Podcasts about leaving certificate

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless TD has officially launched the Springboard+ 2025 programme, announcing almost 8,000 free and subsidised places on higher education courses. The initiative offers thousands of opportunities for people across Ireland to upskill or reskill, with a strong focus on 'futureproofing' careers in a rapidly evolving job market. Announcing this year's programme, Minister Lawless said: "Springboard+ is one of the most impactful investments this Government makes in the further education of its people. These courses are designed to respond directly to evolving skills demands, particularly in fast-growing and high-impact sectors. It offers thousands of learners the chance to upskill or reskill in areas where Ireland needs talent, from artificial intelligence to infrastructure planning to cybersecurity. "As Minister, I'm proud to support Springboard+ with €34.4 million from the National Training Fund. This programme empowers people to study alongside work and personal commitments with courses that are heavily subsidised or free, making upskilling more accessible and achievable for everyone. I encourage everyone to look at what is available as whether you're advancing in your current career, pivoting to a new one, or stepping onto the career ladder for the first time, Springboard+ is designed to open doors in an affordable, flexible way that has real career impact." This year, courses are available in areas such as Infrastructure planning, Sustainable Building, Renewable Energy, Digital Skills, Cyber Security and Artificial Intelligence. Two-thirds of people considering a Springboard+ course want to 'futureproof their careers' in an ever-changing workplace. That's according to research published today by the Higher Education Authority (HEA). The Springboard+ programme is funded by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and in 2025, a total of 7,719 places are available on 249 courses delivered by 37 higher education institutes nationwide. Springboard+ is making 26 'micro-credentials' from this course list available for those interested in shorter courses to upskill in very specific areas. Speaking about this year's programme, Dr Vivienne Patterson, Head of Skills, Engagement and Statistics at the Higher Education Authority, said: "There are many reasons to consider a Springboard+ course, but the two key benefits are the cost and the quality. "If you're eligible to apply for a full- or part-time Springboard+ course, the most you'll pay is 10% of the fees. If you're currently out of work, you'll be 100% subsidised through the Springboard+ programme. The micro-credentials courses, which last around 12 weeks, are 50% subsidised for all participants. "And in terms of the quality of the course and the qualification at the end of it - courses range from Certificate (Level 6) to Masters (Level 9) on the National Framework of Qualifications and are delivered by the best public and private higher education providers around the country." Sean McCaffrey, from Dundalk, spent 16 years in the Irish Defence Forces before completing a Certificate in Procurement Management from University College Cork and a Post Graduate Certificate in Sustainability Leadership in Business from Technological University Dublin. He now works for Iarnród Éireann. "I left school at 18 without completing my Leaving Certificate. I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life, so I joined the Irish Defence Forces, where I spent 16 years. After leaving, I decided to pursue my first Springboard+ course - a Certificate in Procurement Management from University College Cor,k after which I was offered a job in Iarnród Éireann - a job I wouldn't have been in the running for only for my Springboard+ course. "I saw tangible benefits immediately, so it was a no-brainer to start a level nine Post Graduate Certificate in Sustainability Leadership in Business from...

Five years ago, and three months into the 2020 global pandemic, the Leaving Cert was cancelled.The Department of Education announced in May 2020 that students due to sit their final school exams would instead receive predicted or ‘calculated' grades from their teachers.These much more generous results led to grade inflation which has seen tens of thousands of students receive bumper Leaving Cert results in recent years. The rise in grades also forced universities to use lotteries for entry to some high points courts, especially highly competitive courses such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and others.The Government is now moving to reduce this grade inflation, meaning Leaving Certificate results will be lower this year.What does this mean for the class of 2025 and what price will they pay for the reversing of grade inflation?Irish Times Education editor Carl O'Brien discusses the plans to bring grades back down to pre-pandemic levels.Presented by Sorcha Pollak. Produced by Declan Conlon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Leaving Certificate exams will begin on Wednesday, June 4th.So, with just over two weeks to go, how can students optimize their study time to get the best results?Andrea is joined by Ronan Griffin from Study Skills to discuss.

