2020/2021 6TH Year Parents Information Booklet - Coláiste na Mí

6TH Year Parents
Information Booklet

 2020/2021

    Johnstown Educational Campus

             Johnstown

               Navan

              Co Meath

     Email: colaistenami@lmetb.ie

         Phone: 046 9012 130

Dear Parent,

This booklet has been created as a guide to the parents of our Leaving Certificate
students to help them on their Career Journey.

As you are well aware, this year is an extremely important year for your child and
Parents serve as a major influence in their children’s career development and career
decision- making. Parents want their children to find happiness and success in life and
one factor which influences happiness and success is career choice.

Things a parent can do to help:

   •    Read up on the relevant courses, requirements, points and course descriptors on
        the Qualifax and Careers Portal websites. From an adult perspective you may
        have some questions that your child has overlooked.
   •    Make sure your son/daughter goes to some Open Days / evenings / talks. Due to
        covid this may not be possible but most colleges are providing virtual
        experiences online.
   •    If possible introduce your son/daughter to someone currently doing the
        course/working in the career area of interest to them.
   •    Look at the list of proposed courses and find out if your son/daughter has
        researched each course thoroughly. Any course that has not been thoroughly
        researched should not be on the list.
   •    What is the backup plan if the predicted results do not happen?
   •    Be aware of the risks of achieving certain grades in subjects, in particular
        English and Maths. A H7 (Higher) (30 – 39%) is now accepted for many
        matriculation requirements and carries a point value of 37 points. However an
        O7 (Ordinary) (30 – 39%) does not meet matriculation requirements and does
        not have any point value.
   •    Start organising and gathering information that will be required for applications
        to HEAR/DARE/SUSI grants etc.
   •    Be aware of Key dates and deadlines. These can be found on the CAO website.
   •    Attend Parent/Teacher meetings (if possible).
   •    Remember parental advice is invaluable, but school leavers must make their own
        particular career choices.
   •    Encourage students to ask questions in school

        Kind regards,

       Iníon Shore and Iníon Clinton
       Guidance Counsellors

Contents
 1.      Key dates / deadlines to remember
   1.1 Class of 2020 statistics

 2.     New Leaving Certificate Grading / CAO points
   system

 3.    Scholarships / Bursaries

 4.    Accommodation

 5.    Fees

 6.    SUSI

 7.    D.A.R.E Scheme

 8.    H.E.A.R Scheme

 9.    Further Education Route (PLC)

 10.   Apprenticeships

 11.   Contact Information

 12.   Our new CNM guidance website

1. Key Dates to remember
  (Please see relevant Universities / Colleges for other Open days/ evenings or
                                     changes)

            Date                               What?
 5 of November
  th
                     CAO online application opens
 2020
 14November          UCD virtual open day
 20/21st November    DCU virtual open day

 27th/28th           Maynooth University virtual Open Day
 November
 25th November       NCAD Open day.
 5th December        T.U Open day
 January 15TH        UCAS entry deadline for most undergrads
 2021

 20 January 2021
       th
                     Apply to CAO online by this date to avail of the discounted
                     application fee of €30.
 28th Jan-7th Feb    Leaving Cert Mock Exams
 2020
 1 February 2021
  st
                     Closing date for CAO application and deadline for restricted
                     courses.
 1 February 2021
  st
                     Deadline to Tick on CAO form if you are applying to HEAR
                     / DARE
                     Yes to Q1 in the SIF should be ticked if they want to be
                     included in the DARE scheme.
 February 2021       HPAT Test - Undergraduate Entry to Medicine

 1 March 2021
  st
                     Closing date for final completions of the online HEAR/DARE
                     application form. For DARE:
                     1. As part of your CAO application you must indicate that
                     you have a disability.
                     2. Closing date for completion of Section A of the SIF.
                     3.If you wish to be considered for the DARE scheme you
                     must indicate this on the fully completed SIF/DARE form
                     by ticking “Yes” to Question 1 by 17:15 on 1st March.

