Kennedy College Further Education & Training
Prospectus 2021-2021
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Contents
Contact Information ............................................................................................................... 3 College Information............................................................................................................. 4 Mission Statement........................................................................................................... 4 Principal's Welcome ........................................................................................................... 5 PLC Coordinators' Welcome ............................................................................................. 6 Information for Learners ................................................................................................. 7 Quality and Qualifications Ireland ....................................................................................... 9 National Framework of Qualifications ........................................................................................ 10 SOLAS ................................................................................................................................ 11 CAO ................................................................................................................................... 12 Learner Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) .......................................................................... 13 CALENDAR OF EVENTS............................................................................................................ 14 Courses.............................................................................................................................. 15 Horticulture ................................................................................................................... 15 Early Learning & Care .................................................................................................... 12 Community Health Services .......................................................................................... 13 Office Administration .................................................................................................... 14 Information Processing ................................................................................................. 15 Healthcare Service Skills ................................................................................................ 16 Nursing Studies ............................................................................................................. 17 Retail Practice................................................................................................................ 18 Sport, Recreating & Exercise ......................................................................................... 19
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Contact Information Kennedy College Bosheen, New Ross, Co. Wexford Y34YW08 T: (051) 421 278 E: kennedycollege.@wwetb.ie
Further Education & Training Coordinator Ms Vanessa Murohy vanessamurphy@wwetb.ie 0871975206
DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this prospectus is accurate at the time of publication. Kennedy College reserves the right to amend, restructure or cancel any course or part thereof at short notice. This prospectus does not infer or impose any legal obligation on WWETB or the Kennedy College Board of Management to provide courses or other services to learners.
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College Information Mission Statement
Kennedy College of Further Education & Training seeks to offer an inclusive, holistic education, where respect and responsibility are fostered. We encourage all learners to develop a sense of worth to reach their full potential to meet society's diverse needs.
Vision Statement
Together we learn for life
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Principal's Welcome Kennedy College of Further Education & Training has consistently met learners' educational needs and adult learners in the New Ross area for over forty years. From small beginnings in the Adult Education Department in Michael Street in the 1970's, the College has expanded its Further Education programme to meet the current needs and challenges of an evolving society. Kennedy College enjoys fruitful links with local businesses and industries through our work placement programmes, which provide valuable employment opportunities and experiences for our learners. By gaining the relevant qualifications, learners have been introduced to a range of employment opportunities in the areas of Healthcare, Information Technology, Office Administration, Tourism, Childcare and Horticulture. With excellent facilities available, including computer rooms, laboratories, workshops, a horticulturetunnel, and a greenhouse, many of our learners have achieved major QQI level 5 qualifications and have used these qualifications to progress to third-level education Universities and Institutesof Technology. Many of our learners progress to employment in work placements related to their courses. Each year, we review and modify our course structure to reflect our local community's needs and the challenges of the current economic climate. New courses and new modules are added when the demand presents itself. Our commitment to excellence in education has enabled us to deliver the highest teaching and learning standards in a caring, supportive and professional atmosphere. We offer flexibility in all our programmes, with full time and part-time options designed to cater to our learners' needs. I hope you find the following information helpful, and I wish you every success in your future studies.
Michael Weafer, Principal.
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PLC Coordinators' Welcome There are many pathways to a job and career success. Increasingly and especially in the present economic climate, up-skilling and further education and training are required. New Ross Vocational College of Further Education offers a variety of PLC courses, with each course designedto enhance your employment prospects and facilitate progression to further education. The work experience offered as an integral part of our PLC course keeps you attuned to the realities of modern business and industry. However, if you would like to progress to further studies in universities or Institutes of Technology, we will equip you with the skills necessary for academic life. Our PLC staff is highly qualified, enthusiastic and dedicated to high academic achievement in the context of a warm tutor - learner relationship. We can give you the kind of individual attention which will ensure your success. We welcome learners of all ages, abilities and nationalities, and we will endeavour to provide you with a supportive learning environment. We are continuously reviewing and developing our work practices to ensure a quality service for all our learners. Local Employers We are indebted to numerous local employers who offer Work Experience to our learners. Without their support, we would not function. What's New? We are privileged to be in a position to offer a QQI Level 6 Course - Early Childhood Care and Education as a continuous development to our existing Childcare Studies. Applicants must have completed a QQI Level 5 Childcare Course. To enhance all our potential graduates' employment and entrepreneurial prospects, we offer the QQI Level 5 Module in CareProvision and Practice. This module should equip learners with the necessary skills required when Caring for the Elderly. Thank you for your interest in our courses, and offer you a warm welcome and a quality training service at New Ross Vocational College of Further Education. Jim O'Connor PLC Coordinator
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Information for Learners Enrolment Availability of places on all our courses is reviewed annually and at the discretion of Kennedy College. Early application is advisable. Return your completed application form, available on the Kennedy College website, before the closing date outlined on the college admissions notice. Registration Day The Further Education & Training academic year commences with registration in September. All learners must be present. Learners will meet the Course Leader who will give you all the relevant information on your course, assessments, timetable and course fees. Fees Full registration fees in Kennedy College are €200. per academic year. The Government Levy €250 is also applicable to all Further Education & Training learners. Learners in receipt of social welfare payments or with a medical card and or successful SUSI grant applicants are exempt from paying the Government Levy Fee of €250. Mature Learners Applicants aged 23 years of age or over on January 1st of the year of entry to the course are considered "mature learners". Mature applicants are not required to present any previous exams results to gain admission to our programmes. Career Guidance Kennedy College offers a comprehensive Career support service that will help you explore career and further education plans. Learners who wish to progress to higher education are encouragedto explore the ever-expanding choice of links established with Irish Institutes of Technology and Universities. Those of you wishing to enter employment will be advised on opportunities both local and national.