Pat Leahy and Jack Horgan-Jones join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics: · Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88. Thoughts now turn to the election of his successor and whether they will be viewed to be as tolerant and progressive as the late pontiff. · Minister for Education Helen McEntee has her work cut out for her to keep secondary school teachers onside with both the Teacher's Union of Ireland and the Association of Secondary Teachers of Ireland voting to ballot on industrial action if plans to reform the Leaving Certificate from this September are not paused. · And the Government has told RTÉ that State funding of more than €60 million for its redundancy plan will hinge on the broadcaster hitting yearly targets as it reduces its headcount. Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:· Bill Clinton on a polarized America 30 years on from the Oklahoma bombing, Ireland needs to tread carefully with the EU on tariffs, and have we reached an empathy crisis? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jerry spoke to Darren O’Rourke, Sinn Féin spokesperson for education, and Gerry Reilly, member of the Irish Institute of Guidance Counsellors’ National Executive, about this year’s Leaving Certificate students possibly experiencing grade inflation.

Huawei Ireland's 2024 'Seeds for the Future' winners have finished in the Global TOP3 in the prestigious Seeds for the Future - Tech4Good global final held in China. Team Anaphero, comprising five students, Tiarnan O'Rourke, University College Dublin; Ciara O'Reilly, Dublin City University; Dylan Hussain, Technological University of Dublin; Luke O'Sullivan, University College Cork and Eoin Creavin, University College Dublin emerged as 20 European Region champions in the 2024 edition of Seeds for the Future. Their innovative project focused on developing a wearable device that instantly alerts parents and caregivers when a child shows early signs of anaphylactic shock. Utilising sensors to detect allergic reaction symptoms, the device leverages 5G network and AI models for real-time analysis and connectivity. Speaking after the announcement of the results at Huawei's HQ in Shenzhen, Team Anaphero student representative Ciara O'Reilly and Dublin City University student said: "We are beyond thrilled to be honoured in this way and to win with this project. The team is incredibly grateful to Huawei for giving us this opportunity to visit China and compete on the global stage. We have had an incredible few days already and we are now looking forward to exploring more of this country which is rich in history and culture. We are also looking forward to continuing the development of our project with the support of Huawei and the start-up ecosystem they have given us access to." The team's journey to the global competition included attending the Tech4Good Accelerator Camp from April 7 to 10, which provided 10 hours of offline coaching and mentoring. On April 11, they pitched their innovative project live, securing their spot in the Global TOP 3. Team Anaphero also won the People's Selection Award, reflecting the widespread appeal and importance of their project. Speaking about the Tech4Good global competition, Baolin Liang, PR Manager, Huawei Ireland, said: "We are so happy for Team Anaphero and their success in this competition. Seeds for the Future has, since its inception in 2015, benefited more than 280 students from Irish universities through the unique learning and culture experience of the European competition. And now we carried this success through to the global competition. "The programmes in which we are involved - Seeds for the Future and TECH4GOOD - demonstrate our commitment to nurturing and developing today's students to think about the future of our society. We see this student opportunity as another way to help these students to enhance their capabilities as they continue their studies in STEM subjects. This year, for the Global competition, we are excited that we have had such an inspiring team representing Ireland in an atmosphere of learning and development". Seeds for the Future is Huawei's globally recognised Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) flagship programme, the longest-running CSR initiative across the world. Third-level students studying STEM subjects or Leaving Certificate students considering a third-level course in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) are eligible to apply. The aim of the programme is to develop local talent, share knowledge, increase ICT sector awareness & enthusiasm, and foster digital community building. For more information on Huawei's Seeds for the Future and Tech4Good, please visit: https://www.huawei.com/minisite/seeds-for-the-future/tech4good.html More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too. You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at Simon@IrishTechNews.ie now to discuss. Irish Tech News have a range of services available to help promote your business. Why not drop us a line at Info@IrishTechNews....

