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Volume 46 Number 2 February 2017
A Publication of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors
Cork Conference Calling!
Inside: - Education for Living
- Suicide: An unfathomable loss
- Wellbeing and Guidance in
Junior Cycle.
SUNDAY TIMES
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2
THE INSTITUTE OF GUIDANCE COUNSELLORS NEWSLETTER
Pictured at the launch of the IGC Conference in Cork are Adi Roche, Pauline Lane and Betty McLaughlin.
In this issue:
An income for all 5 IGC Conference 2017 - Timetable 29
President’s Report 6 Higher Earnings 31
The Importance of Wellbeing in Junior Cycle 10 Neoliberalism is creating loneliness. 33
Junior Cycle Reform 11 The impact of Social Anxiety on a student’s education and
National Guidance Forum 13 career prospects 35
Smart Futures 15 Education and Training Developments 37
Student Life Summit 15 Educating for Critical consciousness 38
Education for Living 17 An Unfathomable Kind of Loss - The Psycology
A fully funded practical route to a career in accountancy 20 and Aetiology of Suicide 41
CareersPortal.ie 22 UCC Conference Sponsor 46
Want to train your brain? Forget apps, learn a musical intrument 23 ADHD Nation - Review 47
Renewing Education in Ireland’s Oldest University 25 The Future of You 48
Phoyo Gallery 26 Mona Clarke RIP 50
Copy Deadline Contributions of articles can be sent to:
The deadline for the next issue of Guideline Magazine Fred Tuite,
is 14th April 2017. Articles (which may be edited) and 1 Loreto Park
advertisements should be with the editor before that date. Troys Lane
Kilkenny
Guideline is published three times a year (October, March and
Tel: 087-6698873
May) by the Institute of Guidance Counsellors. Contributions
and advertisements are welcome. The Editors reserve the Email: guideline@eircom.net
right to amend or abridge any contribution accepted for
publication. Items for inclusion should preferably be sent
in MS Word by email to the address below. Typeset articles For advertising contact our Advertising Manager:
or advertisements are best sent in high resolution Adobe Carmel Dooley,
Acrobat format. PRWORKS,
14 Ceannt Ave, Mervue, Galway
The opinions expressed in the articles are those of the Mobile: 087 2349903
contributors and not necessarily those of the Editors or the Email: carmel@prworks.ie
Officers of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors. Web site: www.prworks.ie
Acceptance of advertisements does not constitute an
endorsement of the products or services by the Institute. ie.linkedin.com/in/prgalway
Every effort has been made by the editors to ensure that www.facebook.com/prgalway
the information is accurate, however no responsibility can
be accepted by the Editors or the Institute for omissions or
errors that may have occurred.
Editorial Board
Fred Tuite, Mary Hosty, Gerry Reilly, Betty McLaughlin and
Michael L. O’Rourke
Institute of Guidance Counsellors,
Head Office,
17 Herbert St.,
Dublin 2
Tel: (01) 676 1975
Fax: (01) 661 2551
Email: office@igc.ie
Guideline Editorial Board: From left: Michael L. O’Rourke, Jennifer O’Rourke,
Betty McLaughlin (President IGC), Mary Hosty, and Fred Tuite (Editor)
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THE INSTITUTE OF GUIDANCE COUNSELLORS NEWSLETTER
An income for all
Fred Tuite
One of the joys of living in Kilkenny is the that everyone is valued and the government will
many festivals that go on there. Apart from One of the joys of support you. It changes the relationship between
the big Arts Festival, the Comedy Festival, the the individual and the state.”
Food Festival and the Foreign Film Festival living in Kilkenny is the
The idea has its roots in 16th-century humanist
there is the Kilkenomics. This was established
by David McWilliams and Richard Cook, many festivals that go philosophy, when it was developed by the likes of
and has the unique aspect of having world on there. Thomas More, but in its modern incarnation it has
lately enjoyed successful pilots in India and Africa.
renowned economists discussing topics
in panels hosted by comedians (“Davos
with jokes”, it has been called). The mix of At the heart of any experiment with basic income is
comedy and the “dismal science” is irresistible and produces many money: how much should people get and where will it come from?
memorable sessions. One idea that was discussed this year was Kerr says his instinct is to base the amount on similar calculations
called Utopia for Realists, the case for a Universal Basic Income. to those made for the living wage.
This is the idea of providing a basic income as a way forward “It’s about having more than just enough to pay the bills. But
and the architect of how it was done in Utrecht, Rutger Breman part of the idea of doing a pilot is to make mistakes and also
was there to explain it and debate it with an international panel. find out what is acceptable to the public. There will be a lot of
The idea is that once a person reaches a certain age (say 23) the resistance to this. We shouldn’t kid ourselves. Part of the problem
government provides a fixed income for all citizens irrespective of is we’re working against a whole discourse of deserving and
their income. Anything they earn after that is taxed but they are undeserving poor.”
free to earn as much as they want or can.
