Q&A

Your education questions answered by Brian MooneyBrian Mooney

My son, who is 17 years old, had some difficulties at the end of his school year last year. He was due to go into his Leaving Cert year in September. His difficulties had been creeping up on him during the year, his ability to concentrate got worse, his grades suffered, his self-confidence got very low. Then came the fear and anxiety and sometimes paranoia. Eventually, last April, he had to leave school and spent some time getting professional help. He has made great improvements. Unfortunately, however, he is not ready to go back to school and won't be able for work. We have been advised that he shouldn't spend too much time at home and he needs structure, routine and a purpose to his life. He would like to return to school to do his Leaving Cert as soon as his health allows and wishes to prepare. Have you any suggestions as to what might be suitable?

Your situation is not unique. Unfortunately, these types of difficulties can often arise for young people in their late teens. It may be triggered by stress, substance misuse, bullying, one never knows. I am delighted that your son has improved and you are jointly planning what the best next steps are. I am not aware of the services that are available nationally although you might inquire from your local area health board. However, in the Dublin region I know of one service, Burton Hall Campus, and its REACH training programme which assists people who wish to return to education, work or training following a period needing professional help.

This service is provided through the Cluain Mhuire family therapy centre in conjunction with FÁS. The programme lasts between 21 and 32 weeks, depending on the needs of the trainee, and has 11 modules that trainees work through. I have personal experience of working with the Burton Hall programme and I found that it was very beneficial in the recovery to full health of the young person involved. The most important thing is the understanding that the staff in Burton Hall have of these issues and their dedication to assist all the programme trainees achieve their full potential. Through participating on the programme, many young people go back to school or college with renewed self-confidence and skills. A programme like this one may be suitable for your son. It will provide him with the structure, purpose and stimulation he needs to help him continue to move forward. There may be similar programmes available in your area. A FETAC certificate is awarded at the end. Your GP, FAS office or local mental health service may be able to point you in the right direction. If you wish to find out more about Burton Hall, tel: 01-2955888.

My son failed ordinary level maths in his Leaving Certificate this year and as such was not able to get a place on the course he had applied for in our local institute of technology. He has taken a job in a supermarket but would like to repeat maths this year and try to get into his course in September 2005. Could you suggest what he could do to achieve this, as I fear his resolve may weaken as he gets used to a weekly wage.

More than 5,000 students find themselves in your son's predicament each year. The most important step he can take is to set up a regular grind, which he should finance out of his wages, with a qualified maths teacher. If he is paying for it himself he is likely to take it seriously. He should set aside one hour each evening to work on past papers and his textbook. He must also register immediately as an external candidate to sit maths in the Leaving Certificate with the State Examination Commission. Finally, he needs to apply again to the CAO by January 2005, listing the course or courses he wishes to be considered for next August.

Brian Mooney is president of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors. E-mail questions to bmooney@irish- times.ie