Teen-Turn, a charity dedicated to empowering young women from underserved and underrepresented communities to pursue STEM careers, delivered its spring "Teen-Turn Super Session" at the University of Limerick on Saturday, April 5th. The event brought together over 60 girls from Connacht and Munster for a day of hands-on learning, mentorship, and exploration of university life. Teen-Turn Super Sessions are a key part of Teen-Turn's mission to provide the training and support necessary for girls to make informed decisions about their educational and career paths, particularly in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). With the guidance of industry professionals, university staff, and Teen-Turn alumni, participants engage in intensive, collaborative sessions, upskilling and working on their current after-school program projects and gaining invaluable insights into the world of STEM. This Super Session focused on guiding girls working in teams to code mobile apps that address real-world challenges. The girls also developed accompanying business plans, marketing strategies and pitches, which will be showcased at a Technovation Regional Pitch Event in May. Technovation activities aim to equip girls aged 10-18 with the skills to become tech entrepreneurs and leaders. "We were thrilled University of Limerick was able to host this Super Session event and to introduce the girls to the campus, explore the opportunities within the Computer Science and Immersive Software Engineering departments and meet the incredible staff and students there," said Iseut Mangan, Regional Manager for Teen-Turn. "For some of these girls, this was their first time visiting a university campus and it was an exciting moment that could shape their future educational and career choices. By familiarising themselves with the campus, they can better visualise themselves as university students. The support they receive from mentors is essential in helping them believe in themselves now so as to achieve a STEM career in the future." The Teen-Turn Super Session featured mentors specifically from the Immersive Software Engineering department at UL, who guided the girls through coding exercises, app development, and business plan creation. Additionally, some of Teen-Turn's alumnae, who participated in many Super Sessions during their journey with Teen-Turn and are now first-year students in Immersive Software Engineering at UL and Biomedical Engineering in MTU, joined the event as a peer mentors, sharing their experiences and offering advice to the girls. Teen-Turn's programmes, including after-school activities, Saturday PLUS clubs, and work placements, provide girls with the skills, confidence and resources to navigate the STEM education system and make informed decisions about Leaving Certificate subject choices and third-level course options. Teen-Turn remains with the girls throughout their journey, from Junior Cert to job, offering continued support through college years and into the workforce. By connecting participants with female role models in the industry, Teen-Turn ensures that girls from all backgrounds have access to the tools and inspiration they need to succeed. "We believe that no girl should be limited by her background, home circumstances or geography when it comes to choosing a career in STEM," said Iseult Mangan. "The programmes we offer start at second level and continue with the girls through college and into the workforce. We help break down barriers and create a supportive community where girls can thrive, explore their potential, and set their sights on a future in technology and innovation." This Super Session event underscored Teen-Turn's ongoing commitment to skilling and supporting the next generation of female leaders in STEM.

Huawei Ireland's 2024 'Seeds for the Future' winners start their visit to China to represent Ireland in the prestigious Seeds for the Future - Tech4Good global final. Team Anaphero, comprising five students, Tiarnan O'Rourke, University College Dublin; Ciara O'Reilly, Dublin City University; Dylan Hussain, Technological University of Dublin; Luke O'Sullivan, University College Cork and Eoin Creavin, University College Dublin emerged as 2024 European Region champions in the 2024 edition of Seeds for the Future. Their innovative project focused on developing a wearable device that instantly alerts parents and caregivers when a child shows early signs of anaphylactic shock. Utilising sensors to detect allergic reaction symptoms, the device leverages 5G network and AI models for real-time analysis and connectivity. Speaking at the opening ceremony in Beijing, Ireland's Ambassador to China, Dr. Nicholas O'Brien, said: "I congratulate Team Anaphero from Ireland for their wonderful achievement on becoming the Huawei Tech4Good European regional champions and reaching the global final in Beijing. Tiarnan O'Rourke, Ciara O'Reilly, Dylan Hussain, Luke O'Sullivan and Eoin Creavin have developed a truly impressive wearable medical device, a symbol of the creativity and innovation of young Irish people. I wish Team Anaphero the best of luck in the competition, and I hope they have a stimulating and productive visit here in China". From April 7 to 10, the students will attend Tech4Ggood Accelerator Camp, which involves 10 hours of offline coaching and office-hour mentoring sessions following the coaching. They will also experience Chinese culture and explore digital development in China. On April 11, they will pitch their project live to judges. If they win global #TOP3 or the people's selection award, their trip will be extended so that they can visit Hangzhou and Shanghai after being in Beijing and Shenzhen. Team Anaphero student representative Ciara O'Reilly and Dublin City University student delivered remarks at the opening ceremony: "As we now look forward to the week ahead, we are filled with excitement - not only to explore a country rich in history and culture, but also to engage with some of the most advanced technological ecosystem in the world. We're eager to learn, explore, and be inspired by what we experience here." In addition, Damian Gornik, alumna from the 2023 edition of Seeds, is selected as the 'Seeds Ambassador' in 2025. He will also be travelling to China, joining the journey of culture and technology exploration. Seeds for the Future is Huawei's globally recognised Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) flagship programme, the longest-running CSR initiative across the world. Third-level students studying STEM subjects or Leaving Certificate students considering a third-level course in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) are eligible to apply. The aim of the programme is to develop local talent, share knowledge, increase ICT sector awareness & enthusiasm, and foster digital community building. Speaking about the Tech4Good global competition, Baolin Liang, PR Manager, Huawei Ireland, said: "Since its inception in 2015, more than 280 students from Irish universities have benefited from the unique learning and culture experience of the European competition. The programmes that we are involved in - Seeds for the Future and TECH4GOOD - demonstrate our commitment to nurturing and developing today's students to think about the future of our society. We continue to invest in Ireland's future ICT workforce, and we see this student opportunity as another way to help these students to enhance their capabilities as they continue their studies in STEM subjects. This year, for the Global competition, we are excited that we have such an inspiring team representing Ireland in an atmosphere of learning and development". For more information on Huawei's Seeds for the Future and Tech4Good, please visit: https://www.huawei...