As for where the money comes from, “the funding question is
The difference between this and welfare is that there is no means always the big one, and really will depend upon the approach a
testing or contributions required. Instead once they reach a set pilot takes,” says Jamie Cooke, head of RSA Scotland, which has
age the income is provided and they are free to go and earn more been spearheading research on the subject across the UK. Initially
if they so wish. So immediately the sense of disappointment or it might be from philanthropic sources but long term it would come
shame or even punishment that can accompany welfare recipients from the re-direction of welfare payments and taxation income.
is gone as is the poverty trap of moving back to work but losing That will be happening in Finland next year where the experiment is
benefits that they are on. The positive consequences extend into being taken forward by the national government.
the distance: women become financially independent and can exit
abusive relationships, public health is noticeably improved, and One reason this idea is crucial is the changes brought about
people are able to devote the time to caring for children, the infirm by technology in particular automation and new disruptive
and the elderly. technologies. “The technology we’re talking about today is really
touching on areas that we thought were always going to be the
So every individual, regardless of existing welfare benefits or earned preserve of humans: non-routine tasks, things like driving a car
income, is offered a non-conditional flat-rate payment, with any – but then also the automation of basic social interaction, like
income earned above that taxed progressively. The intention is to call-centre work, customer service work and all that kind of stuff,”
provide a basic economic platform on which people can build their says Srnicek, author of Inventing the Future which explores these
lives, whether they choose to earn, learn, care or set up a business. disruptive technologies,. “A lot of jobs are going to be taken,
So with a “floor” under them people can experiment with enterprise possibly at a very rapid pace. That means that, even if it doesn’t
and business, part-time work, contract work or develop artistic or lead to mass unemployment, automation leads to a massive shift
creative ventures because they know if they fail they will not lose in the labour market, and people having to find new jobs and new
everything but will always have the basic income to fall back on. Of skills.”
course some people would just take the income and drink it or buy
drugs or gamble it away but at least it will always be there for them So in a world where long term permanent employment is
if they can get out of their feckless ways. disappearing, with automation and outsourcing, and work is part-
time, piecemeal, contract or agency (the so-called gig economy) it
Scotland looks set to be the first part of the UK to pilot a basic makes sense to put a floor under people trying to make a living in
income for every citizen, as councils in Fife and Glasgow investigate this new environment. If business keeps on using these techniques
trial schemes in 2017. and schemes to dissipate and minimise their workforce and
The Guardian reports that this basic income trial as a way of maximise their profits then they and the government could at least
simplifying the UK’s byzantine welfare system and as Glasgow provide a basic income for everyone struggling to make any sort of
counsellor Matt Kerr explains “But it is also about solidarity: it says living in this challenging environment.
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THE INSTITUTE OF GUIDANCE COUNSELLORS NEWSLETTER
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Betty McLaughlin
Dear fellow IGC members
On the eve of this my third conference, I wish to express my our National Conference will enrich our work. A rising boat
deep appreciation to those of you who have given of your lifts all tides and Guidance Counsellors are in a privileged
free time to participate in the 2017 National Conference/In- position to navigate, inspire and clarify the pathway ahead
service which, as you know, will take place in the University for our students in a rapidly growing and changing labour
College Cork on the 3rd and 4th March , organised by the market.
Cork Branch.
Conference sponsors include, University College, Cork, Cork
Huge work has taken place at both national and branch levels, Institute of Technology, Cork Education & Training Board,
as well as on the part of the administrative staff and Officers University of Limerick, Smart Futures, Maynooth University
of the IGC, to ensure that each one of you benefits from what and Careers Portal.
promises to be a truly informative, energising and enjoyable
conference. As you are also aware, following the completion We expect this conference will help foster and develop
of our conference on the 4th March, our Conference Banquet an understanding of the importance of the guidance
will take place, in The Kingsley Hotel, Cork. counselling service in Irish education. Attending this
conference will be invaluable to anyone involved in the field
Conference Launch of education and guidance, and we look forward to seeing
Up to 450 guidance counsellors from all over Ireland are you there.
expected to attend the forthcoming IGC national conference
which takes place in UCC on the 3rd and 4th of March The hardworking organising committee, chaired by Pauline
next. Hosted by the Cork branch of the IGC, this is the third Lane, has worked tirelessly to ensure that we will have a
occasion on which the southern capital has hosted the event. truly informative, positive and renewing conference. As you
The conference was launched in the beautiful surrounds of can see from the photographs in this edition of Guideline,
Cork Institute of Technology, who are supporting sponsors the launch on the 20th January was a resounding success.
of the conference, on Friday 20th January by the Lord All those present were struck by the wonderful atmosphere,
Mayor Councillor Des Cahill. The launch was attended by, excitement, and anticipation. On your behalf, I offer sincere
Dr. Dan Collins ,Academic Administration & Student Affairs thanks to the organising committee for organising such a
Manager Cork Institute of Technology, Dr Barry O’Connor, great start to our annual get together. We know the best is
Registrar & Registrar & Vice President for Academic Affairs yet to come!
CIT, Mr John Fitzgibbon, Director of Further Education & I, as your President, along with other national officers of
Training Cork Education & Training Board ,Professor John the Institute and members of the national executive, will
O’Halloran, Vice-President for Teaching and Learning , be available to all members over the conference weekend to
University College Cork, Our Guest Speaker was Adi Roche, discuss any ideas and issues of concern and, where possible,
Chernobyl Children International. to progress them in our work in the coming year.
Fellow Guidance Counsellors, members of the HEI’s, local
public representatives, school principals and many friends CORE COMPETENCIES & PROFESSIONAL
of the IGC, were honoured as Dr Dan Collins Academic PRACTICE PUBLICATION LAUNCH on Tuesday
Administration & Student Affairs Manager and Dr Barry O
31st January 2017 at 7pm.
Connor welcomed everyone to Cork Institute of Technology
Eddie and myself, along with colleagues, warmly welcome
where we were entertained delightfully by students from the
the launch of the Core Competencies & Professional Practice
Cork School of Music.
