Junior Cycle Subject Choices and Career Pathways 2024/25

1STYEAR SUBJECT CHOICE 2024/25

CORE JUNIOR CYCLE SUBJECTS Gaeilge (except in the case of exemption) English Mathematics History French or Spanish Gaeilge, English & Maths are available at higher and Ordinary level in Junior Cycle

JUNIOR CYCLE NON-EXAM SUBJECTS Physical Education Civil, Social and Political Education (CSPE) Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) Religious Education

Optional Subjects (Choose in order of preference 1 8, students will study 4) Science Music Business Studies Geography All studied at Common level Visual Art Wood Technology Engineering Graphics

French Junior Cycle Leaving Cert French > French This subject may be a requirement for entry to third level and can be used as a third language for entry to a number of courses Specific careers in which French is of benefit include: Teaching, Translation, Business, Journalism and Media.

Spanish Junior Cycle Leaving Cert Spanish > Spanish This subject may be a requirement for entry to third level and can be used as a third language for entry to a number of courses Specific careers in which Spanish is of benefit include: Teaching, Translation, Business, Journalism and Media.

Science Junior Cycle Leaving Cert Science > Physics Chemistry Biology Agricultural Science Physics is a useful subject for many courses and career areas and a good foundation for a broad range of scientific and technical careers in particular.

Science Chemistry is considered extremely useful for a wide range of career areas such as: Pharmacy, Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Engineering, General Sciences, Dietician Biology is a great subject if you are considering nursing or medicine. Other careers where studying Biology at second level is useful include: Veterinary, Dentistry, Agriculture, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Physiotherapy, Nutrition, Ecology, Earth Science and Environmental Science, Genetics, Marine Science Agricultural Science Careers include: Food Science, Agricultural Advisers, Agricultural Engineering, Environmental Science, Farming, Marine Science, Careers in Renewable Energy and Teaching

Business Studies Junior Cycle Leaving Cert Business Studies > Accounting Business Career pathways might include Accountancy, Actuarial Studies, Marketing, Business or Finance. Business is useful for careers in a wide range of areas including Banking, Finance, Administration, Law, Insurance, Management and Marketing among others.

Geography Junior Cycle Leaving Cert Geography > Geography It is useful in a wide variety of careers such as Town Planning, Environmental Science, Tourism, Meteorology

Art Junior Cycle Leaving Cert Visual Art > Art Art is useful for careers in Animation, Architecture, Fashion Design, Interior Design, Graphic Design, Photography and Art Therapy.

Music Junior Cycle Leaving Cert Music > Music Music is useful for media work or studies, primary teaching, sound engineering, public relations, library work, speech therapy, film, physical education, communications, production, performance and music at third level.

Wood Technology Junior Cycle Wood Technology Leaving Cert Construction Studies > Studying this subject will be useful for anyone thinking of working/studying in the following areas: Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Carpentry, Furniture Design and Manufacture.

Engineering Junior Cycle Engineering Leaving Cert Engineering > Engineering is useful for the following careers: mechanic, panel beater, welder, plumber, electronic and mechanical engineering, architecture, aircraft technician, army/air corps and industrial design

Graphics Junior Cycle Graphics Leaving Cert Design & Communication Graphics > DCG is a core element of many third level options including: Engineering, Product Design, Construction and Architecture. Knowledge of this subject will greatly enhance a student's ability in any third level engineering-based programme.

Resources to assist in Subject Choice Clonakiltycc.ie click on Career Guidance link www.careersportal.ie (very comprehensive) Information on the % of grades awarded in each subject is available on www.examinations.ie and gives access to past exam papers www.curriculumonline.ie (allows you to see what is involved in the JC subject) www.ncca.ie information on the new junior cycle

How to tell us your subject choice Go to www.clonakiltycc.ie Click on VSware icon Go to Student Options Click on the box next to each number below and a drop down menu of subjects will appear. Choose 8 in order of preference When complete Options Completed will appear.

Discuss . . . Discuss your thoughts with: Subject Teachers Guidance Counsellor Current Pupils Parents/Guardians, Older Siblings

Reflect . . . Think about your Son/Daughter s interests and how they learn. Have them ask themselves the following questions: Do I enjoy this subject? Do my strengths/talents/attribute reflect this subject? Am I choosing because of friends/teachers? Will I be motivated to achieve ? Is there a chance I might need it for further study/career? Am I keeping my options open?

Advice on Subject Choice Do the research this is hugely important Be realistic about ability and possible future course and career choice Closing date for options is October 10th 2024 Once classes begin students should try and stick with a subject and give it their best as too much uncertainty and indecision may be detrimental in the long term