Advice: Brian Mooney | The Irish Times

The jury is out still out on the impact of learning using iPads. Photograph: iStock

Are iPads in the classroom really a good idea?

Ask Brian: The jury is out – but it depends on how they are used and the quality of learning

Young teachers have little hope of being able to afford a home in the capital nowadays. Photograph: iStock

I teach but can’t afford to buy a home in Dublin. Is moving my only option?

Ask Brian: There is a strong case to ensure we provide affordable housing for critical public-sector workers

Sport regularly tops students’ aptitude profiles. Photograph: iStock

My son is obsessed with sport – are there any third-level options for him?

Ask Brian: Sport often tops students’ aptitude profiles – though few go on to study it

Irish mothers can play a crucial role in helping to put their children on a career path. Photograph: iStock

Can my son get to university to study philosophy on 320 points?

Ask Brian: There are plenty of options within the greater Dublin area

CAO applicants should consider checking the updated course handbook for new courses that have come available in recent times. Photograph: iStock

My son no longer wants to take a gap year. Is it too late to apply to the CAO?

The application deadline is May 1st – but applicants can change courses up to July 1st

There are plenty of law degrees of very high standing right across the higher education sector. Photograph: iStock

Will CAO points for law rise or fall this year?

Ask Brian: More students are applying to study law this year so points are likely to rise

There have been numerous reports of children’s attendance at school being restricted to the bare minimum number of hours each day. Photograph: iStock

It it lawful to put my five-year-old on a reduced-hours timetable?

Ask Brian: Limiting a child’s access to schooling is a failure by the education system

Guidance counsellors regularly provide one-on-one support to students in distress. Photograph: iStock

My marriage break-up is affecting my son’s school work. Who can help?

Ask Brian: Guidance counsellors are qualified to provide one-on-one support

The timing of the Leaving Cert results and CAO offers will shift this year.

Does my Leaving Cert daughter need to be in the country for her results?

Ask Brian: Students who wish to view their exams scripts will need to be present

Students born outside Ireland are exempt from Irish requirements for entry to National University of Ireland colleges. Photograph: iStock

My son was born in the UK. Does he have to study Leaving Certificate Irish?

Ask Brian: Exemptions depend on how long a pupil has been out of Irish education system

There is no need to panic or rush to make a decision. Your daughter has until July 1st to make her CAO course choices. Photograph: iStock

My daughter has no guidance counsellor. Where can she get expert career advice?

Ask Brian: Schools have a legal obligation to ensure pupils have access to guidance

CAO deadlines: most applicants can change their minds until July 1st. Photograph: iStock/Getty

My daughter says her CAO deadline is in March. Is she right?

Ask Brian: Some courses have early deadlines, but most options stay open until July 1st

Prospective pilots require a range of aptitude and skills possessed by only a small cohort of interested applicants. Photograph: iStock

What happens if my daughter’s dream of being a pilot doesn’t take off?

Ask Brian: It may be highly competitive but there are a number of training routes

The leisure and fitness industry continues to experience rapid growth and there are lots of opportunities. Photograph: iStock

‘I want to work in the fitness sector. What’s the best course to do?’

Ask Brian: It makes sense to invest extra time for professional quality training

There are lots of options - just be sure your degree meets Teaching Council requirements. Photo: iStock

Ask Brian: My daughter wants to teach. What’s the best entry route?

There are lots of options - just be sure your degree meets Teaching Council requirements

Language requirements for entry to third level vary, but exemptions are available. Photograph: iStock

My son is exempted from languages. Can he still go to third level?

Ask Brian: Rules vary across colleges and individual programmes

Many third-level institutions set aside places in their courses for students coming from a PLC background. Photograph: David Sleator

Ask Brian: Is a PLC course a good option for studying science?

Many colleges set aside places for students who have completed Post-Leaving Cert courses

Trust your instincts, don’t be overinfluenced by the plans of others – particularly your friends’ plans. You will make lots of new friends, wherever and whatever you end up studying. Photograph: Getty Images

CAO applications: Eight things you need to know

CAO countdown: Research your options thoroughly – and then trust your instincts

It is perfectly normal for Leaving Cert students at this stage to still be unsure about what course options to take. Photograph: iStock

Ask Brian: ‘My daughter wants a year out. Should she still apply to the CAO?’

College is just one of many options but It’s worth registering in case of a change of mind

Think of what your child’s strongest aptitudes are and help them identify educational and/or training options that are in tune with them. Photograph: Cyril Byrne

CAO: The dos and don'ts to help guide your child's choice

Avoid the traps: Parents can offer vital support, but their knowledge is often outdated

1
2
3
4
5
Next ›

Feeder Schools 2018 School-by-school data on how many students schools sent to college

You can stay up-to-date with all areas of interest from news to business, from sport to lifestyle and from music and fashion: David Sleator

FREE @irishtimes subscription Back in college? Claim your free digital subscription here!

College open days offer the opportunity to inspect facilities at the institution of your choice. Photograph: iStock

Open Days Find out how to make the best use of the third level open day season

Studying for the Leaving Cert? Sign up for '2nd Level' emails for more on CAO, Leaving Cert, career guidance and college choice

Sponsored

‘In leadership roles you are always visible, even when you think you are not’

‘In leadership roles you are always visible, even when you think you are not’

UCD Smurfit’s senior leadership programme provides unrivalled access to peer-led learning for a global stage, says John Carroll of Investec

Higher Options Sign up here for Leaving Cert, CAO and college updates!

College Choice Everything you need to know about planning your route to third level

CAO Countdown

Unthinkable

Sign In

Forgot Password?

Sign Out