Junior Cycle runs for three years and finishes with the Junior Certificate examination. In these years you will be offered a broad general education that will provide the foundations for your future education and career.
During this time you will have to make choices about what subjects you would like to study and at what level - pass or honours. You will make better choices if you allow yourself to follow your interests and are realistic about your study abilities.
You also need to know what you will be studying, and what you might expect to learn after your years of work and effort. Most subjects build up your general knowledge and provide valuable learning for all careers. Some subjects are more specific and prepare you for similar subjects in your Leaving Cert.
Most students must study seven core subjects and can make choices on 2-3 additional courses (called 'electives') offered by the school. Not all options are available from all schools.
Featured Subject
Home Economics
Home Economics is a subjectwhere you will learn how to take care of yourself, others, your home and your environment. As Home Economics is a very practical subject, you will carry out a lot of activities in school and at home.
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The subjects you study can be placed together into six 'Subject Groups' based on what is studied. For most students, choosing subjects from each group is a good idea, as you will get a good rounded education as a result. However, if you particularly dislike a subject at this stage, you should look to find one that would be of greater interest to you.
As you continue your studies from Junior Cycle onwards, you will learn how the subject groups, and choice of subjects within them, continue to grow and expand. By the time you leave school you will be able to choose what to study from a selection of hundreds of courses.
What are your Career Interests?
Social
The Social person's interests focus on some aspect of those people in their environment. In all cases the social person enjoys the personal contact of other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people, and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
