Rockford

Manor
Guidance
Counselling
Department

Subject Choice
Meeting 2018-19
“A Christian Environment where
learning and teaching nurture the
personal development of every
student”
 Contents

 Outline subjects on offer

 Advice on how to choose your subjects

 Information on the subjects-Focus on career

implication
 SUBJECTS

Compulsory subjects Optional subjects

 Religious Education  Business Studies 2019

 Irish  Science 2019

 Art 2020
 English 2017
 Home Economics 2021
 Mathematics 2021
 Music 2021
 History
 Geography 2020 And
Wellbeing
 C.S.P.E. German 2020
 S.P.H.E. Or
 Physical Education French 2020
 1st Year Subject Choice

 All choice subjects are of equal value in terms of

results at the Junior Certificate.

 Students are likely to do well in subjects they enjoy

studying.

 Students are not being asked to make a choice that

will affect you college or career future!

 Trust your daughters decision

How Subject Choice Works in
Rockford

 Students choose 3 subjects + French or

German

 Students will usually get these choices

 Students given a form to take home

 Student will input choices on software in

computer room
 1st Year Subject Choice

 When making a choice about what subjects to drop

at the end of 1st Year it is important students ask the
following:

(a) Of these which do I enjoy the most?

(b) Of these which do I achieve the best grade in?

(c) Do I need any of the subjects for further

education/careers?
 DON’T

 Choose a subject because a friend is taking it

 Choose a subject just because of liking or dislike the

teacher

 Choose a subject because you think it will be easy

 Choose a subject without finding out more about it

 Make a decision at the last minute without thinking about

it
 DO

 Choose subjects because you enjoy and are good

at.

 Choose subjects you may need for your chosen

career

 Keep your options open for the future by making a

balanced choice now

 Talk to your Guidance Counsellor, Class Tutor,

Teachers
 The facts about Business

– There are two main areas of study in Business Studies for the JC
– (1) The business world and (2) book-keeping/accountancy.

– For the LC there are two business subjects to choose from (1)
Business, (2) Accountancy

– If you want to do accountancy in the Leaving Certificate you

should really choose Business from now on

– You do not need to study a business subject for the LC in order to

study Business at 3rd level.

– Very useful for all business/accounting course in university

 The facts about Home Economics

– Home Economics is a very popular subject for JC and LC

– Topics include food, nutrition, diet and health; family and social
concerns; consumer issues; sustainability in the home; responsible
family resource management; and textiles and clothing.

– There is no course at 3rd Level that requires this subject but it is very
useful to have studied Home Economics for courses that involve
culinary arts, Social Sciences, Psychology, Education etc.

– You CAN take up Home Economics for the LC having dropped it in 2nd
Year.
 The facts about Art

– Art should definitely be considered if you like painting and

design because you will be spending double classes
drawing and creating

– If you are considering a creative career you should take Art.

Most Art/Design/ courses in third level require a portfolio

– You CAN take up Art for the LC with the permission of the
Art teacher if you have not studied it in the JC

– 50% of Leaving Certificate is done before the day of

examination
 The facts about Music

– You should only consider keeping on music for the JC if you

have an aptitude for the subject and you enjoy it.

– You don’t need to take music in the JC to take it in the LC

but it helps a lot if you do.

– If you want to study music at 3rd level you will need either
LC music or min grade 6 in music exams taken outside
school.

– Practical work before examination worth 50% in LC

examination
The Facts about Science

 Has three components in one course- Biology-

Physics-Chemistry

 In the Leaving Certificate it splits up into Biology-

Physics-Chemistry

 Very Important for a lot of careers-

 I recommend that students seriously consider

science as an option it gives 3 subject options in
the LC
 CURRICULUM ONLINE
https://www.curriculumonline.ie/Junior-cycle/Junior-Cycle-
Subjects
 Continental Language

Required for entry to NUI Colleges

However- not required for nursing, engineering, science

degrees

Institutes of Technologies - level 6 and 7 courses do not

require a continental language

UL will accept Irish and or a continental language

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 Careers implication- Science
Subjects

Must be Physics for

 Theoretical Physics (TCD)

Two Sciences needed for

 Physiotherapy (TCD)
 Pharmacy

Medicine
Generally two sciences (5 years)
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 Science Subjects

1 lab science subject needed for most science

and health care related courses.

Must be Biology for

 Human Health and Disease TCD
 Genetics UCC
 Advisable for Nursing
Must be Chemistry for

 Dentistry UCC
 Human Nutrition & Dietetics (DIT)
 Medicine UCC
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
Pharmacy UCC and TCD
Veterinary Medicine (UCD)
 Other Subject Specific Entry Requirements

Business, Accounting, History, Geography,

Generally NOT REQUIRED FOR BASIC

ENTRY but desirable if intending to study
at third level

Art-Music -Home Economics

Again NOT REQUIRED FOR BASIC

ENTRY but portfolio (Art) or competence
test (Music) required
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 Useful Website: Qualifax

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 If you know the course you
want to do already???

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 Subject Choice Supports

 Careers class on subject choice.

 Teachers will be available to students to ask questions

 Individual/small group appointments with Guidance Counsellor

 Subject Choice Information night

 Please contact me directly if you have any further questions

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Thank You

 Any Questions??