Sports and Beauty Therapy cross pillar post- primary school initiative for Kerry ETB

Ian McLoughlin and Tara O’Halloran Cronin

Kerry College is currently in the advanced stages of an exciting pilot programme aiming to create direct links between the post primary and further education and training (FET) sectors. This pilot programme is run through the Kerry College sports and beauty therapy departments.

The sports department are in the later stages of a fully certified QQI Level 4 Health Related Fitness Award within two post primary schools, which benefits both the learner and the schools involved.

Aimed at Transition Year students, this module acts as a great stepping stone to any student who wishes to complete physical education as a subject for the Leaving Certificate. On completion of the award, the students will have put together a collection of work focusing on both skills demonstrations and a portfolio. This will include the following:

• Functions and systems of the body

• Lifestyle research project

• Amenities research project

• Take part in a range of physical activities

• Compile a stress management pack

• Design a personal fitness plan

Furthermore, it ties in nicely with a school’s overall Healthy Wellbeing Programme.

This award aims to empower the students with the skills and knowledge of how to lead a healthy, active life now and in the future.

Within this initiative, Kerry College of Beauty engages with Transition Year and Leaving Certificate Applied Students at the post primary level, offering internationally recognised qualifications in beauty therapy.

Two core skill areas for the industry have been identified and will be internationally certified through globally recognised iTEC qualifications.

The programmes encapsulate industry skills and offer experience and awareness of the further technical work and knowledge within the beauty therapy industry for those who may wish to choose beauty therapy as a career choice following completion of post primary school.

It is currently being rolled out to engage learners with FET in makeup artistry and manicure work. Full-time students from the Kerry College of Beauty can work on projects such as the Junk Couture competition and develop their presentation, communication and portfolio of work assisting the program, allowing for a holistic and integrated connection for all participants.

Kerry College of Beauty currently have close to 100 students on our day, evening and shorter course programs and are a CIBTAC, ITEC and CIDESCO internationally accredited college.