Considering Dropping the 3rd Language

Bazinga_N

So, I'm in 2nd Year and I'm studying French for my JC.. I only took it due to my guidance counsellor saying I needed it for college... As of recently I'm positive I want to study Medicine or Education (more medicine) in the UK. There seems to be no requirements to do another language in the UK.

In my French class, the teacher is an OK French teacher but she has no control over the class.. So she just spends class after class giving out notes.. I kind of get frustrated with her, and it results in her getting angry with me.. I have only 4 Notes since I started Secondary school, they have all been from her.. So, as you can see we don't really get along.. I actually like the language but dread the class. She also tells me I'm the top student in the class, along with one other student who completely agrees with me..

So, my question is would it be OK for me to drop French after my Junior Cert? I just feel liek it's going to be a waste of time for me.. Also, wouldn't UK colleges require a second language? Therefore I may be able to use Irish?

Answers appreciated!



Also, If a Mod feels this might be better in the LC, please feel free to move

spurious

What do you propose to do while the rest of your class do their language following JC?
It's not really possible to timetable a class for one person. You will (at best) end up sitting in the back of a language class for 5th and 6th year, even if they agree that you may not be sitting the exam.

Bazinga_N

spurious wrote: »

What do you propose to do while the rest of your class do their language following JC?
It's not really possible to timetable a class for one person. You will (at best) end up sitting in the back of a language class for 5th and 6th year, even if they agree that you may not be sitting the exam.

Oh, Sorry for not making that clear, it is not required for me to do another language in my school. I would be able to take another subject in the JC it's either French, German or Art but in the LC it's different subjects instead of a language..

spurious

I think you would be making a decision that will limit you later on - life doesn't always work out as we plan/hope, but it sounds like it's certainly possible if your school doesn't require it.

Bazinga_N

spurious wrote: »

I think you would be making a decision that will limit you later on - life doesn't always work out as we plan/hope, but it sounds like it's certainly possible if your school doesn't require it.

That's what I'm worried about.. But I'd really prefer to drop out of it..

Coeurdepirate

Bazinga_N wrote: »

So, I'm in 2nd Year and I'm studying French for my JC.. I only took it due to my guidance counsellor saying I needed it for college... As of recently I'm positive I want to study Medicine or Education (more medicine) in the UK. There seems to be no requirements to do another language in the UK.

In my French class, the teacher is an OK French teacher but she has no control over the class.. So she just spends class after class giving out notes.. I kind of get frustrated with her, and it results in her getting angry with me.. I have only 4 Notes since I started Secondary school, they have all been from her.. So, as you can see we don't really get along.. I actually like the language but dread the class. She also tells me I'm the top student in the class, along with one other student who completely agrees with me..

So, my question is would it be OK for me to drop French after my Junior Cert? I just feel liek it's going to be a waste of time for me.. Also, wouldn't UK colleges require a second language? Therefore I may be able to use Irish?

Answers appreciated!



Also, If a Mod feels this might be better in the LC, please feel free to move

NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO!
First of all I know French is really ****ty and boring at JC level but it's actually really good at LC level, you learn about interesting stuff and also it's a handy enough subject for points in the leaving cert.
Although you're adamant on Medicine/Teaching atm, you will change your mind about nine million times between now and your leaving, since 2nd year I wanted to be a social worker, a teacher, an archaeologist, a psychiatric nurse, a garda, a pharmacist, solicitor and even a lifeguard, and they're only the ones that come to mind!
Now, with a few weeks to go until my leaving cert I still have no idea what I want to do!
Trust me, it's very, very, very likely that you'll regret dropping it. If you find it difficult then by all means drop to pass, just please don't drop it! As spurious already pointed out you'll be seriously limiting yourself in the future.

Bazinga_N

Coeurdepirate wrote: »

NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO!
First of all I know French is really ****ty and boring at JC level but it's actually really good at LC level, you learn about interesting stuff and also it's a handy enough subject for points in the leaving cert.
Although you're adamant on Medicine/Teaching atm, you will change your mind about nine million times between now and your leaving, since 2nd year I wanted to be a social worker, a teacher, an archaeologist, a psychiatric nurse, a garda, a pharmacist, solicitor and even a lifeguard, and they're only the ones that come to mind!
Now, with a few weeks to go until my leaving cert I still have no idea what I want to do!
Trust me, it's very, very, very likely that you'll regret dropping it. If you find it difficult then by all means drop to pass, just please don't drop it! As spurious already pointed out you'll be seriously limiting yourself in the future.

I actually don't mind French, it's the class... Also, I've wanted to be either a teacher or doctor since 5, never changed my mind so I doubt I will :P

It's not the language or subject it's the class.. I Hate it.. it just consists of the teacher giving out and shouting.. When shes able to teach its ok, but Im cracking in 2nd Year, so I can't even bear to imagine what it'll be like in 6th year

decisions

Ok here is my perspective on it.

