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Which LC Subjects Are The Hardest? Because Choosing Them Is Just Around The Corner...

  • 14-02-2009 3:56pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,553 ✭✭✭


    im trying to choose my LC subjects and i need advice! does anyone have any older relations that did subjects and told you to do them because they are easy points? i heard history is a NO-GO! Someone help me...lol!:P:rolleyes:


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,930 ✭✭✭✭challengemaster


    **6th year advice**
    If you want easy points, forget about it now.

    I suggest you do things that you like, and that you'll get benefit out of doing. If you don't like them it'll make it a hell of a nightmare trying to learn about it.

    Persoanlly, I'm doing Biology, Chemistry and Physics. I want to study science at third level. I'm now well set up for any science course I could want to do - good foundations, and for undenominated science courses I've pretty much all of first year covered from day one. I chose them because I love science though, and I knew I wanted to study it at 3rd level.

    Pick things that will benefit you and be relevant to your further studies. Having Art, Geography and Home Ec might get you a load of points, but it's worth nothing if you want to be a doctor.

    Start thinking about the bigger picture. What's after secondary school. Where you want to go, and what you want to do.


  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Education Moderators Posts: 27,316 CMod ✭✭✭✭spurious


    The hardest ones are the ones you chose not because you enjoyed or were good at them but because you were looking for an easy way out.

    For some people History is a number one choice.

    Please do not base any choices (in any subject, but particularly regarding History) on the Junior cert. course and exam, the Leaving Cert. is a whole other ball game.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,553 ✭✭✭soccymonster


    kk thanks.! wel i want to do biology and physics but im not sure wether to do economics or geography..id like to do both but i want time to be able to study all my subjects if you know what i mean.! do you know which one would have less amount of study?:P


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,231 ✭✭✭Fad


    spurious wrote: »
    The hardest ones are the ones you chose not because you enjoyed or were good at them but because you were looking for an easy way out.

    For some people History is a number one choice.

    Please do not base any choices (in any subject, but particularly regarding History) on the Junior cert. course and exam, the Leaving Cert. is a whole other ball game.

    +1

    Science can be pretty tedious at JC level, but when you get to LC level it is considerably different. Also accept that most of what your learning in Science is a lie (just a tip) and that you will HAVE TO relearn most things, because they are so simplified at JC level :)

    Dont do whats easy (or what you're told is easy) do what interests you.

    For me that means all the sciences and religion. Sadly Im stuck with a subject I hate, but need(should I decide to go to an NUI for something other than Science), French.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,944 ✭✭✭Jay P


    There is no easy subject in the leaving cert, they are all hard, unless you're german and you're studying german or something like that. The percentages of people getting A1's doesn't mean anything really, just as long as you put the work in and you like the subjects you picked.

    Obviously subjects differ, for example, in Geography it's mostly learning off, but in something like physics, there's learning off but you also have to understand how to solve maths problems and that kinbd of thing.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,553 ✭✭✭soccymonster


    Fad wrote: »
    +1

    Science can be pretty tedious at JC level, but when you get to LC level it is considerably different. Also accept that most of what your learning in Science is a lie (just a tip) and that you will HAVE TO relearn most things, because they are so simplified at JC level :).

    is it actually a lie? lol..but i dont know what economicss really about like and id like to try it out?? but then again i dont want to take the risk, if you know what i mean!..


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,930 ✭✭✭✭challengemaster


    i dont know what economicss really about like and id like to try it out?? but then again i dont want to take the risk, if you know what i mean!..

    I'll assume you're on midterm this week as I am (and obviously the world revolves around me :pac: )

    What's to stop you asking a 5th or 6th year about the economics course? Get their point of view on it? See the book? Speak to the teacher(s) about it? Ask them. It's what they're there for..


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,553 ✭✭✭soccymonster


    I'll assume you're on midterm this week as I am (and obviously the world revolves around me :pac: )

    What's to stop you asking a 5th or 6th year about the economics course? Get their point of view on it? See the book? Speak to the teacher(s) about it? Ask them. It's what they're there for..

    Yeah i am on mid-term! but all the 4th and 5ths years i know do like goegraphy and biology and stuff! haha...thats why i came onto this site looking for opinions.! :P

    and even if i did know people i wouldn't have the time since ill probably be locked up in my room for the rest of the week studying for my mocks like :D...im so sad :(:)...


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 529 ✭✭✭Homicidal_jesus


    is it actually a lie?
    Yes JC science is about 90% lies haha!
    *6th year advice*
    Well the easiest subjects tend to be the ones you have an interest in because none of them are really that easy!:pac:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 348 ✭✭KatiexKOUTURE--


    Well I plan to do Home Ec, Biology, Chemistry and French but it kind of limits me into what I'll do at third level but the only other subjects I'm doing are Business, History and Geography and I don't enjoy them or any good at them..

