Related Learning
Related learning
Leaving Certificate physics provides continuity and progression in science that begins in learners’ early childhood education, through the primary school curriculum and junior cycle science.
Early childhood
Aistear, the early childhood curriculum framework, celebrates early childhood as a time of well-being and enjoyment where children learn from experiences as they unfold. The theme of Exploring and Thinking is about children making sense of the things, places and people in their world by interacting with others, playing, investigating, questioning, and forming, testing and refining ideas.
Primary school
Social, environmental and scientific education (SESE) provides opportunities for children to explore and investigate the world around them from a human, social and cultural perspective.
The primary science curriculum supports children in learning about the physical and biological aspects of the world by developing their skills in two areas in particular: working scientifically, and designing and making. Throughout the primary science curriculum, emphasis is placed on the importance of children learning through practical investigations.
Junior cycle
The learning at the core of junior cycle is described in the statements of learning, a number of which apply to scientific concepts, processes and practices, as well as valuing the role and contribution of science and technology to society. Student learning in science is placed in the context of science activities, emphasising hands-on engagement. This approach provides coherence with science in the primary school curriculum. There is an emphasis on inquiry through which learners develop an understanding and appreciation of activities and processes that are fundamental to all science as well as the ability to apply science principles to their everyday lives. Many junior cycle subjects and short courses have close links with science, particularly mathematics, geography, CSPE, PE, SPHE and home economics. Learners build on theses scientific concepts, processes and practices as they progress through the two years of leaving certificate physics.
Senior cycle
Learners build on their science process skills and use them to develop deeper understanding of scientific concepts. Many senior cycle subjects have close links with physics, including agricultural science, chemistry, biology, mathematics, applied mathematics, engineering, construction studies, design and communication graphics, music, geography, home economics—scientific and social, and religious education. The knowledge and understanding gained in physics can be used in conjunction with that developed in these other subjects to enrich overall learning. The mathematical content of physics should be treated, as far as possible, in a manner similar to that encountered during mathematics lessons
Further study
A physics qualification can lead to many exciting and rewarding careers, from being a research scientist, weather forecaster, teacher or engineer, to jobs in medicine, finance or management.
Physics encompasses the study of the universe from the largest galaxies to the smallest subatomic particles. Moreover, it’s the basis of many other sciences, including chemistry, oceanography, seismology, and astronomy and underpins engineering and medicine.
Physics is fundamental to many new technologies. Mobile phones and the internet, are only two examples of the physics-based technological developments that have revolutionised our world. Many theoretical and experimental physicists work as engineers, and many electrical and mechanical engineers have physics degrees. Increasingly, physicists are employed as molecular biologists, medical physicists and in other science-related disciplines, as well as being employed in management roles in a wide range of companies and organisations.
Community and society
Learners will develop an appreciation of the social and cultural perspectives of physics and of the impact of science and technology on people and on the environment. Physics plays a key role in the technological advances that will continue to drive economies and enhance the lives of citizens. It extends and enhances our understanding of other disciplines that also contribute to economic and social development, such as chemical, biological, and environmental sciences.