Portmarnock Community School Information Evening for Parents Guardians

Portmarnock Community School Information Evening for Parents / Guardians of 6 th Year Students Bill Core Guidance Counsellor

Outline of Presentation Welcome Introductory Points n n 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Understanding the NFQ Further Education Sector Higher Education U. C. A. S. Option H. E. A. R. & D. A. R. E. Other Options

Introductory Points n n n Caution against entering Direct Full-time Employment During periods of economic downtime Education can act as a safety net / buffer There is a course out there for everyone they just have to find it!

National Framework Of Qualifications The National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)

Education & Training Levels 10 HETAC Doctorate 9 HETAC Masters 8 HETAC Degree (Hons) 7 HETAC Degree (Ord. ) 6 FETAC L 6 5 FETAC / SEC Leaving Cert 4 FETAC / SEC Leaving Cert 3 SEC Junior Cert 2 1 HND Higher Certificate

Options After School 2 nd Level Further Education Sector Level 5 & 6 (FETAC) Higher Education Sector Level 6, 7 , 8 HETAC/Other e. g. Apprenticeships

Post Leaving Certificate Courses – What are they? n n Post Leaving Certificate Courses are one and two year courses that lead to a F. E. T. A. C. Awards which can offer direct entry into employment or an alternative route into higher level education Allow students to study a programme in which they have expressed an interest in while also providing links to higher/further education. Programmes have a strong vocational element and all have a work experience component.

Benefits of Post Leaving Certificate Courses n n n Small classes and support services Generally Free Cheaper option than doing wrong university course for a year Wide diversity of course choices Only one or two years long with certification on completion Gain confidence and maturity

Colleges of Further Education (Levels 5 & 6) n n n n n n Ballsbridge College of Further Education * Ballyfermot College of Further Education * Colaiste Dhulaigh * Dundrum College of Further Education * Crumlin College of Further Education * Dun Laoire College of Further Education * Grange Community College Greenhills College of Further Education Inchicore College of Further Education * Killester College of Further Education * Kylemore College of Further Education Pearse College of Further Education * Plunket College of Further Education * Rathmines College of Further Education * Ringsend College of Further Education Sallynoggin College of Further Education * Senior College Dun Laoire St Tiernan’s Community School St Kevin’s College Stillorgan College of Further Education * Whitehall College of Further Education *

Post Leaving Certificate Course Application n n n No centralised system Apply directly to each college Application Form online PPS No & School Roll No 91324 P Apply in early January Interviews in March

The CAO Progression Route Within the CAO System PLC students can gain entry to third level courses if they do very well in their FETAC Qualification

What are the progression routes available to PLC students? PLC students can apply through CAO using FETAC level 5/6 award as an entry requirement or with Leaving Certificate OR Students who hold a FETAC Level 6 or BTEC Higher National Diploma award, can make an application to universities and colleges in Ireland UK, for Advanced Entry into related courses. That is, entry into a year other than first year.

Two Routes same Destination PLC College / FETAC Leaving Certificate Employment Degrees University / I. of T. CAO

A Ladder of Progression Postgraduate Level 9 Honours Degree Level 8 Ordinary Degree Level 7 Higher Certificate Level 6 Accredited Modules on PLC Leaving Cert/ FETAC

C. A. O. n n Entry Requirements and the Points System. How to Make an Application. How places are allocated by C. A. O. What happens after an application is submitted.

It is the applicants responsibility to: n Research thoroughly all the courses for which he/she is making application: n n Course code, content, requirements, fees, restrictions, duration, award, options, etc. Be au fait with all aspects of the application system used (CAO) for these courses: n Procedures, instructions, dates, fees, etc.

