Advice: Brian Mooney
Your questions answered by education expert Brian Mooney. Send your query to askbrian@irishtimes.com
Ask Brian
‘I want to work in the fitness sector. What’s the best course to do?’
- February 12, 2019
Ask Brian: It makes sense to invest extra time for professional quality training
Ask Brian: My daughter wants to teach. What’s the best entry route?
- February 5, 2019
There are lots of options - just be sure your degree meets Teaching Council requirements
My son is exempted from languages. Can he still go to third level?
- January 29, 2019
Ask Brian: Rules vary across colleges and individual programmes
Ask Brian: Is a PLC course a good option for studying science?
- January 22, 2019
Many colleges set aside places for students who have completed Post-Leaving Cert courses
CAO applications: Eight things you need to know
- January 16, 2019
CAO countdown: Research your options thoroughly – and then trust your instincts
Ask Brian: ‘My daughter wants a year out. Should she still apply to the CAO?’
- January 15, 2019
College is just one of many options but It’s worth registering in case of a change of mind
CAO: The dos and don'ts to help guide your child's choice
- January 14, 2019
Avoid the traps: Parents can offer vital support, but their knowledge is often outdated
Ask Brian: Can I teach in an Irish classroom even though I qualified abroad?
- January 8, 2019
The Teaching Council assesses the qualifications of out-of-State teachers
Ask Brian: Can my son in Northern Ireland apply through the CAO system?
- December 18, 2018
NI residents may apply – though how these rights will be affected by Brexit is unclear
Ask Brian: Is my son too bright for an apprenticeship?
- December 11, 2018
Modern apprenticeships offer a valuable alternative route to higher level qualifications
A course by any other name
- December 4, 2018
Ask Brian: I can’t find a third-level course in the area I’m interested in. Can you help?
Ask Brian: ‘I am 18. Why should parents get my exam results?’
- November 27, 2018
Schools are ignoring obligation to seek students’ consent before sharing data
My daughter isn’t sure what course to apply for. How can I help?
- November 20, 2018
Is it worth doing a year abroad in college?
- November 13, 2018
Ask Brian: Erasmus placements boost language skills and job opportunities
Does my son’s exam upgrade mean he can switch college?
- November 6, 2018
Ask Brian: He can move to a higher preference after an upgrade – if there are spaces
Ask Brian: My child’s teacher is performing poorly. How do I complain?
- October 23, 2018
Legislation for grievance procedures was never enacted – but new law should help
My son has dyslexia. Should he drop subjects?
- October 23, 2018
Ask Brian: The move from first to second year can be a big step up for some students
My daughter wants to study physiotherapy abroad, but I’m not so sure
- October 16, 2018
Ask Brian: Several thousand Irish students are studying at EU universities
Will Brexit affect my fees if I study in the UK next year?
- October 9, 2018
Ask Brian: Existing fees are set to remain in place for the 2019-20 academic year
My smartphone-addicted son refuses to go to school. What can we do?
- October 2, 2018
Ask Brian: Parents face daily battles to protect their children from compulsive gaming
Brian Mooney: How do I go about doing a postgrad course at a US university?
- September 25, 2018
There are lots of options – but costs are steep, so be sure to do your research
Ask Brian: What if I don’t pay the school’s ‘voluntary contribution’?
- August 28, 2018
Teachers should have no knowledge or interest in these financial matters
CAO deadline day: What students need to know
- June 25, 2018
All colleges ready to deal with last-minute queries from applicants
Brian Mooney: What you need to know before the exams begin
- June 5, 2018
An exam survival guide for Junior and Leaving Cert students (and parents)
Ask Brian: Are Irish universities set up to cater to international students?
- June 5, 2018
Rising numbers of non-Irish students are studying in Ireland – but it can be costly
Ask Brian: What chance is there of a loans scheme for higher education?
- May 22, 2018
Plan for loans are dead in the water – awaiting a decent burial
Ask Brian: I still can’t decide what course to choose. What should I do?
- May 8, 2018
Don’t rush into a course which doesn’t excite you – there is plenty of time to decide
Ask Brian: Will I get an exemption from Irish for the Leaving Cert?
- May 1, 2018
New data-sharing rules mean students must ensure the CAO is aware of Irish exemptions
Ask Brian: My son’s Leaving Cert politics exam clashes with another subject
- April 24, 2018
Students should not be expected to sit three Leaving Cert written papers in a single day
Ask Brian: My daughter is just 17. Should she defer going to college for a year?
- April 17, 2018
Some younger students may not be ready for the demands of third-level
Ask Brian: Can my daughter skip transition year?
- April 10, 2018
Schools have discretion to determine whether TY is compulsory or not
Ask Brian: I don’t know which teachers’ union I should join. Does it matter?
- April 3, 2018
Benefits differ in specific details, which could be significant over a lifetime
Ask Brian: My daughter wants to be a vet but her school doesn’t offer chemistry
- March 27, 2018
Lack of subject choice is a deep unfairness of the secondary system
Ask Brian: My daughter wants to be a pilot. How much will it cost?
- March 20, 2018
Courses are hugely expensive, though there are ways of cushioning costs
Ask Brian: I want to be a primary teacher but I’m worried about oral Irish
- March 13, 2018
Anxiety is normal. Intensify your preparation over the coming weeks
Ask Brian: Should my daughter skip transition year?
- March 6, 2018
This academic interlude is of immense benefit to students’ growth and development
Ask Brian: When I turn 18, am I entitled to receive my grades from school?
- February 27, 2018
18 year olds are entitled to be treated as adults by schools
My school says my complaints about a teacher are groundless
- February 20, 2018
Ask Brian: There are a number of options available once you’ve exhausted all avenues in school
Ask Brian: My daughter’s on a career break from teaching. Should she return home?
- February 13, 2018
Teaching posts may become harder to secure in future as numbers are projected to fall
Ask Brian: I’m a law graduate, but would prefer to teach. How do I qualify?
- February 6, 2018
There is a real lack of support available to encourage graduates into teaching
Ask Brian: Do I have to make my school’s ‘voluntary’ contribution?
- January 23, 2018
I am concerned that my decision will affect the school’s attitude to my son
CAO Countdown
