Number of classes per week: 5 (3 x 40 mins + 1 80 min)

Why study Leaving Leaving Certificate Accounting?

Accounting is a business studies option within the Leaving Certificate programme. It covers aspects of business and social life which are not dealt with in any other subject in that programme. It is concerned with the preparation, recording, extraction, presentation and analysis of financial information for the purpose of making economic decisions. The course also involves a Management Accounting section where the student will learn how to analyse business costs and how to prepare budgets. Once you can understand and adhere to the basic rules of accountancy, it is a subject that you can do very well in.

Topics covered include:

Financial Statements Preparation, Farm Accounts, Club Accounts, Company Accounts, Manufacturing Accounts, Financial Statements Analysis and Interpretation, Budgeting, Break-even Analysis, Cost Classification, Accounting Theory and Principles.

Exam Structure:

The subject is examined at higher and ordinary level. Both levels involve one exam of three hours duration, 400 marks. The exam paper is made up of three sections, the first two are based on the Financial Accounting section of the course and the third covers the Management Accounting section. Questions must be answered from all sections of the exam paper.

Career Possibilities:

Accounting provides a valuable foundation for all business functions and many top executives have an accountancy background. Career pathways might include accountancy, actuarial studies, teaching, banking, clerical and administration roles, insurance, marketing, sales, retail, taxation, purchasing, general business or finance.  It would also be an important subject choice for those thinking of starting their own business.

Tips:

The course is numerically based but theory and procedures must be learned also.While the student needs to be comfortable with numbers he does not need to be at higher maths level. While the Junior Certificate Business Studies Course provides a foundation for this course, it is not essential and it is possible to take accountancy up at senior cycle.This course offers a hard working student the real possibility of high grades because of the unambiguous nature of the questions. An organised student who likes order will be particularly suited to this course.

Agricultural Science is the study of the science and technology behind the principles and practices of agriculture. It is a 2 year course with a maximum of 24 students per class. The published syllabus has remained unchanged for many years. It is examined at two levels – ordinary and higher level. There is little difference in the content between the levels.

Course content

The course investigates a variety of areas of agriculture including:

• Soil science
• Structure and function of plants
• Farm crops production – cereals, root and grassland
• Animal production and husbandry – beef, dairy, sheep and pigs
• Structure and function of the animal body
• Farm buildings and farm-house environment
• Microbiology
• Genetics
• Fertilisers and the environment
• Trees and shelter

Assessment

The examination consists of a terminal written paper worth 75% and a practical coursework component worth 25%.

The practical component 25%

The practical component consists of:

• Identification of plants and animals (food producing breeds and pests) associated with agriculture
• A written report on practical experience gained with 2 crops, 1 livestock enterprise and field and farmyard layout maps. Practical experience must be gained on a farm over the 2 year period so access to a farm (home or adopted) is essential.
• Laboratory investigations carried out and written up relating to ecology, soil science, animal physiology, plant physiology, genetics and microbiology.

Terminal Written Paper 75%

The exam paper consists of 9 long questions of which 6 must be answered.

Requirements to study Agricultural Science at Leaving Certificate

• Students should have a genuine interest in Science.
• It is preferable for students to have studied Science at higher level for their Junior Certificate.
• Students must be willingly to visit a farm(s) on a number of occasions to complete the practical component of their assessment so, access to a farm on a regular basis is essential.
• Students must be willing to commence the practical component in 5^th
• Students must have an inquisitive mind and a desire to know why things work as they do.

Career opportunities

• Veterinary
• Animal, plant and food sciences
• Agri-business, e.g. sales and marketing departments, banking
• Environmental management
• Horticulture and forestry areas
• Farming and farm management
• Teaching
• Senior technical positions in quality control and food processing industries
• Technical personnel in organisations offering environmental services to farmers
• Start-up agriculturally based businesses.

Should I take up agricultural science for the leaving certificate?

Yes if……

• You are good at junior certificate science.
• You have an interest in farming or a career in the agricultural sector.
• You are also doing Biology or Geography as there is some overlap in content.
• You have access to a farm or live on a farm, upon which you can complete the practical component.
• You require a science subject for entry to a course (Agricultural Science is an acceptable science subject for most university courses)
• You enjoy practical work and are good at writing projects and reports.