Useful Resources To assist with course research / application Publications n n College Prospectuses – 2012 Entry CAO Handbook 2012 Newspapers n n The Irish Times Ø Tuesdays Education Section Ø January Special CAO College Supplement Series of daily articles-Brian Mooney The Independent Ø CAO Articles - Mary O’Donnell – Every Wednesday

People n n n Relatives Past pupils Admissions/Academic staff of colleges (email anytime) Guidance Counsellor n Access to information & advice

Websites n n n n n www. portmarnockcommunityschool. ie (Under School Resources) www. qualifax. ie www. careersportal. ie www. careerdirections. ie www. accesscollege. ie (HEAR, DARE) www. cao. ie (College Applications) www. hpat-ireland. acer. edu. au (Medicine) www. studentfinance. ie (Grants) www. examinations. ie (Exams info) Colleges websites

CAO – General Info. n n Centralised application system for 45 Irish 3 rd level institutions, including 6 fee-paying colleges. Every 6 th year should now have a CAO Application Pack which includes: n n 2012 CAO Handbook – application and course information Paper application form Application fee bank giro form Application Dates and Fees Paper Application Fee Closing Date Normal € 45 1 February 2012 (5. 15 pm) Late € 90 1 May 2012 (5. 15 pm) Online Application Fee Closing Date Early Discounted € 35 20 January 2012 (5. 15 pm) Normal € 45 1 February 2012 (5. 15 pm) Late € 70 1 May 2012 (5. 15 pm) Change of Mind No Fee 1 July 2012 (5. 15 pm)

Universities x 8 (Level 8’s ) n n n n TCD UCD DCU NUI Maynooth & Pontifical University UCC UL NUIG

Institutes of Technology x 14 (Levels 6, 7 & 8) n n n n Dublin Institute of Technology Athlone Institute of Technology Cork Institute of Technology Dundalk Institute of Technology Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technolog Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown Institute of Technology, Carlow Institute of Technology, Sligo Institute of Technology, Tallaght Institute of Technology, Tralee Letterkenny Institute of Technology Limerick Institute of Technology Waterford Institute of Technology

Colleges of Education n n n The Church of Ireland College of Education Froebel College of Education Maynooth Coláiste Mhuire, Marino Institute of Education St. Patrick’s College of Education St. Angela’s College Sligo (Home Economics) Mary Immaculate College Limerick Mater Dei Institute *( R. E. & Hist/Eng/Music)

Fee Paying Colleges n n n n n Griffith College Dublin / Cork / Limerick American College Dublin Business School Grafton College of Management and Science Independent College Dublin National Counselling & Psychotherapy Institute of Ireland Institute of Business & Technology Swords ICD Business School On average € 5, 000 Per Annum 20% Tax back ( currently)

CAO – General Info. n n These are applied for on 2 separate lists on a single form: Level 6 & 7 Courses Level 8 Courses Ordinary Degrees (7) Higher Certificates (6) Honours Degrees (8) Up to 10 Course Choices The courses are clearly labelled in the CAO Handbook N. B. – Care must be taken with courses marked ‘Restricted’. These courses cannot normally be applied for after February 1 st due to extra assessments required.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS These must be satisfied before “points” are considered. Minimum Entry Requirements E. g. UCD n Pass 6 subjects n At least 2 HC 3 n Pass in: Irish b English b Another Language b Mathematics b Specific Subject Requirements E. g. s Engineering(TCD) n HC 3 Maths Veterinary Medicine(UCD) n HC 3 Chemistry French (NUIM) n HC 3 French If all Entry Requirements are met applicant is deemed ‘Qualified’ to apply.

POINTS SYSTEM Generally in the CAO system No. of qualified applicants > No. of course places --> selection system is needed. Selection system used in Irish 3 rd Level Colleges is POINTS SYSTEM Points are calculated from ONE sitting of the Leaving Certificate only. n Points total is calculated from SIX best subjects n Entry Requirements can be satisfied over more than one sitting of the Leaving Certificate n

Points System n n Points are set by the pupils of each year Minimum points are those of the last person accepted onto the course n Supply and Demand - not quality of course n There is no such thing as ‘wasting points’

POINTS ALLOCATION Grade A 1 A 2 Honours 100 90 Ordinary 60 50 B 1 B 2 B 3 85 80 75 45 40 35 C 1 C 2 C 3 70 65 60 30 25 20 D 1 D 2 D 3 55 50 45 15 10 5

Honours Maths Extra 25 Points Procedure n n Convert all seven grades into points Add 25 to your Honours Maths score if its D 3 or Higher Then select your best six scores If Honours Maths is not one of the best six the 25 points don’t count !

