16-18 Port Road, Letterkenny +353 74 912 9630 yicletterkenny@donegalyouthservice.ie WhatsApp: 085 250 9635 Social media handle: @yicletterkenny
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Introduction CAO offers Leaving Cert results Points Calculator SUSI Grants Third Level Education Further education courses Apprenticeships European and international mobility opportunities Accommodation Rights as tenants Finances Tips for first years Well-being 23
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The YIC team has put together this guide which is full of useful information to help with deciding what to do next. Remember that we are always here for you so if you need some further help or information, feel free to contact us. We are available in our dropin centre, online via social media @yicletterkenny and we are happy to answer your query via email at yicletterkenny@donegalyouthservice.ie Whatever the question is- we will answer it. Good luck with whatever you choose to do. The YIC team
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These are the dates of the different rounds of the CAO process.
Round Three: Offer Date: 28th September, 2021 from 10:00 Many courses have an entry route for Reply Date: 30th September, 2021 by applicants presenting QQI/FET but 15:00 do not have a specific quota. These courses will be offering places in Round Four: Round One. Offer Date: 5th October, 2021 from 10:00 Round One: Reply Date: 7th October, 2021 by Offer Date: 7th September, 2021 15:00 from 14:00 Reply Date: 13th September, 2021 by Round Five: 15:00 Offer Date: 12th October, 2021 from Issue of main body of offers take 10:00 place after Irish Leaving Certificate Reply Date: 14th October, 2021 by Examination results become availa15:00 ble. Information taken from https:// Round Two: www.cao.ie/help_files/ Offer Date: 20th September, 2021 round_dates.php on 24/08/2021 @ from 10:00 14:00 Reply Date: 22nd September, 2021 by 15:00 45
If you are a Leaving Certificate student in 2021, you could choose to sit the written exam in June 2021 or get an accredited grade from the State Examination Commission (SEC) or both. If you opted for both the written exam and an accredited grade in a subject, you will have your best grade recorded in your Leaving Certificate results. The Leaving Certificate results were issued directly to you on the Candidate Self Service Portal on Friday 3 September 2021.
How are accredited grades worked out? An accredited grade is based on an estimated mark you would get in that subject in the Leaving Certificate exam. SEC accredited grades are offered to students taking the following Leaving Certificate programmes: Leaving Certificate - for your subjects Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) - for your outstanding assessments, including your subjects, vocational specialisms and tasks due to be completed in the current LCA session. Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP) - for your LCVP Link Modules.
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There are a number of steps involved process with the deputy principal of to an accredited grade: your school or with another teacher of the same subject in your school Step 1: Estimated mark by your who does not have a Leaving Certifiteacher cate class in 2021. Your principal Your teacher gives you an estimate must agree to the arrangement. of the mark based on your likely performance if you were to sit the 2021 Step 3: Oversight of marks by the Leaving Certificate exam. Your teach- school principal er uses records of your performance The school principal reviews the estiand progress to get your estimated mated percentage marks and assures percentage mark, for example: class- themselves that the process has work and homework, class assessbeen fair. ments and your coursework over the 2 years of the Leaving Certificate cy- Step 4: National standardisation cle. Your school principal submits the estimated marks for national standardiStep 2: In-school alignment by subsation by 3 June 2021. ject teachers in your school After the standardisation process, Subject teachers in your school then the marks are converted into SEC acreview the estimated percentage credited grades. marks of students in the school. Your teacher finalises their Information taken from estimated percentage marks follow- https://www.citizensinformation.ie/ ing this alignment process. en/education/state_examinations/ If your school has only one teacher leaving_certificate_2020_cal of a subject, that teacher will conculated_grades.html On 24/08/2021 duct the in-school alignment @ 14:05, Last edited on 19/08/2021
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Gone are A1s, B2s and C3s and, in their place, are H1s-H8s for higherlevel subjects and O1s-O8s for ordinary-level subjects. The failure rate has also fallen because the old E grade has been abolished and students taking higher-level papers get points for grades between 30-39 points.
