprise

and management.

Job Prospects Banking, Insurance, Finance, Marketing, Politics,

Journalism, current affairs and all aspects of

business

Home Economics

Section 1

Resource Management and Consumer Studies

Food Studies and Preparation

Social Studies

Section 2 - Students study one of three

Choose one of three electives - social skills, textile design or home design

Assessment

Written examination

Journal of work based on classwork (20% completed during 5th

year)

Choosing Home Economics

Covers a broad range of topics related to

wide career/study options

Suits students interested in areas such as:

Sports

Nutritionist

Social Worker Interior

Decorator

Fashion

Designer

Marketing Dietetics Tourism Chef

Food Stylists Food Chemist Interior Design Nurse

Music

What’s involved?

Three main parts to the course:

1.Listening

2.Composing

3.Performing – 50 % of exam!

Listening

4 Set Works including:

Queen

The Beatles

Berlioz

Mozart etc.

Irish Music

Instruments

Composers

Dance Types

Song Tradition

Influences on Irish Music

Changes in Irish Music

Composing

Melody Writing

16 bar melody

Major and minor keys

Up to 4 sharps and flats

Performing

50% of Leaving cert exam

Different options:

Most popular choices are:

8 pieces on two different instruments

4 pieces on one instrument and music

technology

Music Technology

Inputting a score to the computer

Using ‘finale’ or ‘sibelius’ software

Adding musical edits to the music

Do you need Junior Cert

Music?

NO

Ability to read music important

A good standard of performance (Grade 5)

Good knowledge of Music theory, key

signatures, major and minor scales an

advantage.

More information can be found at:

www.ncca.ie/en/

http://www.curriculumonline.ie/

http://www.careers.ie/

http://www.qualifax.ie/

Thank You!