Making an application n n Applications can be made online or by paper form – use one method only. (€ 10 charge if 2 applications sent) Always keep proof of sending application: online – print courses screen, paper – obtain certificate of post. 2 steps: (a) Create Application Account, (b) Log in and enter details. www. cao. ie Apply & My Application **VERY IMPORTANT** Students must fill out both course lists in: Genuine Order of Preference n They shouldn’t put down courses on the basis of predictions of next years cut off points or their own points scores.

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So – what is the best way to fill in the courses? 1 2 Dream Courses 3 4 5 6 Realistic Courses 7 8 9 10 Failsafe Courses

Places Allocation Note: n n The position of a course in a student’s preference order does not in any way affect their chance of getting a place on that course. The exact same procedure takes place for both lists on the form, hence students may get 2 offers in August – one from each list, may accept only one. Students should think carefully about not accepting one of these offers, as they may not receive any further offers. Regardless of whether or not they accept a course in round 1, they will still be offered a higher preference course in subsequent rounds if they become entitled one.

After Making Application n n (Paper) Receive CAO number and Statement of Course Choices – check this carefully. (Online) Students receive CAO number online and use ‘My Application’ to check over their application details. n May make changes to courses up to March 1 st n Some students may be called for extra assessments. n Receive Statement of Application Record – check details carefully. If a student doesn’t receive their Statements by the dates mentioned contact CAO immediately – there could be a problem ! n Change of Mind facility becomes available – use sparingly and carefully, especially after exams n Leaving Cert. Results are sent to CAO. n Places are allocated and offered by post and online. n Students accept, reject or defer offered places. n Further rounds of offers are made until all course places are filled.

CAO TIMETABLE 2012 ENTRY n n n n n 20 th January, 2012 n Closing date for receipt of early online applications 1 st February, 2012 n Closing date for receipt of normal applications 5 th February to 1 st March, 2012 n Courses may be changed online including ‘restricted’ Before/By 21 st February, 2012 n Receive Statement of Course Choices (paper applicants) 1 st May, 2012 n Closing date for receipt of late applications Early May, 2012 st n Change of mind forms may be sent. (online - May 1 ) Before/By 31 st May, 2012 n Receive Statement of Application Record 1 st July, 2012 n Latest date for receipt of change of mind form in CAO. Monday 20 th August, 2012 (provisional date) n First round of offers will commence.

Vacant Places Facility n n Where there are Available Places/Vacant Places in specific courses, H. E. I. ’s (Higher Education Institutions) will advertise these on the CAO website. Before making an “Available Place/Vacant Place” application, those matching the description “Restricted Categories of Applicant” on Page 3 of the CAO handbook should first consult with the Admissions Office of the HEI concerned.

Cost of Higher Education n n No tuition fees but… Student Services charge € 2000 If more than one in college it is € 1500 If you have to repeat a year you have to pay full fees for the repeat year Special Top Up Grant for People who are living exclusively on social welfare

In Summary Research courses thoroughly n Apply by January 20 th n Apply online n Pay by debit/credit card n Put courses in order of preference n Obtain / retain proof of application n Be careful with change of mind n

Tips for Success n n n n n Study an area of innate interest Work ? Study balance 10 hours per week Attendance vital - Lectures, tutorials, practicals Get involved Clubs and Societies Take Opportunity to TRAVEL Keep Communication Channels open If you need Help ask and you will get it ! 5, 000 Students reapply to CAO annually Not everyone gets it right first time Its ok to leave (before January 30 th useful)

Entry to Medicine 2012 n n n n n Aptitude Test called HPAT-Ireland HPAT worth 300 Points 5 Colleges Cost € 95 Register by 20 th January @ 17: 15 hrs Test date 25 th February Results 25 th April Scores can be used for 2 years i. e. for admission in 2012 & 2013 Information on www. cao. ie www. hpat-ireland. acer. edu. au

Medicine - Entry Requirements Minimum Leaving Cert Points 480 Successful applicants 2009 CAO points 520 - 600 HPAT scores 153 - 225 1 st time Leaving Cert 83% (59% 2008) n No significant results from special courses

Medicine Entry Cont’d… n n The maximum possible adjusted points score for applicants to Medicine will increase from 560 to 565 because of Bonus Points for H. L. Maths. For all scores over 550, each 5 point band equals one extra point.

