IrishAlthough studied by all students throughout their schooling, higher-level Irish is studied by less than a third of students, with a 72/28 per cent female/male take-up. As it is essential for entry into primary teaching, the lack of male students taking Irish at higher level for Leaving Certificate acts to suppress their numbers in primary school classrooms. A large number of students seem to have a mental block when it comes to studying Irish. For those who do not, Irish is an attractive higher-level subject.

A good higher-level subject, for the average student, provided they are prepared to read extensively. Good written expression required to achieve a good result. Some students can underestimate the extent to which they must study their own language in the modes that they are required to express themselves - particularly at higher level.

Fewer than 20 per cent of Leaving Certificate students take this subject at higher level, with many students falling back to ordinary level when the pressure builds up in sixth year. It is a relatively straightforward subject for those who are good at maths, but tends to be avoided by most as they perceive it to be very time consuming.

History

The balance of the course has moved away from a political emphasis, to encompass both social and cultural history in this relatively new curriculum. The identification of evidence and primary sources is central to studying history. Students can now secure up to 20 per cent of the overall marks by pre-submitting a research paper on a selected topic from a range set out by the State Examinations Commission. Essay writing is central to the programme. Students have to present three essays in their higher-level Leaving Certificate paper, plus a documents question. Ordinary-level students should benefit from the opportunity to prepare a research question under the revised curriculum.

Geography

This subject studies the interrelationship between human activity and the physical environment. It has an extremely wide curriculum, with students undertaking a geographical investigation, which is allocated 20 per cent of the marks in the final exam, and is pre-submitted by the end of April in the year of the student's Leaving Certificate. For both science and pharmacy at TCD, geography is accepted as a science subject for entry requirements.

Continental Languages

The three main elements of the study of modern languages are comprehension, oral and written presentation. There is a strong emphasis now on the ability to comprehend and converse in the language studied, and this is reflected in the fact, that a third of the final marks awarded, are for aural and oral work. Studying a continental language today requires you toimmerse yourself in the spoken, written world of its users.

Applied Maths

A very suitable subject for the student taking higher-level maths and physics.

Physics

Physics has a strong maths element and requires the learning off of many formulae. It develops a student's understanding of many of the ordinary things that surround us such as heat, light, electricity and magnetism. Students must maintain a laboratory book, as there are 27 mandatory experiments, of which four are offered on the Leaving Certificate paper, with three to be presented.

Students taking chemistry have to learn the chemical components of a series of prescribed experiments. They will be required to present the elements of four such experiments in their examination. Again, students of chemistry, develop an understanding of key elements of the world we live in, such as water as well as everything we use, wear or consume.

Biology

Students studying biology explore the world of all living things, from micro-organisms to humans. As with the other science subjects, students undertake 24 mandatory experiments, the details of which they record in their laboratory book. It is often perceived as an easier subject than physics and chemistry, but this is not so, as shown by the high failure rates at ordinary level.

Home Economics

A combination of cooking, home economics, some biology and a bit of business. A very interesting subject, but not the easy honour that some imagine. Twenty per cent of the marks are awarded for a coursework journal, done within normal class time, and pre-submitted in October of sixth year, prior to the written examination. The study of food science is a central part of this subject. Students also have the option of studying one of social studies, textiles or home design.

Business

Given the rapidly changing world of business, this subject deals with the current day-to-day reality of business itself. It is a very interesting subject, but requires constant attention to the business pages of the quality newspapers. It looks at how organisations are formed, financed and run. It also explores the services that support businesses such as insurance, banking, transport, marketing and public service bodies such as the IDA, Fáilte Ireland etc.

Economics

Economics has a mathematical slant and has a lot of graphic and theoretical work. It explores the inner working of companies, and how they measure their success and progress. At a macro level it examines international trade, the role of government and the EU in controlling the economy, competition and markets. This is a good subject for the analytical student.

Students who enjoy the book-keeping part of Junior Certificate business should consider taking accounting. At Leaving Certificate level, analysis and interpretation of accounts is the core activity. For those with strong numeracy and reasoning skills this can be a very enjoyable and successful subject.

Religious Education

Students are introduced to the dialogue between science and religion in the exploration of meaning and values in our societies. The programme introduces students to both philosophy and psychology. Twenty per cent of the marks in this subject are awarded for the student's journal, which is submitted prior to the examination.

Music and Art

Not subjects to be dipped into for the first time at this level. Most students taking either option will be following on from Junior Certificate level. At Leaving Certificate level, art involves history and appreciation of art alongside the normal design and craftwork.

Construction Studies, Engineering, Technical Drawing

These practical subjects, where available, give students hands-on experience working with tools, machinery and physical materials such as plastics, wood and metal. Students who enjoy working with their hands get to design and make products. Students also have to undertake quite an amount of theoretical and background work for their final examinations.