struggle for an extra one or two per cent. The State Examinations Commission still issued marking schemes for each exam and papers were still marked on a bell curve, meaning students were not penalized if a paper or particular question were especially difficult and you still get bonus points for maths. How the system works A student’s points are calculated on At higher levels, the highest possible their six best subjects. So, a student grade is a H1 (90-100 per cent), who gets between 90 and 100 perwhich gives a student 100 points, cent in six higher-level subjects will while the lowest grade is a H8 (0-30 still get 600 points. If, for instance a per cent) for which students don’t student got a H1, two H3s, a H4 an get any points. At ordinary level, the O1 and two O3s under this system highest grade is an O1 which gives a they would pick up 413 CAO points. student 56 points, while the lowest A student who is awarded a H7 for a are an O7 and an O8 for which stumark between 30 and 39 percent will dents don’t get any points. be awarded 37 CAO points. The aim One of the biggest pluses is that it of this is to recognize that 30—39 puts less focus on points gaps and per cent in a higher level paper is reduces the likelihood that students still an achievement and is hoped to will miss out due to random selecdiscourage students dropping down tion. Advocates say it should reduce to ordinary level at the last minute. some of the pressure on students to
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SUSI is open for applications for aca- calculating the reckonable household demic year 21/22. Apply now! income on which you will be assessed to establish if you are eligible To be eligible for student funding, for funding. you must meet the following Eligibil- Remember, while some criteria are ity Criteria: common across all categories of further and higher education, for examResidency and Nationality ple Nationality, others are specific to Income your student type and the type of Maximum period of grant assistance course you wish to pursue. available To find out the specific requirements Previous Education and Progression for the type of student you are Approved course in an approved in- please select the appropriate button stitution. below. Don’t forget to check out the EligibilYou will be classed as a Dependent, ity Reckoner . It’s a quick and easy Mature Dependent or Independent way to see if you might be eligible student. This will determine whose for funding. income is taken into account when For more information visit susi.ie 89
Universities University students qualify with Ordinary Bachelors degrees (NFQ Level 7) or Honors Bachelors degrees (NFQ Level 8). You can choose from 4 universities that include: The National University of Ireland (NUI), which is the umbrella university covering University College Dublin, NUI Galway, University College Cork, and St. Patrick's College in Maynooth. The NUI also has recognised colleges including the National College of Art and Design and the Royal College of Surgeons, The University of Dublin, which is generally known as Trinity College Dublin, The University of Limerick & Dublin City University
Institutes of technology There are 14 institutes of technology located around the country. Students generally qualify with Higher Certificates (NFQ Level 6) or Ordinary Bachelors degrees (NFQ Level 7). Honours Bachelors degrees (NFQ Level 8) are also available.
Colleges of education There are several colleges of education providing specialised training for primary school teachers.
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Private colleges There are a number of fee-paying third-level educational institutions offering courses, mainly in professional vocational training and business. Some of these colleges are linked to universities or professional associations and their qualifications may be accredited accordingly. It is important to check out the accreditation on offer before you choose your course.
Post Leaving Cert (PLC) courses
community care, computing and technology, e-commerce, horticulPLCs are full-time and last for one to ture, sport and leisure, multimedia two years. They offer a mixture of production and tourism. The courses practical work, academic work and generally lead to major awards at Nawork experience. Courses are deliv- tional Framework of Qualifications ered in a wide range of subjects, (NFQ) Levels 5 and 6. such as business studies, childcare,
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Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS)
demic years on a full-time basis of 30 hours per week. Some examples include ICT, Art and Design, BusiThe VTOS Scheme provides a range ness Administration, Childcare and of courses to help people who are Digital Media. The courses lead to unemployed to re-enter the worka range of awards across NFQ levforce. The courses are full-time and els. are usually delivered over two aca-
Youthreach
ing. It leads to awards typically at levels 3 and 4 on the NFQ. Learners Youthreach is a full-time proare supported in setting individual gramme, usually over two years, for learning plans aimed at increasing young people, aged 15 to 20, who their self-esteem, skills and left school early and are not work- knowledge and ability to get a job.
Traineeship
market for the first time and persons wishing to up-date or acquire A Traineeship typically takes from 4 new skills. All programmes lead to -9 months full-time to complete. accreditation at levels 4-6 on the They provide occupation-specific NFQ or certification from a recogtraining and integrate formal class- nised external accredited body. room training and workplace coach- Courses include: Beauty Therapist, ing with a host employer. Courses Outdoor Activity Instructor, Busiare full time and all year round to ness Systems Service Technician facilitate those entering the labour and Software Development.
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Community Training Centres (CTCS) CTCs are independent communitybased organisations, which provide training and education for early school leavers, primarily aged between 16 and 21. Examples of programmes offered include employability skills, personal and social employment skills and science skills.