March 2021          CAO will acknowledge receipt of your online HEAR/DARE
                    application by email and remind you that your application is
                    not complete until you submit your supporting documents.
15th March 2021     Latest date for HEAR supporting documents to arrive in
                    CAO. Signed with name and CAO number
                    Latest date for DARE supporting documents (Educational
                    Impact Statement & Section C) to arrive in CAO. Both
                    sections must be completed, signed and stamped.
                    Always send by registered post
April 2020          SUSI grant application will open. Deadline is June.

1ST May 2021        Online change of mind opens

Before the end of   CAO Statement of Application Record sent to all applicants.
May                 (Contact CAO if you do not receive it)
End of June 2021    Applicants notified of outcome of HEAR/DARE Application;
                    HEAR/DARE Review and Appeals process opens.
1st July 2021       Change of mind facility closes

Mid –August 2021    Current year Leaving Certificate results issued.
TBD                 Round 1 offers issued - applicants receive an offer by
                    post, by e-mail and SMS text.
                    Applicants who have not received an offer will receive a
                    Statement of Application Record.
TBD                 Round 1 Acceptances closing date (17:15).
                    Acknowledgement of Acceptances posted within 3 working
                    days.
TBD                 Round 2 offers issued.
TBD                 HEIs begin registration

Class of 2020. Where are they now?

A chart representing where the class of 2020 have progressed to. Over 95% of students are in
further training whether it be University. PLC colleges, apprenticeships or other.

2. New Leaving Certificate Grading/CAO Points system (2017+)

3. Scholarships/Bursaries
(There are many available. Information available on each HEI website)

The Naughton Scholarships are a scheme of scholarships to promote the study
of engineering, science and technology at third level by students in
Ireland. Each year from February to May Leaving Certificate students can
apply for a scholarship if they intend on studying science, engineering or
technology at third level that year.
We are particularly interested in students applying to study STEM (Science,
Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) related subjects rather than the
more practical sciences (Medicine, Nursing, Veterinary, Physiotherapy etc.). All
applications are reviewed in August each year and the winners of scholarships
are notified in September. Please see https://www.thenaughtonfoundation.com/

LYIT: REACH Bursary.

LYIT has established a Bursary Scheme (REACH) to support and facilitate
students wishing to complete an undergraduate programme in the academic year
2018/2019. REACH is targeting students who might not progress onto third
level due to having a disability or lacking the financial wherewithal to
participate. For more information go to
https://www.lyit.ie/gateways/prospectivestudents/scholarships/

Sports Scholarships

Today, universities are happy to reward talent on the pitch as well as in the
classroom. Sporting scholarships are now offered in almost every third level
institution in Ireland, giving students who excel at their chosen sport the
chance to continue playing at a high level during their education.

A scholarship can only be received after the student has secured a course place
through the CAO process. The terms and benefits of these scholarships vary
from college to college. However, in order to keep these privileges, the student
has certain responsibilities. They must attend weekly trainings, maintain their
course work and promote their sport within the university.

   •   Trinity College Dublin requires applicants to demonstrate the capacity to
       play at county, national or international level. Preference is given to the
       college’s main sports; rowing, rugby, G.A.A., hockey, Olympic and
       Paralympic sports. Applications for other sports are examined case by
       case. Successful students will receive financial support of up to €3500
       among other benefits.