Biology is the study of life. Through the study of biology students employ the processes of science in their investigations and explore the diversity of life and the inter-relationship between organisms and their environment. It is a 2 year course with a maximum of 24 students per class.

Biology is examined at two levels – ordinary and higher level, which are differentiated on the basis of range of topics (an extended range is topics is required at higher level) and depth of treatment (at higher level a deeper and more quantitative treatment of biology is required).  Higher level students are expected to have a good scientific literacy and use biological terminology fluently. Answers are expected to be clear, detailed, logical and concise.

Course content:

The subject is divided into three units:

Requirements to study Biology at Leaving Certificate

• Students should have a genuine interest in and aptitude for science.
• It is preferable for students to have studied science at higher level for their Junior Certificate.
• Students must have an inquisitive mind and a desire to know why things work as they do.

Assessment

The examination consists of a 3 hour written paper (worth 100%) and is divided into three sections.

• Section A is worth 25% of the marks. It contains mainly shorter style questions. Students must answer 5 questions from 6 in this section.
• Section B is based on the 22 mandatory experiments and is worth 15%. Students answer 2 questions from 3. Note: Students must maintain a written report of all experiments. The reports must be available for inspection at all times. The State Examinations Commission has the authority to prevent a student from sitting the written paper if they fail to produce a complete set of laboratory reports.
• Section C (60%) consists of long questions where a lot of detail is required in student answers. Students will be asked to draw and label anatomical diagrams.

Careers in Biology

• Medicine
• Physiotherapy
• Nursing
• Dentistry
• Zoology
• Microbiology
• Horticulture
• Botany
• Dietician
• Occupational therapy
• Genetic engineering
• Health and fitness
• Agriculture
• Food science
• Biotechnology

Is Biology for you?

Yes if……

• You are good at junior certificate science.
• You have an interest in the study of life and the inter-relationship between organisms and their environment.
• You require a science subject for entry to a third level course.
• You enjoy practical work and are good at writing projects and reports.

Chemistry involves a problem solving approach to the world of chemicals, atomic structure, how and why different chemical reactions occur, the rates at which reactions occur and the history of the atom and the periodic table.  It is a 2 year course with a maximum of 24 students per class. It is examined at two levels – ordinary and higher level.

Chemistry also involves practical work where students carry out 28 mandatory experiments and record and analyse the data collected, drawing conclusions about what the student has observed in the process. All mandatory experiments must be recorded and be available for inspection.

Course content:

• Atomic theory
• Periodic table
• Analytical techniques
• Acids, bases and pH
• Water
• Stoichiometry
• Volumetric analysis
• Instrumentation
• Organic chemistry
• Thermochemistry
• Equilibrium

Assessment

The examination consists of a 3 hour written paper (worth 100%) and is divided into two sections.

• Section A questions students on 3 of the 28 mandatory experiments which students carry out over the course of the two year Leaving Certificate programme.
• Section B questions students on concepts in chemistry and tests students’ ability to apply these concepts in solving chemistry related problems.

Requirements to study Chemistry at Leaving Certificate

• It is imperative that students have a genuine interest in and aptitude for science.
• It is preferable for students to have studied and passed science at higher level for their Junior Certificate.
• It is preferable for students to be competent and comfortable with mathematics.

Career opportunities

• Pharmaceuticals (offers lots of employment opportunities in Ireland)
• Forensics
• Environmental control
• Materials scientist
• Chemical and biochemical engineering
• Cosmetics industry
• Oil refining and plastics
• Medicine
• Pharmacy
• Veterinary
• Physiotherapy
• Sports science
• Genetic engineering

Is chemistry for you?

• Chemistry will appeal to those who have good analytical and practical skills.
• Chemistry offers opportunities for those who would like to carry out investigative laboratory work such as forensics or in a medical or pharmaceutical laboratory.
• Chemistry is a gateway to a wide variety of careers such as Medicine, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical science, Physiotherapy, Dentistry, Biomedical Engineering, Genetics and many more exciting careers.
• Hard-working and capable candidates are rewarded in chemistry. At higher level each year, approximately 11% of candidates secure a H1, and 28-29% of candidates secure a H1 or a H2.
• If you are interested in using laboratory tests to identify unknown compounds, creating chemical reactions, learning how everyday chemicals are made and used, then chemistry could be for you.
• Chemistry is a compulsory requirement for a number of third level courses including Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry, and Dietetics. Chemistry is also strongly recommended for all science and engineering courses.