I don't like French, never have. I had a terrible teacher for the jc who could barely speak the language nevermind teach it. She couldn't control the class what so ever. I didn't do any hw from 1st to half way trough 3rd year. I also had plenty of other classes with other teachers and other subjects where class time was wasted.

While I totally understand where you are coming from I don't see what you gain from dropping it.

You say you get frustrated, how do you express it and what exactly causes her to get annoyed at you? 4 notes in 2 years is not a lot. I had, and still now have a skill for bugging teachers and it has lead to a lot more than a few notes. Have you tried speaking with her? It helps to talk with teachers that you have bad relationships with and apologize even of you feel like you have done nothing wrong (from my experience anyway).

Bazinga_N

decisions wrote: »

Ok here is my perspective on it.

I don't like French, never have. I had a terrible teacher for the jc who could barely speak the language nevermind teach it. She couldn't control the class what so ever. I didn't do any hw from 1st to half way trough 3rd year. I also had plenty of other classes with other teachers and other subjects where class time was wasted.

While I totally understand where you are coming from I don't see what you gain from dropping it.

You say you get frustrated, how do you express it and what exactly causes her to get annoyed at you? 4 notes in 2 years is not a lot. I had, and still now have a skill for bugging teachers and it has lead to a lot more than a few notes. Have you tried speaking with her? It helps to talk with teachers that you have bad relationships with and apologize even of you feel like you have done nothing wrong (from my experience anyway).

Well, I would gain a lot.. I could have the chance to study Biology instead which I would much rather enjoy..

I tell her that she's not teaching us, she doesn't like it if I try to explain that she's giving the class satisfaction by giving out and shouting. By the way, I tell her this after class, not during it. She tells me I'm being cheeky and gives me a note. It's why I've only done it four times. And for many four notes isn't a lot, but for me it is.. I don't get notes, really ever. I always study for tests, never forget to do homework, always have my homework done well, never really talk in class, never give cheek to the teacher, the list goes on. So I don't really get notes.

I just don't see how I'm going to sit there for three years of LC, listening to her give out like a mental person...

Also, She is often out for a couple of weeks at a time, because she is quite prone to nervous breakdowns... Which makes it worse again, because we're always getting subs either not being able to speak French or can't control a class.. -.-

There are many things wrong with this teacher, but I dont want to get into them here... Im not here to rant about her..

decisions

Would you defiantly be able to do bio? And will you be doing Ty?

Slow Show

Don't do it. Seriously. Everything courdepirate said - you might think you won't change your mind and you might be right but I wouldn't be so sure. Everyone does. Ever since I was in 2nd year I've gone around in a never-ending circle of Medicine/History/Science/Psychology/English/Accounting and more recently, Microbiology. :pac: Everything's going to change in the next few years. I never would've considered scientific research much before LC, but doing Biology and Chemistry to keep the Medicine thing open has made me realise I'd really quite enjoy it. You'll find yourself liking new things by the end of 6th Year, fact.

My French teachers have been fairly disappointing since the very beginning. Luckily, French for JC isn't particularly difficult and I was better than most at picking it up. You seem fairly intelligent, surely it's not that hard to do yourself? Yes the classes will be a pain but having a European language will stand to you in time, in more ways than just getting into college. If you need any resources, I can give you plenty, French was the one subject I really put a lot of work into on my own for the JC. Currently having to put in the work on my own for the LC too, and it's going alright. Very doable, and it is quite a nice language.

You're dead set on going to the UK for college now, but that's four years away. Even if your course decision doesn't change, I bet that'll change at least once between now and then. Colleges in Ireland are pretty good, y'know, and it's much easier financially to stay in Ireland. You won't be able to go home much if you're abroad, you probably won't have anyone around to help if it all gets too much for you (from the looks of it, starting and getting used to college is a difficult experience). Not to deter you, I think it'd be great to go abroad too but tbh for the aforementioned reasons, I'm gonna do everything I can to stay in Ireland.

Bazinga_N, you don't have to answer this if you don't want to but I'm just wondering, why do you want to do medicine? Everyone is entitled to do any course they wish of course, but make sure you really do have an interest in it, not just because it's the most difficult course to get into. It's something that I've had to ask myself many a time (I enjoy the odd challenge), and it can be a very difficult question to answer...make sure you get experience anyway! Sure you've loads of time, at least!

Bazinga_N

decisions wrote: »

Would you defiantly be able to do bio? And will you be doing Ty?

Yeah Definatley.. But I can take it in another band if I have to.. Also, TY for me will be compulsory making my course a 3 Year Leaving Cert..