•   DCU: Under its ‘Elite Athlete Development Programme’ DCU offer up to
    €3,000 in support services. Prospective applicants must at least play at
    senior club level and if awarded, students are expected to maintain
    commitment to training and competitions as well as contributing to
    coaching and administration. The closing date for 2020/21 applicants is
    usually 1st July 2021 (but 1st December 2020 for G.A.A. sports).
•   D.I.T’s ‘Elite Athlete Support Programme’ is also only eligible to those
    who have played for interprovincial (inter-county for G.A.A.) or
    international teams. Applications will usually not be taken after Friday
    26th May 2018.
•   Maynooth University. Taking a different approach, they have individual
    requirements in rugby, soccer, golf, GAA and snooker. Students wishing
    to apply for scholarships in any other sport must have competed at an
    international level to be eligible. The live line for applications opens soon
    and will close on the 1st April 2021
•   Waterford IT offer their scholarships at three levels: gold, silver and
    bronze depending upon the individual’s potential and vary in value from
    €3,000 to €8,000. Those applying for rugby or soccer scholarships will be
    specifically required to play for both Waterford IT and Waterpark
    Rugby Club/ Waterford United respectively.
•   Similarly, University of Limerick organise scholarships under three
    levels, subsidising accommodation, training and gym membership valued at
    up to €10,000. Applicants will also be considered for more specific
    scholarships such as the ‘Paddy Dooley Rowing Scholarship’ and the
    ‘Michael Hillary and Jacinta O’Brien Athletic Scholarships’. Applications
    can be made on the UL website which closes March 1st 2021
•   University College Cork (UCC) also expect applicants to have played at
    inter-county, national or international standard to be eligible for their
    scholarships. Closing date is 30th June 202`1
•   LYIT: New Entrant Sports Scholarships available to new entrant
    students to the institute Provided you are accepted onto a full –time
    course of study in Letterkenny IT, either as undergraduate or
    postgraduate and are currently a member of a GAA County football or
    hurling panel or a member of a League of Ireland soccer panel, you are
    eligible to apply for a New Entrant Sports Scholarship. Successful
    candidates will be considered on sporting merit and will be awarded funds
    in the region of €1,000 to €1,400 for the academic year, paid in
    instalments.

4.Accommodation
For many students, going to college also involves a move away from home and
finding suitable accommodation is an important part of the process.

The general advice to first years who need to find somewhere to live is to stay
in purpose-built accommodation, either on-campus or very close by, or to go into
"digs" and live with a family, either with meals included, or on a self-catering
basis.

The pressure on housing in Dublin and some other places in the current academic
year, and the consequent upward drift in rents, has seen a return in popularity
of "digs".

The seven universities and some other colleges offer on-campus accommodation,
which has the benefit of being modern and fully-serviced.

Where on-campus accommodation is available, booking arrangements vary, so
applicants should check with individual colleges. Dates will be released soon so it
is very important to check with the University the student is interested in and
have the deposit ready.

The majority of Universities and Colleges have Accommodation Offices that you
can contact. Information is available on each HEI website.

5.Undergraduate Tuition Fees

 Republic of         €3150 (Student Contribution fee. If entitled to a
 Ireland             grant this will be paid for you) per year
 Scotland            Free at the moment. However may change due to
                     Brexit
 Northern            £4000 approx. per year
 Ireland
 Wales               £4000 approx. per year
 England             Up to £12,000 per year

   • Students can apply for a tuition fee loan in the UK and do not
     have to start paying this back until they are earning £21,000

per year. Please note that Brexit may cause changes in access
      to UK universities.

6.Susi Grant

  • Students can still apply for the maintenance grant (up to
    €5000 depending on income for living expenses) from SUSI
    and bring it with them to the UK. (Will still have to pay tuition
    fees in UK)
  • An eligibility test can be carried out on the SUSI website
  • Applications can be submitted online along with supporting
    documentation around April 2021 onwards

7. Further Education (P.L.C) Courses

  • Further Education courses take place in schools, colleges and
    community education centres. The courses are full-time and
    last for one to two years. They offer a mixture of practical
    work, academic work and work experience
  • PLC colleges over level 5 and 6 courses which can lead directly
      to work or can be used to then apply through the CAO to
      University courses
  •   They are not based on Leaving Cert points. Instead they
      involve and application and Interview process. Places will be
      offered to students based on their suitability for the course
  •   Applications for P.L.C colleges usually open up around December
      and can be applied for directly through their college website.
  •   Apply in December, go for interview in January and secure your
      place to avoid disappointment
  •   Dunboyne college and Drogheda Institute of Further
      Education are examples of popular PLC colleges in the area.