    Does anybody know if art is hard to take up after the junior?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,169 ✭✭✭ironictoaster


    6th year here.

    I do English, Irish, Maths, French, Geography, History, Biology and Art. I'll just say my opinion on them

    Geography
    If you love Geography during 1st-3rd year. You'll love this. It's basically JC geography in futher detail. It's not easy an A though in my opinion, you really need to put in the effort to get the grade.

    History
    I loved history in the JC however, I'm not a fan of LC history. Don't get me wrong, I love learning about the Vietnam War, War of Independence etc but, If you don't like doing a lot reading or doing essays, avoid. :( (sorry spurious)

    Biology
    Class subject IMO, you learn some extremely fascinating stuff in Biology. I always leave the class saying "Wow, how the fook does the body do that??" Work wise, the LC exam itself is a giant memory test. So you if a good memory and have you an interest in Biology, you have to do it! :D

    French
    I always liked this as well in the JC. It's pretty much the same as French in the JC. The reason why I chose a language is some colleges require a 3rd language i.e NUI Maynooth. There's massive difference between ordinary and higher level though.

    Art
    Can't really say alot about this as I only took it up in 6th year. It's quite relaxing compared to other subjects. However I certainly wouldnt recommend it for points. It has the lowest rate of A1s.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,231 ✭✭✭Fad


    creggy wrote: »
    6th year here.

    Geography
    If you love Geography during 1st-3rd year. You'll love this. It's basically JC geography in futher detail. It's not easy an A though in my opinion, you really need to put in the effort to get the grade.


    Biology
    Class subject IMO, you learn some extremely fascinating stuff in Biology. I always leave the class saying "Wow, how the fook does the body do that??" Work wise, the LC exam itself is a giant memory test. So you if a good memory and have you an interest in Biology, you have to do it! :D


    I loved LC Geo, and had to move to Physics I hated it so much! (Bad idea, try and stick with the subjects you start with, but if you have to change do it)

    Out of the 3 sciences, Bio has the most learning, but its the simplest, I find it really interesting but in comparison to Physics its a good bit of work.
    is it actually a lie? lol..but i dont know what economicss really about like and id like to try it out?? but then again i dont want to take the risk, if you know what i mean!..

    Everything in LC Chem, besides Organic Chem (If you do it you'll see what it is, its really interesting {to me anyway!}) is according to my teacher and a good few college students Ive spoken to, is simplified to the point of lying, dont let it put you off though, you have to start somewhere!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,362 ✭✭✭K4t


    im trying to choose my LC subjects and i need advice! does anyone have any older relations that did subjects and told you to do them because they are easy points? i heard history is a NO-GO! Someone help me...lol!:P:rolleyes:
    History is grand for the Leaving Cert. If you have any interest in it at all you should be well capable of an honours B at least.

    The best thing to do when choosing your subjects is ignore your friends and PICK THE SUBJECTS YOU LIKE. If you pick subjects purely because you heard they were easy you'll regret it and lose motivation very quickly.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,962 ✭✭✭jumpguy


    Just wondering, is honours maths in LC really just impossible? Or is it made out abit too high.

    Also, does anyone know any good website for advice on job prospects and what you need (it's a pain having to trowel through all the college websites searching for courses)?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,553 ✭✭✭soccymonster


    so...ur tellin me that i should try and choose what i wanna do before i choose my subjects??:eek::p:confused::cool:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 143 ✭✭nowimtalking


    It all depend on one thing and thats what you want to do, i am sure there is a student-career councellor in most schools and there are some online aswell!
    I want to tell you one thing and that is that this is one of the most important decisions of your life.
    I am making my choice in 3 weeks and when i finally came to terms with the subjects i was going to do my meeting with the career guidance counsellor came and she highlighted that i could not apply for medicine because i didnt have a language and that I can not apply for some TD courses as i wasnt doing Tech Drawing! I believe that it is far too early to make such decisions and that we should be allowed study more and sit exams in certain specialisms! I cant bear the decision now because she really messed up my mind!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,212 ✭✭✭Delta Kilo


    is it actually a lie? lol..but i dont know what economicss really about like and id like to try it out?? but then again i dont want to take the risk, if you know what i mean!..

    I am doing economics for the Leaving Cert and I really like it. I didn't do business studies for the JC and had to take up economics because I diidn't get engineering. At the time I was really p*ssed off but i really like economics now. It ticks all the boxes:
    1) It is interesting (gives you an understanding of what is actually happening out there now)
    2) The course is easy to understand
    3) The exam is relatively short & easy - do 4 out of 8 q's with no q being compulsory. There are a good few common sense questions aswell. Ex. outline the social costs and benefits of new motorways in Ireland. That is wort 25 marks out of 75!