From the Octagon to The Oval Office, Conor McGregor's potential disruption of the 2025 Áras race. A debate as to whether Simon Harris is right to suggest a Trump address to the Houses of the Oireachtas, the economic dangers of the Trump tariffs outlined, the latest on the speaking rights row in the Dáil, and Ivan's Leaving Certificate reform.Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and a weekly bonus episode, sign up at pathtopowerpodcast.comGet in touch: mail@pathtopowerpodcast.comFollow the hosts:Matt: https://twitter.com/cooper_mhttps://www.instagram.com/mattcooperlastword/Ivan: https://www.instagram.com/officialivanyates/https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivan-yates-7b4b468a/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joe is joined by Dan Sheedy, Principal at the Tuition Centre, to discuss why the Leaving Certificate oral exams are nothing to fear. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Monday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by John Burns, Retired Deputy Principal and Educational Consultant. This week, John gave advice on dropping to ordinary level for the Leaving Certificate, completing work for the graduation committee, and much more.

Midlands-based Guidance Counsellor Betty McLaughlin, speaks to Kieran about concerns from teachers across the country about how continuous assessment exams with the new Leaving Certificate reform will be graded and examined and about assessment integrity due to artificial intelligence (AI) which can cause difficulties in authenticating a students work.

Calls are being made to reform the CAO points system for entry to third-level education. The calls come in the wake of the significant changes planned for the Leaving Certificate. These changes include a minimum of 40 per cent marks for projects across all subjects. The recommendations from the Senior Cycle Redevelopment Delivery Board include integrating apprenticeship applications with the CAO into one system for both higher and further education. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Clare ASTI Representative, Geraldine O'Brien. Photo (c) Sarinyapinngam via Canva.com

Leaving Cert students will soon be allowed to use AI. From next year, Artificial Intelligence will be allowed for certain parts of project work. How will this work and is it a good thing? Joining Kieran to discuss was Elaine Burke, Host of “For Tech's Sake” and “The Connected AI” podcasts and Dr Eamon Costello Associate professor of digital learning at Dublin City University.

Second level teachers are protesting outside schools at lunchtime today. They want a delay to Leaving Certificate reforms which they say risk undermining educational standards and fairness for students. Jerry spoke to Rathmore’s Donal Cremin who is president of the ASTI union.

The Leaving Certificate could see a major overhaul in a bid to reduce the stress put on young people.The Irish Times is reporting that both English and Maths could be reduced to just one paper, with students completing project work worth 40 percent of their overall grade in 5th year.If approved, the changes would come into force for students entering fifth year in September 2026.Conor Murphy, an English Teacher in Skibbereen Community School in Cork says he has major concerns over the proposals Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Discussing how the Leaving Certificate could see a major overhaul in a bid to reduce the stress put on young peopleThe impact of online scams and what to watch out for The Irish Cancer Society join Patricia on how one in four patients had to choose between food and heat or paying their health bills Dana joins Patricia ahead of her new Christmas single due for release this weekYour chance to win and experience Winter in Dublin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) are considering significant reform to the Leaving Certificate in an effort to curb the anxiety and pressure which final exams are causing students.Current changes under consideration are that there would be a single English and Maths exam, and that students would undertake a project worth 40% in both subjects to make up marks.Joining Kieran to discuss is Conor Skehan, former TU Dublin Lecturer and Paul Crone, Director of The National Association of Principals and Deputies.

