Dianchúrsa Traenála i Scileanna Raidió ó Raidió Fáilte
Eanáir 15, 2014
Ar mhaith leat bheith i do craoltóir ar Raidió Fáilte? Tá Raidió Fáilte ar lorg Gaeilgeoirí cruthaitheacha le páirt a ghlacadh i dianchúrsa traenála Raidió Fáilte i gcomhar le Ciste Craoltóireachta na Gaeilge de chuid Scáileán Thuaisceart Éireann. Beidh an cúrsa ag tosú ar an 1ú Feabhra 2014 agus mairfidh sé 4 seachtain san iomlán (gach Satharn 10:00rn-1:00in). Cúrsa saor in aisce atá ann agus tá sé oscailte do Ghaeilgeoirí thar 18 bliain d’aois.
Dianchúrsa i scileanna raidió agus craoltóireachta atá i gceist. Foghlaimeoidh na rannpháirtithe an dóigh lena gclár raidió féin a ullmhú, a chur i láthair, a thaifead agus a chur in eagar. Le cois bunscileanna craoltóireachta, beidh an deis ag na rannpháirtithe scileanna taighde agus iriseoireachta a fhoghlaim, scileanna agallaimh agus cur i láthair, scriptscríbhneoireacht, eagarthóireacht agus meascadh fuaime, an dóigh le trealamh ardteicniúil taifeadta agus eagarthóireachta Raidió Fáilte a úsáid taobh istigh den stiúideo agus úsáid gléasanna taifeadta in-iompraithe le hagallaimh, vox-pops agus imeachtaí a thaifead taobh amuigh den stiúideo.
Bíonn Raidió Fáilte ag craoladh scoth na gclár Gaeilge – 7 lá na seachtaine, 24 uair sa lá – óna stiúideo ar Bhóthar na bhFál, i gCeathrú Ghaeltachta Bhéal Feirste. Deis iontach atá sa chúrsa traenála seo le tús a chur le slí bheatha sna meáin chumarsáide mar láitheoir raidió nó mar iriseoir agus do chlár raidió féin a léiriú ar stáisiún raidió lán-Ghaeilge. Beidh aoi-chainteoirí ag teacht isteach ó na meáin chumarsáide náisiúnta le comhairle a thabhairt do dhuine ar bith atá ag smaoineamh faoi shlí bheatha in earnáil an raidió nó sna meáin chumarsáide.
Gabh i dteagmháil le Dónall Chaoimhín Mac Murchaidh Oifigeach Traenála agus Léiriúcháin Raidió Fáilte ar 028 90 310013 nó seol ríomhphost chuig donall@raidiofailte.com roimh an 27ú Eanáir 2014.
Tuilleadh sonraí le fáil ar www.raidiofailte.com
Foilsithe ar Gaelport.com
Seachtain na Gaeilge 2014
Eanáir 15, 2014
Le linn Seachtain na Gaeilge 2013 beidh ceiliúradh mór á dhéanamh ar ár dteanga dúchais, ár n-oidhreacht agus ár gcultúr fur na tíre agus thar lear ón 1 – 17 Márta 2014.
Cuireann Seachtain na Gaeilge fáilte roimh dhaoine & grúpaí nua agus grúpaí a bhí leo cheana) páirt a ghlacadh san fhéile in 2014 agus imeachtaí nó imeachtaí a eagrú ina gceantar áitiúil le linn na dátaí luaite. Cuireann Seachtain na Gaeilge úsáid na Gaeilge agus an chultúir Ghaelaigh chun cinn anseo in Éirinn agus thar lear mar chuid d’fhéile choicíse a ritear i mí an Mhárta gach uile bhliain. Tugann an fhéile seo an-deis do gach uile dhuine, idir chainteoirí dúchasacha agus iad siúd a fhaigheann a gcéad bhlaiseadh den teanga, spraoi a bheith acu leis an nGaeilge. Arís i mbliana beidh imeachtaí éagsúla arna eagrú timpeall na tíre agus thar leat chun daoine agus an pobal a spreagadh chun a gcuid Gaeilge a úsáid. Mar ambasadóirí ar Sheachtain na Gaeilge 2014 beidh an láithreoir ar na gcláir Rugbaí Beo agus Ponc ar TG4, Máire Treasa Ni Dhubhghaill, an peileadóir aitheanta ar fhoireann sinsir Átha Cliath, Ciarán Kilkenny agus an craoltóir leis an BBC agus an láithreoir teilifíse as Dún Geanainn i gCo Thír Eoghain, Lynette Fay.