Publication in the Mansion House on Tuesday 31st January
Adi Roche from Chernobyl Children International was guest at 7pm. The Publication will be launched by Dr John
of honour who also welcomed guests and officially opened McCarthy.
the conference. She spoke about the importance of guidance
This is a very important publication for the IGC in its
for all throughout the lifespan, reflecting the conference
ongoing journey to formalising Guidance Counselling as
theme “Building Connections, Supporting Pathways to the
a profession. The Institute of Guidance Counsellors, in
Future”. Speaking at the launch, conference chairperson
publishing this document, Guidance Counselling: Core
Pauline Lane described Cork as an educational hub offering
Competencies and Professional Practice, is giving expression
a diversity of learning possibilities.
to two of the aims set out in its initial discussion document,
We have much to celebrate in the IGC; there was good A Vision for the Future Practice of Guidance Counselling in
news in budget 2017 and we are a growing vibrant and well Ireland (2014) namely:
developed Institution. CPD is central to supporting us in our • The promotion of a holistic model of guidance
work. The 27 stimulating workshops on offer to attendees at counselling and,
• The articulation of a generic professional competency framework
6
THE INSTITUTE OF GUIDANCE COUNSELLORS NEWSLETTER
This document aims to give a clear analysis of the Mr Martin Hanevy, Asst. Secretary to the Secretary
competencies underpinning the professional role and General DES, Head of Allocations and Chief Advisor to
functions of the guidance counsellor. Congratulations to Minister has informed me that will issue a Circular in
Maureen Maughan, Chair , PJ McGowan, Patricia Wroe and February and will be re-enforcing the budget day decision
Breda Coyle, policy committee members and authors of this in this allocation circular.
exceptional publication.
I will give you a further update you presently when the
Regional Forum on Wellbeing in figures are available and circulate a copy of the circular
Education hosted by Minister Bruton on via our IGC Newsletter. This will be a watershed moment
Friday January 13th in the history of the IGC and we can look forward to the
I was invited personally by The Minister for Education & Skills full restoration of the Guidance Counselling service for our
Mr. Richard Bruton T.D. to represent the IGC at a “Deep Dive students who are deserving of all the professional personal,
regional consultation “ with education partners focussing educational and vocational support we are trained to provide
on the topic of Wellbeing in Education in Merlin College, for them.
Doughiska, Co. Galway. This increased guidance counselling allocation is welcome
The event is one of a series of regional fora being hosted by and is seen as Step 1 of the process towards full restoration
Minister Bruton. The purpose of the series of meetings is to of the pre-Budget 2012 allocation for guidance counselling.
outline the Government's Action for Education and to detail The National Centre for Guidance in Education (NCGE) 2004
the steps we are taking to make Ireland the best education document was recommended by the IGC as the yardstick to
and training system in Europe within a decade. be used to inform Principals and Boards of Management in
relation to guidance counselling allocation – schools with
This model of town hall style meeting is built on a successful 500+ pupils require 22 hours of guidance counselling/per
series of meetings which the Minister held each year during week; and schools with 350-499 pupils require 11 hours of
his time as Minister for Jobs. guidance counselling/per week (Appendix 4). In relation to
the Whole School Guidance Plan, the increased allocation
The event raised elements relevant to pupil wellbeing and could serve as an opportunity to review the plan to maximise
mental health for discussion, and feedback. It was attended hours allocated to guidance counselling. Huge emphasis was
by over seventy representatives of the education community also put on the importance of time for one to one individual
including teachers, pupils, parents, support services and the guidance counselling for our students.
broader health and social services community concerned
with the area of Wellbeing.
The forum was presented with the main elements of the It is emphasised that a fully-qualified Guidance Counsellor
Action Plan for Education 2016-19 which was followed by a is essential to deliver a professional Guidance Counselling
moderated discussion between the audience and a panel of programme, in line with 9c of the Education Act. In addition,
experts in the field. the central importance of the one-to-one encounter in all
recent research, IGC, ESRI, ASTI, TUI, HEA, stressed as being
• To restore guidance provision for all post primary critical in the delivery of the holistic model of guidance
schools. To this end the Minister reiterated that 400 ex counselling in careers, vocational, and personal and social
quota jobs have now been restored and ring fenced for contexts. Department officials reiterate that, in all their
September 2017 and, in keeping with the agreement in communication with principals, the directive is there that any
the programme for government, the next two budgets staff member working as a Guidance Counsellor in second
will culminate in the full restoration of all 600 ex quota level schools must be professionally qualified and must hold
jobs lost in second level schools in the budgetary cuts of a DES post-graduate recognised qualification.
2012.
• The focus of the action plan in supporting Wellbeing in College Awareness Week (CAW)
schools includes: I was delighted to attend the 2017 launch of the third
• To support all schools in implementing the national national CAW (www.collegeaware.ie) which was held from
wellbeing guidelines for schools 24th – 30th November. Kathleen O Toole Brennan TCD and
• To rollout Wellbeing as a subject in Junior Cycle to all our great supporter NAPD , Director, Clive Byrne are driving
schools in the 2017/18 school year forces behind this initiative in strategic partnership with
• To appoint an additional 65 NEPS psychologists the IGC. The goals of this campaign were for organisations
• To expand the Department’s ‘Friends’ and ‘Incredible and individuals to spread the word that going to college
Years’ programmes to all DEIS schools and having a post-secondary plan is both important and
achievable, and to:
Speaking at the forum in Galway, Minister Bruton said: • Celebrate the importance of going to college
“Schools, while not the only players in the area, have an • Showcase local role models who have gone to college
important role in promoting wellbeing. I have set out • Creating a college-going culture in communities or
objectives and proposed actions specifically targeting the organisations
promotion of wellbeing in our school communities. Today • Help students to become college-ready
I want to share those actions and objectives with you and I
would encourage you to let us know what you think.” ‘Education Matters’ Launched
The 9th edition of Education Matters was launched by
Circular on Allocation the Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton, on
7
THE INSTITUTE OF GUIDANCE COUNSELLORS NEWSLETTER
December 13th. Brian Mooney, our fellow member, was the comprehensive whole school guidance programme that meets
editor of this very fine publication, and I submitted an article the needs of all students. Schools may also find it helpful in
on the recently published NCCA Wellbeing Guidelines. DCU informing guidance provision under the Framework for Junior
Professor, Brian Mc Craith, has sponsored a free copy for all Cycle in relation to ‘other learning experiences’ and Wellbeing
IGC members who will be attending our national conference (see DES Circular Letter 0024/2016 – DES, 2016a).
