LC Off Topic Thread (2015/16)

pvakelly · 16-08-2014 8:49pm

kb98 wrote: »

That's my back up if I don't get Medicine

I'm still not ruling medicine out, some people go straight into research after the degree and don't practice as doctors, which could be an option

FifaPlaya · 16-08-2014 8:56pm

Consonata wrote: »

What all does everybody want to do for college?

Most probably computer science

kb98 · 16-08-2014 8:57pm

pvakelly wrote: »

I'm still not ruling medicine out, some people go straight into research after the degree and don't practice as doctors, which could be an option

Im just going to put down loads of biology related courses as my like 3rd-10th choices after 2 or 3 medicine degrees as my first choices

yvngceebs · 16-08-2014 9:04pm

Consonata wrote: »

What all does everybody want to do for college?

The dream is Journalism with French and German

I've always loved languages and im so interested in current affairs and absolutely adore writing, so I believe journalism is for me.

Also considering studying Applied Languages (Japanese, French, German and Spanish).

We have two years to fully decide, so

DublinArnie · 16-08-2014 9:56pm

Hey!

Just seen this thread. Mixed feelings about fifth year. I'm actually excited because the subjects I chose are very interesting to me at a personal level, but who enjoys waking up at 8am every day for school? I dread that part.

Long time lurker on the educational forums, but for those who don't know, I'm Arnie

Consonata wrote: »

What all does everybody want to do for college?

Probably something related to science. If so, genetics and psychology seem fun! Maybe biotechnology is worth a shot?

I'm aiming to go for Trinity college if I'm doing something science related.

Consonata · 16-08-2014 10:07pm

DublinArnie wrote: »

Hey!

Just seen this thread. Mixed feelings about fifth year. I'm actually excited because the subjects I chose are very interesting to me at a personal level, but who enjoys waking up at 8am every day for school? I dread that part.

Long time lurker on the educational forums, but for those who don't know, I'm Arnie

Welcome :P

I've been a long time lurker too. Ive had a few accounts but kept forgetting the passwords :L
Hopefully ill see you more along the way

kb98 · 16-08-2014 10:19pm

DublinArnie wrote: »

Probably something related to science. If so, genetics and psychology seem fun! Maybe biotechnology is worth a shot?

I'm aiming to go for Trinity college if I'm doing something science related.

Human genetics in trinity is perfect for you

DublinArnie · 16-08-2014 10:32pm

kb98 wrote: »

Human genetics in trinity is perfect for you

How so? I'm curious

kb98 · 16-08-2014 10:38pm

DublinArnie wrote: »

How so? I'm curious

You want to go to trinity, mentioned gentics...im considering it myself tbh its very good only course of its type in ireland and one of the best genetics schools in the world, only 15 places though so points are like 560

DublinArnie · 16-08-2014 10:41pm

kb98 wrote: »

You want to go to trinity, mentioned gentics...im considering it myself tbh its very good only course of its type in ireland and one of the best genetics schools in the world, only 15 places though so points are like 560

Yeah, you gotta aim very high. There's another way into it, I think you can do General Science (much less points than 560) for like two years, and then chose Genetics as your speciality.

CookieCat97 · 16-08-2014 10:44pm

Hey guys! I'm Charlotte

I'm was looking forward to going into 5th year but at the same time I've started to become scared after reading about all the work you guys have done over the summer and those who've had an 'Academic TY' :eek: I honestly haven't lifted a finger! Just trying to enjoy the last weeks of freedom for a while! :cool:

pvakelly · 16-08-2014 10:45pm

CookieCat97 wrote: »

Hey guys! I'm Charlotte I'm was looking forward to going into 5th year but at the same time I've started to become scared after reading about all the work you guys have done over the summer and those who've had an 'Academic TY' :eek: I honestly haven't lifted a finger! Just trying to enjoy the last weeks of freedom for a while! :cool:

Great, someone else in the same boat as me!

kb98 · 16-08-2014 10:45pm

CookieCat97 wrote: »

Hey guys! I'm Charlotte I'm was looking forward to going into 5th year but at the same time I've started to become scared after reading about all the work you guys have done over the summer and those who've had an 'Academic TY' :eek: I honestly haven't lifted a finger! Just trying to enjoy the last weeks of freedom for a while! :cool:

Haha yeah same, we literally did nothing all year...

what subjects are you doing?

