BIG DAY ARRIVES FOR 1,600 STUDENTS
EXAM HELPLINE SET UP TO OFFER ADVICE FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS
THERE will be plenty of joy and, hopefully, not too many tears as more than 1,600 students across the county prepare to open their Leaving Cert results today ( Wednesday).
Graduates and their parents are being advised that a support line will be in operation on 1800 265 165 to offer confidential advice, information and support. The helpline will also take calls from students and parents seeking advice and up to date information on what choices are available.
It will open for three days this week as well as a further three days from Monday the following week, after the release of CAO Round One offers. The line is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on those days.
The helpline is being provided by the National Parents’ Council Post Primary, is sponsored by eir and the Irish Independent, supported by the Department of Education and Skills and staffed by members of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors.
The helpline receives thousands of calls every year, giving expert advice to students to enable them to make informed choices about their future career paths and further education. All queries on 3rd level courses, Leaving Cert appeals and repeats, CAO procedures, a lack of CAO offers and financing further education will be dealt with in a professional and confidential manner.
In recent years calls to the helpline have increased, which shows the need for the personal touch at the end of a phone line at what can be a highly pressurised time for students and their parents.
John Anslow from eir, said: ‘We’ve been supporting Exam Helpline for over 20 years and are delighted to do so again this year. eir has always been committed to providing support and resources for Irish students; our StudyHub service is a great educational resource for Leaving Cert students providing over 500 hours of free top quality tutorials.’
Meanwhile, the HSE is urging parents to be aware that direct promotions to kids about drinking alcohol are already taking place.
‘Parents need to take steps to ensure teenagers have a safe night out and to be aware of the risks of alcohol promotions specifically targeting young people,’ said the HSE statement. ‘While we live in a country where alcohol promotion is pervasive, parents need to know that they are the most important influence in informing young people about the risks associated with drinking and substance use and in shaping their attitudes. It is vital to have open conversations with teenagers ahead of their celebrations next week.’ For more information go to askaboutalcohol.ie.