Back To Education Initiative (BTEI)
All programmes offer personal and social skills development through modules such as communications, personal effectiveness, teamwork, career planning and literacy and numeracy support which are integrated with the vocational training modules. Courses are generally one year in duration and are fulltime and lead to major awards on the NFQ at levels 3 and 4.
throughout the country on a flexible part-time basis. Classes are ofThe BTEI provides part-time Further fered throughout the year in the Education programmes for young morning, afternoons, evenings or people and adults. It aims to give weekends. Courses lead to a range participants an opportunity to com- of accreditation at levels 1-6 on the bine a return to learning with fami- NFQ. ly, work and other responsibilities. Programmes are offered in partner- Source: https:// www.fetchcourses.ie/ ship with a number of agencies
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An apprenticeship is a career pathway where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce, and individuals can obtain paid work experience, classroom instruction, and a nationallyrecognized qualification in a trade like plumbing, carpentry etc. Apprenticeships are becoming a good alternative to College.In 2014, Solas set about implementing a long-overdue reform and restructuring of apprenticeships. Apprenticeships now offer a chance to learn on a further- or highereducation course, work and learn on the job, and earn money while they’re at it.
Learning and earning on the job has served the test of time in areas such as engineering, construction, motoring, carpentry and plumbing but apprenticeships have moved into new areas including finance, information and computer technology (ICT) and hospitality. There are also future plans to expand the ap-
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prenticeship system into areas like auctioneering and property, logistics, integration engineering and sous chef. The new apprenticeships are attracting significant interest. You can get 600 points in your Leaving Cert and still go on to do an apprenticeship in carpentry or insurance practice, because that is what interests you. They offer varied paths, and people who do them need skill and talent to successfully complete them. They can be tough, they are challenging, but the outcomes are fantastic and students earn money as they learn. For many people, they will be the best option, and they deserve a look. Extract from article written by Peter Mc Guire on The Irish Times website on Tuesday 20th July cited at 5.20pm. https:// www.irishtimes.com/news/ education/earn-while-you-learnwhat-you-need-to-know-aboutapprenticeships-1.3567690
The Construction Industry FederaHow can people apply for an aption has a dedicated recruitment prenticeship? site for construction apprentices, An applicant must be at least 16 see Apprentices.ie. years of age and have a minimum of grade D in any five subjects in the Junior Certificate or equivalent. However, higher educational qualifications and other requirements may be sought by employers. To begin an apprenticeship, an applicant must be employed by an approved employer. Apprentice employers manage their own recruitment, with many using online recruitment channels such as Ireland.ie, JobsIreland.ie, indeed.ie, IrishJobs.ie and other recruitment sites.
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Some apprenticeships have ongoing intakes, while some of the newer courses have a single annual intake. Many organisations involved with the new apprenticeships are also involved with recruiting apprentices, for example, EarnAndLearn.ie for the insurance apprenticeship. For more, check out www.apprenticeship.ie
The European Solidarity Corps is the new European Union initiative which creates opportunities for young people to volunteer or work in projects in their own country or abroad that benefit communities and people around Europe. You can register for the European Solidarity Corps when you are 17 years old, but you cannot start a project until you are over 18. European Solidarity Corps projects will be available to people up to the age of 30 years old.
After completing a simple registration process, European Solidarity Corps participants can be selected and invited to join a wide range of projects, such as helping to rebuild after natural disasters, assisting in centres for asylum seekers, or addressing different social issues in communities. For more information talk to one of our Youth Information Officers or visit https://europa.eu/youth/EU/ volunteering/becoming-avolunteer_en
Work & Learn Conducting an internship or a traineeship is a great way to kick off your professional career, to gain relevant knowledge, skills, and experience while establishing important connections in the field. For more information visit: https:// europa.eu/youth/EU/working/work -and-learn_en
young people aged 18-35 find work across the EU. Your first EURES job can give you information and help you search and apply for a job in another EU country. Through the programme you can get financial support for an interview trip and/or for moving abroad to take up your new job. Go to the Your first EURES job website (http://ec.europa.eu/social/ yourfirsteuresjob) and find the information points in your country.
Jobs Your first EURES job is a European Union job mobility scheme to help 16 15
Top tips for finding accommodation 4. 1. Choose the location carefully make sure to take into consideration the distance to and from college/work, will you 5. need a bus/taxi, is it within walking distance? 2. Check your budget - how much can you afford to pay? Be real- 6. istic. Take everything into consideration when making a budget. 3. Due to the current situation viewing properties in reality may not be possible, some letting agents/landlords are offer-
ing virtual tours instead. Make a list of questions you have for the letting agent/ landlord once you find somewhere you like. Beware of scammers!! Check out the letting agent to ensure they (and the property) are genuine. Do not agree to a 12 month lease if you do not intend to stay for the 12 months, you will lose your deposit. Ask the letting agent/landlord if there is a shorter lease option available.