in the University College Cork on the 3rd and 4th March. The
books are already in storage in UCC! University of Limerick in association
with the IGC Mid-Western branch CPD
NCGE National Forum on Guidance I attended along with Eddie, the UL CPD Morning for Guidance
NATIONAL FORUM ON GUIDANCE - SECOND MEETING 2016 Counsellors, designed in collaboration with the IGC Mid-west
branch which took place on the 22 November 2016 in the
Eddie and myself attended The second meeting of Pavilion at the University of Limerick.
the National Forum on Guidance 2016 which was
held on Wednesday 19th October 2016 in The Clock The UL hosted a one-day meeting to facilitate two workshops;
Tower, Department of Education and Skills. The theme one on ‘ The transition to Higher Education: the UL approach
was Networking and Representation in Guidance. Attendees and a second on ‘. Dealing with students suffering with
included representatives from AHECS, IGC, AEGAI, PLC anxiety problems “
guidance provision, DSP, DES, Job Centres, LES, Intreo, NEPS,
AHEAD, Careersportal, Youth Information Service, QQI, ETBI, Guidance counsellors attended focus group sessions on the
Léargas, Youthreach, AONTAS and NAPD. new course developments in UL. There was an outstanding
attendance, circa 70 IGC members. First class CPD and
At the last meeting in May 2016, it was agreed that the NFG hospitality, well done to Joachim Barnett UL, and to Aideen
would promote to the Regional Skills Fora and the Dept. of O Leary and the Mid -West IGC Branch, for making this event
Education and Skills, that there would be representation for such a success. All members who attended received a CPD
guidance at the Regional Skills Fora nationally. In this regard, certificate to submit to their principals in part-fulfilment of
it was timely to discuss the benefits and requirements of Croke Park hours.
networking and representation in and for guidance.
NISCA Conference, Le Mon Hotel, Belfast,
Presentations with opportunities for questions and answers 26th November, 2015
were followed by facilitated group discussions and feedback Both myself and Eddie attended this informative and
session. enjoyable conference as a guest of the Northern Ireland
Schools and Colleges Careers Association. It featured a wide
IGC collaboration with NCGE on the range of invaluable talks and workshops which were delivered
Career Learning & Development (CL & D) by representatives from numerous organisations such as
Resource Framework Industry, Universities, and ETI’s. Details are available on the
Thank you to all fellow members who submitted responses NISCA website.
during the recent consultation process , all responses will
be published on the NCGE Website. The aim of “The Career The IGC is enjoying growing professional respect amongst all
Learning & Development (CL&D) Resource Framework” is of its education partners, and I wish to thank all members of
intended to be an optional resource to support schools in the Institute, including members of the national executive,
planning and delivering Whole School Guidance. The CL&D sub-committees and Branch Officers, for all their great work
Resource Framework presents a continuum of support model which contributes hugely to this very positive public profile. I
for the whole school guidance programme and sets out am looking forward to meeting you all in Cork to thank you for
three areas of learning to facilitate post primary students’ the trust and privilege you have placed in me and your vice
development of eight areas of competence throughout their president Eddie.
education.
It is a great honour to be working as your President. It is
The Career Learning & Development Resource Framework both stimulating and very rewarding, and I want to assured
presents a continuum of support model for the whole school you that both our President Elect ,Eddie, the officers of the
guidance programme and sets out three areas of learning to Institute and the IGC, national executive continue to work
facilitate post-primary students’ development of eight areas hard on your behalf on a daily basis.
of competence throughout their second level education.
Career Learning & Development includes learning relating to, I am looking forward to seeing you all in Cork, and I extend
oneself (personal development), educational opportunities my very best wishes to Pauline Lane and the Cork Branch on
(educational development) and career choices (career organising their third national conference.
development) and how this learning is applied to making
effective transitions and decisions.
The CL&D Resource Framework is intended to be a resource to
support schools in meeting the requirement of The Education
Act (1998) that schools provide students with “access to
appropriate guidance to assist them in their educational Le gach dea-ghuí,
and career choices” (section 9c). It is envisaged that the
Framework will support schools in planning and delivering a
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THE INSTITUTE OF GUIDANCE COUNSELLORS NEWSLETTER
Over the years, there has been increasing concern
The Importance of about the mental health of young people in Ireland.
Wellbeing in Junior
need it. From the outset, we all have mental health. It is important in
dealing with life’s ups and downs, to understand when we might need to
seek out support with how we are feeling, or indeed to know when perhaps
we may be experiencing a more serious problem. The term wellbeing,
Cycle Reform therefore, means more than just being happy. It means being and feeling
mentally healthy and having the strength to overcome the challenges
and difficulties that we can all face at different times in our lives; to have
the confidence and self-esteem to be able to solve problems and make
decisions, and to believe in ourselves. So, in a nutshell, it is all about how
Introduction we feel about ourselves and other people around
Over the years, there has been increasing us; how we make friends, develop relationships, and
concern about the mental health of young keep friends; how we learn from others; and how we
people in Ireland. Reports of psychological develop our psychological and emotional wellbeing.
distress, substance abuse and suicide among
Irish youth have now become all too common.
While we know that many young Irish people
The Role of Educators
For young people positive mental health
are experiencing mental distress, little research
contributes to their overall wellbeing. Not
has been done to determine the actual
only do confident and resilient children, with a
number of young people who are experiencing
capacity for emotional intelligence, perform better
a diagnosable mental disorder. In October
academically, these skills further contribute to
2013, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
the creation of strong social bonds, supportive
(RCSI, 2013) published its finding by the PERL
communities, and the maintenance of healthy
group on ‘The Mental Health of Young People in
relationships and responsible lifestyles.