    You will really like this subject if you have an interest in what is going on inn the world at the minute but I will give you this piece of advice. Do whatever makes you happy and whatever you feel will make you happy, not because you think it will get you some easy points. There is no such thing. Stick to what you are interested in, not what other people want you to do or what you feel you ought to do to keep parents etc. happy.

    Do not, ever, pick a subject just because all your friends are doing it either! Loads of people do this and it is a really big mistake because what they want may not be what you want.

    Sorry for the rant!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,184 ✭✭✭Kenno90


    Quick tip LC history is totally different then JC History ,

    While LC Geography is similar then the JC Geography


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,212 ✭✭✭Delta Kilo


    jumpguy wrote: »
    Just wondering, is honours maths in LC really just impossible? Or is it made out abit too high.

    Its pretty tough I will admit. In the first term of fifth year you will feel overwhelmed and begin to think about dropping to ordinary level. But stick with it because it is quite repetitive. The algebra you learn at the beginning is used in most other topics. At this stage now, (6th year) I feel like it is finally coming together and I am confident that I will get the C3 that I need. So stick with it. You will think new topics are impossible but when you revise them in 6th year you will think they are really easy and you will wonder how you found them so difficult. (Calculus comes to mind for this).

    But, in saying that, it does eat up a lot of time if you are determined to stick with it. There are two books and they are poor enough (they show the examples of how to do the easy questions but you are left to your own devices for the more difficult questions.) Buy Rapid Revision Maths and use it when doing your homework. Its a really good book that makes problems look easy.

    However, I still get tempted when I see the ordinary level papers because it is very similar to JC Higher.

    If you dont need it, don't do it would be my recommendation. But if you are not sure on what you want to do at 3rd level then stick with it because it leaves a lot of doors open for you. Don't get lazy and do the homework and you will keep up with the class.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,553 ✭✭✭soccymonster


    Delta Kilo wrote: »
    I am doing economics for the Leaving Cert and I really like it. I didn't do business studies for the JC and had to take up economics because I diidn't get engineering. At the time I was really p*ssed off but i really like economics now. It ticks all the boxes:
    1) It is interesting (gives you an understanding of what is actually happening out there now)
    2) The course is easy to understand
    3) The exam is relatively short & easy - do 4 out of 8 q's with no q being compulsory. There are a good few common sense questions aswell. Ex. outline the social costs and benefits of new motorways in Ireland. That is wort 25 marks out of 75!

    You will really like this subject if you have an interest in what is going on inn the world at the minute but I will give you this piece of advice. Do whatever makes you happy and whatever you feel will make you happy, not because you think it will get you some easy points. There is no such thing. Stick to what you are interested in, not what other people want you to do or what you feel you ought to do to keep parents etc. happy.

    Do not, ever, pick a subject just because all your friends are doing it either! Loads of people do this and it is a really big mistake because what they want may not be what you want.

    Sorry for the rant!

    THANKS 4 THAT!:)..
    I think i might try it because it sounds good because i like the business learning parts and the world issues and all! im just not too good with accounts and stuff so i better keep away from accounting!!! :eek::P...


    Now my last decision is....to choose what im gonna do for the rest of my life!:pac:...And im just a third year! oh im sooo lucky eh?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,212 ✭✭✭Delta Kilo


    And another thing if you really hate a subject in 5th year, don't hesitate to ask can you switch to another class. So long as you make your mind up before the first mid-term break, you should be able to switch.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,553 ✭✭✭soccymonster


    Delta Kilo wrote: »
    And another thing if you really hate a subject in 5th year, don't hesitate to ask can you switch to another class. So long as you make your mind up before the first mid-term break, you should be able to switch.
    im that type of person that would be sh1ttn it to ask to change! :p
    so i want to get it right the first time


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,440 ✭✭✭✭Piste


    If you're worried about course requirements have a look at www.qualifax.ie it's a database of courses all over the country so just do a quick search an all the info on that course will be available- including course requirements.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 71 ✭✭Synods


    I would make sure that you talk to older students in your school about the standards of the teachers there for your chosen subjects. you might love a subject in jc but you've got to be realistic. Unless you're willing to pay for grinds and allocate extra time for a subject avoid the notoriously bad teachers where possible!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,553 ✭✭✭soccymonster


    Piste wrote: »
    If you're worried about course requirements have a look at www.qualifax.ie it's a database of courses all over the country so just do a quick search an all the info on that course will be available- including course requirements.
    dat website is really gud thanks :)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 23 lynnx


    I chose my subjects on wednesday, I asked some of the teachers about the course and they seriously loved to hear that someones intrested in doing their subject. They we're realy good help and some of them even gave me a loan of the Revise Wise. It realy helped me choose my subjects so give it a try, you'll thank yourself after! :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 665 ✭✭✭english4490