Work Experience Work Experience forms an integral part of all our courses. You are expected to arrange yourown work placement. Work placement should be secured in October/November. In the event you experience difficulties, your Course Leader or PLC coordinator will assist with the issue. Interview/Assessment All Kennedy College applicants may be required to attend an interview and/or an English language proficiency assessment as part of the enrolment process. Learners will be informed of the requirements and details as appropriate.
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Special Educational Needs Kennedy College of Further Education & Training is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all. With this in mind, we will endeavour to provide all learners with the appropriate support and services to complete their chosen course of study successfully.
Attendance To ensure learners completing a full award or a component award are 'safe novices' when graduating from Kennedy College, a good pattern of attendance is essential. Any issues relating to attendance should be discussed with the coordinator. Policies Further Education & Training learners must accept and adhere to the relevant Kennedy College policies. All relevant policies are listed on the Kennedy College website. www.kennedycolleg.ie Additional Courses (Optional) Kennedy College offers learners an opportunity to upskill in various non-curricular areas such as manual and patient handling and Order of Malta first aid responders training. Additional courses are optional and carry a charge to participants.
Interview Skills Good interview skills are essential for learners entering the workforce or continuing onto further education. Kennedy College assists learners with interview techniques and skills and facilitates an external mock interview as part of the Communications module. Digital Literacy IT skills are an essential element of all workplaces and further education institutes. In recognition of the crucial role of IT skills in today's society, Kennedy College prioritises learners' IT skills development, ensuring learners are capable and competent in digital literacy when graduating from Kennedy College. Progression Routes All Kennedy College QQI level 5 courses have pre-existing and established progression routes. To find out more about the progression routes associated with any of the courses contained in this prospectus, please contact Ms Vanessa Murphy, the Further Education & Training coordinator.
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Quality and Qualifications Ireland QQI (Quality and Qualifications Ireland) is an independent state agency responsible for promoting quality and accountability in education and training services in Ireland. It was established in 2012 by the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012. QQI's role is to: • promote, maintain and develop the Irish National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), a 10-level framework for the development, recognition and awarding of qualifications in Ireland; • Approve programmes offered at a variety of schools, colleges and further and higher education and training institutions. These programmes lead to qualifications (QQI awards) listed in the NFQ, which are recognised internationally; • regulate and promote the quality of programmes offered by schools and colleges, leading toqualifications in the NFQ for the benefit of learners, employers and other interested parties; • Ensure that providers* offering national qualifications provide a positive, high-quality experience to international learners studying in Ireland. We will do this by authorising the International Education Mark (IEM); • Provide academic advice on recognising foreign qualifications in Ireland through NARIC Ireland's service – the National Academic Recognition Information Centre. We also provide advice on the recognition of Irish qualifications abroad; • inform the public about quality assured education and training programmes and qualifications through a database of programmes and a register of providers; • manage a national scheme for the quality assurance of English language services (Accreditation and Coordination of English Language Services - ACELS); • Advise the Minister for Education and Skills about national policy on quality assurance andimprovement in education and training. *source - www.qqi.ie Courses leading to QQI Awards consist of modules or components. All Kennedy College courses lead to a major QQI level 5 award.
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Useful Website: www.qqi.ie
National Framework of Qualifications
The National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) is a ten-level system and describes the Irish qualifications system. The 'fan diagram' helps to illustrate the levels on the NFQ. Each level is based on nationally agreed standards of knowledge, skill and competence, i.e. what an individual is expected to know, understand and be able to do following successful completion of a learning process. It is now the single structure mechanism for recognising all education and training in Ireland. You will see that all framework awards now have an NFQ Level (1-10), which tells you about the standard of learning and an NFQ Award Type which tells you about the purpose, volume and progression opportunities associated with a particular award. A key element of the NFQ is to improve access (entry) to education and training, transfer within and between education and training and progression within and between education and training. (NFQ 2014) Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) The objective of RPL is to facilitate access, transfer and progression of learners through the recognition of prior learning within the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). QQI encourages providers to facilitate as much as possible learners through the recognition of prior learning for the purposes of entry to programmes, exemptions from programme requirements, credit towards an award and eligibility for a full award within the NFQ.
