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How do I Choose my Subjects?

1 Research: Get as much information as possible on the subjects e.g. online: websites such as
www.curriculumonline.ie or www.careersportal.ie, look at siblings/friends books/copies, look at
this handout etc.
2 Discussion: Talk with your parents/guardians/siblings/friends/teachers
3 Reflect: Think about whether you might like this subject, could you be good at it? Think is there a
chance you may need this subject in senior cycle or for further study after school or for your career.
Ask yourself if you are keeping your options open as most first students don’t know or will change
their mind about what they would like in senior cycle or beyond. Make an independent decision,
not based on what your friends are doing etc.
4 Decision: None of us have a crystal ball to see the consequences of our decisions but we tend to be
happier and more at ease with our decisions when we have done our research and thought about it!

What to consider?

The core subjects are Irish, English and Mathematics (Maths) which you will study from first year
through to Leaving Certificate level. These are taught at a common level in first year. In second year,
you can decide to do Higher Level or Ordinary Level depending on your ability in the subject. It is
ESSENTIAL that you seek advice before choosing which level to do from your teacher or Guidance
Counsellor. This can have repercussions for subject level in Senior Cycle. It is extremely difficult, if not
impossible for most students to complete a Higher-Level paper for Leaving Certificate if you have not
completed the Higher-Level paper for Junior Certificate.

PARENTS/GUARDIANS PLEASE NOTE: N.B. You MUST have an OFFICIAL EXEMPTION from the Department of
Education and Skills to be exempted from Irish. Please note that having a psychological report that recommends an
Irish exemption does not mean your daughter has been granted an Irish exemption, this is only a recommendation.
An exemption must be applied for and specific criteria are to be met to make an application.

If you have a Learning Difficulty or any Additional Educational Needs (AEN), you MUST inform the AEN team or AEN
coordinator here in St. Mary’s Secondary School. This is ESSENTIAL to ensure that we can provide the appropriate
support for your daughter during her time here.

Core Subjects

Junior Cycle students here in St. Mary’s Secondary School (1st to 3rd Years) complete ten
examination subjects, these include Irish, English, Maths, History, Geography and Religion.
Compulsory non exam subjects include SPHE, CSPE, PE, Pastoral Care & Wellbeing.
First year students must then choose a language (French/German) and three other subjects.

St. Mary’s Secondary School offers a choice of the following subjects:

Science Business Home Economics

Visual Art Music Graphics

St. Mary's Secondary School First Year Subject Choice 3