This subject provides students with a general introduction to business and it sows the seeds of initiative and enterprise. It contains elements of law, finance and economic issues. This enables students upon leaving school to choose from a variety of disciplines in third level. Leaving Certificate Business also provides students with business start-up knowledge and skills which then allow self-employment to become a positive career option.

Why Leaving Certificate Business should be studied?

· Provides students with a valuable insight into the world of business, which complements their other studies on the curriculum.

· Develops an understanding of the role people play in business.

· Is a practical and vocationally oriented subject, which deals with real issues relating to the community, business enterprises, industrial relations and the environment.

· Helps students develop an awareness of their own enterprise and communication skills.

· Introduces the various management skills and activities used in both the household and business.

· Explores the stages involved in developing a product or service and in setting up a business, with the

· Legal requirements to be put in place to do so.

· Highlights the relationship between business and the wider economy both at home and abroad, including the European Union.

To study Business at senior level, it is not necessary to have studies Business for Junior Cycle Level.

Assessments:

· Higher and Ordinary levels are available

· Business is 100% exam based

· One exam paper

Possible Career Areas:

Accountancy, Actuary, Data Analyst, Economics, Education, Entrepreneurship, Financial Analyst, Human Resource, Investment Consultant, Marketing, Public Relations and Sales.

The Leaving Certificate Chemistry course is very different to the Junior Certificate Science course because:

• It is very detailed.
• It involves learning work which must be done every night to maintain a good level of understanding.
• The Maths calculations require a good understanding of Maths.

The Major areas of study are:

• Atomic Structure:  (History of Periodic Table and The Atom)
• Volumetric Analysis (Titrations)
• Rates of Reactions
• Organic Chemistry
• Chemical Equilibrium
• Water
• Acid, bases, pH and Indicators
• Bonding, Formula, Equations and Calculations
• Equilibrium-Chemical & Ionic
• Rates of Radioactivity
• Electrochemistry
• Mandatory Experiments (of which most contain calculations)

Chemistry for the Leaving Cert is a very practical subject. There are 28 mandatory experiments to be completed of which three are those are asked on the Leaving Cert Paper worth 38% of the exam.

Chemistry involves a lot of understanding and learning from the start of 5^th year. The maths required is a good understanding of Ordinary Level Maths (A/B Level). 

Assessment:

• One written paper for both higher and ordinary levels
• Two sections to the exam paper: Section A: 3 questions based on experiments. Section B: 8 questions based on theory.

Chemistry is useful for careers in:
Pharmacy, Nursing, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Chemistry, Food Science, Veterinary Science, Medicine, Applied Science, Metallurgy, Materials Science, Dentistry, Agriculture, Forestry Mining, Polymer Science, Dairy Science, Textile Science, Forensic Science, Photographic Processing, Teaching, Pollution Control, Cosmetic Science, Geochemistry, Quality Control, Biotechnology, Health Care and Pharmaceutical industries

As the name implies this subject is the study of Construction and its effect on Irish building customs, practices and the environment. The subject investigates many aspects including materials, skills, services, lighting, heating and ventilation.

AIMS OF THE COURSE:

•  To introduce pupils to the knowledge of skills involved in construction technology.
•  To develop the pupils ability to communicate ideas and information by appropriate methods.
•  To contribute to their general education and
•  To provide a basis for those who wish to study any of the careers outlined below.

COURSE OUTLINE:
Students will study every aspect of the design and construction of single and two storey dwellings. The following topics will be covered:    site selection, planning control, site preparation, foundations, floors, walls, roofs, fireplaces, chimneys, stairs, plumbing, electrical circuits, drainage, analysis of materials and principles of heat, light and sound in buildings.     Students will also prepare for a practical joinery/cabinet making examination and plan and execute a project for evaluation, based on one of the following areas:   construction details, furniture making, and building science or written/drawn.

Assessment:

• One written paper worth 50%, question at both levels is a compulsory drawing question. At higher level there is a remaining 9 questions of which 4 must be answered and at ordinary level there are 8 remaining questions of which 4 most be answered.
• Two projects both worth 25%.