Ireland’, and this report goes some way towards
Promoting the wellbeing and mental health of all
addressing this issue. The researchers found
young people is a key strategy for policy makers
that 1 in 3 of young people are likely to have
in Ireland and a vital part of the core business
experienced some type of mental disorder by
of teachers and guidance counsellors. This is
age 13 years, and increases to 1 in 2 by age
where the guidance counselling service, within a
24 years. Based on international evidence,
whole school environment, plays a crucial role by
this means that up to one third of young Irish
integrating and holding the different elements
adolescents and over one half of young Irish
of mental health education and wellbeing, and
adults are at increased risk of mental ill-health
guidance counsellors come into their own.
into their adult years. The researchers further
Guidance counsellors every day support children
found that over 1 in 15 young people had
who are feeling worried, anxious or upset when
engaged in deliberate self-harm and 1 in 5 will
quite normal events in their lives don’t go as they
have experienced suicidal ideation by age 24
hoped. These pressures can include exams, work
years. These finding by the RCSI suggest that Irish young people may
and getting a job; growing up and developing independence from their
have higher rates of mental disorder than similarly aged young people in
family; and making up, and indeed breaking up, with friends. Educating
other countries. The researchers also identified risk factors such as health
children on mental health so that they learn to know when it is important
issues, work and relationship stress, family difficulties, being in an abusive
to seek help is absolutely critical.
intimate relationship and having a bisexual or homosexual orientation.
Figures released in September 2014 (Time to Change, 2014), when many
Background children and young people were heading back to school, college or
Based on their research findings, they recommended two policy strategies university, showed that 77% of young people with mental health problems
that could have the potential to contribute to a reduction in the incidence, had missed out on education; that 24% did not go into school, college or
impact and continuity of mental ill-health among Irish youth. These university because they were worried what other people would say; and
were to “include mental health literacy as a core part of the educational 15% stated they were bullied because of their mental health problems. In
curriculum in primary and second level education”; and to “develop addition, 31% were on the receiving end of derogatory language, citing,
school-based interventions that promote and support help-seeking “crazy” “mental” and “attention seeking” as some of the most common
skills among young people”. The implementation of both strategies terms used. Unsurprisingly, 48% chose not to tell anyone at school or
would ensure that we, as a society, are committed to the protection and college about their mental health problems, with many citing physical
promotion of young people’s wellbeing and mental health. health conditions as the reason for being absent. When it comes to mental
health problems, young people are silenced by its stigma and worried they
In Ireland, looking after the physical education of our children has may be bullied because of talking about their mental health problems.
a long history. No one argues that we shouldn’t be doing so, and its
importance is highlighted by the fact that it has long been included by the
Department of Education & Skills (DES) in the national curriculum. The
Summary
We need to build a fairer society. This means better education within the
big question to be asked, therefore, is why are we not taking the mental
school environment on mental health and wellbeing, without the barrier
health and wellbeing education of our children as serious? This is exactly
of stigma. While it is heart-breaking that young people fear they will face
what the changes currently being implemented at Junior Cycle level are
discrimination from their peers by speaking out about their mental health,
attempting to address. A new area of learning called wellbeing will be
it is heart-warming that the DES is already working at policy level to help
introduced for those students starting the first year of secondary school in
teachers and guidance counsellors ensure that mental health and wellbeing
September 2017. Wellbeing underpins the Junior Cycle framework and is
education now comes center stage on the national Junior Cycle curriculum.
one of the Framework’s eight principles. Wellbeing links strongly to Junior
Cycle Statements of Learning and Key Skills, in particular the key skill of
All of us in education have a role to play in ensuring the delivery of this
Staying Well. Schools are only too aware that students with high levels of
very important system change. All of us already recognise that a child's
wellbeing make better learners.
physical health education is important enough to have attention devoted
to it on a weekly basis, on a national scale. Is it not time we now adopt the
What is meant by Mental Health & same approach to their mental health and wellbeing?
Wellbeing?
Wellbeing in Junior Cycle is for all students and will play an all-important Betty McLaughlin
Wellbeing Team Leader
preventative role in mental health issues and teaching our students to Junior Cycle for Teachers schools’ support service.
cope with life’s challenges, and how to seek help and support when theyTHE INSTITUTE OF GUIDANCE COUNSELLORS NEWSLETTER
Junior Cycle
Reform:
Wellbeing and
Guidance
Padraig Kirk
Despite the background noise, Junior Cycle is now in its third It goes without saying, therefore, that the school guidance
year of implementation in post-primary schools. The new Level 2 counsellor can play a significant role in shaping and developing
Learning Programmes (L2LPs) and a new specification (formerly their school’s Wellbeing programme.
called syllabus) for English was introduced in September 2014, with
the current year’s cohort of third year students being the first to JCT has recruited a dedicated Wellbeing team to support and
see this new course through from start to finish. This year’s third provide schools with advice on their implementation of the NCCAs
year students will be the first to sit the new format for the final Guidelines for Wellbeing (2016). This team is very ably headed
examinations at junior cycle level, with all final examinations in up by Betty McLaughlin, while Hazel Hannon, John Cullinane
the future being no longer than two hours in duration. In English and Michelle English are full-time advisors on the team. A large
(at higher level) this means the final examination will go from cohort of part-time Associates, comprising practising teachers and
five hours of examination hall writing in June to two hours. In guidance counsellors, support this team. JCTs Wellbeing supports
September 2016 new specifications for both Science and Business for schools, following hot on the heels of the publication by the
Studies were introduced in schools. These subjects will be for final NCCA of their Guidelines for Wellbeing in December 2016, are at an
examination for the first time in June 2019. early stage of development, but already we have a put together a
comprehensive programme of supports, inclusive of the following:
September 2017 will herald the next phase of junior cycle
implementation in schools. New subject specifications for Gaeilge, • Introductory workshop on Wellbeing aimed at a full school
Visual Art and modern foreign languages (French, Spanish, German staff
and Italian) will be introduced. Teachers of these subjects, along • Full-day CPD workshop on Wellbeing aimed at a full school
with teachers of English, Science and Business Studies, are being staff
offered CPD supports by JCT in the current (2016/2017) school year.
