Advice: Brian Mooney | The Irish Times

There is a false public perception that all successful Dare applicants secure a reduction in CAO points requirements. Photo: iStock

My son is dyslexic. Does he qualify for reduced CAO points?

Ask Brian: Dare scheme assists college applicants with disabilities - but entry points depend on individual courses

While it can be difficult to choose, students should only apply for courses they are fully committed to. Photograph: iStock

My daughter missed out on college and is down in the dumps. What next?

Ask Brian: Students should only apply for courses they are fully committed to

Irish higher-education institutions accept A-levels, though candidates should be careful to ensure all required paperwork is completed properly. Photograph: iStock

I go to school in the North. Can I apply to the CAO?

Ask Brian: Entry is based on a candidate’s scores for their best four subjects

Choosing a CAO course in specific subjects for post-primary teaching is a delicate balancing act. Photograph: iStock

I’m drawn to teaching, but some say it’s not lucrative. Can you offer any advice?

Ask Brian: Love of learning is essential to a sustainable career in teaching

Marks for practical elements of two exams – agricultural science and music – cannot be appealed under State Examinations Commission rules. Photograph: Cyril Byrne

My son says he can’t appeal his Leaving Cert exam result. Can this really be true?

Ask Brian: Marks for practical elements of some exams cannot be appealed

Students with additional learning needs can get specialist support at third level. Photograph: iStock

I’m dyslexic. Will I be able to cope in college?

Ask Brian: Students with additional learning needs can get specialist support at third level

There’s little doubt that school costs are increasing for many, but the capacity of the State to order schools to reduce costs is questionable. Photograph: iStock

‘I’m a working parent and this year the cost of school is crippling’

Ask Brian: Capacity of the State to order schools to reduce costs is questionable

If you have narrowly missed out, one option is to appeal your exam result. Photograph: Cyril Byrne

CAO 2019: Adventure into adult life begins after eventful and emotional days

Disappointed? There are plenty of options for students who did not get preferred course

Annmarie Fay and her daughter Ellie after getting her Leaving Cert results at Mount Carmel Secondary School, King’s Inns Street in Dublin. Photograph: Tom Honan

Leaving Cert 2019: Disappointed? You have plenty of options

Act quickly if you want to appeal a grade or sit a special second-chance maths exam

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

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“The graduate that comes out of college today or next year will probably have two or three different types of career during their working life.” Photograph: iStock

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