Beidh ceiliúradh mór á dhéanamh ar an nGaeilge agus ár n-oidhreacht le neart ceoil traidisiúnta, damhsa, litríochta, chultúr le linn an tréimhse sin in ionaid éagsúla timpeall na tire seo agus thar lear. Beidh ceolchoirmeacha éagsúla agus an Ghaeilge i measc an phobail go mór. Beidh leabharlainne ar fud na tire mar aon le Ard-Mhúsaem na hÉireann ag glacadh páirt sa cheiliúradh le imeachtaí éagsúla cultúrtha agus stairiúla agus an-deis ag daoine comhrá as Gaeilge. I measc na n-imeachtaí bíonn siúlóidí stairiúla, filíocht, ceolchoirmeacha, ceardlainne éagsúla, imeachtaí do ghasúir, scéalaíocht, ranganna tonnmharcaíochta, scóráil sciobtha as Gaeilge, ceolchoirmeacha agus ar ndóigh bíonn ciorcal comhrá arna eagrú i go leor caiféanna timpeall na tire mar aon le go leor imeachtaí Gaelacha eile ó cheann ceann na tíre agus thar lear.
Dhá mo mhaith leat imeacht a eagrú i do phobal nó i do scoil déan teagmháil le hOifig Sheachtain na Gaeilge, +353 (0)1 4757401 nó eolas@cnag.ie
Tá gach eolas ar fáil faoi imeachtaí na bliana seo ar www.snag.ie
Foilsithe ar Gaelport.com
Secondary-school management is at breaking point
Eanáir 15, 2014
The most challenging issue for voluntary secondary schools is their management structure.
It is often noted that Ireland is very fortunate to have more than 30,000 wonderful volunteers who, in their roles as members of boards of management, govern our 4,000 primary and post-primary schools.
It is the very existence of this voluntary, community-based governance model that should create the impetus for complementing it with a well-resourced and appropriate school-management structure. Sadly, the reality is quite different.
Historically, the voluntary secondary-school management system evolved from a time when professed religious managed schools in their roles as principal and manager. In addition, the local community of religious in the convent or monastery provided much-needed support, free of charge, to the principal or manager and to the school community.
Today’s picture is much different, with a lay principal, supported only by a deputy principal and a group of teachers with “posts of responsibility”, whose numbers are shrinking due to a moratorium on filling such posts that was introduced in March 2009.
However, even if the previous system existed today, I would be making a case for the overhaul of the management system in voluntary secondary schools.
Before 2009, more than 50 per cent of teachers in voluntary secondary schools held posts of responsibility. Unfortunately, the title “posts of responsibility” is a misnomer as these roles represent discrete functions and all responsibility still ultimately rests with the principal.
Principals are therefore carrying a growing and impossible workload as they try to cope with running schools that aresuffering not just the impact of the moratorium, but a multitude of other cutbacks that have resulted in the principal being forced to become a guidance counsellor, year head, building-project manager, classroom teacher, and so on. In addition, the introduction of new legislation, regulations, top-down policies and disconnected educational initiatives such as a literacy and numeracy strategy, school self-evaluation and junior-cycle reform have all been added to the principal’s to-do list.
The ever-increasing workload has forced many principals to retire from the job at the earliest opportunity. Research conducted by the Joint Managerial Body (JMB) last summer indicated that 61 per cent of principals in voluntary secondary schools have been replaced within the past five years.