CONSTRUCTION STUDIES IS USEFUL FOR CAREERS IN:
Urban and Rural Planning, Archaeology, Estate Agency, Environmental Protection, Surveying, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Agriculture, Forestry, Transport and Communications, Local Government, Education, Teaching, Garda, Development Control, Quantity Surveyor, Acoustic Control, Property Developer, Geology, Marketing, Fire Officer, Health Officer, Trade Apprenticeships.

Design & Communications Graphics (formerly called Technical Drawing) makes a unique contribution to the student’s cognitive and practical skills development.   These skills include graphics communication, creative problem solving, spatial abilities/visualisation, design capabilities, computer graphics and CAD modelling.   These skills are developed through three principal areas of study:  plane and descriptive geometries, applied graphics and design and communication graphics.

1. Plane & Descriptive Geometry includes the study of the following elements:

(a) Projection Systems

(b) Plane Geometry

(c) Conic Sections

(d) Descriptive Geometry of Lines and Planes

(e) Intersection and Development of Surfaces

2. Applied Graphics where students will study two optional areas of study.  They are :

(a) Dynamic Mechanisms (d) Surface Geometry

(b) Structural Forms (e) Assemblies

(c) Geologic Geometry

3. Design & Communications Graphics :  Students will be able to generate drawings and design ideas electronically.   A comprehensive study of Computer Aided Drawing (CAD) through the design and communications graphics elements will enable students to accurately model designs and solutions and to communicate these within the electronic environment.   This element, along with CAD, will encourage students to become creative problem solvers.

Assessment:   There are two assessment  components:

A. A course assignment (40% of marks, of which CAD will form a significant and compulsory component).

B. A terminal examination paper (60% of marks)

DESIGN & COMMUNICATION GRAPHICS is USEFUL for CAREERS in the FOLLOWING AREAS:

Architecture, Engineering, Building, Graphic Design, Clothing/Footwear Design, Product Design, &    Aeronautical Engineering etc

Leaving Certificate French is an optional subject offered at both higher and ordinary levels. 

Advantages of Learning a Modern Foreign Language

Language learning is accessible to all students and contributes to their cognitive, personal and social growth by enhancing their communicative and thinking skills, as well as their participation in a global society.

In learning foreign languages, students are actively engaged in activities and tasks which integrate the five language skills of listening, reading, spoken production, spoken interaction and writing. As a result, they communicate with increasing independence, confidence and creativity. As learning is a social activity as well as a personal one and as communication is central to language, learning languages offers students ample opportunities to work with others to develop their language skills and achieve appropriate goals.

Language learning also broadens students’ horizons and enables them to develop a lifelong learning skill for education, leisure and work, and to develop a positive attitude towards other languages and cultures.

Four Key Skills are assessed: Oral, Listening, Reading and Writing

Further information available: https://www.curriculumonline.ie/Senior-Cycle/Senior-Cycle-Subjects/French/

Geography is a subject which is a relevant and useful part of daily life, when you take a walk in the countryside, go to the beach, visit a heritage centre or even go shopping, you are “experiencing” Geography.   Daily newspapers and magazines, radio and television programmes keep us in close contact with geographical issues – weather forecasts, earthquakes, industrial developments, the use and abuse of natural resources, tourism, poverty, unemployment, emigration, famine, pollution, rezoning controversies, shopping centre developments, EU enlargement, urban renewal and

sustainable development.   These are just some of the issues which are part of a subject that is “alive” and changing by the day.

WHY STUDY GEOGRAPHY?

(i) Geography keeps you up to date with current affairs in a rapidly changing world. The subject

encourages in students a sensitive awareness of our environment and provides a good understanding of important issues and problems in modem society.

(ii) When you study Geography you will acquire a wide range of skills which are extremely valuable

from an employers point of view.   Students learn how to observe, record and analyse information, draw conclusions and present sensible solutions to problems with realistic plans for action. These skills are rightly valued in the workplace.