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www.nfq.qqi.ie
SOLAS SOLAS is the State agency tasked with building a Further Education and Training (FET) sector to fuel Ireland's future. SOLAS was established in 2013 under the Further Education and Training Act as an agency of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. Solas work is guided by the Further Education and Training (FET) Strategy 2020-2024 and the SOLAS Corporate Plan. SOLAS manages a range of Further Education and Training programmes that enable learners to succeed in the labour market and thrive in society. Programmes include Apprenticeships, Traineeships, Skills to Advance, eCollege and the European Globalisation Fund.
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www.solas.ie
CAO The higher education institutions in the Republic of Ireland have delegated to CAO the task of processing applications centrally to their first-year undergraduate courses. The participating institutions retain the function of making decisions on admissions. CAO is required to deal with applications efficiently and fairly. The CAO is responsible for processing applications and recording acceptances for HEIs, but all decisions on admissions are made by the individual institutions and not CAO. Applicants are advised to confirm all progression opportunities and details of course entry requirements, including any additional requirements with the Admissions Office of individual institutions.
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www.cao.ie
Learner Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) Learner Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) is Ireland's national awarding authority for all further and higher education grants. SUSI offers funding to eligible learners, from school leavers to mature learners returning to education, in approved full-time third-level courses.
To be eligible for learner funding, you must meet the following Eligibility Criteria: • Residency and Nationality • Income • Maximum period of grant assistance available • Previous Education and Progression • Approved course in an approved institution. Select your learner type (for example, PLC Learner) from the buttons below to find out more. You will be classed as a Dependent, Mature Dependent or Independent learner. This will determine whose income is taken into account when calculating the reckonable household income on which you will be assessed to establish if you are eligible for funding. Remember, while some criteria are common across all categories of further and higher education, for example, Nationality, others are specific to your learner type and the type, of course, you wish to pursue. To find out the specific requirements for the type of learner you are, please visit https://susi.ie/
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www.susi.ie
CALENDAR OF EVENTS May-August *
Applications processed
* * * *
Registration. Courses commence, work placement starts. Grant applications processed. Projects, assignments etc., assigned to learners.
September
November - December * Continuous assessment - learners work on projects, assignments. * Graduation Ceremony * Closing date for Course fees is November 1st * Closing date for Exam fees is December 1st January - February *
February 1st: Closing date for CAO applicants. www.cao.ie
* *
Assignments, projects and work experience continue. Study week - no class contact.
*
Examinations.
* *
Exam results. Offers of College (3rd level) places.
March - April
April - May
August
Note:
Early application is recommended as places are offered on afirst-come, first-served basis.
Useful Websites: www.qualifax.ie and www.cao.ie Page | 14
Courses Horticulture
HORTICULTURE Duration:
1-year Full Time/2 years Part-Time.
Minimum Entry Requirements: - Leaving Certificate or equivalent - Mature Learners
Course Description:
This QQI Level 5 course will equip learners with recognised training, which will help them serve in various challenging positions in Horticulture's expanding and interesting field. It will also allow them to progress to further studies should they so wish.
Course Content:
Plant Science Plant Identification and Use Nursery Stock Production Soil and Crop Production Word Processing Communications Work Experience Health and Safety
Award:
Major Award QQI Level 5
Career Prospects:
Gardening, Fruit Production, Forestry.
Course Leader:
Mairead Dunne
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Early Learning & Care
Early Learning & Care (5M2009)
Duration:
1 Year Full Time
Minimum Entry Requirements:
Leaving Certificate or equivalent
Course Description:
**New September 2021** This QQI Level 5 course will equip learners with recognised training, which will help them serve in various challengingpositions in the expanding Childcare field and allow them to progress to further education.
Course Content:
Professional Practice Placement in Early Learning and Care Children's Rights, Legislation and Regulation Early Childhood Growth and Development Curriculum, Play and Creative Studies Understanding and Assisting Children with Additional Needs Holistic Care of Children (Birth to Six Years)
Work Experience:
Work experience is an integral part of the course. Work Experience is timetabled one day per week. It is recommended that learners source work placement during the first term.
Careers:
ECCE Settings Creches Nurseries Montessori settings
Award:
Major Award QQI Level 5
Course Leaders:
Mairead Breen, Ann Donoghue
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community Health Services
Community Health Services
COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES
Duration:
1 Year Full Time
Minimum Entry Requirements:
- Leaving Certificate or equivalent
Course Description:
This QQI Level 5 course enables learners to enhance a range of healthcare skills required for employment and further education in the healthcare sector.