    You have to find a good balance between picking subjects you enjoy and ones you will NEED for college!! im doing history, economics, french and physics!!
    i did physics for the simply reason of keeping my options open, but after a few months i realised i wouldn be going near anything science related!! i regret doing physics so much and its such a pain to try study a subject you dont enjoy!
    on the other hand, history is a very long course but if like me you have a real interest it is not a problem, but i would really only recommend history for points building if you have a good interest in it!
    economics is great, the exam has great choice in it and if you have an interest in currant affairs you will really enjoy it!
    and french i am only doing it because i need it to get into college! if you need any more info on these subjects just ask!!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,553 ✭✭✭soccymonster


    im having second thoughts now!!!:confused:
    i got my science mock bakc and i got a B in it! and my science teacher is overwhelmed & thinks i should do chemistry with her next year (& shes a brill teacher!)... i did brilliant in the chemistry section and now all-of-a-sudden i have this huge interest in chemistry! but would it be too much pressure to pick 2 science subject?? (biology and chemistry!) or maybe even 3!!!!!(chemistry, bio & physics??!) :o


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 665 ✭✭✭english4490


    im having second thoughts now!!!:confused:
    i got my science mock bakc and i got a B in it! and my science teacher is overwhelmed & thinks i should do chemistry with her next year (& shes a brill teacher!)... i did brilliant in the chemistry section and now all-of-a-sudden i have this huge interest in chemistry! but would it be too much pressure to pick 2 science subject?? (biology and chemistry!) or maybe even 3!!!!!(chemistry, bio & physics??!) :o

    my advice to anyone picking subjects would be to pick ones you have an interest in and enjoy, this will make studying and working in them soooo much easier!:rolleyes:


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 945 ✭✭✭CaoimH_in


    what about Agricultural Science? Counts as a science subject and its really really interesting. If you Like chemstry and biology, its basicly those two combined and put to practical usage.

    Music, its really cake, the only bit of work in it is, just revising for the listening. you have to be able to pllay an instrument well, well enough to get thrrtough 4 pieces at least. :)

    Geog, alot of people will probably ask about it, its not harder, or easier then History, its all relative to what you want to learn, Geog, you learn all about different pllaces in the world and different facts about those regions, different economies in those regions the different problems, different religions etc. history is literally as it says on the tin, im not sure if much Irish history is included.

    German, If you like languages, and like Germany and jsut the culture, choose it, if not, head to French I say.

    Just choose topics your interested in, forget everyone who says german gets really hard, its all relative. My only must have advice is choose a language, they open so many possible doors, really, only if you get a D in ordinary level, which is really really achievable, so much colleges doors open for you.

    don't stress on the Jr, they throw as much marks as they can your way, they want ye to come out on top, so they'll really fight for everything for ye (correcters that is) :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 945 ✭✭✭CaoimH_in


    **6th year advice**
    If you want easy points, forget about it now.

    I suggest you do things that you like, and that you'll get benefit out of doing. If you don't like them it'll make it a hell of a nightmare trying to learn about it.

    Persoanlly, I'm doing Biology, Chemistry and Physics. I want to study science at third level. I'm now well set up for any science course I could want to do - good foundations, and for undenominated science courses I've pretty much all of first year covered from day one. I chose them because I love science though, and I knew I wanted to study it at 3rd level.

    Pick things that will benefit you and be relevant to your further studies. Having Art, Geography and Home Ec might get you a load of points, but it's worth nothing if you want to be a doctor.

    Start thinking about the bigger picture. What's after secondary school. Where you want to go, and what you want to do.

    Look thats way to much pressure to put on someone, right, if you like, sciences? your science subjects? do them, don't choose subjects that are easy, simpley choose ones you like, but keep some things, like, its a good idea i have a science and language course. so throw those in there, and whatever subjects you like after that. if its music and art? do them, if its biology and chemstry and the science subject you chose was physics? do it. whatever you want. just apply a few rules too :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,571 ✭✭✭Aoifey!


    Accounting - Okay if you put the workin, but you do actually have to put the work in!
    Biology - I like it, interesting, some good experiments.
    Economics - I find it very boring, but some of it is interesting, it could ust be my teacher though, it does help to understand what's going on and what people are talking bout the recession and stuff.

    That's all I do, we didn't have a cjoice to drop our language.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,532 ✭✭✭Ginja Ninja


    like has been said before do what you like,but if your also looking at subjects[which you shouldn't do]
    then don't do biology,I love it but as a subject it's so big it's an insult taht you can only get 100 points out of it.
    also,T.graph[or DCG as it is now] is good the new course has 40% in a CAD project which is nice


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 487 ✭✭Alibear


    I've already chosen mine for the Leaving Cert.! Was very tough though!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,553 ✭✭✭soccymonster


    biology!! i thought that was s'pposed to be an easy science subject :(:o:P


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