Speaking today, TUI Deputy General Secretary Annette Dolan said:
“The options available in terms of entry to employment or to further and higher education are wide ranging. Further and higher education institutions are offering more courses and places than ever before and you can plot a personal pathway through the available courses to the career of your choice. There has never been more choice available to students. ”
“The Institutes of Technology offer a wide variety of successful, leading-edge courses that cater for a very significant proportion of school-leavers. The numbers attending the institutes are growing each year, a testament to the magnificent contribution that is being made to education and the economy.
Students can also consider the huge variety of Post-Leaving Certificate options that are available right across the country. PLC students are eligible for grants in the same way as third level students. “
“We need to explore more innovative ways for students to gain entry by combining student academic ability with their genuine interests and suitability to third level.”
“TUI is concerned that the exclusive use of points based on exam results has clearly promoted rote learning and grinds.”
“This accentuates inequities based on income levels and fails to address educational disadvantage of a generational nature.
“Furthermore such grind schools can diminish the overall educational experience at second level, preventing students from developing broad based social and personal skills that are so important as they embark on a more independent lifestyle as a young adult wherever that is.
Direct progression to third level is over emphasised. We continue to be disappointed by the lack of progress in relation to abolishing fees for part-time third level study and the lack of access to any scaled grants scheme for those on low income. “
Responsible Celebrations
Finally, Ms Dolan urged those who got their results to celebrate enthusiastically but sensibly.
“While we understand the need to celebrate the success, for the sake of loved ones, students should avoid any behaviour that may lead to aggression or accidents and, sometimes, fatalities. Over-indulgence in alcohol and misuse of drugs diminish enjoyment and, far too often, lead to tragedy.”