Going to College is a four-part podcast series, presented by Sinead Ryan, that will help you prepare for some nerve-wracking - and exciting - weeks ahead.  

From the Leaving Cert results to CAO offers and then going to college in a time of Covid, it’s stressful and life-changing, but this series will help with practical advice, tips and insights from experts in the area.

For the first episode, the focus is on the Leaving Cert results that are out on Monday and Sinead was joined by Katherine Donnelly, Education Editor of the Irish Independent, Dr. Padraig Walsh, CEO of Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) and Reuben Murray, a Leaving Cert student and President of the Irish Second Level Schools Union.

The panel discussed the issue around the calculated grades system, welcoming the government’s late decision to drop the controversial use of schools' past performance in the Leaving Cert as a key measure in the process for calculating grades for 2020.

Reuban described it as a particularly surreal and unusual year for him and the thousands of other Leaving Cert students around Ireland admitting that there are definitely more nerves this time around.

“It’s all been moving very fast, it’s been a very stressful time,” he said.  “But we’re now in the home stretch and we can start to see the end.  People can start to move on to the next stage of their lives which is a positive.”

Katherine Donnelly cautioned that results day is only the start of the process over the next few weeks but admitted that some students will be unhappy come Monday.

“Unfortunately, some students will be disappointed, but that happens every year,” she said.

Meanwhile, QQI’s Padraig Walsh welcomed the additional 1,250 places on certain high-demand courses that were announced by the Minister for Higher Education, Simon Harris.

“Points go up and down every year, it depends on supply and demand,” he said.  “And if everyone’s score goes up it will still be difficult to get in to the high demand courses.”

Don’t forget to listen and subscribe to the entire series on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Independent.ie.

The Going to College series is in association with QQI.

Parents & Students Helpline

As the Leaving Cert results are released on Monday, the annual National Parents Council Helpline 1800 265 165 will be open to offer advice and support to students and parents.

It will be staffed by members of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors, who will provide a one-to-one service to callers. 

The helpline, which will run until Wednesday 16th September, is sponsored by the Department of Education and the Irish Independent/Independent.ie and is supported by Susi and the GAA.

Going to College

What to Expect from the Leaving Cert Results 2020

The CAO offers are out and this second episode of the Going to College podcast series is looking at what’s gone up, what’s gone down, and the overall effect that the calculated grades had on the points for this year’s college courses.

Joining Sinead Ryan were Guidance Counsellor, Aoife Walsh, the Irish Independent’s Education columnist, John Walshe, and QQI’s Awards and Certification Manager, Colette Harrison to discuss the overall trends as well as outlining what your options are if you didn't get what you were hoping for.

John Walsh detailed the main courses that have seen increases, including six courses that now require more than 600 points, up from the one course last year.

“However, it is important to remember,” he tells Sinead.  “Of those who got their level 8 offers, four out of five got their top three choices.”

“Everyone is still reeling from the large increases in some quarters so pause and take your time – you have until Wednesday to make a decision,” advises Aoife Walsh.   “Make sure you’re accepting something you really want.”

Even if you didn’t get offered a place on the course you were hoping for, there are still other options available.

“There are lots of routes to where you want to go even if you didn’t get the points,” Colette explains.  “What else is around the corner?  There are many routes to get to your goal in the end.”

Parents & Students Helpline
As the Leaving Cert results are released on Monday, the annual National Parents Council Helpline 1800 265 165 will be open to offer advice and support to students and parents.

It will be staffed by members of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors, who will provide a one-to-one service to callers.

The helpline, which will run until Wednesday 16th September, is sponsored by the Department of Education and the Irish Independent/Independent.ie and is supported by Susi and the GAA.

Going to College is a four-part podcast series, presented by Sinead Ryan, that will help you prepare for some nerve-wracking - and exciting - weeks ahead.

