Students ‘have other options’

Niall Murray Education Correspondent

While places on college courses will be offered from next week, experts are quick to remind of the numerous options available outside third level.

Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI) president Paddy Healy advised students to consider the wide variety of Post-Leaving Certificate courses on offer.

"These courses have a well-deserved reputation for being innovative and linking effectively with the world of work. They provide a basis on which students can continue to study while living at home, an important factor for hard-pressed families. They also provide an excellent springboard for further study," he said.

Roisín Kelleher, a careers consultant said students should have a realistic expectation of the course and career they plan to follow.

"Students' expectations should be based on their interests and aptitudes, rather than making a decision without understanding oneself fully.

"Any decision regarding one's future should also be based on thorough research of the course and career area that one intends to follow. For example, being aware of the various entry requirements for courses is essential," she said.

The National Parents Council Post Primary (NPC-PP) received hundreds of phone calls to its helpline yesterday. Council president Eleanor Petrie said many callers are among those who failed maths, asking about the options available to them.

"We've also been hearing who were depending on biology as one of their requirements for nursing degrees but who failed it."

NUI Maynooth admissions officer John McGinnity said those who failed maths are not completely excluded.

"Half of the degree courses here and in other universities, particularly in humanities and arts, do not require a minimum grade in maths.

One of the options for those who needed maths for their preferred course is to take it as a single subject for the Leaving Certificate next year and combine it with their other results from this year's exams," he said.

The National Parents Council Post Primary helpline (1800 265 165) is open until 10pm tonight and from 8am to 4pm tomorrow. It also operates next Monday to Thursday.

The Cork Institute of Guidance Counsellors website www.corkigc.com offers useful information on guidance and counselling matters.