It's a common misconception that students entering sixth year have finished deliberating subject choice. In most cases, students in sixth year will continue to study the subjects they chose entering fifth year. However for some, tough decisions lie ahead. Students might be considering whether to drop a level, drop an entire subject or maybe even take up a new subject at this stage. Don't panic. All of these options are possible. If you're feeling overwhelmed by your workload then now is the time to consider making some of these decisions.
Considering dropping your worst subject?
Be honest with yourself. If you don't think you're going to do well in a subject or have consistently been performing badly in it despite working hard to do better, than you might consider dropping level (from higher to ordinary or even foundation in some cases) or dropping the subject entirely. But remember, although only six subjects are actually counted towards your final points, don't limit yourself to six subjects as you can never be sure how the paper may go on the day. Keep this option as a backup or last resort if another subject doesn't go your way.
Considering taking up a new subject?
Taking up a new subject is an option. It's amazing how many subjects are possible to cover within a year. But this requires a huge commitment and a lot of attention. For subjects such as history or higher maths, the course is considerably longer and it would be a challenge to take up either in one year. Better to choose subjects with shorter courses, such as economics, applied maths or agricultural science.
Considering eight or more subjects?
My advice to those considering studying eight or more subjects is to manage your time carefully. This usually becomes a realistic option for students who are taking more than one ordinary level paper and wish to maximise their Leaving Cert results by having six higher level subjects. Students wishing to take up an eighth subject should think carefully about this decision. Every subject requires huge time and attention. If choosing an extra subject will have a negative effect on one of your other subjects then it might not be worth it.
Higher or ordinary level?
The beginning of sixth year is an ideal time to consider what level you're going to take in each subject. A year into studying the subject, you will have a better idea of your capabilities in each subject and whether you struggle with one subject over another. Do you have too many higher level subjects? Are you doing the correct level required of you to gain entry into your desired college course? If not, you may consider taking ordinary level in your weakest subject.
Ordinary level grades are not worth as much as those in higher level (an A1 in higher level is worth 100 points; an A1 in ordinary level is worth 60 points). But if you risk failing a subject you should really consider dropping a level. Don’t wait until the morning of the Leaving Cert paper to drop level. The ordinary and higher level courses for each subject can be quite different so give yourself time to get used to and adjust to the new subject and structure of the paper.
Be very careful when choosing higher level maths. Although there are 25 bonus points available to higher level students now, you won’t get those bonus points if maths isn’t one of your best six subjects. On the upside, if you get a B3 in higher level maths, the extra 25 points will make this equivalent to an A1 on the higher level paper of any other subject.