Section 9(c) of the Education Act (1998) requires schools to “…ensure that students have access to appropriate guidance to assist them in their career choices…”
The provision of guidance is a statutory requirement for schools under this Act.
The Service aims to facilitate students to create an awareness of their own strengths, talents and coping strategies. To explore choices and opportunities available to them, to grow in independence, to become responsible and make informed choices about their lives and their health.
Counselling is a key part of the school guidance programme. Counselling may include personal counselling, educational counselling, career counselling or combinations of these.
The general aim of guidance in Coláiste an Átha is to contribute to the full development of the individual for personal fulfilment, and for participation in his or her community and in society. In this context, the guidance programme in this school aims to provide support for learners to enable them to make wise and informed personal, educational, and careers choices.
The School Guidance Programme reflects and supports the school mission statement. “Coláiste An Átha is dedicated to providing a quality education in a caring & supportive environment where the holistic development of each individual student is nurtured.”It is in this context that the Guidance plan operates. The Guidance and Counselling Department has as its mission, the giving of expression to the whole person. This is achieved by facilitating the personal, educational and vocational development of the student. Guidance and Counselling aim to be an integral part of the process of developmental learning in Coláiste an Átha, Kilmuckridge, Wexford. As such the whole school community actively supports the benefits that such a service provides. We endeavour to adopt a person centred approach and to accept each of our students in their own right within the context of the student body in Coláiste an Átha, Kilmuckridge, Wexford. The enhancement of self-esteem and life skills and the development of potential-academic, personal and emotional, leading to greater personal autonomy for all students are its central goals.
College Open Days/Evenings
Remember: you should plan your visit to open days carefully by viewing information on talks, exhibitions and tours that you are interested in on each college website. Research thoroughly the courses that you are interested in prior to attending the event and write down any questions you wish to ask about the course.
CAO Handbook
Students are reminded to view the alert lists on www.cao.ie to see the changes to the courses listed in the CAO Handbook given in September. These changes include new courses added, some courses cancelled and changes in course titles. Colleges will update these alert lists throughout the year and so students must keep informed of any changes that involve their course choices.
CAO Application for 6th years
6th Year students are reminded that CAO will be open for application for the year 2021 in the Christmas Term. Students should apply before 20th January to avail of the discounted rate of €25. Students can change their mind free of charge until 31st January and again from 5th May until 1st July. If you are interested in a restricted entry course it must be on your CAO application form before 1st February.
Change in Matriculation Regulations from 2014 - UCC
For University College Cork (UCC) with effect from 2014/2015, students will need at least Grade C3 in four Higher level subjects to meet minimum entry requirements. This is an increase from the current requirement of two higher level C3’s. This does not affect the entry requirements of any other college.
NUI Exemption
Students who are eligible for an NUI exemption for Irish or a third language must apply for this exemption by completing the application form on www.nui.ie/college/entry-requirements.asp. Failure to do so will mean that students who apply through CAO for a course in one of the colleges of NUI, e.g. UCD would not be offered a place in the first round, even though they had achieved enough points for admission to their chosen degree programme. This would happen because on the basis of the information recorded by CAO they would not satisfy the minimum entry requirements for admission.
A student may be entitled to an exemption if they have dyslexia, were born outside of Republic of Ireland, Primary education up to age of eleven years was outside the republic of Ireland, Second level education took place for at least three years outside Ireland.
Please consult with Ms. Whelan if you have any concern re the above.
****PLEASE SEE NOTICE BOARD BY COMPUTER ROOM FOR CAREER INFORMATION AND UPDATES****