(iii) Fieldwork is an integral part of the subject so students learn to work as members of a team taking responsibility to complete a specific task. From an employer’s point of view this is a very important characteristic in a worker.

Assessment:

20%- geographical investigation (field study and written report)

80%-  written examination for both higher and ordinary level.

The Senior Cycle history curriculum, introduced in 2004, builds upon the foundation established during the Junior Cycle, delving deeper into historical themes and events while further refining students’ analytical and critical thinking skills. Students are encouraged to engage with a diverse array of primary and secondary sources, fostering their ability to evaluate and interpret historical evidence. By offering history as an optional subject at the Senior Cycle level, we provide students with the opportunity to pursue their passion for history and explore the subject in greater depth, preparing them for further study or careers in related fields.

The Leaving Cert history course is divided into two distinct fields of study; Early Modern 1492-1915 and Late Modern 1815-1993. Similar to most Irish post-primary schools, Senior Cycle History at Coláiste Naomh Cormac focuses on the Later Modern field of study, covering Irish History from 1815 to 1993 and the History of the Wider World from 1815 to 1992.

The curriculum contains 12 topics, and students must study 4 of these topics. LC History students must complete two topics from 6 Irish topics and two topics from 6 European topics. These specific topics are selected according to the Document-Based Question, which changes every two years. Generally, we cover the following topics:

Irish History 1815 – 1993:

Topic 3: The pursuit of sovereignty and the impact of partition, 1912-1949
Topic 5: Politics and society in Northern Ireland, 1949-1993

History of the Wider World 1815-1992:

Topic 3: Dictatorship and democracy, 1920-1945
Topic 6: The United States and the world, 1945-1989
By studying these topics, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of both Irish and global history, preparing them for further education and fostering a broader appreciation for historical events and their impact on the modern world.

Research Study Report

The Research Study involves the study of a subject of historical significance, chosen by the student under the direction of the teacher. The Study, of up to 1,500 words, allows the student to develop research skills and experience the sourcing, evaluating and editing of evidence, relating to a study unique to the student. The report on the Research Study accounts for 20% of the total marks.

♪ broadens student’s horizons in an enjoyable subject with lots of variety

♪ develops a student’s creative and imaginative skills, their powers of description and social skills

♪ promotes involvement in musical activities

♪ cultivates an awareness of and a tolerance for the artistic views of others

♪ builds confidence

♪ gives students a leisure activity and means of relaxation

♪ develops the critical and imaginative faculties

♪ encourages the enjoyment of music through listening to recorded and live musical events

♪ is like any other subject in that it receives the same points

The L.C. Music course provides opportunities for the development of individual and /or group performing and composing skills at an appropriate level consistent with individual differences, needs and interests. It encourages students to listen purposefully to a wide variety of musical styles and genres, including music from the past and the present and from our own and other environments.

Students do a practical examination around Easter of their 6^th year. This exam is worth 50% of their overall grade.  In June students have an aural examination (25%) and a composition examination (25%).

Assessment:

Paper one: Composition (Melody & Harmony): 25%.

Paper two: Listening (modern and historical pieces & Irish music): 25%

Both papers are 1hr and 30 mins each.

MUSIC IS USEFUL FOR CAREERS IN: Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapist, Physical Education, Television and Radio Production, Entertainment – groups, orchestra, bands, etc., Aerobics, Librarianship, Music Shop Sales, Disc Jockey, Folklore Studies, Composer/Arranger, Dancer, Film and Television Director, Instrument maker, Acoustician, Musician, National Teacher, Actor, Communications ….. Music is for life!

Physics is the most exciting of all science and technology. It explains everything from the smallest atoms to the largest galaxies in the universe; it involves living as well as non-living things.

Through Physics we begin to understand why things behave as they do, and with Physics we attempt to solve stimulating and important scientific, practical and social problems.

