Subject Choice
Subject Choice is often referred to as Decision time!
You are either First Year in Secondary School or moving forward into the Leaving Cert cycle and some major decisions have to be made by you. This may be the first time you have the chance to choose which subjects you want to study.
It's important that you choose your subjects carefully as this could affect what you do in the future.
You might already know which subjects you enjoy or have some career ideas. Don't worry if you don't know what you want to do in the future. As long as you choose a good balance of subjects now, it should leave all your options open. Just remember to consider all the facts and ask for help if you need it.
Subject choice is often regarded as a minefield. Course and entry requirements not checked by students can have serious consequences. It must always be pointed out to students that the onus is on them to check the requirements for each of the courses in which they have an interest. To this end they should go to the Minimum Subject module here in QualifaX This module will enable you to see the consequences of taking or not taking any particular subject. To start with, students must consider the options open to them after the Junior Certificate. The implications of each option should be carefully studied to see which one suits one's potential best. Apart from the advice available in school, parents should be kept informed.
Who - can help you? The principal source of information will be your Guidance Counsellor and Teachers. Students who are a year ahead of you can give very helpful insights into what it is really like to study any particular subject.
Where - you can find information? Other than the sources above there is lot of information here in QualifaX to help you. The module on Minimum Subject Requirements was designed for just this situation. Here you can very easily see the implications of choosing or not choosing a subject.
Do | Don't | |
| Choose subjects you enjoy | Choose a subject because your friend is taking it | |
| Choose subjects you are good at | Choose a subject just because you like or dislike the teacher | |
| Choose subjects you need for your chosen career | Choose a subject because you think it will be easy | |
| Keep your options open for the future by making a balanced choice now | Choose a new subject without finding out more about it | |
| Talk to your Guidance Counsellor and your teachers | Make a decision at the last minute without thinking about it | |
| Talk to your parents or guardians | But don't panic |
Other sources of information
Some links to sites/publications relevant to particular subjects/disciplines and may prove to be useful resources for your studies and in planning your career. Click here...
