Leaving Cert Subjects
Practical Group
These subjects are 'hands-on' and involve working with tools and machinery on physical things like wood, metals and plastic. They may involve designing, planning and building things.
Science Group
These subjects demonstrate how to explore nature using carefully planned methods, and teach the basic methods and findings of scientific investigation.
Artistic & Creative Group
These subjects involve developing creativity and the appreciation of the work of others. This involves learning the methods and techniques of the subject and producing your own work using these skills.
Humanities Group
These subjects explore the ways in which humans live and communicate in the world. Human life is examined by looking at our past, our present and into our future. These subjects help people to express themselves clearly and develop their reasoning ability.
Social Group
These subjects explore common issues faced by all people living in society. They develop the skills and knowledge used to manage personal resources and guide human behaviour.
Ray Power, Potter
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
Art, Physics, Accountancy along with the compulsary ones.
Colin Butterly, Site Manager - Trade Entry
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
In school I would have done Woodwork (materials technology) along with Technical Drawing and Construction Studies. I found these subjects were great backgrounds to have studied when doing an apprenticeship as they developed technical skill and knowledge in all aspects of construction.
Deborah Caffrey, Electronic Engineer
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
After completing my Junior Certificate I tried to choose a range of subjects in order to maintain options for Leaving Cert/College, and so studied Physics, Accountancy and Home Economics. I believed maintaining at least 1 science subject was important as it can be a requisite for many college courses. Physics was also then key in my choice of Engineering at third level. Accountancy and Home Economics were subjects I enjoyed and performed quite well at but could not see myself developing a career in. Physics was a good basis for continuing on to study Electronic Engineering in college. Although having studied any science subject at Leaving Certificate level is required for entry to engineering I believe that Physics was the most relevant for my course.