DublinArnie · 16-08-2014 10:46pm

CookieCat97 wrote: »

Hey guys! I'm Charlotte I'm was looking forward to going into 5th year but at the same time I've started to become scared after reading about all the work you guys have done over the summer and those who've had an 'Academic TY' :eek: I honestly haven't lifted a finger! Just trying to enjoy the last weeks of freedom for a while! :cool:

Wish I had an academic TY, well, I kind of did but nothing related to Leaving Cert unfortunately.

Welcome to hell

I'll be by your side for the two years!

kb98 · 16-08-2014 10:47pm

DublinArnie wrote: »

Yeah, you gotta aim very high. There's another way into it, I think you can do General Science (much less points than 560) for like two years, and then chose Genetics as your speciality.

Yeah, I will probably have general science down on my Cao, think its 505 in tcd

pvakelly · 16-08-2014 10:50pm

DublinArnie wrote: »

Wish I had an academic TY

Me too, but on the other hand, I'd be worried about burning out with having 3 years of study instead of 2.

DublinArnie · 16-08-2014 10:51pm

pvakelly wrote: »

Me too, but on the other hand, I'd be worried about burning out with having 3 years of study instead of 2.

Hard to get burned out when you're determined.

Consonata · 16-08-2014 10:53pm

Yeah, I dont really agree with the whole "academic TY" thing. Like I think the main point of TY is to put more focus on self directed learning like projects and stuff.

If teachers were spewing tests at you left right and center during TY, in my opinion it is mainly to do with those teachers feeling insecure that they can cover the LC in 2 years, not that they are any better at teaching

DublinArnie · 16-08-2014 10:56pm

Consonata wrote: »

Yeah, I dont really agree with the whole "academic TY" thing. Like I think the main point of TY is to put more focus on self directed learning like projects and stuff.

If teachers were spewing tests at you left right and centre during TY, in my opinion it is mainly to do with those teachers feeling insecure that they can cover the LC in 2 years, not that they are any better at teaching

A balance of both is the best in my opinion. Do some stuff relating to Leaving Cert (nothing overwhelming) and do projects and competitions as well. I brushed LC maths, that's the only academic thing I did relating to LC.

kb98 · 16-08-2014 10:57pm

DublinArnie wrote: »

A balance of both is the best in my opinion. Do some stuff relating to Leaving Cert (nothing overwhelming) and do projects and competitions as well. I brushed LC maths, that's the only academic thing I did relating to LC.

Same, we did a bit of maths, then loads of new things like film studies and philosophy haha

DublinArnie · 16-08-2014 10:58pm

kb98 wrote: »

Same, we did a bit of maths, then loads of new things like film studies and philosophy haha

Philosophy is awesome, would do that in Trinity but it's not really a useful qualification to have.

kb98 · 16-08-2014 11:01pm

DublinArnie wrote: »

Philosophy is awesome, would do that in Trinity but it's not really a useful qualification to have.

It's ok, I wasn't a huge fan but some are i guess. Much rather get a degree in science!

spurious · 16-08-2014 11:01pm

'Academic TY' is completely against the rules the DES have set. Such schools could lose their funding and the extra staff that go with TY.

Consonata · 16-08-2014 11:04pm

How are you all structuring your study for this year, are you planning on just doing homework and studying when needed, or will you be doing a daily sort of a thing?

kb98 · 16-08-2014 11:05pm

Consonata wrote: »

How are you all structuring your study for this year, are you planning on just doing homework and studying when needed, or will you be doing a daily sort of a thing?