Our new school cluster model of subject specific CPD provision was • Dedicated workshop for Guidance counsellors
piloted just before Christmas 2016 in schools in counties Louth,
Galway, Roscommon and Galway and the model is rolling-out in • Dedicated workshops for teachers of Physical Education and
earnest in schools nationwide between January and March 2017. teachers of CSPE
• Information leaflet for schools and parents on Wellbeing at
While all areas of the new junior cycle will be of interest to guidance junior cycle level
counsellors, what will be of particular interest is the introduction
from September 2017 of the new area of learning called Wellbeing. • Dedicated workshop aimed at school leaders which focusses
Wellbeing in junior cycle is about young people feeling confident, on the development of a school’s wellbeing programme
happy, healthy and connected. This area of learning will build on JCT works closely with NCCA and together we have designed
the good work that has taken place in post-primary schools to date information leaflets, classroom posters that highlight the six
to support students’ wellbeing. It will also build on the learning indicators of wellbeing, as well as postcards aimed at school leaders
experiences relating to wellbeing that students had in primary that point them in the direction of further supports. JCT also works
school. closely with the PDST and SESS support services to ensure that our
Wellbeing will provide learning opportunities to enhance the individual programmes of support complement one another in their
physical, mental, emotional and social Wellbeing and resilience delivery of the messages of wellbeing.
of students, and to enable students to build life-skills and to These and other Wellbeing supports will be offered to schools over
develop a strong sense of connectedness to the school and to their the coming weeks and months. JCT will also have a strong presence
community. It will also emphasise the role that students play in at the 2017 IGC conference in Cork and we look forward to meeting
their family, community and society in general. Furthermore, it will and engaging with guidance counsellors on all things junior cycle.
complement the contribution that the family, the community and Input and feedback from guidance counsellors will help shape our
relevant agencies make to supporting student wellbeing. This area CPD workshops and other supports.
of learning will constitute 300 hours of timetabled provision across
the three years of junior cycle from September 2017, building up Teacher and student wellbeing will permeate all of the work that
to 400 hours by September 2020, and will incorporate learning JCT undertakes in schools, whether directly in the wellbeing
traditionally included in PE, SPHE and CSPE. A school may also supports space or not. Guidance counsellors can play a key role
choose to include other areas in their provision for Wellbeing. For in schools in this new area of learning and JCT looks forward
example, in recognition of the unique contribution that guidance to working with individual guidance counsellors, and their
can make to the promotion of students’ wellbeing, guidance representative groups, in our work with schools.
provision may also be included in the hours available for Wellbeing.
11www.cit.ie
Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) is a leading student-centred higher education
institution with a total enrolment in excess of 14,000 full-time and part-time students
across its principal campuses: Bishopstown Campus, CIT Crawford College of Art &
Design, CIT Cork School of Music, and the National Maritime College of Ireland. The
Institute offers a wide range of profession/career focused programmes , at all levels of
Higher Education, up to and including PhD studies.
CIT Student Experience
CIT takes pride in being student-centred, with CIT students taking on responsibility for their own
personal and academic development , as partners with the Institute. To quote the former CEO of the
HEA , Mr Tom Boland :“The student engagement initiatives at CIT have had a tangible impact. On
any visit to the campus, you can see evidence of how students are meaningfully engaged in decisions
affecting their learning…This is the type of meaningful student engagement that we would like to see
on campuses across Ireland.” Through this meaningful partnership CIT works with students, in First
Year particularly, to successfully manage the transition into Third Level.
Career-Focused Education
CIT provides a broad range of quality higher education courses , approved and validated , on an on-
going basis, by an externally moderated process ensuring the highest academic standards and on-
going relevance to the needs of industry, enterprise and the community. Our graduates across the full
spectrum of our programmes regularly gain national and international awards be it in engineering,
science, business or the creative arts. Consequently CIT graduates enjoy an extremely high rate of
success in the jobs’ market. CIT is also an acknowledged leader in the practice of recognising prior
learning and is committed to a partnership with enterprise which recognises the valuable learning and
knowledge creation that takes place in the workplace.
As a mature, student-focussed and progressive institution, CIT offers students high calibre educational
opportunities based on a partnership approach designed to provide attractive and rewarding career
pathways to graduates.
12THE INSTITUTE OF GUIDANCE COUNSELLORS NEWSLETTER
National Guidance Forum
October 2016
On 19th October 2016, Catherine Green, Josephine McGread and many circumstance leave students ready for employment. We
Shane Rooney attended the National Guidance Forum meeting were all encourage to make contact with our local Skills Manager
which took place in The Clock Tower Department of Education as an effective networking person. Other questions discussed
and Skills. This is a biannual meeting hosted by Jennifer were, active inter agency, how is networking being done.
McKenzie NCGE. The two guest speakers were: Julie McCafferty
European Project Manager Ballymun Job Centre, and Natasha Jennifer McKenzie give an update on NCGE and introduced 3 new
Kinsella Regional Skills Forum Manager Dublin. Both input are staff members, including our own previous staff: Mary Stokes
available on NCGE web site. and Liz Gannon. Jennifer highlighted the fact that the Role of
Guidance Counsellor will differ depending on the client when
Julie gave a presentation on the 4 modules of training they have looking at the level of skills of the client. Guidance Counsellors
developed for Guidance Counsellors, these were developed from are doing guidance differently depending on the needs of the
case studies from different European Projects. client.