A consequence of this increase in workload and worry-load has been the emergence of high degrees of stress among principals. This has taken both a personal form, such as chronic fatigue and anxiety, as well as having an impact on working style. For example, many principals speak of the difficulties of prioritising their students and teachers in the face of an overload of administrative demands.
Their main vocation lies in teaching and learning but their main workload is increasingly concerned with compliance and the struggle for resources.
We need to reimagine the role of the principal in our schools in order to provide her or him with greater flexibility and autonomy to lead and manage in the local context. In particular, a structure must be created in which middle management responds to the real needs of each school and includes real responsibility for those undertaking such roles. To this end, the JMB and the Association of Community and Comprehensive Schools have embarked on a project to develop a management structure in post-primary schools that is fit for purpose.
Many principals protest that decisions made at national level often ignore the real-time, real-life impact at school level.
It is essential that principals receive more practical supports, both nationally and locally, as well as experiencing much clearer channels of communication.
Ferdia Kelly is general secretary of the Joint Managerial Body, which provides advice and support and negotiates on behalf of school management in 400 voluntary secondary schools.
www.irishtimes.com
Gael-Choláiste an Phiarsaigh fós gan láthair
Eanáir 15, 2014
Fógra ar bith tugtha ag an Roinn Oideachais maidir le suíomh na hiarbhunscoile nua
Tá tugtha le fios ag Cathaoirleach Ghael-Choláiste an Phiarsaigh, Lorcán Mac Gabhann, nach eol do Bhord Bhainistíochta na scoile cá gcuirfidh an chéad ghrúpa de dhaltaí tús lena gcuid oideachas iarbhunscoile ar 1 Meán Fómhair 2014.
Ghlac an Roinn Oideachais agus Scileanna cinneadh, breis is dhá bhliain ó shin, Gael-Choláiste a bhunú i nDún Droma, Deisceart Átha Cliath, agus cé go bhfuil 200 dalta cláraithe agus 46 acu sin ar liosta Meán Fómhair 2014, níl eolas ar bith tugtha don Bhord nó do thuismitheoirí maidir leis an áit a mbeidh an scoil lonnaithe.
Dúirt Mac Gabhann nach bhfuil aon chumarsáid dhíreach ar siúl idir an Bord Bainistíochta agus an Roinn Oideachais agus Scileanna ar an ábhar seo agus go dáta, ní raibh aon ionchur ag tuismitheoirí nó Bord an Ghael-Choláiste i roghnú an tsuímh nó i roghnú cheantar na scoile.
Dúirt Sarah Flynn, tuismitheoir amháin “go bhfuil sé deacair ar na páistí nuair nach bhfuil tuismitheoirí in ann a rá leo cá mbeidh siad ag freastal ar scoil i gceann cúpla mí agus go bhfuil an easpa eolais seo ag cur brú ar na páistí óga”.
Dar le Donal Duibhginn, tuismitheoir eile, “Níl aon scoil lánGhaeilge eile ar fáil agus is é Gael-Choláiste an Phiarsaigh an seans deireanach dúinn oideachas Gaeilge a sholáthar dár bpáistí”.
Tá Bord an Ghael-Choláiste ag éileamh cruinnithe ar bhonn práinneach leis an Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna maidir leis an easpa cumarsáide agus maidir leis an easpa ionchur atá ag tuismitheoirí sa phróiseas áirithe seo.
Foilsithe ar Gaelport.com
Tráth na gCeist Bórd Feachtas i gColáiste Raithín, Bré
Eanáir 15, 2014
Beidh tráth na gceist boird á reáchtáil ag Feachtas do scoláirí dara leibhéal i gColáiste Raithín, Bré ar 20ú Eanáir 2014 ag 19.00. Má tá spéis agaibh foirne a chur chur isteach, déanaigí teagmháil le Ciara Ní Bhroin (ciara.feachtas@gmail.com), Oifigeach Forbartha Feachtas, chomh luath agus is féidir chun áit a dheimhniú ann. Bronnfar boinn agus teastais ar bhuaiteoirí na hoíche agus rachaidh siad ar aghaidh chuig ag gcraobh a bheidh ar siúl i mí an Mhárta.
