GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING SCHOOL PLAN

Subject Choice Policy Document

Introduction

The following is an outline of Maryfield College subject choice policy:

First Year students:

Ÿ         Students will be given an open choice of three subjects from five, in addition to core subjects.

Ÿ         Parents and incoming students are invited to an evening meeting in the school, in the December, before entry to Maryfield College . A presentation on subject choice is given by the Guidance Counsellor.

Ÿ         Parents and students are welcome to consult the Guidance Counsellor regarding their subject choices.

Third year students:

Ÿ         Students will be asked to choose between Transition Year and Fifth Year in the March of Third Year.

Ÿ         Presentation on subject choice is given by the Guidance Counsellor and the LCVP Co-ordinator to students and parents at an evening meeting. 

Ÿ         Presentation given, by teachers of optional subjects, to third year students in school

Ÿ         Students are encouraged to talk to teachers of optional subjects and ask questions

Ÿ         Students are welcome to consult on a one-to -one basis or in small groups with the Guidance Counsellor before making final decisions.

Transition Year students:

Ÿ         During Transition Year students sample all optional Leaving Certificate subjects.

Ÿ         The Guidance Programme in Transition Year facilitates students to make informed choices through Work Experience and Career research. 

Ÿ         Students are also encouraged to talk to teachers of optional subjects and ask questions

Ÿ         Students are also welcome to consult on an individual or group basis with the Guidance Counsellor before making final choices.

Student changing a subject:

Ÿ         Student first consults the Principal

Ÿ         Principal liaises with the Year Head and subject teacher

Ÿ         Principal may refer the student to the Guidance Counsellor to obtain guidance and advice on the career implications of changing a subject

Ÿ         Other considerations may be: timetable restrictions, numbers in classes, amount of course covered at the time of request

Ÿ         In the case of a student wishing to discontinue a subject the above procedures apply also.

© Maryfield College, November 2007