Daily

DublinArnie · 16-08-2014 11:05pm

spurious wrote: »

'Academic TY' is completely against the rules the DES have set. Such schools could lose their funding and the extra staff that go with TY.

From the Insititute of Education website:

"The 4th year academic programme helps committed students to establish a solid foundation in key subjects such as Maths and Irish before going on to tackle the fuller syllabus in 5th and 6th Year. For students who need to build their academic confidence prior to entering the Senior Cycle, the programme provides a year to reinforce the basics, developing valuable study skills and helping them to select the appropriate subjects for the Leaving Certificate."

"Subjects such as Irish, Maths and one foreign language are ‘Requirement Subjects’ for entry into most Irish 3rd level colleges. If a student starts a requirement subject in 4th year, they may wish to consider sitting the Leaving Certificate exam in it at the end of their 5th year, as they will have completed 2 years of a senior cycle at this point."

They're able to start study at 4th year, and into 5th so they can do the exam at the end of 5th year? That gives them an advantage for 6th year because they have less subjects to worry about.

http://www.instituteofeducation.ie/4th-year-secondary-school/

Why are they able to give their students a "head start"?

DublinArnie · 16-08-2014 11:07pm

Consonata wrote: »

How are you all structuring your study for this year, are you planning on just doing homework and studying when needed, or will you be doing a daily sort of a thing?

Once I know my stuff, I'm alright.

Consonata · 16-08-2014 11:26pm

DublinArnie wrote: »

From the Insititute of Education website:

"The 4th year academic programme helps committed students to establish a solid foundation in key subjects such as Maths and Irish before going on to tackle the fuller syllabus in 5th and 6th Year. For students who need to build their academic confidence prior to entering the Senior Cycle, the programme provides a year to reinforce the basics, developing valuable study skills and helping them to select the appropriate subjects for the Leaving Certificate."

"Subjects such as Irish, Maths and one foreign language are ‘Requirement Subjects’ for entry into most Irish 3rd level colleges. If a student starts a requirement subject in 4th year, they may wish to consider sitting the Leaving Certificate exam in it at the end of their 5th year, as they will have completed 2 years of a senior cycle at this point."

They're able to start study at 4th year, and into 5th so they can do the exam at the end of 5th year? That gives them an advantage for 6th year because they have less subjects to worry about.

Why are they able to give their students a "head start"?

Because they are a privately funded points factory, Who sadly can't teach any skills that dont begin with "Wrote" and end in "Learning". There are more important things than getting a "head start" for the Leaving Cert. You could be doing a Musical, volunteering in your community or abroad, doing any number of projects that develop your personality and study skills. Schools like the institute can't see anything beyond the Leaving Cert.

DublinArnie · 16-08-2014 11:31pm

Consonata wrote: »

Because they are a privately funded points factory, Who sadly can't teach any skills that dont begin with "Wrote" and end in "Learning". There are more important things than getting a "head start" for the Leaving Cert. You could be doing a Musical, volunteering in your community or abroad, doing any number of projects that develop your personality and study skills. Schools like the institute can't see anything beyond the Leaving Cert.

Add the bell curve there + limited spots for college courses, and you have yourself a very flawed educational system in Ireland.

The DEC should really do something, private schools shouldn't be allowed to do what ever they want because their students have impact on the PUBLIC sector with their results, so it's not fair. If private school students had their own competition for course places and their own 'marking scheme system' then I'd be much more fair for the people who go public schools and AREN'T ALLOWED 'ACADEMIC TY'.

:mad:

Consonata · 16-08-2014 11:42pm

DublinArnie wrote: »

Add the bell curve there + limited spots for college courses, and you have yourself a very flawed educational system in Ireland.

The DEC should really do something, private schools shouldn't be allowed to do what ever they want because their students have impact on the PUBLIC sector with their results, so it's not fair. If private school students had their own competition for course places and their own 'marking scheme system' then I'd be much more fair for the people who go public schools and AREN'T ALLOWED 'ACADEMIC TY'.