He's one of Ireland's most celebrated actors, and won the Academy Award for Best Actor earlier this year. Now, he's back on our screens in a very important film which tells the story of a very dark part of Irish history. Cillian Murphy and Eileen Walsh joined Dave to chat about 'Small Things Like These', based on the book of the same name which features on the current Leaving Certificate curriculum.

The staff of an East Clare school says it's an honour to be chosen as one of the first schools in the country to offer a new Senior Cycle subject. St. Anne's Community College in Killaloe is one of 57 post-primary schools that have been selected to have Drama, Film and Theatre Studies as an optional subject for the Leaving Certificate from next year. According to the Department of Education, the subject will "promote and encourage creativity as a basis for learning through immersive experiences" and will give students "the opportunity to cultivate informed thinking through learning supported by creative and critical processes". Assistant Principal and English and Drama teacher at St. Anne's Community College Maree Murphy says given the long-standing embrace of the arts at the school, it's well placed to teach the new area.

Award-winning film producer and educator, David Puttnam, discusses the official launch of Drama Film and Theatre Studies as a Leaving Cert subject.

Eoghan Cleary, Assistant Principal and Coordinator of SPHE and curricular well-being at Temple Carrig School in Greystones in Co Wicklow, discusses the new and revised Leaving Certificate subjects and Senior Cycle Programmes.

In this episode, Niall explores the debate around whether the Irish language should be compulsory for all students, regardless of their nationality. The discussion was sparked by the Taoiseach's comments suggesting that fewer students are choosing Irish for the Leaving Certificate because many come from families around the world and may not be in a position to take mandatory Irish classes. Should the Irish language be a compulsory part of education for everyone living in Ireland, or should it be optional?Some callers believe that Irish should indeed be compulsory for all students, regardless of their background. They argue that the Irish language is a vital part of Ireland's heritage and cultural identity. By making it mandatory, students from diverse backgrounds can connect with the country's history and traditions, fostering a greater sense of unity and community. Supporters feel that maintaining Irish as a compulsory subject helps preserve a unique aspect of Irish identity, which is important for both Irish nationals and those who choose to live in Ireland.While other callers feel that Irish should not be compulsory for all students. They argue that the language is not widely used in everyday life, and enforcing it on all students is impractical and may be seen as unnecessary. These callers believe that educational efforts should focus more on subjects that offer practical value in today's world, like computer science, mathematics, and modern foreign languages that could open up global opportunities. Making Irish optional would allow students to focus on skills that are more relevant to their future careers, while still offering the language as a choice for those genuinely interested in it.Niall concludes the episode by acknowledging the passionate arguments on both sides of the debate, highlighting the balance between preserving cultural heritage and adapting to the practical needs of a modern, diverse society. He suggests that finding a middle ground might be the key to addressing this issue effectively.

Niamh Doherty from West Cork has recently been appointed the Vice President for Welfare with the Union of Students Ireland (USI).The USI is the national representative body for third-level students' unions in Ireland, representing more than 374,000 students in over forty colleges across Ireland.With the Leaving Certificate results out last week and CAO offers out this week, many students are navigating their way through the process and making decisions on their next steps. Over 250,000 students are expected to return to college this year, with over 100,000 living in the private rental market. One of the main challenges facing incoming college students is the accommodation crisis as they scramble to find somewhere to live in time for the academic year. 'There should be enough purpose-built student accommodation', says Niamh. She discusses the recently launched 'Digs Drive' and where students can turn to if they need support in college.Listen to the podcast below:To get in touch with your opinions and feedback on the podcast you can email youngstock@farmersjournal.ie or leave a WhatsApp voice note at 0868366465. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Betty McLaughlin, Guidance Counsellor, discusses advice and the supports available for students receiving their Leaving Certificate examination results today.

Clare Gardaí are urging those celebrating their Leaving Certificate results tonight to avoid confrontation at all costs. Large crowds are expected to descend on the county's bars and nightclubs this evening and over the weekend for the class of 2024's social gatherings. Those heading out tonight though are being reminded not to engage with anyone displaying aggressive behaviour, especially those under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and to pull away from physical altercations. Clare Crime Prevention Officer Sergeant Catríona Holohan has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that the consequences of a split-second decision can be life changing for the victim and perpetrator alike.