Feachtas láidir ar son na Gaeilge
Eanáir 15, 2014
D’fhreastail os cionn 200 duine ar chruinniú poiblí a bhí á reáchtáil ag Conradh na Gaeilge ag an deireadh seachtaine maidir le cur chuige an Rialtais i leith na Gaeilge.
Bhailigh an slua i Halla na Saoirse i gcroílár Bhaile Átha Cliath ar an Satharn le fearg agus frustrachas a léiriú don chaoi a bhfuil údaráis an Stáit ag déileáil le cúrsaí Gaeilge agus Gaeltachta, agus le plé a dhéanamh ar an mbealach chun tosaigh.
Eascraíonn na gníomhaíochtaí is déanaí as fógra an Choimisinéara Teanga, Seán Ó Cuirreáin, go mbeidh sé ag éirí as a ról ar 23 Feabhra 2013 de bharr teip an Rialtais i leith chur i bhfeidhm beartais reachtaíocht teanga ag leibhéal an Stáit. D’eagraigh Conradh na Gaeilge agus Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn (AMLÉ) agóid roimh an Nollaig mar thúsphointe an fheachtais chun tacú le seasamh agus moltaí an Choimisinéara Teanga agus míshástacht phobal na Gaeilge a léiriú don Rialtas.
Tá beartaithe anois feachtas leanúnach le rannpháirtíocht an-láidir a reáchtáil agus pléadh an feachtas seo ag an gcruinniú ag an deireadh seachtaine áit ar tugadh deis do phobal na Gaeilge cur chuige agus éilimh teanga a phlé.
I measc na n-aoichainteoirí ar an lá, bhí an Captaen Aralt Mac Giolla Chainnigh, a bhunaigh Gaeltacht Cheanada, Seán Mag Leannáin, Iar-Phríomhoifigeach sa Státseirbhís, agus bhí Caoimhín Ó hEaghra, Stiúrthóir ar an bhForas Pátrúnachta agus iar-státseirbhíseach sinsearach, mar chathaoirleach ar an bhfóram poiblí.
I ráiteas oifigiúil ón Roinn Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta maidir leis an gcruinniú ar an Satharn, dúradh go ndéanfaidh an Roinn “na héilimh éagsúla a bhí faoi chaibidil ag an chruinniú poiblí Dé Sathairn 11 Eanáir 2014 a bhreithniú i gcomhar leis na páirtithe leasmhara cuí sa tréimhse amach romhainn. Ní miste a nótáil go mbaineann cuid de na héilimh seo le réimse feidhmeanna Ranna eile seachas an Roinn Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta”.
Ag eascairt as plé oscailte an chruinnithe, aontaíodh na rudaí seo a leanas bunaithe ar mholtaí an tslua:
- feachtas láidir leanúnach a eagrú
- grúpa oibre a chur ar bun le comhordú a dhéanamh ar an bhfeachtas
- go ndéanfaidh Conradh na Gaeilge rúnaíocht ar an ngrúpa
- go n-eagrófar léirsiú mór go luath le tacaíocht an phobail a mhealladh don fheachtas
Tá beartaithe anois tabhairt faoi chéimeanna ar leith láithreach i dtaca cur i bhfeidhm na moltaí thuas.
Tá iarrtha ar aon duine nó grúpa a bhfuil spéis acu bheith mar chuid den ghrúpa oibre é a chur in iúl d’Ard-Rúnaí an Chonartha, julian@cnag.ie, roimh 12.00pm Dé hAoine, 17 Eanáir. Cuirtear in iúl go bhfuil ionadaíocht leathan ag teastáil, le hionadaíocht thuaidh, theas agus ón nGaeltacht san áireamh.
Mar ghníomh thosaigh, beidh straitéis don fheachtas le socrú ag baill an bhoird, ag tógáil na moltaí ón gcruinniú poiblí ar bord, agus tabharfar aghaidh láithreach ar phlean a chur in áit maidir le léirsiú mór air a bheas ar siúl i mBaile Átha Cliath ar Dé Sathairn, 15 Feabhra 2014, ag 2.00pm.