:mad:

Yeah I know it's crazy, but a high percentage of College drop outs are private school students because they didn't have a TY which encourages self directed learning and not having answers given to you on a plate the entire time

randylonghorn · 16-08-2014 11:53pm

DublinArnie wrote: »

From the Insititute of Education website:

"The 4th year academic programme helps committed students to establish a solid foundation in key subjects such as Maths and Irish before going on to tackle the fuller syllabus in 5th and 6th Year. For students who need to build their academic confidence prior to entering the Senior Cycle, the programme provides a year to reinforce the basics, developing valuable study skills and helping them to select the appropriate subjects for the Leaving Certificate."

"Subjects such as Irish, Maths and one foreign language are ‘Requirement Subjects’ for entry into most Irish 3rd level colleges. If a student starts a requirement subject in 4th year, they may wish to consider sitting the Leaving Certificate exam in it at the end of their 5th year, as they will have completed 2 years of a senior cycle at this point."

They're able to start study at 4th year, and into 5th so they can do the exam at the end of 5th year? That gives them an advantage for 6th year because they have less subjects to worry about.

http://www.instituteofeducation.ie/4th-year-secondary-school/

Why are they able to give their students a "head start"?

Because they're not a school, they don't get public funding, they're a private business which you pay (roughly) €7k a year to attend.

DublinArnie wrote: »

... then I'd be much more fair for the people who go public schools and AREN'T ALLOWED 'ACADEMIC TY'.

:mad:

I think you're seeing why schools who stick to the rules and offer a TY which isn't a 3rd LC year in disguise get peeved with those who try to get away with it.

DES really doesn't have much control over the IoE or suchlike because they don't fund them (obviously). The only consolation I suppose is that most people who go to the IoE don't choose to do 4th year ... at another 7 grand! ... so the numbers involved are tiny relatively speaking.

Any more than Consonata, I wouldn't be a big fan of the grinds factory model.

DublinArnie · 17-08-2014 12:05am

randylonghorn wrote: »

Because they're not a school, they don't get public funding, they're a private business which you pay (roughly) €7k a year to attend.

I think you're seeing why schools who stick to the rules and offer a TY which isn't a 3rd LC year in disguise get peeved with those who try to get away with it.

DES really doesn't have much control over the IoE or suchlike because they don't fund them (obviously). The only consolation I suppose is that most people who go to the IoE don't choose to do 4th year ... at another 7 grand! ... so the numbers involved are tiny relatively speaking.

Any more than Consonata, I wouldn't be a big fan of the grinds factory model.

I understand what you mean, but some families are well off to pay the 7K for an awesome TY experience. Even if an odd 100 students do TY and get an advantage with doing some LC exams in 5th year etc, that means these 100 (if they do well to get desired courses) will knock off a 100 people from other Public schools who didn't get an advantage for the course places and maybe knock their grade down a bit with the bell curve.

It sucks that not much can be done about it, but the DES control the leaving cert. I believe a separate 'competition for places' should be implemented for private funded schools.

FifaPlaya · 17-08-2014 12:11am

Consonata wrote: »

Because they are a privately funded points factory, Who sadly can't teach any skills that dont begin with "Wrote" and end in "Learning". There are more important things than getting a "head start" for the Leaving Cert. You could be doing a Musical, volunteering in your community or abroad, doing any number of projects that develop your personality and study skills. Schools like the institute can't see anything beyond the Leaving Cert.

Im goin there and i would have to disagree with you on some points

I dont seem to get why every1 seems to hate the ioe so much?

randylonghorn · 17-08-2014 12:15am

DublinArnie wrote: »

I understand what you mean, but some families are well off to pay the 7K for an awesome TY experience. Even if an odd 100 students do TY and get an advantage with doing some LC exams in 5th year etc, that means these 100 (if they do well to get desired courses) will knock off a 100 people from other Public schools who didn't get an advantage for the course places and maybe knock their grade down a bit with the bell curve.