Slow Show wrote: »

Don't do it. Seriously. Everything courdepirate said - you might think you won't change your mind and you might be right but I wouldn't be so sure. Everyone does. Ever since I was in 2nd year I've gone around in a never-ending circle of Medicine/History/Science/Psychology/English/Accounting and more recently, Microbiology. :pac: Everything's going to change in the next few years. I never would've considered scientific research much before LC, but doing Biology and Chemistry to keep the Medicine thing open has made me realise I'd really quite enjoy it. You'll find yourself liking new things by the end of 6th Year, fact.

My French teachers have been fairly disappointing since the very beginning. Luckily, French for JC isn't particularly difficult and I was better than most at picking it up. You seem fairly intelligent, surely it's not that hard to do yourself? Yes the classes will be a pain but having a European language will stand to you in time, in more ways than just getting into college. If you need any resources, I can give you plenty, French was the one subject I really put a lot of work into on my own for the JC. Currently having to put in the work on my own for the LC too, and it's going alright. Very doable, and it is quite a nice language.

You're dead set on going to the UK for college now, but that's four years away. Even if your course decision doesn't change, I bet that'll change at least once between now and then. Colleges in Ireland are pretty good, y'know, and it's much easier financially to stay in Ireland. You won't be able to go home much if you're abroad, you probably won't have anyone around to help if it all gets too much for you (from the looks of it, starting and getting used to college is a difficult experience). Not to deter you, I think it'd be great to go abroad too but tbh for the aforementioned reasons, I'm gonna do everything I can to stay in Ireland.

Bazinga_N, you don't have to answer this if you don't want to but I'm just wondering, why do you want to do medicine? Everyone is entitled to do any course they wish of course, but make sure you really do have an interest in it, not just because it's the most difficult course to get into. It's something that I've had to ask myself many a time (I enjoy the odd challenge), and it can be a very difficult question to answer...make sure you get experience anyway! Sure you've loads of time, at least!

I don't really change my mind much.. :L I have looked into every possible career I would ever see myself doing, and medicine and teaching are the only ones. Endless times people have told me Ill probably change my mind but I definitely won't..

I would be fairly intelligent, but I just dont see why I should bother studying it and putting myself through extra stress when I could be studying a different subject that I have a good chance in doing well at..

That would be my only caution whatsoever, if I don't end up going to the UK... All my life I've wanted to travel and I'm yet to go past the UK, and won't be able until I'm 18 for personal reasons.. This is why I'm dead set on going to university in the UK, because it's the only practical solution to leaving home properly.. I know it might sound strange but it's what I want to do..

Medicine for me is hard to describe.. It's really my fascination with the body (in particular the brain and heart..) It truly fascinates me that your heart pumps blood to every single cell in your body and has enough strength to push it back around.. Likewise it fascinates me that the brain has the ability to control your whole body.. It's hard to explain but the body amazes me.. I just love how it works..

paddzdaman

If your really set on not doing french BECAUSE of the class, have you considered doing it outside school? Then doing a non-language subject instead ( However doesn't always turn out that way ). However more importantly have you talked to your parents about this. Also is there a chance if you do honors for leaving you may not have this teacher? I know i personally have a BRUTAL french teacher. She might be gone by time your in fifth year or you may get a better teacher. Honestly at the end of the day you should really talk to your parents about this instead of boards

paddzdaman

* sorry doing it outside school for LEAVING CERT

Bazinga_N

paddzdaman wrote: »

If your really set on not doing french BECAUSE of the class, have you considered doing it outside school? Then doing a non-language subject instead ( However doesn't always turn out that way ). However more importantly have you talked to your parents about this. Also is there a chance if you do honors for leaving you may not have this teacher? I know i personally have a BRUTAL french teacher. She might be gone by time your in fifth year or you may get a better teacher. Honestly at the end of the day you should really talk to your parents about this instead of boards

Ill definitely have this teacher as there is one french teacher in my school... She's been there for over 10 years and she's definitely not going anywhere as she lives quite near the school with her husband and three kids... So she's clearly not going to be uprooting.. :L I wouldn't be happy with doing it outside school due to the orals..

I have of course spoken to my parents about it But my parents aren't very education knowledgeable, but they know I want the best for me and they do too.. So they said I should do what I thinks best..

leaveiton

Hey, I clicked on the JC forum instead of the LC one (in 6th year myself), but decided to wander into this thread anyway. Just want to give my two cents on the issue!

Anyone I know who doesn't go a 3rd language regrets the choice. I know you're set on Medicine in the UK, but what if you change your mind? You've said you're convinced that you won't, but you really can't know. I know a lot of people who've been set on one particular career forever, but then when they get to 5th/6th year, their minds change completely. It's actually a lot more common than you'd think.

You are aware that you need to pay fees in the UK, I assume? Would you be willing to do that? If you are, what if you didn't even get into Medicine in the UK? It'd be terrible to not even have college in Ireland as a backup option.