Natasha Dublin Regional Skills Forum Manager (RSF), give This meeting provided the opportunity for us to network with
an update on her work in Dublin following discussion from people in the room, such as Betty McLaughlin and Eddie
participants at this meeting Jennifer has agreed to give Natasha Mc Grath from IGC, Clare Mc Mahon ETBI, staff from DCU,
a list of all Guidance service available and Natasha will have Trinity NUIM DSP QQI and other statutory bodies. We got the
distributed these to her colleagues. We also explored how to get opportunity to share informally our concerns for AEGAI.
Guidance Counsellors onto the RSF boards and who is the most
appropriate person to represent guidance at RSF. Aim of the National Forum on Guidance is to exchange
information and explore possibilities for co-operation and co-
The discussions from the floor highlighted the need to work ordination across a lifelong guidance from work between the
more closely with employers especially in our local area. various guidance providers.
Employers need to be informed on the NFQ and how QQI L1-L6 in
At the Guidance Counsellor’s Forum October 2016, Shane Rooney Chairperson Executive AEGAI, Josephine McGread NWAEGS Regional Representative on
Executive AEGAI Catherine Green Vice Chair Executive AEGAI, Mary Farrell Adult Guidance Counsellor and Betty Mc Laughlin Chairperson IGC.
13Explore
CAREERS
that make a difference to our wo
rld
SCIENCE FOUNDATION OVER 560 TEAM MEMBERS
IRELAND
3,763
progressed from research groups in 2015
funds of these
60%
PASSPORT
remained
people working on
world
in Ireland
research projects
& indirectly supports
to the 23% moved
Europe
to
28,000
moved to
14% non-European
countries
moved to
JOBS IN IRELAND 24% industry based
in Ireland
SFI RESEARCH CENTRES
have already trained
30 MSc/MEng
graduates
133 PhD
graduates
>> +1,000
Committed
to train
by 2018
OVER
1,300
REACHING OVER
117,000 80 tharNEeeWteanjochnobsnounpecer dwineek Starting salaries for
STEM graduates up to
VOLUNTEERS ST U D E N TS
logy
sector alone €30,000
STEM skills in demand for 2020 careers
COMPLEX
PROBLEM
STEM
(Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths)
84%
PEOPLE of STEM students are
SOLVING extremely positive
CREATIVITY MANAGEMENT that they will get a job
they enjoy after college
COMMUNICATING
WITH OTHERS Visit www.SmartFutures.ie
to read more about
EMPLOYMENT BY SECTOR
CRITICAL DECISION STEM careers SCIENCE 50,000
THINKING JUDGMENT MAKING
TECH 105,000
62% 51%
of students in Ireland said of students influenced by their parents (37,000 people ICT)
‘fitting in’ was the main reason said they were advised that the college
they chose their college course course would suit their personality ENGINEERING 18,500THE INSTITUTE OF GUIDANCE COUNSELLORS NEWSLETTER
Smart Futures
Role models can inspire in a
world of choice
Visit www.SmartFutures.ie
or contact the team on
(01) 6073015 Ronat wins the two tickets to North America at the Student Life Summit,
sponsored by Aer Lingus.
or SmartFutures@sfi.ie.
Student Life
Summit
A big thank you to all those who attended the Aer Lingus StudentLife
Summit in Croke Park in January and a special word of thanks to Betty
Our rapidly growing world population is facing significant challenges. McLaughlin and her team whose support and advice was invaluable.
The race is on to develop renewable energies, sustainable clean water It was fantastic meeting so many Guidance Counsellors and students
and food sources, as well as to better manage the threat of new and re- who were interested in exploring their career options. We loved the way
emerging diseases. students engaged with the Speakers and Stands and we hope their
experience was a positive and rewarding one.
Education can help humanity to be knowledgeable enough to
address these global challenges. Fair and equal access to science and As with any inaugural event we have learned a lot and we have a
information-communications technologies (ICT), is the first step towards number of areas we will change and improve before our next outing.
inspiring our young people to be the next generation of innovators and Firstly, we will change the venue which will allow us to accommodate
creative problem solvers. our students more comfortably. Also, the Speakers will be in a separate
area from the exhibitors and will deliver their Presentations to a seated
Ireland has attracted and created many businesses that provide jobs and audience with specific time slots for schools. We are also looking
contribute significantly to our economy, employing local people across into providing podcasts of our inspirational Speakers for Guidance
an array of roles in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). Counsellors who are unable to attend.
Yet some students are still being held back by negative, out-dated
stereotypes about the kind of people who work in STEM, dismissing STEM We would welcome your feedback to help us improve the Summit and
opportunities before exploring them properly. are delighted with the offers of help and advice already received from
the many teachers who attended the Summit.
Challenging stereotypes
Meeting and reading about local people that work in STEM can open On a positive note, our exhibitors loved engaging with the students
the eyes of young people and help them to think differently about their and are all happy to return with even bigger & better offerings next
futures and where they fit in. It can also inspire them and challenge time out. Brigadier General, Peter O’Halloran from the Defence Forces,
stereotypes. As more jobs become automated, the skills acquired by who was one of our Speakers, is planning a life link-in with personnel
studying STEM subjects will equip students with the ability to prosper in serving in challenging locations throughout the world, such as the
an increasingly digital world. Golan Heights and the boats rescuing refugees. This will certainly
inspire our students! Sarah Madigan from PwC commented “The
The Smart Futures programme offers access to STEM volunteers with Aer Lingus StudentLife Summit was enjoyable with good energy
backgrounds in areas such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, food and atmosphere and very high profile companies and Speakers”
science, health and software engineering. This can be very helpful While Caroline Burke from Accenture said “it was exciting to see the
to students and parents making subject choices for Senior Cycle, or eagerness of the youth in learning more about what’s out there in
deciding upon post Leaving Certificate pathways. terms of careers and technology” StudentLife even managed to trend
Secondary school teachers, TY coordinators and guidance counsellors are on Twitter to the number 2 position with only Meryl Streep and her
encouraged to explore resources on www.SmartFutures.ie to access over comments on Donald Trump keeping us from the top spot!
