Advice: Brian Mooney | The Irish Times

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Want to play a bigger part in saving our planet? Now you can easily check out courses related to the environment from a range of disciplines

I want to do my bit to save the planet. Is there a college course for me?

Interest in environment-related courses has grown hugely in recent times

Our second-level schools tend to have all-encompassing rules and regulations which can appear very restrictive to a young person. Photograph: iStock

My daughter wants to go to a grind school – I’m not so sure it’s a good idea

The older age profile of today’s Leaving Cert students means more want to make decisions for themselves

Several hundred of last year’s CAO applicants were shocked when they failed to receive an offer due to errors in their applications. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw

Could my daughter lose out on a college place by not checking her CAO emails?

Ask Brian: It is crucial to ensure there are no errors in students’ college applications

Nursing is a diverse and rewarding career and offers excellent job and life satisfaction from helping others. Photograph: iStock

My daughter is worried about high CAO points for nursing. Are there other options?

Ask Brian: Even if she misses out on points, there are alternative entry routes available

It’s a fine line for a parent to walk when supporting your child in their first foray with the world of work. Photograph: iStock

Should I organise work experience for my daughter in transition year?

Offering too much support can detract from the benefits of securing work experience

If you are interested in business, there are lots of degrees which you should consider for your CAO application. File photograph: Nick Bradshaw/The Irish Times

My son has listed just four CAO courses in UCD and Trinity. Is this risky?

My advice to all CAO applicants is to use all available slots on your form

You’ll be aware that some teaching staff in fee-charging schools are privately employed, but most are paid by the Department of Education. Photograph: iStock

I work in a private school. Is my job secure?

Ask Brian: Debate over funding for fee-charging sector casts spotlight on who pays teachers

Immersing yourself in the language is one of the best ways to prepare for the orals. Photograph: iStock

My son is anxious about the Leaving Cert Irish orals. Any last minute advice?

It is essential to know the structure and marking scheme of the test in advance

If your dream is to become a doctor, don’t be put off by the Hpat process. If it’s the right occupation for you, there are numerous ways of achieving your goal. Photograph: iStock

3:52 ‘I worry that high CAO points will end my dreams of becoming a doctor’

Ask Brian: If it’s the right occupation for you, there are ways of achieving your goal

There are ways of helping to take the guesswork out of choosing the course that’s right for you. Photograph: iStock

I’ve no idea what course to choose. What can I do?

Making important life decisions is never easy - but there are tools to help

Like it or loathe it, the EU hugely influences our lives and so we need to become aware of how it can serve us. Photograph: iStock

How can I teach my students more about how the EU shapes their lives?

Ask Brian: New programmes and grants targeted at schools are now available

Places on some medicine courses last year were allocated on the basis of random selection. Photograph: iStock

How will grade inflation affect the class of 2022?

The fairness of some aspects of the college application system is open to question

TY has enabled generations of 16- and 17-year-olds to go on to face the challenges of the two-year Leaving Cert programme far more effectively. Photograph: iStock

My son wants to do transition year – but is a ‘doss year’ a good idea?

Ask Brian: TY can be transformative in the development of a wide range of skills

Schools are due to receive details of adjustments to this year’s Leaving Cert exams soon. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill

Q&A: What should students do to take full advantage of Leaving Cert changes?

Written exams from 2021 offer a good template for what to expect next June

Many further education applicants in receipt of various forms of State support would lose it if they return to full-time education. Photograph: iStock

My son says he’ll lose his PUP payment if he takes up a further education course

Ask Brian: This is a dilemma being played out in many homes up and down the country

There are have a number of programmes in our education system relating to the EU – but we could do more. Photograph: iStock

Why aren’t we teaching pupils more about the EU?

Ask Brian: Neglect in schools could prove costly if we fail to address it

The great thing about horticulture is that there are courses available from degree to PhD level. Photograph: iStock

My daughter is very environmentally aware, are there viable careers in this area?

Ask Brian: Horticulture graduates are in demand and employed across many areas

If your son has no desire to go directly from school to college, step back and let him figure out his next move. Photograph: iStock

My son isn’t interested in going to college. How can we change his mind?

Ask Brian: Step back and give him space and time to figure out his own pathway

Sudying a subject for which you already have passion is the ultimate criteria for excelling. Photograph: iStock

My son is keen on studying English but I’m worried he’ll struggle to find work

Ask Brian: Arts students are very employable and equipped for a range of career options

Next year’s Hpat is due to take place online, as it did in 2021. Photograph: iStock

My daughter wants to study medicine. Are grinds for the Hpat worth it?

Ask Brian: Practising sample tests and questions is highly effective preparation

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Go to cao.ie by January 20th to make a course application. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw

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