Rockford Manor Secondary School

Stradbrook Road, Blackrock, Co Dublin.

Tel: 2801522 Fax: 2845091 E-mail: info@rockfordmanor.ie

Re: Leaving Certificate 2017-19 Subject Choice

Dear Parent/Guardians,

Selecting the right subjects for the Leaving Certificate and the level at which to take them is a critical task
faced by Rockford Manor students every year. The wrong choice here can have unintended consequences in
two years’ time, when students find paths into college are blocked by unfortunate subject gaps.

In mid April our incoming 5th year students will be asked to make decisions around what leaving certificate
subjects they wish to choose. To make a good decision it is essential to have good information. At Rockford
Manor we arrange the following to help our students make informed decisions regarding subject choice:

1. Careers classes on subject choice.

2. Individual subject departments will give a presentation on their subject.
3. Students undertake (CAT 4) Cognitive Abilities Test which will assist our guidance counsellor in
advising students on subject aptitude.
4. Students will have an individual appointment with one of our guidance counsellors to discuss subject
choice.
5. Subject Choice Parent Information night.

Students are also advised to;

 Study the subject choice information booklet which will be distributed to them.
 Do research (e.g. www.qualifax.ie, careers portal).
 Consult textbooks and past papers of subjects they may be interested in.
 Talk to students who have been, or are presently, studying the subjects which interest them.
 Discuss subject choice with teachers and parents/guardians.
Students should choose their ‘package’ of subjects to satisfy their interests and to keep as many careers
options open as possible. Our subject choice programme is designed to help students access as much up to
date information as possible and in doing so make effective subject choice decisions.

Finally all parents/guardians are invited to attend a subject choice information evening which will take place
on Thursday 26th April from 7-8pm. During this information evening our guidance counsellor will discuss
the implication of subject choice for college application and our 5th year students will give presentations on
individual leaving certificate subjects.

Yours Sincerely,

Paul Kelly

Guidance Counsellor

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April 2018

5TH Year Subject Choice Programme Timetable

Date Time Class Activity

17-4 9:00-11:00 ALL TRANSITION YEARS Individual Teacher
IN STUDY HALL Presentation on their
subject (Study Hall)
17- 4 11:10- 12:10 ALL TRANSITION YEARS Guidance Presentation-
IN STUDY HALL Subject Choice
25-4-18 9:00-12:00 TYP1+TYP2 CAT 4 Testing
26TH April 7:00-8:00 Parents information Parents Subject Choice
session information Evening
25-4-18 12:00-3:00 TYP3 + THIRD YEARS CAT 4 Testing
27-4-18 Individual Guidance Appointment- distribute results of CAT Test and discuss
UNTIL subject choice
9-5-
9th May 2:20-3:00 All TYS AND 3RD YEARS Student can complete
WILL COMPLETE options form on VS Ware
SUBJECT OPTIONS
FORM ONLINE IN
COMPUTER ROOM
16th May STUDENTS WILL BE INFORMED OF THEIR SUBJECTS