Subject Overview

Construction Studies introduces students to the knowledge and skills associated with construction technology and construction materials and practices. This is achieved through theoretical study and integrated practical projects which provide a basis for the thorough exploration of materials and processes

What do I need to do this course?

Having studied Materials Technology Wood at Junior Cycle is important but not vital. A good knowledge of Technical Graphics is also a very beneficial prerequisite to Construction Studies.

Content

Part I – Construction Theory and Drawing

• General principles
• Substructure
• Superstructure
• Internal construction
• Services and external works
• Heat and thermal effects in buildings
• Illumination in buildings
• Sound in buildings

Part II – Practical Skills

• Tools
• Processes

Part III – Course Work and Projects

• Workshop/laboratory experiments
• Student projects

Assessment

Construction Studies is assessed at both Ordinary level and Higher level by means of a terminal examination paper (50%), a practical test (25%) and a student project (25%). A revised syllabus, with the title Architectural Technology, has been prepared, but funding hasn’t currently made available to proceed with implementation.

Related Careers: Architecture, Auctioneering, Bricklaying, Building Management, Civil and Structural Engineer, DIY Person, Electrician, Heating and Ventilation Technician, Painter/Decorator & Plasterer

http://www.colaisteclavin.ie/images/pdfs/Guidance_Pdf/Construction%20Studies%20overview.pdf

The Design and Communication Graphics course makes a unique contribution to the student’s

Cognitive and practical skills development. These skills include;

• graphicacy/graphic communication,
• creative problem solving,
• spatial abilities/visualisation,
• design capabilities,
• computer graphics and CAD modelling.

The creative and decision-making capabilities of students in the activities associated with design are developed through three principal areas of study:

• design and communication graphics
• plane and descriptive geometries,
• applied graphics

It is intended to develop the creative thinking and problem solving abilities of students.

Assessment

There are two assessment components:

1. A student assignment (40% of the examination marks, of which CAD will form a significant and compulsory component)
2. A terminal examination paper (60% of the examination marks)

• The assignment will relate to a theme identified by the examining authority.
• A different theme will apply at Higher and Ordinary levels.
• Students must then proceed to develop a design or project brief in accordance with specified parameters.

Terminal exam

• The terminal exam follows the same pattern as the Junior Certificate with one section on short questions and another on long questions.
• Some topics will be a continuation of topics studied in the Junior Cert such as orthographic projection while others will be completely new.

What is required of a student wishing to do DCG for Leaving Cert

• Students should have taken Technical Graphics to Junior Cert level
• Be self-motivated to do well
• Be willing and capable of working hard on their own
• Have a love for the subject
• Have an interest in problem solving (Maths etc.)
• Have an interest in digital media i.e. SolidWorks, CAD etc.

Career Possibilities

DCG is a core element of many 3rd level options including Engineering, Construction and Architecture and knowledge of this subject will greatly enhance a student’s ability in any 3rd level engineering based programme. All apprenticeships include the study of detailed technical drawings.

Why study Leaving Cert Economics?

Economics is a subject that will give you a different perspective on how you view the world. It forms the basis for the government to make decisions, companies to employ people and for people to spend or not to spend. It is a social science and part of our every day life.

Brief outline of course  

The Leaving Cert Programme is divided into two sections – Micro and Macro Economics.

Micro Economics deals with the economy on a small scale. It studies the producer and how they decide what to produce, what price to charge and what quantity to supply. It studies consumer behaviour and the factors that affect the demand for goods and services. It deals with the factors of production of land, labour, capital and enterprise.

Macro Economics deals with the economic issues at a national and international level. It looks at money and banking, the role of the government, inflation, international trade, etc.

There are five periods per week – three singles and one double class.

Number of classes per week: 5

Expected hours of homework/outside study per week: 2.5 hours (min)

Course Outline:

Assessment:

1-Geographical Investigation: 20% of Final Grade. Students take part in a fieldtrip where research is carried out and later written up in a project style guided by your teachers. It is sent away for correction externally.

