Published: Wednesday, 18th March, 2009 12:00pm

Choosing the right Leaving Cert subject combination

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As Junior Cert students prepare for their first set of state examinations many are also be considering changing their subject selection for their Leaving Cert. This week we examine the factors to take into account when making your subject choices.

It is important not to forget that decisions students are now making will impact on their future plans. When it comes to making subject choices, get advice and to choose wisely. There are a number of important aspects to this exercise, including selecting the type of Leaving Certificate Programme you wish to follow.

In recent years the options available to students studying for the Leaving Certificate have changed and there are now three programmes to choose from.

The Established or Traditional Leaving Certificate

This two-year programme gives a student the opportunity to take subjects at Foundation, Ordinary or Higher Level. Foundation level is available in two subjects, Irish and maths. Points are not awarded for Foundation level courses. Most students will take seven subjects for their Leaving Certificate programme.

Leaving Cert Vocational Programme

This is a two-year programme with a strong vocational dimension. To participate students have to take at least five subjects, one of which must be Irish. Two of the subjects are selected from one of the designated Vocational Subject Groupings. They also take the Link Modules and a recognised course in modern European language other than Irish or English.

The Leaving Certificate Applied

This is a distinct, self-contained programme aimed at preparing students for adult and working life. It offers courses in vocational preparation, general education and vocational education. Students selecting the Leaving Certificate Applied may progress to institutes of technology and universities via the FETAC Higher Education Links Scheme.

Once students have selected the mode of Leaving Certificate, they face some additional subject choice decisions.

Most students studying for the Leaving Certificate will select English, Irish and maths. All students should initially concentrate on the three core subjects and at what level they require before considering any other choices. These form the basis of the Leaving Certificate. It is usually essential to pass English, Irish, and maths if you wish to proceed to a course in most colleges operating through the Central Applications Office.

Irish is one of the core subjects you have to study unless you get an exemption. Irish is a requirement for entry to the colleges of the National University of Ireland (NUI, UCD, UCC, UCG, and Maynooth.) For entry to the Garda Síochána and primary school teaching you will require certain grades in Irish. It is also an essential requirement for many public service careers. It is offered at three levels: Foundation, Ordinary, and Higher.

Maths tends to be a requirement for a great number of jobs and courses. The majority of colleges require ordinary level maths as a basic entry requirement but may allow foundation level in certain cases, but they will not reward any points for it. Science, computing and commerce courses in the universities all require maths. English is also required for progression to university or the institutes of technology.

A third language

All students are required to present, in addition to Irish and English, a third language accepted for entry purposes, however there are some general exceptions to the requirement. A modern, continental language is also a good choice regardless of what career you decide to opt for in the long run. Students are strongly advised against dropping the third language.

There has been an increase in the number of course offering a language option including journalism, business and commerce. Language is obviously an important requirement for courses such as European studies, languages, and marketing. If you decide not to select a third language then you should discuss your options with your career guidance counsellor as it will limit your options for progression to further study.

So there are four subjects that you really do not have much choice in as they are essential for nearly all options at third level. Once you have selected the levels at which you will follow these essential subjects it is important to select subjects that you will need for your preferred career.

There are certain subjects that are essential for entry to particular courses, colleges, and careers. There are some myths about the necessity of having certain subjects for certain careers. However contrary to popular belief, you do not need a business subject to study commerce, or accountancy to become an accountant but they are a help and will prepare you for third level studies in these areas.

Students should, if they have particular third level courses in mind, establish what the entry requirements are. Most colleges adhere to a two-year rule regarding essential subjects and grades, so there is no possibility of any new requirements being introduced once you have started on your Leaving Certificate course.

The various third level colleges all give the subjects requirements necessary for entry into their colleges and courses in their prospectus. It is also important to establish at what level the subject is required at and what grade you will need to achieve.

But if you are unsure about what you want after your Leaving Certificate what should you do? Students should ensure that their subject choices suit them. If you are not sure about your plans, try not to be locked into specific careers or eliminated from others.

Most students will choose at least one science subject, biology, physics or chemistry. A science subject (often two science subjects) is essential for careers in medical, paramedical careers (physiotherapy, radiography, human nutrition, pharmacy medical laboratory science) and nursing. A science subject is required for a career in engineering and most faculties of science require one to have a laboratory science subject.

So what should students take into consideration when selecting their remaining subjects? Allowing for the selection of subjects on offer at school, it is important that once they have narrowed down their choices they remember that points for third level courses are calculated on the best six subjects. In terms of entry to third level colleges almost all subjects count equally for points.

When deciding your subject options never pick one under the illusion that it is easy. Students should opt for subjects they have enjoyed to date, that they are interested in and that they have had good results in.

Junior Certificate results often determine the level at which you will take that subject to Leaving Certificate. It is also important to consult your subject teacher for advice on the course content and at what level you should opt for. It is important that the selection of a subject should not be on the basis of who else is taking that subject. Never pick a subject because your friends are doing that subject, be true to your interests in choosing your subjects options, and do not hesitate to ask for advice.

If you are struggling with a subject now it is highly unlikely that it will suddenly become your best subject at Leaving Certificate. Once you have your subjects selected then it is important to put the head down and work hard as the Leaving Cert exam time is quick in coming just you have discovered with the Junior Certificate.

• Advice offered in this column should be taken as a guide. Students are advised to consult with their career guidance counsellor.