A knowledge of physics is needed:

• to set up satellite communications 
• to investigate “black holes”
• to construct a computer 
• to detect flaws inside structures
• to make new materials 
• to take scans for the human body
• to study pollution of air, land and water * to reduce noise in vehicles
• to harness energy of all kinds * to solve crimes and to understand so many other things which affect everyone’s life, every day.

Successful physicists need imagination and creativity. They also need mathematical ability. It is not enough to describe an event using words as words can sometimes be ambiguous. Therefore mathematics is used since every term has a precise meaning.   Explanations and theories require to be tested so a physicist may need to be practical.   He/she will often have to design and build equipment and then be able to record events objectively and accurately.

Assessment:

• One 3hour paper at both higher and ordinary level
• 30% of the written examination paper is based on the 24 Mandatory Experiments

CAREERS for PHYSICS GRADUATES

A Physics degree is broad based, which allows great freedom of choice.   The skills acquired such as problem solving, information handling, critical reasoning, logical thought, clear communication and use of computers as an analysis tool, are valued in many fields of employment.   You could end up as a professional physicist but equally the study of physics fits you for a job in communications, medical physics, manufacturing, teaching, journalism, public service, management, finance and many more.   Physics graduates take up positions right across the technology and engineering sectors and the range of job titles below reflects this:   Aeronautical engineer, astronomer, ballistics expert, econophysicist, electronic engineer, environmental physicist, forensic scientist, lecturer/teacher, medical physicist, meteorologist, researcher, nuclear scientist, research scientist, engineer, software designer, telecoms engineer, wind analyst, etc.

The main areas of study in the Leaving Certificate course are:

• Light
• Sound
• Waves
• Mechanics
• Electricity and Magnetism
• Radioactivity
• Atomic Structure
• Particle Physics

Good mathematical ability is a requirement.

Physical education is an integral part of young people’s education in senior cycle. As a result of their learning in physical education, young people can increase their enjoyment, confidence and competence in a range of physical activities. They can learn about health-related fitness and to take responsibility for being physically active now and in the future. Overall, they can develop positive attitudes to physical activity and its importance in a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle.

In this course, students can learn about the importance of being physically active as part of a healthy lifestyle. Learners in senior cycle are at an important stage in their lives where they make their own decisions on whether or how they will include physical activity as part of their lifestyle. Learning in senior cycle physical education is designed to ensure that students appreciate the importance of physical activity not only for their physical wellbeing but also their social and psychological wellbeing. Senior Cycle Physical Education provides opportunities for learners to prepare for further study in a range of areas, for example in the teaching, coaching and healthcare professions. In addition to its vocational value, students’ learning in physical education provides them with knowledge, skills and understanding that will support lifelong informed participation and/or the pursuit of excellence in their own sporting and physical activity pursuits.

Senior Cycle Physical Education is structured around six curriculum models. Curriculum models are theme-based and reflect a specific philosophy about what is most important in physical education

Students in Coláiste Naomh Cormac will experience SCPE through the six curriculum models over the course of their two years.

The six curriculum models are as follows:

Health-Related Physical Activity; developing learners’ understanding of health-related physical activity for now and in the future.
Sport Education; providing learners with an enjoyable and authentic experience of organised physical activity as they learn to perform playing and non-playing roles.
Contemporary Issues in Physical Activity; encouraging learners to critically reflect on their own and others’ experiences in physical activity and sport.
Adventure Education; encouraging learners to challenge themselves and co-operate with others as they learn to solve physical activity challenges.
Personal and Social Responsibility; encouraging learners to take responsibility for themselves and their learning in physical education class, including respecting the rights and feelings of others.
Teaching Games for Understanding; developing learners’ tactical awareness and decision-making skills in a variety of games.

Assessment:

Students will receive an award based on a portfolio they complete over the two years. The use of a portfolio provides the flexibility for learners to gather evidence of progression in their learning and performance in SCPE. As students complete different ongoing assessment activities, including reflections during and at the end of the different blocks of work, they collect different pieces of evidence of their learning in a portfolio.