2-Exam Paper: 80% of Final Grade*. The exam is 2 hours 50 minutes in duration. It consists of 10 short questions, 3 structured and 6 short essay questions and a longer essay question. *(Please note structure varies at ordinary level)

Skills Required:

Time management, ability to structure essays, ability to retain and reproduce large quantities of new material.

Future Prospects:

Students who study Geography often go on to work in teaching, planning, development, journalism and environmental consultancy along with more specialised careers such as Geologist and meteorologists.

Number of classes per week: 5

Expected hours of homework/outside study per week: 2.5 hours (min)

Course Outline:

Assessment:

Food Studies Practical Coursework Journal: 20% of Final Grade.

Five assignments will be issued to the school at the beginning of Fifth Year. Students are required to complete four of the five assignments (these are common to Higher and Ordinary Level) The complete Food Studies Practical Coursework Journal must be submitted for examination in November of Sixth Year.

Areas of Practice:

• Application of Nutritional Principles
• Food Preparation and Cooking Processes
• Food Technology
• Properties of Food
• Comparative Analysis including Sensory Analysis

Exam Paper: 80% of Final Grade.

The exam is 2 hours 30 minutes in duration. Structure:

• Section A: 12 Short Questions – do 10 (6marks each)
• Section B: Compulsory question 1 (80 marks), 4 other long questions – do 2 (50 marks each)
• Section C: Elective (80 marks)

Skills Required:

Time management, organisation, discipline to work independently, problem solving, adaptability, analysis and application, investigation, and a strong work ethic.

Future Prospects:

The learning experiences in home economics develop flexibility and adaptability in students, prepare them for a consumer-oriented society and provide a learning foundation for a wide range of careers in food, textiles, science, design, social studies, education and tourism.

Physics is the basic physical science. Physics is concerned not so much with ‘”what is so”  but rather “why” it is so. It deals with topics such as forces, motion, energy, electricity and nuclear energy. It is a 2 year course with a maximum of 24 students per class. It is examined at two levels – ordinary and higher level. Topics at higher level get a greater depth of treatment,  and students at higher level are expected to be proficient and comfortable with analysing and solving mathematical problems.

Course content:

Mechanics – force, energy, power, motion, gravity, density, pressure

Sound – waves, Doppler effect, notes, resonance, sound intensity.

Heat and Temperature – heat transfer, heat capacity, thermometers.

Light – mirrors, lenses, colours, electromagnetic spectrum

Electricity – static electricity, resistance, domestic circuits, semi-conductors, electromagnetism.

Modern physics – thermionic emission, photoelectric effect, x –rays, radioactivity, nuclear energy.

Students also study one of two options – either particle physics or applied electricity.

Assessment

The examination consists of a 3 hour written paper (worth 100%) and is divided into two sections.

• Section A (30%) questions students on 4 of the mandatory 26 experiments which students carry out over the course of the two year Leaving Certificate programme. Note: these experiments are to be written up by students in an experiment copy and available for inspection by the Department of Education and Skills.
• Section B (70%) questions students on concepts in physics and tests students’ ability to apply these concepts in solving mathematical related problems.

Requirements to study Physics at Leaving Certificate

• It is imperative that students have a genuine interest in and aptitude for science.
• It is preferable for students to have studied and passed science at higher level for their Junior Certificate.
• It is preferable for students to be competent and comfortable with mathematics.
• Students must have an inquisitive mind and a desire to know why things work as they do.

Career opportunities

• Astronomy
• Geophysics
• Radiography
• Electronics
• Biomedical engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Civil engineering
• Computer engineering
• Military
• Second and third level education
• Radiation protection
• Environmental monitoring
• Telecommunications
• Graphics/Software design
• Programming

Is physics for you?

• If you want and enjoyable and rewarding career where you use your imagination, your practical ability and your creative flair, then physics could be for you.
• If you are studying higher level maths and/or applied maths, there will be some overlap with physics.
• If you are thinking about engineering, medicine, dentistry, electronics, astronomy or technology, then physics is for you. Physics can be required for some engineering courses and physics courses and is highly desirable for most science related and engineering courses.
• Physics rewards the capable, hard working exam candidates. At higher level each year, approximately 10-11% of candidates secure a H1, and 27-28% of candidates secure a H1 or a H2.
• With a physics qualification, you could choose to work in the open air, in a hospital, in a laboratory team, in engineering, in education or in many other environments.