8.Apprenticeships

  • An Apprenticeship is an exciting and proven way for employers to
    develop talent for their company and industry. Apprenticeships
    are designed by industry-led groups, supporting growth and
    competitiveness.
  • Apprentices earn while they learn and build valuable work-ready
    skills in a chosen occupation. Apprenticeships open up exciting and
    rewarding careers, with learning grounded in the practical
    experience of undertaking a real job
  • Students must source their employer themselves and register with
    their local training college as soon as the apprenticeship begins.
  • Go on to www.apprenticeship.ie for a full list of available
    apprenticeships and more information and
    www.apprenticeshipjobs.ie for current vacancies
  • Companies such as Ryanair, Aer Lingus, Dublin Aerospaces, Bus
    Eireann, Combilift and the ESB often recruit closer to the
    Summer so keep an eye out on their websites

9. DARE Scheme

      The Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) is a third level
      alternative admissions scheme for school leavers whose disabilities
      have had a negative impact on their second level education.

      When applying to DARE, applicants must:

1.   Be under the age of 23 as of 1 January 2021.

2.   Apply to the CAO by 17:15 on 1 February 2021.

3.   No later than 17:15 on 1 March 2021, disclose your disability and/ or
     specific learning difficulty in your CAO application and fully and
     correctly complete Section A of the Supplementary Information Form
     (SIF). To apply to DARE, you must answer YES to Question 1 (‘Do you
     wish to be considered for DARE?’) on Section A of the fully completed
     SIF by 17:15 on 1 March 2021.

4.   Download Section B Educational Impact Statement (EIS) and have
     your school complete the form. Return the EIS to the CAO to arrive
     by 17:15 on 15th of March 2021

5. Download Section C Evidence of Disability, and have it completed by
   the appropriate medical professional (only if you do not already have a
   report verifying your disability that meets the DARE criteria). Return
   it to the CAO to arrive by the 15th of March 2021

10.H.E.A.R Scheme

      The Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) is a college and
      university scheme that offers places on reduced points and extra
      college support to school leavers from socio-economically
      disadvantaged backgrounds who are resident in the Republic of
      Ireland.

      Here is a list of all the HEAR indicators. Combinations that allow you
      to take part in the HEAR Scheme are:

How to apply:

  • When completing an online HEAR application through www.cao.ie you will
    receive online prompts requesting that you submit specific documentation,
    e.g. prompting you to supply a P21.
  • You will receive a supporting document checklist at the bottom of the
    application form. The supporting document checklist will list what
    documents you need to submit to the CAO to complete your HEAR
    application. The checklist is based on the answers given in Section 7 of the
    online HEAR application form.
  • You should start gathering your documentation in a timely fashion, i.e.
    before 1 March.

11. Contact Information
CAO: www.cao.ie
www.colaistenami.ie/careerguidance
Twitter: @CNMCareers
Careers Portal: www.careersportal.ie
Qualifax: www.qualifax.ie
SUSI: www.susi.ie
HEAR: www.accesscollege.ie/hear
DARE: www.accesscollege.ie/dare
Citizens Information:
http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/education/thir
d_level_education/
Apprenticeships: http://www.apprenticeship.ie
Further Education: https://dunboynecollege.ie

12.Please visit our new Guidance page that can be found on
one of the tabs across the top of the Coláiste na Mí home
page.

Please log into this to discover all the information you need
in relation to careers and mental health

It contains a schedule of information and events that are specific to our school
, the twitter news feed from our school/careers portal, information on Virtual

Open nights throughout the country as well as general Careers news as well as
any current media articles on careers and well being.