Leaving Cert Music consists of 4 parts. Each part is worth 25% of the exam. Total marks awarded for the exam is 400. The components of the exam are:

Listening Paper This consists of 6 questions – 4 set works, Irish Music and an unprepared Aural Skills question. Total – 100 marks.

Composition Paper This consists of 2 questions – a melody writing question and a harmony or backing chords question. Total – 100 marks.

Practical Each student must play or sing 4 songs/pieces, either as a solo or as part of a group. Total – 100 marks.

Higher Level Elective At higher level the student then chooses one of above areas in which to do extra work. Most students choose to do extra Practical work, which consist of a Computer Option, in De La Salle College we use a programme called Sibelius. This involves inputting one score of 4 parts onto computer using Sibelius. This is examined the same day as the Practical exam in March/April.  Total – 100 marks.

Ordinary Level The ordinary level student does not need to do any extra work. Whichever of the first 3 components of Listening, Composing and Performing (or Sibelius) he scores highest on, that mark is doubled by the examiners.

Skills needed?  An ability to read/write Music is desirable but can be taught in 5^th Year. Ability to sing/play any instrument is also desirable.

Introduction: The quantity of students taking L.C. French at Higher Level in DLS is way above the national average. As for the Junior Cert., it is a very accessible subject whose workload is not particularly heavy but from which very valuable points are earned. For those students wishing to have a foreign language solely as a third level entry requirement, French is very undemanding for the Ordinary level Leaving Cert. exam. Be conscious that student’s options can change dramatically and many find themselves, in 6^th year, panicking because they suddenly find that a foreign language is required for their new choice.

Number of classes per week:                5

Course Outline:     The syllabus aims to develop learners’ communicative skills in French, to develop their strategies for effective language learning and raise their awareness of cultural, social and political diversity.

Assessment:           The syllabus aims to cater for a wide range of pupil ability. Assessment will be at Higher and Ordinary level.

Higher Level                                               

Oral-                                                                                                                         25%

(Topics for discussion include; myself, my family, my town, past times, what I did/will do on holidays, future career etc.)

Listening  Comprehension-                                                                                20%

(Questions are asked in English and students must answer in English)

Reading Comprehension/ Compréhension Écrite –                         30%

(2  comprehensions, 10 questions each to answer in French and the last question on both, question 6, has 2 parts and is asked in English so you must answer in English)

Writing/ Production Écrite –                                                                              25%

(Question 1 is compulsory and students answer2 other questions from a choice of Q. 2, Q.3, Q.4 which may include e-mail, diary entry, informal letter etc.

Ordinary Level

Oral –                                                                                                                         20%

Listening Comprehension –                                                                                25%

(Same listening CD as Higher level, questions are usually easier & include several multiple choice questions)

Reading Comprehension/ Compréhension Écrite –                        40%

(4 comprehensions, Q.1 & Q.2 are asked in English so answers are in English. Q.3 & Q.4 the questions are asked in French so you answer in French except for the last questions on both which are asked and answered in English.

Writing/ Production Écrite –                                                                              15%

(1 writing task from each of two of the options A, B & C which can include a cloze test, postcard, diary entry etc.)

Skills Required:      motivated, creative, enthusiastic, independent learner

Future Job Prospects:

French can be useful for careers in the following areas: Air Steward, Air Traffic Controller, Business, Careers in Export, Chef, Courier, Hotel Management, Human Resources, International Marketing, Importer, Interpreter, Journalist, Librarian, Translator, International Driver, Pilot, Tourism, Travel Agent, Work in the Department of Foreign Affairs, etc.

A foreign language may be required for entry to colleges of the National University of Ireland i.e. UCC, UCD, NUI Galway and Maynooth.

A foreign language is required to become a Cadet in the Army or Air Corps.

Applied Maths.

Background

Leaving Certificate Applied Mathematics is a subject based on mathematical physics.  It is studied and assessed at Ordinary and Higher levels. Applied Mathematics essentially uses mathematics to solve real life scenarios in an applied way. For example, students will examine speed/velocity of incoming trains & likelihood of them colliding or the correct angle to fire a canon in order for it to hit a target.

The subject has a strong overlap with physics and of course mainstream mathematics.

Examples of topics studied are:

• Projectiles
• Hydrostatics
• Collisions
• Velocity

Student prerequisite knowledge.

Students who choose applied mathematics should have a strong understating of Higher Level Junior Certificate Maths, a good ability to problem solve and of course an interest in physics.

School subject timetable:

Students will have 3 single and 1 double class weekly.

Assessment:

Students will have regular class tests on topics encountered. The Leaving Cert exam consists of 10 questions of which students need only answer 6.

Career Opportunities.

Along with an obvious career path in Mathematics and Physics, students who study the subject can branch into engineering, architecture or any of the other sciences.