Course Content:
Safety & Health at Work Infection Prevention & Control Child Development Early Childhood Education & Play Care of the Older Person Communications Special Needs Work Experience Social Studies
Work Experience:
Work experience is an integral part of the course. Work Experience is timetabled one day per week. It is recommended that learners source work placement during the first term.
Careers:
Health Care Assistants Disability Care Nursing Home Care Hospital Care Assistant
Award:
Major Award QQI Level 5
Course Leader
Mairead Breen
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Office Administration
OFFICE ADMINISTRATION (5M1997)
Duration:
1 Year Full Time.
Minimum Entry Requirements:
Leaving Certificate or equivalent
Description:
This QQI Level 5 course will equip learners with recognised training, which will help them serve in various challenging positions in Secretarial and Office Administration environments. Learners will be enabled todevelop a high level of computer and office skills.
Course Content:
Funds Administration Accounting - Manual & Computerised Communications Computer Applications French Information and Administration Text ProductionWordprocessing Work Experience
Award:
Major Award QQI Level 5
Employment:
Banking, Civil Service, Tourism, Local Authorities, Industry.
Course Leaders:
Fiona Connick, Ann Donoghue
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Information Processing
INFORMATION PROCESSING (5M2067)
Duration: Minimum Entry Requirements:
Course Description:
1 Year Full Time / 2 Years Part Time Leaving Certificate or equivalent
This QQI Level 5 course enables learners to become proficient in a wide range of computer skills. The course canhelp learners secure employment in the computer industry or progress to Third Level Education's IT courses.
Course Content:
Database Methods Information and Communication SystemsSpreadsheet Methods Desktop PublishingWeb Authoring Word Processing Statistics Work Experience Communications
Award: Careers: Course Leader:
Major Award QQI Level 5 Banking, IT, Civil Service, Tourism, Local Authorities, Industry. Mary Cushen
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Healthcare Service Skills
Healthcare Services Skills Duration:
1 Year Full Time
Minimum Entry Requirements:
Leaving Certificate or equivalent
Course Description:
This QQI Level 5 course enables learners to enhance a range of healthcare skills required for employment and further education in the healthcare sector.
Course Content:
Safety & Health at Work Infection Prevention & Control Care Skills Care Support Care of the Older Person Communications Human Growth & Development Work Experience Palliative Care
Work Experience:
Work experience is an integral part of the course. Work Experience is timetabled one day per week. It is recommended that learners source work placement during the first term.
Award:
Major Award QQI Level 5
Careers:
Course Leader:
Health Care Assistant Home Care Hospital Care Assistant
Mairead Breen
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Nursing Studies
Nursing Studies
Duration:
1 Year
Minimum Entry Requirements: Leaving Certificate or equivalent
Course Description:
This QQI Level 5 course enables learners to enhance a range of care and nursing skills required for employment and further education in the nursing field.
Course Content Anatomy & Physiology Human Growth & Development Nursing Theory & Practice Care of the Older Person CommunicationsCare Skills Infection Prevention & Control Palliative Care Support Work Experience Work Experience:
Award:
Work experience is an integral part of the course. Work Experience is timetabled one day per week. It is recommended that learners source work placement during the first term.
Major Award QQI Level 5
Careers: Pathway to Nursing Health Care Assistant Hospital Care Assistant Home Care Course Leader:
Mairead Breen
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Retail Practice
Retail Practice CDL ADVANCED DATABASE Duration:
1 Year
Minimum Entry Requirements: Leaving Certificate or equivalent Course Description:
This QQI Level 5 course enables learners to become proficient in a wide range of customer and retail skills. The course may assist graduates in securing employment in the retail industry.
Course Content:
Retail Selling Customer Service Retail Security Communications Digital Marketing Marketing Practice Database Methods Safety & Health at Work Retail Display
Award
Major Award QQI Level 5
Careers:
Retail Office Administratiuon Human Resources Shop Assistant Retail Management
Course Leaders:
Fiona Connick, Ann Donoghue
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Sport, Recreating & Exercise
Sport, Recreation and Exercise
Duration:
1 Year
Minimum Entry Requirements: Leaving Certificate or equivalent Course Description:
This QQI Level 5 course enables learners to become proficient in a wide range of coaching and mentoring roles. The course may assist graduates in securing employment in the Health and Fitness industry.
Course Content:
Exercise & Fitness Sports Anatomy & Physiology Safety & Health at Work Communications Word Processing Business Administration Work Experience Sport & Recreation Studies
Award:
Major Award QQI Level 5
Careers:
Sport & Leassure Facilities Gyms Sports Clubs Coaching
Course Leader:
Wayne Fletcher
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