160+ STEM career stories and videos.
Showing students that Science isn’t just for the lab is an important step All in all, a positive start that with a few tweaks can become a must see
in making the connection that science is relevant to everything in their for every student searching for inspiration on their future careers.
daily lives. Science and technology are relevant to business, geography, Next outing will be in Limerick in the Autumn with the Dublin Summit
art, home economics, sport, music and even language students. in February 2018. Details on both will be furnished in the next edition
of Guideline. Please contact us at corporatemasters@gmail.com or 01
Smart Futures is managed by Science Foundation Ireland in partnership 4013 868
with Engineers Ireland and has directly engaged with over 100,000
teenagers since 2013.
15THE INSTITUTE OF GUIDANCE COUNSELLORS NEWSLETTER
Education for Living
Michael O’Shea
Introduction: instil within the client a greater sense of empowerment in order
Contemporary educational provision can be seen, at one level, to that s/he may direct more, the course of his her life thus resulting
respond to current skills needs. However, the focus on addressing in a higher sense of personal fulfilment. It has also been argued
the needs of a new technocratic society has, in some cases, that Guidance Counsellors are in a position to advise those
resulted in educational structures becoming meritocratic by affected by long-term, or even generational, unemployment
nature. The aim of this discussion is to address some of the that their situation is not totally hopeless. Some individuals
concerns which have been made by some students as they may be convinced that, while they are influenced by historical
prepare to leave ‘school’ and embark on the next phase of their events, they need not necessarily be controlled by such external
lives in the adult world. While many are academically able to influences. Herr and Cramer (1996, pg25) have noted that
meet any intellectual challenge, the question remains as to how Guidance Counsellors should, therefore, stimulate individuals
ready new school leavers are to live, function in this adult world to overcome the barriers that restrict social advancement. This
in a responsible manner. The fact that young people are exposed endeavour is possible insofar as Guidance Counsellors assist
to a wide variety of learning experiences impact on the changing students to develop their self-esteem, to expand their level
needs of formal educational structures. The issue which remains, of vocational skills and to cultivate a more confident attitude
nonetheless, is whether being academically knowledgeable can towards a changing social order (Ibid., pg99). Ironically, it is no
always be considered synonymous with being educated? In accident that education and training are integral to many offender
other words, ‘Are all school leavers adequately knowledgeable reform, addiction rehabilitation and therapeutic programmes
or confident to make decisions which often have long-term even such is the value place on education as integral to life changing
life-long consequences’? Indeed, this discussion may raise more experiences. People of all ages now engage with educative
questions than provide answers. However, a processes in order that they learn to function in
number of pedagogical hypotheses will be the world as purposeful social beings. While the
explored and critiqued for effectiveness. The
aim of therapeutic process focusses much on individual
self-confidence, the exploration of possibilities
Living as an Existential Concept: this discussion is and avenues towards self-actualisation, tangible
The difference between living and existing is to address some of resources are often required in order to make
open to debate. Anecdotally, an individual the quest for a more determined life possible.
might state that s/he is not living, only
the concerns which It may be argued, indeed, that education
existing. Hence, there appears to be some have been made by may provide the necessary tools in order to
level of disparity between what is perceived as make self-directed living possible. In this
mere existing to that which constitutes living.
some students as respect, education becomes more than just an
Jung For Carl Rogers (2002 ed., p.35), one of they prepare to leave academic exercise but a life pursuit. Education,
therefore, can be considered a life-changing,
the principle foundation stones upon which
‘Humanistic Psychology’ is constructed is
‘school’ and embark life enhancing experience. Hence the value of
that the individual ‘has within himself/herself on the next phase of education, particularly during those crucial
formative years. History has demonstrated the
the capacity and the tendency, latent if not
evident, to move forward toward maturity.’
their lives in the adult fact that approaches to education can shape a
This essential principle Rogers entitled, ‘the world. While many are society. If doubt remains about this lesson, one
need look no further than the subject matter
mainspring of life’ (Ibid.). In short, what this
hypothesis amounts to, whether the individual
academically able to taught in schools in Germany during the Nazi
knows it or not, is that he/she is the author meet any intellectual regime, or the discriminative ideologies passed
of his/her own destiny. In this respect, the challenge, the question during Apartheid South Africa or the lessons
which has to be overcome as blacks sought
individual client should not be pushed in one
direction or another as part of any therapeutic remains as to how equality in 1960s’ United States. Education
impacts on everyday life but the question is;
or developmental process. Instead, he/she ready new school what sort of society do we wish to create and
should be allowed the personal space to
explore choices and avenues which may lead leavers are to live, what educational structures will we establish in
to self-actualisation. function in this adult order to shape that society? Furthermore, how
will current or future pedagogical structures
Theorists, particularly those focussed on
psycho-therapeutic approaches, appear to world in a responsible compete with more unsavoury and possibly more
suggest that a person ‘living’ has more control manner. appealing sources of information to be found on
social media.
over his/her life. In other words, a person
existing appears to be controlled by his/her
life situation or by external factors. The object Education for Living:
of many psycho-therapeutic approaches is to Education, by definition, includes the cultivation
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