Tá i gceist go mbeidh an feachtas ag feidhmiú go láidir sula n-éiríonn an Coimisinéir Teanga as a ról ar 23 Feabhra 2014.
Foilsithe ar Gaelport.com
Mórshiúl beartaithe ag lucht na Gaeilge
Eanáir 15, 2014
Tá mórshiúl mór gleoite á bheartú do Bhaile Átha Cliath le cearta agus comhionannas do mhuintir na Gaeilge agus na Gaeltachta a chur faoi bhráid an phobail.
Meascán d’agóidíocht agus de shiamsaíocht atá i gceist leis an pharáid a dhíreoidh ar an “ghéarchéim” a d’eascair as cinneadh Sheáin Uí Chuirreáin, an Coimisinéir Teanga, éirí as oifig ar an 23 Feabhra. Bunaíodh coiste oibre mar thoradh ar an chomhdháil phoiblí a reáchtáladh i mBaile Átha Cliath Dé Sathairn seo caite agus tá práinn le gníomhaíocht láithreach bonn, dar le hArd-Rúnaí Chonradh na Gaeilge, Julian de Spáinn.
“Le linn na comhdhála, tháinig muid ar aontas trí chéile nach raibh na rialtais ag oibriú go sásúil agus go mbeadh orainne mar phobal cinntiú go gcuirfí moltaí an choimisinéara i gcrích. “Sin an fáth go bhfuil muid ag beartú an feachtas a thabhairt amach ar na sráideanna le go dtig le pobal na tíre atá go mór i bhfách leis an teanga de réir gach suirbhé dá ndearnadh riamh, an tacaíocht sin a léiriú,” arsa sé. Beifear ag iarraidh ar gach aicme bheith páirteach san fheachtas — gníomhaithe na teanga agus iad siúd ar bheagán Gaeilge, an t-aos ealaíne, daltaí scoile agus duine ar bith a bhfuil cion acu ar an teanga agus a thuigeann a luach. Bhí mórshiúl den chineál céanna ó thuaidh, agus d’éirigh leis íomhá lucht labhartha na Gaeilge a athrú. “Caitheann daoine a thuigbheáil nach bhfuil muid ach ag iarraidh na gceart atá dlite dúinn,” arsa an tUasal de Spáinn.
Má éiríonn leis an mhórshiúl, beidh lucht tacaíochta na teanga ag dúil go spreagfaidh sé an pobal brú a chur ar a dTeachtaí Dála seasamh le Gaeilgeoirí, seasamh le Seán Ó Cuirreáin agus an comhionannas atá daingnithe sa bhunreacht a fhíorú.
www.independent.ie
Spriocdháta don Chomórtas Amhrán Pan Cheilteach 2014
Eanáir 15, 2014
Tá an spriocdháta le haghaidh iarratais don chomórtas náisiúnta chun Amhrán nua a roghnú le bheith san iomaíocht ar son na hÉireann i gComórtas Idirnáisiúnta Pan Cheilteach 2014 ag druidim linn.
Ní foláir na hamhráin a bheith as Gaeilge agus is gá na focail agus an ceol a bheith nuachumtha. Glacfar le hamhráin thraidisiúnta, pop amhráin, amhráin tíre agus amhráin rac-cheilteach ar dhlúthdhioscaí suas go 5.00i.n. ar an 31ú Eanair 2014. Déanfar gearrliosta de na hiarratais is fearr agus beidh na hamhráin a roghnófar le canadh ag an gcomórtas náisiúnta a reachtáilfear san Ostán Seven Oaks, Ceatharlach ar an Satharn, 8ú Márta. Beidh painéal de mholtóirí aitheanta i mbun moltóireachta agus bronnfar €1,000 ar an mbuaiteoir. Déanfaidh IMRO urraíocht ar an gcomórtas náisiúnta i gcomhar le Gael Linn. Beidh an t-amhrán a roghnófar in iomaíocht leis na hamhráin nua-chumtha eile ag Alba, An Bhreatain Bheag, Oileán Mhanainn, An Choirn agus An Bhriotáin sa Chomórtas Idirnáisiúnta Pan Cheilteach 2014 a bheidh ar siúl um Cháisc i nDoire.