UCAS Universities & Colleges Admissions Service

Why apply to UCAS - courses Generally speaking the following are the course areas which Irish students tend to apply to through UCAS: n Medicine – Peninsula, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Edinburgh n Dentistry – Glasgow, Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield n Veterinary – Liverpool, Bristol, Glasgow, Edinburgh n Physiotherapy – Newcastle, Manchester, Robert Gordon, Cardiff n Speech Therapy – Strathclyde, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Cardiff n Pharmacy – Robert Gordon-Aberdeen, Strathclyde, Cardiff, Keele n Architecture – Cardiff, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Robert Gordon n Primary Teaching – Newman, Strawberry Hill, Liverpool JM, Edge Hill, Aberdeen

Making an Application Fees for 2012 n England, Northern Ireland Wales n n Scotland n n Fees of up to £ 9000 No fees The above does not include accommodation, living or travel expenses. If living in college residences expect to pay in the region of £ 3000 to £ 4000 per year, self-catering.

Wales n The Welsh Government will allow Welsh students a maximum fee loan of £ 3, 465 plus a new fee grant to account for the balance of the actual fee charged (up to £ 9 k) wherever they study in the UK and for EU students planning to study in Wales only. This means that the subsidy will vary depending on what the institution charges, eg, if an institution charges £ 7 k, the fee grant will be £ 3, 535. Welsh domiciled and EU students will therefore pay the same fees as other students for the course at their chosen institution, but will receive assistance from the Welsh Government towards the costs.

Differences between UCAS/CAO n n n UCAS CAO UCAS CAO UCAS 5 choices – 4 if medicine 10 Level 8, 10 Level 6/7 in order of preference Up to 5 conditional offers Offers once results known No change of mind facility

Important Dates n 15 th October for Oxford/Cambridge or medicine, veterinary, dentistry n From 1 st September n Deadline 15 th January

Grants Available for Further and Higher Education n n n Eligibility EU Nationality or Other Means Tested: Parental Income & Number of Dependents You can apply online For information see: www. studentfinance. ie (one stop shop !) www. qualifax. ie See Grant Calculator www. citizensinformation. ie/en/education/third_level_education/fees_and_supports_for_third_level_education /maintenance_grant_schemes_for_students_on_third_level_courses. html

Nationality and Immigration Status n n n Be a national of an EU member state or an EEA member state or Switzerland Or Other… Be a family member of one of the above, with permission to remain in the State as a family member of such person under the European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) Regulations 2006 and 2008 and EU Treaty rights provisions or Have refugee status or Have been granted humanitarian leave to remain in the State (foreign nationals granted leave to remain under the Irish Born Child scheme - IBC/05 are not eligible) or Be eligible for subsidiary protection or have been granted leave to remain under the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (pdf) or Have permission to remain following a determination not to make a deportation order or Have permission to remain in the State by virtue of marriage to, or civil partnership with, an Irish national living here or be the dependent child of a person with such permission

Income limits for maintenance grant and full fee grant The family income limits for eligibility for a maintenance grant in 2011/2012 are set out below. These limits also qualify you in respect of the fee grant (if you are otherwise eligible). Number of Full Dependent Maintenance Children Part Maintenance 75% 50% 25% Fewer than 4 € 41, 110 € 42, 235 € 44, 720 € 47, 205 4 -7 € 45, 165 € 46, 415 € 49, 145 € 51, 880 Eight or € 49, 045 € 50, 400 53, 360 more € 56, 320

Income limits for partial fee grant The family income limits for eligibility for a partial fee grant in 2011/2012 are set out below. Number of dependent children 50% student contribution only Fewer than 4 50% tuition fees and 100% student contribution € 51, 380 4 to 7 € 56, 460 € 61, 440 8 or more € 61, 295 € 66, 700 € 55, 920

Typical Documentation Required n n n n n Original Birth Certificate Offer of Place in College, if available If PAYE Income: P 21 - i. e. PAYE Balancing Statement P 60 for each employment P 45 If employment ceased Notice of Assessment, Accounts, Social Welfare Statements, Interest Certificates If Self-Employed - Notice of Assessment, Accounts If receiving Social Welfare - Social Welfare Statement Interest on Deposit Interest Certificates

Higher Education Access Route – HEAR n National Agreed Criteria for all students n Online application n 1 st February – closing date 1 st April – supplementary information to CAO www. accesscollege. ie

The Higher Education Access Route Official Definition n Higher Education Access Route is an admissions route for school leavers from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. It was established to increase the number of students who traditionally do not go to third level. The research shows that socio-economic disadvantage has a negative impact on educational attainment.

