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Billy Ryle says students should, by all means, celebrate their Leaving Cert results on Wednesday, but keep a close eye on the critical timeline…
Billy Ryle.
The eagerly awaited Leaving Cert exam results will be issued this Wednesday by the State Examinations Commission (SEC) and will dovetail nicely with the beginning of the Rose of Tralee Festival.
So celebrate your achievement, but during the next few weeks carefully consider your options and keep a close eye on the important deadlines to be met in order to secure a place on your course preference.
The early indications are that Leaving Cert results achieved in Kerry are very good, so offers of third level college places will flood into the region on Monday, 22nd August, when the first round of college offers is issued by the Central Applications Office (CAO).
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TIMELINE
• Leaving Cert results will be available early in schools on Wednesday morning and, from 12noon, online at www.examinations.ie
• CAO Round One offers and points requirements will be available from 6am on Monday 22nd August at www.cao.ie
• To view your marked Leaving Cert exam scripts, return your completed application form to your school by Tuesday, 23rd August
• The CAO vacant places facility opens on Tues., 23rd Aug. at www.cao.ie
• Accept CAO Round One offer by 5.15pm on Monday, 29th August
• CAO Round Two offers and points requirements will be available from 6am on Thursday, 1st September at www.cao.ie
• Viewing of marked scripts will be held on Friday, 2nd September from 6.00pm to 9.00pm (Session 1), Saturday, 3rd September from 9.00am to 12.00 noon (Session 2) and Saturday, 3rd September from 2.00pm to 5.00 pm (Session 3).
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• Accept CAO Round Two offer by 5.15pm on Wed., 7th September at www.cao.ie
• Closing date for receipt by SEC of Leaving Cert appeal applications is Wednesday, 7th September. The appeal fee is €40 (LC) or €15.50 (LCA) per subject.
• Results of Leaving Cert subject appeals will be released in Mid-October.
Many Post Leaving Cert (PLC) courses still have vacancies. The majority of PLC courses are offered at Level 5. A number are offered at Level 6 and the entire list of PLC courses can be found on www.qualifax.ie.
If you are interested in undertaking an apprenticeship or a traineeship, register at your local Training Centre. Check the Solas website, www.solas.ie, or Kerry Education and Training Board website, www.kerryetb.ie, for further information.
If you are attracted to a career at the craft level of work in the hotel, catering and tourism industry make contact with Failte Ireland, www.fáilteireland.ie.
If a career in agriculture and horticulture appeals to you, then make contact with Teagasc, which provides a variety of courses in the agricultural and horticultural areas. Teagasc website address is www.teagasc.ie.
An increasing number of young people are now availing of a year out after the Leaving Cert in order to gain work experience or to travel. A year out is a maturing experience and allows an extra year to make the transition from second level education.
If you feel that your results don’t adequately reflect your ability, it is well worth considering a return to school to repeat the exam. Most repeat students considerably increase their points. A more competitive result in the Leaving Cert Exam might be in your best interests in the long run.
If you have any concerns about your results or if you need some advice, avail of the confidential help line which is staffed by Guidance Counsellors, providing advice and guidance for candidates and their parents.
The help line operates on Wednesday 17th August (10am-7pm), Thursday, 18th August (10am–7pm) and Friday, 19th August (10am-1pm) following the release of Leaving Cert results. The help line will also be available on Monday, 22nd August (8am-7pm), Tuesday,23rd August (8am-7pm) and Wednesday, 24th August (8am-1pm) following the release of CAO offers. The free phone number is 1800 265 165 and the email address is helpline@npcpp.ie.
So, even though it will be a great relief when the waiting is over and you have your Leaving Cert results in your hand, don’t take your eye off the ball. Be aware of the timeline and take the appropriate steps to finalise your next move. Good luck to all candidates, who are receiving Leaving Cert results.
• Billy Ryle is a Career Guidance Counsellor and freelance writer