Beidh comórtas speisialta i mbliana d’iomaitheoirí faoi 17 mbliana d’aois ar an oíche chéanna. Mar sin cuirfear fáilte roimh amhráin nuachumtha ó amhránaithe aonair agus ó ghrúpaí ceoil óga agus beidh €200 chomh maith le trófaí le buachaint. Tá rialacha agus foirm iarratais ar an suíomh greasáin www.panceltic.ie. Glór Cheatharlach atá ag eagrú an chomórtais náisiúnta agus tá gach eolas ar fáil ach glaoch a chur ar oifig Ghlór Cheatharlach ar 085/1340047, 087/2857048, 059 9158105 nó is féidir scríobh chuig emma@glorcheatharlach.ie . An seoladh do dhlúthdhioscaí agus iarratais roimh 5.00i.n. ar 31ú Eanair ná An Comórtas Amhrán Pan Cheilteach 2014, Glór Cheatharlach, Sráid an Choláiste, Ceatharlach, Co. Cheatharlach.
www.carlow-nationalist.ie
Learn Irish this New Year in Carlow
Eanáir 15, 2014
Following the unprecedented success of Gaelchultúr adult Irish evening classes in Carlow over the last five years, Glór Cheatharlach is delighted to announce that a new series of classes for Spring 2014 will commence in Carlow this February.
The courses were first launched in September 2008 and have been hugely successful with many participants returning again and again to take part in the courses. A special reduced fee of €180 is also on offer for Carlow learners who sign up now. Courses will commence the week of February 3rd, 2014 with all classes being held in Carlow County Council offices on the Athy Road. All levels will be on offer this term- beginners, elementary and intermediate. The emphasis is on getting participants speaking the language and there is a level to suit everybody, whatever their current ability from those who have never spoken a word of Irish to those wishing to improve on their ‘Cúpla Focal’ to those who want to improve their fluency.
Beginners will be held on Monday evenings. Elementary and Intermediate levels will be on Tuesday evenings. All classes run from 7-9pm over 10 weeks. While the beginners level (Bunrang 1) is suitable for those who have never before learned the language, the elementary level is the starting point for those who may not have used Irish for some years but who would have some basic knowledge of the language from their schooldays. Emma Whitmore, Oifigeach Gaeilge with Glór Cheatharlach said: “We are delighted that Gaelchultúr classes are returning to Carlow once again this year. Last year’s participants really enjoyed the learning experience and we hope to see lots of new faces as well as some familiar ones from last year returning. It shows once again what a strong connection people in Carlow with the Irish language with so many people wanting to learn or improve their skills in the language. The Gaelchultúr courses are the ideal opportunity for those interested in learning Irish and the course itself is fantastic.
Participants really enjoy the classes and feel so much more confident in their abilities once they get into the course”.
Those unsure which course to choose can do a quick self assessment on the Gaelchultúr website www.gaelchultur.com which will recommend which level suits them best. The cost of the 10 week course is €180 and registration is now open online on www.gaelchultur.com or by calling 1890 252 900. Further information available from Emma in Glór Cheatharlach on (059) 9158105, (085) 1340047 or by emailing emma@glorcheatharlach.ie
www.carlow-nationalist.ie
How to pick the right subjects for your career path
Eanáir 15, 2014
Now is the time when third year and Transition Year students are taking important decisions about what subjects to study at senior cycle.
Students need to consider their aptitudes and abilities and use that as a basis for selecting the subjects to which they are best suited. It is also vital that they take into account future college and career paths and ensure that when it comes to applying for higher education they are not caught out because they did not study a particular subject at Leaving Certificate level. Here, Aoife Walsh, guidance counsellor at Malahide Community School, Co Dublin, offers some key pointers on how to make the best choices.