HEAR open to all school leavers in 2012

What colleges participate? • Dublin City University • Dublin Institute of Technology • University College Cork • University College Dublin • University of Limerick • NUI Galway • Froebel College of Education • NUI Maynooth • Coláiste Mhuire, Marino Institute of • Trinity College Dublin Education • Church of Ireland, College of Education • Mary Immaculate College • Mater Dei Institute of Education • St. Angela’s College, Sligo • St. Patrick’s College, Drumcondra

Who should apply? Your family income must meet the HEAR 2012 Income Threshold determined by: èHow many children are in your family; èHow many people in your family are in full time education; èYour family’s total income. No. of Dependent Children HEAR 2012 Income Threshold Less than 4 € 48, 811 4 - 7 € 53, 637 8 or more € 58, 230 Additional € 4, 980 allowed for family members in full time higher or further education

How do you make an application? n n Apply online at www. cao. ie by 1 February 2012 Supply supporting documents to CAO by 1 April 2012

Why apply? n n Reduced points CAO offers in the participating HEIs provided you matriculate and meet minimum entry requirements Post-entry supports such as academic, social, personal and financial (where available)

How are application processed? Financial Indicators: è Indicator 1: The family income falls within the HEAR 2012 Income Threshold è Indicator 2: The family has a Medical Card/GP Visit Card è Indicator 3: The family receives a means tested social assistance payment Social & Cultural Indicators: è Indicator 4: You come from a socio-economic group under-represented in H. E. è Indicator 5: You have attended a DEIS school for 5 or more years è Indicator 6: The family lives in an area of urban or rural disadvantage

All students must meet the HEAR 2012 Income Threshold (Indicator 1) + 2 other indicators INDICATOR 1 plus 2 plus 4 or 5 or 6 INDICATOR 1 plus 3 plus 4 or 5 or 6 INDICATOR 1 plus 4 plus 5 or 6

D. A. R. E. n Not giving an advantage rather eliminating disadvantage n 12 colleges n Points reduction and quota n Access to a variety of supports n Application made as part of CAO n Disclose you have a disability n Directed to S. I. F. ( Supplementary Information Form) n Indicate you wish to apply for DARE n Post Proof by April 1 st to CAO n Personal Statement 300 words applicants tells their own experience of the disability n Decision in June - Appeal facility available n Documentation not completed by correct consultant is main reason for ineligibility and also failure to adhere to deadlines n See: www. accesscollege. ie

Other Options Apprenticeships n Defence Forces n Other Training Institutions n Direct to Employment n

FÁS Apprenticeships n n n Apprentice finds employer recognised by FÁS Look out for job advertisements in local/national press e. g. ESB and Aer Lingus, Cadburys etc Be active – send out CV’s Ensure employer registers apprenticeship with FÁS Pre-apprenticeship courses e. g. Dun Laoire C. F. E.

FÁS Apprenticeships n Training is skills based and takes 3 to 4 years n Trainees receive a wage/training allowance n “On the job training” with the employer and academic training at a FÁS centre or educational college – 7 phases n Minimum educational standard for entry v Junior Cert v Age 16 v Many employers like/require a Leaving Cert

Defence Forces n n Air Corp Army Naval Service Army Equitation n n Leaving Certificate Medical Visit www. military. ie They are currently not recruiting !

Other Training Institutions (examples) n Teagasc Agricultural Horticultural Forestry n RACE Jockey Apprenticeship n n Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) Fishing Fish Farming Private Colleges, e. g. Portobello, Dorset Colleges, Pulse Sound Recording

Direct to employment n n n Garda Siochana Defence Forces Banks Finance Building Societies Insurance n n n →See www. fás. ie and local/national press n n General Office Work Service Industries e. g. retail, hospitality Civil Service Local Authorities Call centres

Thank You for your attention Questions?