Probably a lot fewer than a few years ago! :pac: ... but you're right in principle, and believe me I'm on your side in this argument!

DublinArnie wrote: »

It sucks that not much can be done about it, but the DES control the leaving cert. I believe a separate 'competition for places' should be implemented for private funded schools.

I'm no lawyer, but I suspect any hint of such a move would elicit a barrage of writs and DES facing a case in the High Court on the grounds of discrimination or some such grounds. It certainly sounds like the type of move a good lawyer would be well able to find a way to challenge ... and win.

FifaPlaya · 17-08-2014 12:17am

I dont seem to get why every1 hates the ioe?

DublinArnie · 17-08-2014 12:23am

FifaPlaya wrote: »

I dont seem to get why every1 hates the ioe?

Because it's a PAY-TO-DO-GOOD system. They have the teachers and resources, and once you are willing to put some study and listen to their instructions - you will do good.

How do you think people who don't have the money and are stuck in a public school with a mediocre reputation for good leaving cert results feel? Not ALL public schools will have awesome teachers, and a great learning environment, but with loads of money, you can basically buy that.

That's my reason, but the teachers are awesome (from experience.)

.

Consonata · 17-08-2014 12:25am

FifaPlaya wrote:

Im goin there and i would have to disagree with you on some points

What's your disagreement?

FifaPlaya · 17-08-2014 12:30am

DublinArnie wrote: »

Because it's a PAY-TO-DO-GOOD system. They have the teachers and resources, and once you are willing to put some study and listen to their instructions - you will do good.

How do you think people who don't have the money and are stuck in a public school with a mediocre reputation for good leaving cert results feel? Not ALL public schools will have awesome teachers, and a great learning environment, but with loads of money, you can basically buy that.

That's my reason, but the teachers are awesome (from experience.) .

Just cuz you pay to get in doesnt mean ur guaranteed ur marks and u must put the effort to get the result. They kick out student who dont perform or are lazy to make space for hard working students.

I agree that not all public schools are good and not all are bad. I personally was in a horrible school so i would understand. I got into institute (reluctantly) as i was getting misguided at my old school and no spaces in others and my parents by no means are rich. They work overtime just to pay the fees and i only went there xuz there was no spaces in other local schools.

randylonghorn · 17-08-2014 12:30am

FifaPlaya wrote: »

I dont seem to get why every1 hates the ioe?

You said that already!

Hate is too strong a word, I think.

From my POV ...

- it's not a school, it's a points factory. It's not about broad education, it's about maximising LC points. Mind you, the points race (and indeed the existence of the IoE and similar) has pushed even public schools in that direction, but the IoE and its ilk are the extreme examples.

- it's elitist, in that if you can't afford €7,000 a year, you don't go there. That's not to say that everyone that goes there is very rich; many parents scrimp and save to send their children there. But certainly, it's out of the reach of most.

- it doesn't have to conform to DES or state policy

- it reinforces the model that everything will be handed to you on a plate (in detailed notes etc.) and provided you work hard and learn everything off, you will do well. And you probably will ... in LC. When you hit third level, and you are being asked to think for yourself, not so much.

That's just for a start, I'm too tired to get into this in more depth.

Consonata · 17-08-2014 12:30am

DublinArnie wrote:

I understand what you mean, but some families are well off to pay the 7K for an awesome TY experience.

Is it really an awesome experience though? you aren't going on any trips or doing any projects. You are just taking a year longer to complete the Leaving Cert course than is needed. There is a lot more important things to learn in life than 2 or 3 filiocht, and vectors and Seamus Heaney literature. I'm not saying they are unimportant. there is a time and a place. But there are things we should do while we're our age, like making a fool of ourselves onstage, debating, going to a foreign country.These develop us in more ways than you can ever do by staring at a textbook for 3 years

randylonghorn wrote:

That's just for a start, I'm too tired to get into this in more depth.