With the Leaving Certificate results coming out today, many teens were excited (and nervous!) to see what they got.Newstalk's Henry McKean joins Kieran Cuddihy to discuss the big day for many, and share what he's heard from students.

Following two and a half years in Forensic Science at TU Dublin, the COVID-19 pandemic made Peter Boyne realise the course was not for him. Now, he works to help Ireland transition to a renewable energy future as part of the EirGrid workforce. As another year of Leaving Cert students await their results, more and more students are beginning to steer away from the traditional routes to careers and education, by selecting opportunities based in the workplace, while in turn, employers are creating new ways to attract talent to suit their specific needs. EirGrid, the operator and developer of Ireland's electricity grid, began the Earn and Learn programme in 2023, offering successful applicants the chance to gain experience in a work environment, while also offering them the choice to access third-level education. Originally from Malahide in Dublin, Peter Boyne completed his Leaving Certificate in 2019 and went on to study Forensic Science in TU Dublin that autumn. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, and universities had to move to online learning, Peter's perspective of college changed. "During COVID, college went towards online learning and as a practical learner, I didn't work well learning over a screen and I didn't feel I was getting much benefit from my course, so I decided to drop out." On the hunt for his next opportunity, Peter saw the Earn and Learn Programme by EirGrid on LinkedIn, which would allow him to simultaneously gain experience in a work environment, while offering him the choice to access third-level education. "The Earn & Learn programme was exactly what I was looking for. EirGrid would support my college education while allowing me to be financially independent and gain experience by working in the office." Now nine months into the two-year Earn and Learn programme, Peter is a Market Associate within the Operations team at EirGrid. He is currently undertaking a diploma with Griffith College and, this September, will begin a level 8 in Business Management part-time. "My team look after the running of multiple grid interconnectors across the country and in helping lay the groundwork for future projects such as the Celtic Interconnector, which will get us connected to mainland Europe, via France. I also help organise and run meetings and workshops for our team. "The work is very interesting and something I don't think I would have done if I had not joined this programme. "It was important for me to be able to work while I was in college so that I could enjoy my life outside of education and work because while working full-time, you are still entitled to your holidays and time off." By 2030 the national electricity system must be developed to allow for 80% of our electricity to come from renewable sources, as per Government climate targets, something that Peter is passionate about. He wishes more programmes like this would come on stream for other students who do not suit traditional long term third-level study. "Before joining EirGrid I did not have a big interest in renewable energy, but I knew it was going to be important. Through my first nine months in EirGrid I have gained a much wider knowledge of the sector and enjoy learning. "You don't have to know a lot about the sector or area to join a programme like this, you learn as you go and learn to work alongside your colleagues. I'd encourage students to consider all options for after the Leaving Cert. College isn't for everyone."

You can go to college to get a degree without the Leaving Certificate points race or a CAO application. The Tertiary Degrees are co-designed and co-delivered by the Education and Training Boards and Higher Education Institutions. To tell us more Dr Fiona Maloney, a Director of the National Tertiary Office.

In this episode of Talking History on Newstalk, we're looking at the history of the Leaving Certificate - 100 years old this year - and debating its impact on Irish education .Featuring: Dr Orla McCormack, Senior Lecturer in the School of Education at the University of Limerick; Deirdre Mac Mathuna, Past President and now Public Relations Officer for the History Teachers' Association of Ireland and a lecturer at Trinity College Dublin in History Pedagogy; Dr Hazel Murray, cybersecurity lecturer at Munster Technological University; and Dr Colm Mac Gearailt, postdoctoral researcher on the ‘Cartlann' archive at University of Galway.

Niamh Delmar Counselling Psychologist discusses' the start of the Leaving Certificate and Junior Cycle examinations this morning and shares some helpful tips for students and parents.

The 2024 Junior and Leaving Certificate exams get underway on Wednesday, June 5th.Psychotherapist Helen Vaughan joined Matt to give students and families some tips and tricks on how best to combat the stress that comes with exam time.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Parents, campaigners, and politicians have been calling for extra time to be given to pupils with dyslexia while sitting their exams. However, the State Examinations Commission said this would create an unfair advantage. Speaking to Ciara this morning to discuss further Rosie Bissett, CEO, Dyslexia Association of Ireland..