Q My school offers LCA, LCVP and traditional Leaving Certificate. What are the differences between these three programmes?
A LCA stands for Leaving Certificate Applied. It provides students with a very different way of studying. It contains a large amount of continuous assessment and work experience. Students study traditional subjects such as maths, English and a language but also take a variety of modules which varies depending on the school. LCA classes are generally smaller than traditional Leaving Certificate classes. This option tends to suit students who do not enjoy a very academic environment and enjoy a more practical learning style. LCVP stands for Leaving Cert Vocational Programme. It offers students who are studying certain combinations of subjects in the traditional Leaving Cert the opportunity to take extra ‘Link Modules’ in the area of Business and Enterprise. Students can earn up to 70 CAO points for LCVP and the programme is mostly project work with an exam in May. Nearly all colleges recognise LCVP points for entry but students may count only their best six subjects for points.
Q How many subjects do I need to choose?
A The rules in schools vary, but most require students to take seven subjects for the Leaving Certificate. Some students may take fewer, for example, those who are not taking Irish. Other students may choose to take more. There is no specific rule about how many subjects one should take, however students must pass six subjects in the Leaving Certificate in order to be eligible for Level 8 (honours) degrees and the CAO uses a student’s best six subjects to determine CAO points.
Q Are there any subjects I must choose?
A Every student must take English, maths and Irish, unless they have an exemption from Irish. Students will normally choose another four subjects. The subjects offered by schools and the freedom of choice students have can vary depending on resources and timetabling constraints. Some schools offer students a completely free choice while others might ask students to choose between certain groupings. Most Leaving Certificate subjects can be taken up by students at senior cycle even if they have not studied them before, but there are some that students will find very difficult to take up if they have not studied them previously. If students are considering taking a new subject it is advisable to speak to the subject teacher or a guidance counsellor before making this decision
Q I would like to take more than seven subjects, is this possible?
A In theory, students may take as many subjects as they wish, but most school timetables can only accommodate seven. However, every year a number of students choose to take eight subjects or, in a very small number of cases, nine. These extra subjects are usually taken outside school. Students may choose to take a subject that is similar to subjects they are already studying. For example many students who are studying physics and higher level maths may choose also to take applied maths. Students who speak a language other than English in the home may have the option of taking this language as subject for Leaving Certificate even if it is not taught in their school. Among the languages in which students can sit a Leaving Cert exam are Russian, Romanian and Polish, to name a few.
Q Should I take an extra subject?
A There is certainly no need to take on extra subjects for the Leaving Certificate. There is already a lot of work involved in taking seven subjects and only six are required for the CAO so students are already doing an ‘extra’ one. Before deciding to take on an extra subject it is important to consider how much extra work this will involve and if it is really needed. Taking extra subjects for CAO points can be a false economy; if students spread themselves too thinly they could fall by five points in each of their other subjects and negate any gain being made by taking the extra. Remember, no matter how many subjects a student takes, the CAO will only count the best six.
Q How should I choose my subjects?
A There are number of things students should consider when choosing Leaving Certificate subjects. Firstly, they should think about the subjects they enjoy and why they enjoy them. If students enjoy their subjects they are more likely to study them and get better grades. Also, if a student enjoys a subject in school it is likely that they will enjoy a college course in a similar area and eventually a job in that field. If there are subject requirements for a course they will be in an area related to that field of study. Students should also consider what they enjoy doing outside school. Hobbies and interests might give some clues as to what subjects they enjoy. Secondly, students should consider the subjects where they shine. It may be helpful to discuss this with friends and relatives. Consider Junior Certificate results as well as any aptitude testing done in school. Students currently in Transition Year, should consider what modules you have enjoyed so far. Finally, consider possible entry requirements for third level. For example, science courses will require students to have taken science at Leaving Certificate, but students who are interested in careers in science are likely to enjoy science and will probably opt for at least one science subject anyway.
Q Do I have to take a language if I want to go to college?