*bro fist*

randylonghorn · 17-08-2014 12:36am

Consonata wrote: »

*bro fist*

Lol!

Just to be clear Fifa, we're not ganging up on you.

I don't have much time for the IoE or similar, but I have no problem with anyone who goes there, and looking at your comments earlier and now re: your previous experience, I can see why you felt the need to change school, certainly. Hopefully you will find the IoE a good choice; for you, maybe it will be!

DublinArnie · 17-08-2014 12:38am

FifaPlaya wrote: »

Just cuz you pay to get in doesnt mean ur guaranteed ur marks and u must put the effort to get the result. They kick out student who dont perform or are lazy to make space for hard working students.

I agree that not all public schools are good and not all are bad. I personally was in a horrible school so i would understand. I got into institute (reluctantly) as i was getting misguided at my old school and no spaces in others and my parents by no means are rich. They work overtime just to pay the fees and i only went there xuz there was no spaces in other local schools.

Fair enough, but what about the LC studying in 4th year? The DES said only two years Allocated for the leaving cert, yet, the IoE says they will give you a head start and study some subjects in TY.

That's against the entire purpose of the leaving cert - to examine you on a two year course. NOT THREE!

FifaPlaya · 17-08-2014 12:40am

You can learn loads of skills there
like they have study module every week for study tips
You need transport to reach there and attend all classes and pay attention which requires concentration effort and maturity
classes are like lectures so it prepares you for uni
basically you are picking up educational skills here

DublinArnie · 17-08-2014 12:41am

Right, people go to it for their own reasons.I have a best mate who is starting this year anyway, so enough bashing and expressing very hard to swallow opinions about the private school.

It's a good school, and helps people achieve their dreams - that's all that matters realistically.

Thanks for the fierce debate, night.

FifaPlaya · 17-08-2014 12:41am

DublinArnie wrote: »

Fair enough, but what about the LC studying in 4th year? The DES said only two years Allocated for the leaving cert, yet, the IoE says they will give you a head start and study some subjects in TY.

That's against the entire purpose of the leaving cert - to examine you on a two year course. NOT THREE!

I skipped 4th year so i cant answer that

DublinArnie wrote: »

Right, people go to it for their own reasons.I have a best mate who is starting this year anyway, so enough bashing and expressing very hard to swallow opinions about the private school.

It's a good school, and helps people achieve their dreams - that's all that matters realistically.

Thanks for the fierce debate, night.

Night to you too

randylonghorn · 17-08-2014 12:42am

DublinArnie wrote: »

... yet, the IoE says they will give you a head start and study some subjects in TY.

Just to be clear, they don't actually claim to offer Transition Year. They offer a 3 year LC option all right, though as I say, I believe the numbers who do 4th year are tiny.

AlanS181824 · 17-08-2014 12:43am

I remember so many of you from the Junior Cert and TY forum...

Hard to believe we're gonna be seniors!

I'm back on the 26th so not too long now

Currently getting my tablet and eBooks sorted.

FifaPlaya · 17-08-2014 12:45am

randylonghorn wrote: »

Lol!

Just to be clear Fifa, we're not ganging up on you.

I don't have much time for the IoE or similar, but I have no problem with anyone who goes there, and looking at your comments earlier and now re: your previous experience, I can see why you felt the need to change school, certainly. Hopefully you will find the IoE a good choice; for you, maybe it will be!

Constructive Criticism is not bad thing and its alright as long as i expressed my opinion

randylonghorn · 17-08-2014 12:49am

FifaPlaya wrote: »

Constructive Criticism is not bad thing and its alright as long as i expressed my opinion

Absolutely, lad, just being clear that we were criticising the place and the concept behind it, not the students.

FifaPlaya · 17-08-2014 12:50am

randylonghorn wrote: »

Absolutely, lad, just being clear that we were criticising the place and the concept behind it, not the students.

I understand and also agree with some points all ye's made

LC Off Topic Thread (2015/16)

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