Huawei Ireland has launched the 2024 edition of its flagship talent programme, 'Seeds for the Future'. Third-level students studying STEM subjects or Leaving Certificate students considering a third-level course in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) are eligible to apply. Seeds for the Future is Huawei's globally-recognised Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) flagship programme, the longest-running CSR initiative across the world. This program seeks to develop local talent, share knowledge, increase ICT sector awareness & enthusiasm, and foster digital community building. This year, the programme will take place over five days in Rome (July 1-6), where students will meet and work on their 'Tech4Good' projects as well as availing of leadership courses and ICT courses on AI, 5G, Cloud computing and digital power. At the end of their stay, the teams will pitch their ideas, and the regional champions will join the Tech4Good Global Final in China in 2025. The students from Irish universities selected for this year's programme will each be awarded a 1000-euro bursary. To apply for the programme, students should send their CV, a transcript of their academic records, and a cover letter of 400-600 words and/or a three-minute personal video reflecting their objectives to participate to seedsireland@huawei.com. Students can also find more information about the programme through the Seeds for the Future official website. The deadline for submissions is June 5, with selected students informed by June 10. Announcing the 2024 Seeds for the Future Programme, Luke McDonnell, Head of PR, Huawei Ireland, said: "Since its inception in 2015, over 280 students from Irish universities have benefited from this unique learning and culture experience. This year, students from all over Europe will meet up in Rome in an atmosphere of learning and development. We focus on the development of their ideas and allowing the students to think of how their projects can help society in our ever-changing world. "This year marks Huawei's 20th year in Ireland, and the company is committed to creating value for the communities in which we operate. The programmes that we are involved in - Seeds for the Future and TECH4GOOD - demonstrate our commitment to nurturing and developing today's students to think about the future of our society. We continue to invest in Ireland's future ICT workforce, and we see this student opportunity as another way to help these students to enhance their capabilities as they continue their studies in STEM subjects". In 2023, the top 50 Seeds for the Future graduates came from nine universities around the country, with the bulk hailing from TU Dublin, UCD, Trinity College Dublin, UCC and NUIG. Last year's programme received 500 applications from STEM students across Ireland. In total, there were 88 graduates, of which 31 were female students. In both 2023 and 2024, students with top performance in the projects were given the opportunity to visit China and explore cutting-edge technology development and culture exchange. For more details, go to Huawei - Seeds for The Future - PROGRAMME. More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too. You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at Simon@IrishTechNews.ie now to discuss. Irish Tech News have a range of services available to help promote your business. Why not drop us a line at Info@IrishTechNews.ie now to find out more about how we can help you reach our audience. You can also find and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.

Changes to Leaving Certificate marking will come into effect in 2025 after years of disruption due to Covid . We get more details from Gemma Lawlor, Guidance Counsellor at Tyndall College Carlow.

Debunking misconceptions that Computer Science at Leaving Cert is only for "brainy" students and "nerds" is vital to attracting more pupils to the subject, a study by Lero, the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Software, and University of Limerick (UL) has found. Lero and UL researchers, who conducted a four-phase in-depth qualitative study interviewing fifth and sixth-year students from four schools, said students told them Computer Science is suitable for all students and not just those perceived as "brainy" students. One of the study's authors, Lero's Prof. Chris Exton, a lecturer in the Department of Computer Science at UL, said debunking these beliefs is essential to encourage more students to engage with and promote a more realistic view of Computer Science as a school subject and a career. "The commonly held belief that Computer Science was a subject for 'nerds' was challenged by students, with the majority of students claiming the subject is for everyone, regardless of gender, previous experience or abilities. These findings contradict the popular conception that Leaving Cert Computer Science is suitable for a specific group of people with specific interests," he added. Lero Education and Public Engagement Program Manager Dr Clare McInerney said that in a technology-rich society, an understanding of software, coding and the wider aspects of Computer Science is no longer a specialist body of knowledge required by key professionals. "Software permeates every aspect of our lives from the games on our phones to the healthcare we receive. So, computer science really is an essential part of what it means to be digitally competent in the 21st century and, therefore, has relevance for all future careers and citizens and recognising that computer science is a huge part of the world we live in is an important step for us all," she said. "As our study has found, it is a subject that promotes creativity, enables student collaboration, and achieves many of the essential learning outcomes required in the 21st century. Therefore, it is a unique vehicle to achieve many of these educational goals regardless of whether a student decides to pursue a career in this area. For that reason, framing it as an essential skill for all, rather than being part of the STEM portfolio of subjects may prove more advantageous in the long run," she continued. Prof. Oliver McGarr from the School of Education at UL said their study concludes that the introduction of the subject in 2018 has been successful, with a growing number of schools taking on the subject - 145 secondary schools, 20% nationally, now offer Computer Science. "Students' experiences of the subject are very positive in relation to the way it is taught and the opportunity for creative and collaborative work. However, negative and inaccurate stereotypes are still present, as well as a wider lack of understanding of what Computer Science entails and a lack of appreciation of its wide application in all aspects of society," he added. Lero's Joyce Borges remarked that "this work is particularly important because, while there have been several studies that have explored the roll out of Leaving Cert Computer Science, this is the first which focussed on students and their experiences of the subject in an in-depth manner." See more stories here.