Off campus/on campus accommodation Most universities/ colleges will have accommodation connected to them, accommodation that they approve of. These types of accommodation usually have a waiting list and accommodation is allocated on a first come first serve basis.
If you are on the waiting list for this type of accommodation and no longer wish to attend that college or have made other arrangements for accommodation don’t forget to inform the company so they can give your place to someone else.
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Remember, if you paid a deposit to get your name on the waiting list this is usually nonrefundable. You can’t always choose who you share with in these situations. If the accommodation is far from the campus then there are generally transport arrangements already in place, such as a free shuttle bus run-
Always read the tenancy agree- 2. ment - whether you are renting from a reputable letting agent, private landlord or campus accommodation. The lease will 3. inform you of what you can and cannot do on the property. Some may have restrictions on how many people are allowed in the apartment at any one time. Not signing the tenancy agreement does not mean that you don’t agree with it, 4. you need to inform the landlord/letting agent/ accommodation provider if there is any part of the agreement you have an issue with.
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ning to and from the campus a few times daily. This type of accommodation requires all payments to be made up front, with the only options being you pay either for the entire academic year up front or you pay in 2 installments (one before you move in and one before Christmas for the second semester).
Pay your rent (and other bills) in full and on time - you may need to ask the landlord for a reference at a later date. Once you move in, take note if there is any damage to anything, take a photo of it and report it straight away. The photo will show the date the picture was taken to ensure that you are not liable for the damage. Always report any repairs that need to be done as soon as possible.
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Make a Budget - make a list of 3. ALL the money you get on a weekly/monthly basis and ALL the outgoing bills you have. 4. https://www.ccpc.ie/ consumers/money/budgeting/ life-stages/going-to-college/ #tips https://www.mabs.ie/en/ how_we_help/ 5. debt_and_budgeting_tools
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Learn how to cook - you will save so much money if you can cook from scratch. Eating healthy and having a healthy sleep pattern will keep you healthy and avoid too many trips to the doctor.
Don’t underestimate the benefits of attending Orientation/Induction - you can find out lots of tips from current students such as where is the best place to eat, what is the best time to get a seat in the library, etc.
Make a meal plan before you go shopping - make a list of what you need and stick to it. Store your food properly to get the most out of it - learn what foods can be frozen and therefore can be bought in bulk. Learn how to defrost foods properly to avoid any illness. Check your bank account is a Student Account, they have no transaction fees.
out when it is and sign up to at least one, it will be fun.
BACKUP YOUR NOTES - this is so important. Back them up onto a USB, the cloud (or even both), especially if you are working on an assignment. You don’t want to have Clubs and Societies (Socs) is a spent hours working on an assigngreat way to make new friends and ment only to lose EVERYTHING you keep up a sport, hobby or interest have done the day before the deadthat you have. There is always a line. day designated to allow incoming students to sign up to these, find
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Attend tutorials - these too can be underestimated. You can gain an insight as to what to expect from the exams, study together, work out things that you just don’t quite understand in class.
minute. You could end up with 3 assignments due in the same week but all were given at different times. These usually go towards your end of year marks so it’s best to keep on top of them and not rush them. You don’t want your Keep on top of assignments - don’t summer ruined by having to study keep putting them off until the last for resits.
Finishing secondary school and moving on with your life into adulthood can be daunting and sometimes scary. You are not expected to do this alone. Looking after your well-being and your mental health is a very important part of becoming an adult. This means looking for support when you need it, when things become too much. Find out where the campus doctor,
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nurse and councilors offices are. Check out what student support options are at the institution you chose to go to and you can always contact us at Donegal Youth Service for more information on wellbeing and one to one support. In the mean-time, here are some tips on keeping your wellbeing in check:
It is completely normal to have 3. days when you’re feeling low or sad. If this goes on longer than a week, Seek support 4. from someone you trust. Make sure you have some balance, take time out from studies, and try to get quality sleep and eat as well as you can
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Poor diet, alcohol and other substances can have negative effects on your mental health. If you are worried about your course and think it is not what you thought it was, speak to someone. Do not struggle through it. You may be able to switch to another course
Feeling sad or down Confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate Excessive fears or worries, or extreme feelings of guilt. Extreme mood changes of
highs and lows. Withdrawal from friends and activities. Significant tiredness, low energy or trouble sleeping. Source: www.mayoclinic.org
Please visit the following site for more information about mental health support and places you can get help. https://spunout.ie/help
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16-18 Port Road, Letterkenny 074 91 29630 yicletterkenny@donegalyouthservice.ie WhatsApp: 085 250 9635 Social Media Handle: @yicletterkenny
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