These subjects are grouped together as Social Studies subjects.
Home Economics
The
syllabus has a wide range of topics from food studies, resource
management, consumer studies and social studies. You can also choose to
look at home design and management and fashion and design. You get to
submit practical work that is worth up to 20% of your final exam! This
subject has huge benefits to you in the long run as it helps develop
skills you will need in your everyday life. Any budding Rachel Allens or
Jamie Olivers should consider this subject.Geography
The study of geography is very broad. Students will look at anything from the physical geography to the economy and populations of different countries. Trinity College Dublin will accept Geography as a science subject for entry into both the Science and Pharmacy faculty. Up to 20% of the final grade is achieved by submitting a report on a geographical investigation.
If you like Geography then you might like www.ngm.com
History.
History
improves students critical thinking. If you have an interest in the
past then consider taking this subject. Students learn about both Irish
as well as European History. You can also study American History. A
research topic must be submitted in April. This can be on a topic of
your choice and 20% of your total marks are given to it. If you enjoy
History then you may also like to do Classical Studies. Those who take
Classical Studies will explore ancient Greece and Rome as well as their
influences on on Modern Society.Listen into these Podcasts and see if they are of interest to you.
Newstalk: Talking History Podcasts
You can also find some great shows on www.history.com
ReligionStudents benefit from having the opportunity to submit course work which is worth 20% of their final grade.
The syllabus is very broad and students are given the chance to learn about Christianity, World Religions, Moral Decision making as well as issues of Justice and Peace. If you are considering primary school teaching as a profession then this subject will come in handy. Most primary schools in Ireland require that Religion be taught so a knowledge of it beneficial. It is not a requirement to teach.
Music
You
don't have to study Music in your Leaving Cert to do it at third
level. The only exception to this is if you wish to study to become a
music teacher in secondary schools. Mater Dei Institute of Education
requires a C3 in Higher Level to study Education, Religion and Music. If
you are interested in doing it at third level then it is a great idea
to do it for your Leaving Cert. Many of the music courses are restricted
which means you must select them on your C.A.O form. You will most likely
have to do some form of an audition or interview as well as meet the
points requirements. Different colleges have different procedures so
make sure to double check. For advice on learning music, be it singing,
composing or writing, check out this site.www.bbc.co.ukArt
For those students who are creative, Art
is an obvious choice. Students will complete their work over the duration of
the school year. In fact art students can have up to 62.5% of their work
completed before they ever enter the leaving certificate in June. The rest of
the exam is a study of Art History and Art Appreciation. If you decide to study Art in college you
will have to be conscious of the requirements. It is not uncommon for students
to have to submit a portfolio of all their work. They will also still have to
reach the points to gain entry on to the course. Some students take a year out and
attend a Post Leaving Cert course that is dedicated to the portfolio.www.ncad.ie