From the Leaving Cert results to CAO offers and then going to college in a time of Covid, it’s stressful and life-changing, but this series will help with practical advice, tips and insights from experts in the area.

Don’t forget to listen and subscribe to the entire series on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Independent.ie.

The Going to College series is in association with QQI.

Large increase in college points but you still have choices

With colleges starting back in the coming weeks, students – and especially first years – will have many questions and concerns about college during a time of Covid.

Episode three of the Going to College series, presented by Sinead Ryan, addresses many of those concerns with a panel consisting of: Lorna Fitzpatrick, USI’s President, Dr Bryan Maguire from QQI, and Scott Ahearn, Student Counsellor with TU Dublin.

The panel covers issues ranging from mental health and anxiety to dealing with blended learning and the online experience as well as making the most out of your college experience. 

Scott Ahearn advises that students should see their new environment as an opportunity.

“Don’t be afraid to give it a go when it comes to engaging with new communities and friends,” he says.  “We’re all in this together.  It’s really about sending home the message to reach out to mentors or tutors if you’re feeling disconnected or are falling behind on work.”

“Isolation and motivation are going to be big challenges,” admits Lorna Fitzpatrick.  “Reaching out to people regularly is something to be encouraged.”

Bryan Maguire says that students should be assured that colleges and lecturers have been preparing everyone the best that they can.

“Colleges have put major efforts into online learning and how to improve things for students,” he says while pointing out that collaboration and working together shouldn’t just stop if face-to-face meetings can’t be held.  

“Make sure you engage in the online exchanges with college and peers,” he advises.

Going to College is a four-part podcast series, presented by Sinead Ryan, that will help you prepare for some nerve-wracking - and exciting - weeks ahead.

From the Leaving Cert results to CAO offers and then going to college in a time of Covid, it’s stressful and life-changing, but this series will help with practical advice, tips and insights from experts in the area.

Don’t forget to listen and subscribe to the entire series on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Independent.ie.

The Going to College series is in association with QQI.

College in a time of Covid

For this final episode of the Going to College podcast series, presenter Sinead Ryan discusses the practicalities of college life, finding out what you can expect and how to make the most of your college years.

Joining Sinead to give their insights and advice were Nóirín Deady, First Year Experience Co-Ordinator at UCC, Róisín Nic Lochlainn, Welfare & Equality Officer, NUI Galway, and Hannah Bryson, Education Officer, UCD.

Nóirín outlined just how much of their content as well as induction and orientation has now gone online to help with the smooth transition to lectures for students whilst she also pointed out that the most common questions at the moment are in relation to accommodation.

“Students should be organising their accommodation,” she said.  “As the university aims for as much contact time as possible within the government health guidelines.”

Nóirín also said that while some restrictions may lift in the second semester, accommodation would still be needed then and would be harder to find at that stage.

Róisín Nic Lochlainn meanwhile said that the main concerns she is getting from students is about making friends when so much college time will be online.    

“We’re still encouraging people to join clubs and societies,” she said.

The issue of sexual harassment on campus was also raised and UCD’s Hannah Bryson said that despite everything being done, it is still common place.

“It is happening a lot and coming to the fore,” she told Sinead Ryan.  “The importance of consent training for students is vital.”

Róisín Nic Lochlainn agreed.

“It is rampant,” she said pointing to a survey that showed 50% of students experience sexual harassment in their first year of college.

Going to College is a four-part podcast series, presented by Sinead Ryan, that will help you prepare for some nerve-wracking - and exciting - weeks ahead.

From the Leaving Cert results to CAO offers and then going to college in a time of Covid, it’s stressful and life-changing, but this series will help with practical advice, tips and insights from experts in the area.

Don’t forget to listen and subscribe to the entire series on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Independent.ie.

The Going to College series is in association with QQI.

Making the most out of your college years

A four-part series from the Irish Independent preparing you for the Leaving Cert results, CAO offers and college life.  
In association with QQI.

Going to College

Popular tracks