Bazinga_N wrote: »

Oh, Sorry for not making that clear, it is not required for me to do another language in my school. I would be able to take another subject in the JC it's either French, German or Art but in the LC it's different subjects instead of a language..

This may be a crazy idea, but... would you consider taking up German for the LC? If you had a way of learning the basics now (Internet, extra classes outside of school, borrow someone's notes, work on it through TY if you're doing it), you could probably handle it at LC level, even if you were to only take it on at ordinary level to have as a 3rd language. I do it myself and it's a lovely course, seems much more manageable than LC French is as well.

Bazinga_N wrote: »

Medicine for me is hard to describe.. It's really my fascination with the body (in particular the brain and heart..) It truly fascinates me that your heart pumps blood to every single cell in your body and has enough strength to push it back around.. Likewise it fascinates me that the brain has the ability to control your whole body.. It's hard to explain but the body amazes me.. I just love how it works..

All of this fascinates me about the body too, but I would never in a million years be able for medicine. If that's all that makes you want to do medicine, then you need to really look at what it involves. I'm not saying that you haven't already done so, or that you're not aware already, but it just strikes me as odd that that is your first response when asked why medicine interests you.

Really, I would keep the language on if I were you. You're only in 2nd year, you don't know at this stage how things are going to turn out. As I said, everyone I know that doesn't go a language regrets it, whereas I don't know a single person that regrets doing a language.

paddzdaman

Hey i know this is kinda extreme but have u considered taking up german IF there is a good german teacher in your school. Like i knew absolutely no french start of third year and 47 in my mock but now expecting either a or b in junior cert. Probley best to get grinds or learn it yourself over the summer because lets face if you have this french teacher for leaving its going to be hard. Like in fairness Junior cert and leaving are two completely different ball games. Your only in second year plus your hoping for medicine so points are crucial. U dont want to be working your arse of for one subject and go down to 6 subjects to reley on. You do seem to be motivated and with maybe T.Y. and you work over summer u could be flying it

finality

If it's a strong subject for you I wouldn't drop it. First of all, at leaving cert level students tend to be a lot more mature and focused and discipline isn't generally much of a problem. There are absolutely no issues with any of my classes, that might just be my school though.

I didn't get on with my German teacher at all, until around the end of fifth year. I used to clash with her so much. I hated German because of it until fourth year but I just stuck it out, it's now one of my favourite and best subjects and I'm hoping for an A1 in June. I even get on with the teacher to some extent now. :P

I guess what I'm saying is you shouldn't let a teacher affect your subject choice, you're the one who has to put in the work at the end of the day, especially with a language you have to do a lot yourself. No matter what you decide to do, having a second language is an asset to you and especially if you decide to move to the UK, speaking two languages will be something that will help to set you aside from the others.

By the way I agree that you should try to keep your options open for the future. I was absolutely certain from third to the start of sixth year that I wanted to study computer science. I really was, I had it down on my ucas application and everything. A few months ago I completely changed my mind and now I can't decide between medicine and neuroscience. I nearly didn't keep chemistry on in fifth year, which would've seriously limited my options- I HATED chemistry then and was adamant I'd never want to do anything involving it. I'm proof that you can drastically change your mind at any stage.

Fenian Army

I dropped French after my Junior, things have worked out for me.

But I knew what I wanted to do, my college didnt have the language requirement.

smurphy11

http://www.qualifax.ie/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=26

ok here is a link to courses in ireland which require a 3rd language, roughly 150 out of 1500 courses isnt really limiting your choices imo. most people here have said how important french is etc, but have any of you ever researched the courses which require a 3rd language?

also trinity doesnt require a third language for any course, if you dont like french and wont enjoy it for lc dont do it the only person your fooling is yourself.

also if worse comes to worse and you do need french for your course you can pick it up in 6th year and pass it at ordinary level and it serves the same purpose. whats the point in doing a subject that has no relevance to you college course or future career.

judging by your opinion of the subject im assuming you arent an A-B student in french, however if you do biology or whatever and find it enjoyable theres no reason why you cant be pushing for high grades. so against what most people are saying you will probably be limiting yourself by doing it.


i am myself currently in 5th year, and doing french and have regreted it for most of the year. however im am now repeating and not doing it because i know i dont need it and have chosen to do subjects which are focused in one direction.

Bazinga_N

I would just like to say, that I definatley want to go to the UK.. It's a great option with the costs and distance and great universities.. And to the best of my knowledge no UK unniversity needs you to take a 3rd Language...



Also, If a UK university asked for another language, would they like Trinity not ask for a second language, therefore Irish being acceptable?


Anyway, I reckon Ill stick with it and just lump it.. It's just easier than making a fuss..

Fenian Army

Consider doing French as an extra subject, all you need is a low enough grade at ordinary level to qualify for the NUI colleges.