A Some schools require all their Leaving Certificate students to take a language. If students have the option to choose whether or not to take a language, they should consider it seriously as it may determine the choices available to them when it comes to applying for college. For example, a third European language is a requirement for of a number of departments in the NUI colleges — University College Cork (UCC), University College Dublin (UCD), NUI Galway and NUI Maynooth. The phrase, third European language, refers to a language other than English and Irish, which, it is presumed, most students already study. Departments in HUI colleges that require students to have a language include arts/humanities, business and health course such as medicine and dentistry. A third language is not required for engineering or agriculture in these colleges. Trinity College Dublin (TCD) and the University of Limerick require students to have one language — either Irish or a modern language, while Dublin City University (DCU) and the institutes of technology require students to pass maths and English or Irish.
Q I do not study Irish. Am I excluded from applying to certain colleges?
A Students who have an exemption from studying Irish in school will be also exempt from this requirement at university. Students may receive an exemption for Irish if they joined the Irish education system after 5th class in primary school or if they have a certain type of learning difficulty. Information regarding exemptions will have to be sent to colleges of choice but this will be done in 6th year.
Q If I don’t know what I have to study at third-level, what subject should I choose?
A If a student is not sure what to study at third level, they should choose subjects that they are good at and that they like. It is likely that if students like something in second-level school they will like it at third level as well. Students are also likely to do better in the Leaving Certificate in subjects they enjoy , leading to higher points, which will mean more CAO options. If a student has any ideas about what they might like to study at college, they should look up the requirements for these courses on Qualifax.ie. If students think they would like to study science then it is a good idea to take a science subject at Leaving cert. Students should also consider keeping on a language to ensure they have the widest possible choice when it comes to filling out the CAO form.
Important Dates: Today Cork IT – CAO Information Session for mature students, Dublin Business School – Open Day DCU – CAO, Mature student and parents eveing IADT Dun Laoghaire – Open Evening Limerick IT Clonmel – CAO Information Evening NUI Maynooth – CAO Information Evening Shannon College of Hotel Management – Open Evening UCAS – Application deadline UCD Engineering – Open Evening January 16 Limerick IT – CAO Information Evening Limerick IT/LSAD – Portfolio Open Day NUI Galway Information Evening (Letterkenny) NUI Maynooth – Information Evening (Athlone) UCC – Information Meeting for Parents January 18 Dundalk IT – Information meeting Irish College of Humanities and Applied Sciences – Open Day Mary Immaculate College – Open Day UCD – Architecture Open Day University of Limerick –Open Day January 19 HPAT Ulster – Late registration closes January 20 CAO – Deadline for reduced fee applications HPAT Ireland – Registration closes.
Points? You do the maths.
A minimum C3 in higher level maths is a basic requirement for many Level 8 (honours) degree programmes. In some cases, the minimum requirement is higher than C3. In general, higher level maths is a requirement for Level 8 courses in engineering, computer science, actuarial science, financial maths, mathematical science and some science courses. Currently, students who achieve at least a grade D in higher level maths will have 25 points added to their CAO score, if maths counts as one of their best subjects. Courses where foundation level maths is acceptable or with no maths requirement include some social studies, humanities, art, film, planning, journalism, media, law and the Garda College .
Measure your aptitude
Many schools use the Differential Aptitude Test (DAT) with students who are choosing subjects for the Leaving Certificate. The DAT tests measure students’ abilities in a number of different areas and the scores can be used to produce a profile showing a pupil’s strengths and weaknesses. In contrast, exams measure students’ performance. DAT scores can be useful in helping a student to decide what subjects to pursue. High scores may indicate that a student would enjoy certain subjects for example:
Verbal reasoning: English, Business, History
Numerical Reasoning: Math, Accountancy, Physics
Abstract Reasoning: Physics, Engineering, Math, Chemistry
Perpetual Speed and Accuracy: all subjects.
Space Relations: Art, Design and Communication Graphics, Biology and Geography.
Mechanical Reasoning: Engineering, Technology, Construction
This list is not exhaustive.
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