On Tuesday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by John Burns, retired Deputy Principal at Rice College and Director of the Burns Study Centre in Ennis. With the Leaving Certificate exams approaching, John gave advice to parents.

The Oireachtas will today consider a petition that calls for extra time for dyslexic students in Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate exams. Monica Grant, Mother of 2 dyslexic teenagers explained why this call is important.

Shari Irfan, President of the Irish Second-Level Students Union, joined The Last Word to discuss the decision to allocate the first week of secondary school Easter holidays to the Leaving Certificate oral exams.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Carl O'Brien, Education Editor with The Irish Times, discusses plans by the State Examinations Commission to evaluate the timing of the Leaving Certificate oral examinations.

Aodhan O'Riordan, Labour Spokesperson on Education and Justice and Donnchadh O'Mahony, Career Guidance Teacher at Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green

Emma O'Kelly, Education Correspondent, discusses today's Leaving Certificate results.

Norma Foley, Education Minister, discusses today's Leaving Certificate results .

Leaving Certificate results will be available from Friday morning, with first round CAO offers out next Wednesday.To discuss grade inflation and Leaving Cert reform, Kieran was joined by Eric Nelligan, Assistant Principal at St Munchins College Limerick and Aontú spokesperson on education alongside John Walshe, Former Advisor to Education Minister Ruairi Quinn...

Minister Simon Harris, discusses the new third level opportunities for people who don't get the required points in the Leaving Certificate.

Cheryl Keeler, Career and Guidance Teacher at St. Dominic's Secondary School in Ballyfermot, discusses the reasons behind the rise in the number of pupils sitting the Leaving Certificate Applied programme this year

Our Education Correspondent, Emma O'kelly has been catching up with Leaving Certificate students at St Peters College in Dunboyne after this morning's English Paper One.

Brian Mooney, Career Guidance Expert and Irish Times columnist, offers advice for students and parents ahead of the start of the Leaving Certificate exams tomorrow.

On Tuesdays Morning Focus, Alan was joined by Laura Egan, guidance counsellor with St. Joseph's Community College in Kilkee and Grace Harrison, psychotherapist and counsellor who runs a clinic in Ennis. Laura and Alan discussed the potential fears students may have about the upcoming Leaving Certificate exams commencing tomorrow. Laura showcased a number of reassuring statements and advice for the Leaving Certificate students who may be worried about the upcoming exams. Grace Harrison highlighted the importance to stay calm and stress free and provided some useful stress relieving activities and advice.

Sign up for Owning It Real Time HERE. If you are facing into exams - be it your Leaving Certificate, your A Levels, your state exams - anything at all which requires an examination - you will be familiar with anxiety. That feeling of pressure, that so much appears to be riding on this one test. While I can't change the system that sees the way we're educated culminate in one high pressure exam at the end of the year, I can offer tools and techniques to help manage the anxiety that for a lot of us, at some point in life, will be inevitable. These are major life skills that will apply well beyond exam time too. For this I am joined by Mary Bradley. Mary specialises in teen wellbeing. She's been a secondary school teacher for 10 years and is also a trained breathwork and meditation instructor and life coach. Mary works with teenagers to help them push past a variety of challenges in particular exam anxiety. With online workshops and meditation classes Mary helps students sit their exams feeling calm, focused and prepared and she also just has a lovely soothing donegal accent so listening alone will surely downregulate your stress response here.MaryBradley.ie Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/owningittheanxietypodcast. Own your anxiety as and when it happens with Owning It: Real Time. The situation specific series of audio guides that helps you move through your most anxious moments. Available now on Acast+ https://plus.acast.com/s/owningittheanxietypodcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.